<p align="left">Holidaymakers can enjoy Christmas with a distinctly Australian twist on P&amp;O Cruises&rsquo; Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun this festive season &ndash; barefoot beach cricket on an idyllic South Pacific island. </p><p align="left">On Christmas Eve, teams of passengers will land on both Isle of Pines and Mystery Island for a game of beach cricket, with the ships&rsquo; crew taking on guests as both sides work off their holiday feasting. </p><p align="left">Back onboard, guests will have the chance to show off their unique talents in front of a supportive home crowd by taking part in special Christmas choirs and traditional Christmas Eve concerts to be held on deck on both ships. </p><p align="left">On Christmas Day, guests can frock-up for a formal gala evening complete with cocktail party amongst an amazing Christmas-themed ice carving display, followed by a traditional five-course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. </p><p align="left">Cabins are still available on Christmas and New Year sailings from Sydney on Pacific Dawn and from Brisbane on Pacific Sun, with fares including accommodation, all meals and onboard entertainment. </p><p align="left">Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia which operates P&amp;O Cruises in Australia, said taking a holiday away at Christmas was an ideal way to replace stress with pleasure during the busy festive season. </p><p align="left">&quot;Our fantastic staff will look after all the cooking and the cleaning, leaving our passengers free to kick up their heels and put the money they saved on their great value cruise towards gifts and exciting new holiday experiences,&quot; Ms Lourey said. </p><p align="left">Festive celebrations on Pacific Dawn begin when she sails from Sydney on December 17, 2008, visiting Noumea and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu&rsquo;s Vila and Mystery Island. Fares for the 10-night cruise start from $1495* per person twin share. </p><p align="left">Pacific Sun&rsquo;s nine-night &lsquo;Christmas at Sea&rsquo; departs from Brisbane on December 20, 2008, visiting New Caledonia&rsquo;s Isle of Pines, Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu&rsquo;s Mystery Island and Vila. Fares start from $1976* per person twin share. </p><p align="left">Fares for Pacific Sun&rsquo;s 12-night New Year cruise start from $2601* per person twin share. Departing Brisbane on December 29, 2008, the voyage includes calls to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. </p><p align="left">Pacific Dawn&rsquo;s 12-night New Year cruise departs Sydney on December 27, 2008, visiting New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Fares start from $2926* per person twin share. </p><p align="left">Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, &quot;The Dome&quot; entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre. </p><p align="left">Meanwhile Australia&rsquo;s favourite ship, Pacific Sun, provides endless fun with five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools for the adults. </p>