Crew Member Reunites with Family in Final P&O Voyage

For most families, going on a cruise ship is a rare treat.

For Romulusi Masi, 33, it was a special opportunity to share his work life with his loved ones.

Mr Masi, a sports manager at P&O Cruises Australia's 'Pacific Encounter', was among the 1000 crew members who escorted guests outside the Port of Suva yesterday.

Mr Masi was particularly excited to reunite with his family, whom he hadn't seen in two months.

"I'm taking eight of my family members on the ship, giving them a little tour, having lunch, and enjoying the water slides and the pool before they get off again," he said.

"This is going to be the last time this cruise ship sails under P&O, as we will be transitioning to Carnival Australia from next February."

Carnival Corporation, P&O's parent company, is set to retire the Pacific Explorer cruise ship.

However, the 'Pacific Encounter', launched in 2001, and the 'Pacific Adventure', launched in 2000, will be rebranded next year.

Reflecting on his 12-year tenure with the company, Mr Masi highlighted the joys of travel.

"I have seen and visited about 16 countries, met new people, and enjoyed travelling while getting paid," he said.

"There were challenges like working long hours and being away from family, but these are experiences I'm grateful for."

The P&O cruise ship, catering to more than 3000 tourists, is scheduled to head next to Dravuni in Kadavu before making its final stops in Vanuatu and then back to Brisbane, Australia.

"Yesterday, we were at Norfolk Island, and the day before that we were in Nuku'alofa," Mr Masi noted.

While the final voyage under the P&O brand brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia, Mr Masi looks forward to new opportunities for himself and his family.

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