A joint effort between P&O Cruises and local authorities, the modular pontoon was assembled by local residents and contractors over two weeks. Almost all of Dravuni’s 80 residents - including its children who were given time off school - gathered to mark the completion of the pontoon as P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel became the first ship to use the island’s new addition last month.
New Zealand based superliner Pacific Pearl - which arrives in Auckland in late December - will also use the new pontoon during the 2011 cruise season. The pontoon is important to the island’s operational needs as a tender port and also signifies P&O Cruises’ commitment to the South Pacific.
Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the modular pontoon was the first of its kind for the cruise line’s South Pacific ports. “It is very important to us that we work with local communities and contribute to the destinations that we visit and the pontoon is evidence of this,” Ms Lourey said. “The pontoon arrived at Dravuni like a Lego set and the local people had the task of helping to assemble it. Everyone is very proud of this new piece of equipment.”
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