The stamps will feature past and present ships from P&O Cruises' fleet, including the 47,000-tonne Pacific Sun which will make her maiden call to Norfolk Island on March 26, berthing at a custom-made floating pontoon.
P&O Cruises' connection with Norfolk Island began in 1932 when the 22,500-tonne Strathaird visited the island on the cruise line's first roundtrip voyage from Australia.
Producing its own highly sought after stamps since 1939, the Norfolk Island Philatelic Bureau regularly issues stamps to celebrate the island's heritage, tourism, flora and fauna as well as special events. But the cruise ship stamps are a first for both the island and P&O Cruises.
In addition to Pacific Sun, the five limited edition stamps will feature Strathaird as well as P&O Cruises' Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and its latest liner, Pacific Pearl, to be launched later this year.
The series of 20,000 stamps will be launched at a ceremony to mark Pacific Sun's arrival and will be available for sale on the Island and onboard the ship until sold out.
P&O Cruises will have three ships making 10 visits to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Auckland between March 2010 and June 2011, including four visits from P&O Cruises' latest liner, Pacific Pearl.
Carnival Australia Senior Vice President Jenny Lourey said P&O Cruises was delighted to be revisiting its first ever international port.
"Norfolk Island is such a unique destination, we're sure its many natural and historical attractions will be a hit with our passengers," Ms Lourey said.
"This commemorative stamp issue will celebrate the return of cruise ships to Norfolk Island after nearly 80 years and is set to become a collector's classic," Norfolk Island Minister for Tourism Industry and Development the Hon Andre Nobbs said.
The 47,000-tonne Pacific Sun features a child-free Oasis spa retreat, an oceanview gym and coffee bar, as well as five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools.
Fares for a 10-night cruise on Pacific Sun from Auckland to Norfolk Island and the South Pacific start from $1292* per person twin share departing May 24, 2010. Pacific Pearl will visit Norfolk Island on an eight-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland departing April 24, 2011, priced from $1199* per person.
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 94 or visit www.pocruises.com.au
* All prices are per person, twin share. Subject to availability, conditions apply.
