Queensland Star Sarah Davies names Pacific Star

P&O Cruises’ latest cruise ship, Pacific Star, was officially named in Brisbane yesterday (March 8) in a colourful ceremony that saw Miss World Australia 2004, Sarah Davies, become the ship’s Godmother.

Watched by 150 dignitaries, including Queensland Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development, Margaret Keech, the Brisbane-born Ms Davies declared the ship officially named Pacific Star as she pulled a lever to send a bottle of Moet Chandon champagne smashing onto the ship’s bow. 

The cruise ship naming ceremony is a first for Brisbane and confirms P&O Cruises’ commitment to the Queensland port. P&O Cruises has been operating cruises from Brisbane since August 2004.

Ms Davies’ naming of Pacific Star followed the traditional blessing of the ship by Reverend William Pearson.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith said the naming of a ship was a tradition believed to bestow good luck on a vessel and its passengers. He said the practice dated back centuries, to a time when ships provided the only link between continents.

“We are honoured to have Pacific Star’s naming performed by another Queensland star, Sarah Davies.”

Mr Smith said Pacific Star was a welcome addition to the company’s fleet.

“Since her December arrival, Pacific Star has been a star performer with travellers keen to book a cruise onboard.”

Pacific Star arrived in Brisbane late December, after transferring from the Europe-based Costa Cruises where she sailed as Costa Tropicale.  The 1400-passenger ship boasts four dining venues including a pizzeria, buffet, main restaurant and alternative dining restaurant, three swimming pools and open air jacuzzis and wide open decks.

Pacific Star joins the Sydney-based Pacific Sun in offering a range of South Pacific and Queensland cruises to Australians and New Zealanders. 

P&O Cruises’ third ship, Pacific Sky, has been sold to the Spanish-based Pullmantur Cruises and will leave the fleet in May 2006. She will be replaced in October 2007 by newcomer Pacific Dawn, presently sailing in the US-based Princess Cruises’ fleet as Regal Princess.

Ms Davies was crowned Miss World Australia in 2004 and also took out the Contestants Choice title at the final Miss World Awards.   Since that time she has committed herself to a number of charitable organisations in a bid to raise awareness and assist in fundraising. 

Her work includes roles as ambassador and supporter for Variety, The Children’s Charity, The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Brisbane Hear and Say Centre and Keep Australia Beautiful.

Sarah has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Communications and Media from Queensland University of Technology.

Pacific Star’s Godmother Sarah Davies and Pacific Star Captain Marco Fortezze pull the lever to release the bottle of champagne onto the bow of Pacific Star, watched by Reverend William Pearson.