Community Cruise to Dark Mofo
Community Cruise to Dark Mofo
Community • Connection • Culture • Cruising
The following information was developed in preparation for the second Community Cruise to Dark Mofo, planned for June 2020. Due to the Covid-19 situation, both the cruise and Dark Mofo itself was cancelled. We look forward to the day when we will be able to cruise again to Dark Mofo. We will leave the now-outdated information below as a guide on what to expect.
Thank you for your interest!
The second Community Cruise to Dark Mofo is back for more fun on the high (and low) seas. Packed full of fun, there’s a heap of special inclusions thanks to our exclusive “Gay Layer”. Everyone is welcome to join our fabulous, friendly community gathering onboard the special P&O cruise from Sydney to Hobart for the Dark Mofo Festival.
Take a 6-night cruise to the Dark Side and celebrate the winter solstice, with food, film, music, art, light and dark delights.
A hosted LGBT+ group onboard Pacific Explorer, means you get to enjoy all the standard P&O cruise offerings whilst travelling with a group of fabulous like-minded people. Enjoy our fabulous “Gay Layer” of special extras, VIP access, group activities, social events and gatherings onboard Pacific Explorer during the cruise, hosted by the incomparable Frock Hudson.
Departing Sydney Thursday 18th June, with 2 full days + 2 amazing nights in Hobart, before arriving back in Sydney Wednesday morning, the 24th June 2020.
It’s time to see Tasmania in a different light…
Come together as friends and embark upon this 6-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney. Be transported to the heart of Hobart during Dark Mofo, an iconic Tasmanian festival that has established itself as a cultural beacon in the national arts scene. Enjoy Tasmania’s attractions by day, and then explore Hobart as the city comes to life each night with gourmet feasts and public art playgrounds to discover.
A one-of-a-kind Tasmanian experience, Dark Mofo festival celebrates winter and the longest night of the year with food, music, art, film, lights and more from 4pm to 10pm daily. An annual event run by Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), the festival attracts more than 270,000 visitors to events over ten nights.
A highlight of the festival, Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast offers a contemporary take on a medieval-style banquet. Pull up a chair at a communal table or gather around a fire pit as you enjoy live music, boutique spirits and fresh produce prepared by talented local chefs. Priority pass to Winter Feast is included in the cruise fare (priority pass includes entry only and does not include food and beverage purchases).
And of course, you can’t experience Dark Mofo without spending some time at Mona. Described by its owner as a `subversive adult Disneyland’, Mona is home to one of the most controversial private collections of art in the world. Return ferry ride and admission to Mona are included in the cruise fare.
What’s Included?
- 6-night round trip cruise from Sydney calling at Hobart for 2 (and a bit) days and 2 nights
- Admission ticket to Mona [value $28]
- Mona Fast Ferry from Brooke Street Pier [value $22]
- 1-night priority pass to City of Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast (food and beverage purchases are additional)
- Plus our fabulous “Gay Layer” of VIP inclusions which sits on top of the standard P&O offering. These special activities and exclusive extras are hosted by our very own Cruise Director, Frock Hudson, and are valued at over $400 per person!
Our Community Cruise group allows you to join the fun travel with like-minded people, and your groups hosts, making new friends as you cruise South. Enjoy a few organised gatherings with the group, or do your own thing; what better way to enjoy all that is Dark Mofo.
So what are you waiting for? Take a cruise to the Dark Side and celebrate the winter solstice, with food, film, music, art, light and dark delights.
The second Community Cruise, to Dark Mofo onboard Pacific Explorer, departs Sydney on Thursday 18 June with 2 (and a bit) days and 2 nights in Hobart, before arriving back in Sydney on Wednesday 24 June 2019.
Check out this awesome teaser video of the Dark Mofo Festival and pictures from last years fun group…
The Community Cruise is proudly supported by these great organisations…
Meet your Cruise and Tour Directors!
We again welcome Drag Entertainer and Community Legend Frock Hudson, the queerer alter ego of Dean Arcuri, who will once again be onboard as our gay group Cruise Director and host.
Frock has been an engaging and entertaining part of our events for the past few years and having Frock onboard is not only a whole lot of fun, but just another way that we break down barriers and foster a fun playful environment in which everyone can gather and connect.
Frock’s duties will mainly be whilst we are at sea, where he is charged with keeping the group ship-shape and Bristol fashion! Mind you, there’s probably a killer outfit planned for the feast!
Frock is joined by company director Adam Bold, who will be sharing the hosting duties on a number of special activities whilst on board, also known as our “Gay Layer” of special extras!
These range from daily briefings to keep you up to date, group dining, Welcome Cocktail Party, VIP access to shows and ship activities, Queer Scavenger Hunt, special lunches and the infamous Pop Up Pirate Barrrrrrr.
Cruise Itinerary
Enjoy a variety of social programs with group activities, educational events and gatherings onboard Pacific Explorer during the cruise (check with your community group).
18-19 JUNE – 2 NIGHTS AT SEA
Your Dark Mofo cruise begins! You’ve got two nights onboard to relax and unwind on your way to Hobart.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Sail Away Drinks
- Ships Tour with Frock Hudson
- LGBT+ Drinks
- Group Dinners with optional Chef’s Table by Luke Mangan
- Welcome Cocktail Party presented by P&O
- Morning Briefing
- Group Lunch
- Group Cocktail Making Class
20-22 JUNE – 2 (and a bit) DAYS & 2 NIGHTS IN HOBART
Pacific Explorer arrives in Hobart and docks right in the heart of town. It’s a convenient base so you can easily explore all the attractions of this celebrated city.
Day one in Hobart:
Take a return ferry ride to Mona (Return ferry and admission included in your cruise fare). Described by its owner as a `subversive adult Disneyland’, Mona is home to one of the most controversial private collections of art in the world. There’s also a microbrewery, winery, restaurant and cafe on site so you can make a whole day of it. Or choose a Shore Tour experience to see the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania. Take a P&O Cruises Shore Tour and experience the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania as you walk amongst the treetops 45 metres above the forest floor at Tahune Forest Airwalk.
Night one in Hobart
Head to the hugely popular Winter Feast (entry is included in your cruise fare). A contemporary take on a medieval banquet featuring a staggering number of food stalls, communal tables and live music.
Afterwards, head to the Dark Homo party and party hard with the Queers of Hobart!
Note that due to operational reasons, the ship is required to depart the dock tonight and then return in the morning. A curfew will operate tonight, however you could choose to stay out all night. If you want to book accommodation in Hobart for this night, you need to book it early.
Day two in Hobart
Take a second trip to Mona or explore Hobart.
Night two in Hobart
Stroll on over to Dark Park, a public art playground. Red neon lights lead the way to a range of exhibits from live art displays to music and light installations. And the best part? Most exhibits are free.
Day three (well almost) in Hobart
It’s an early morning departure as we set sail back to Sydney, pulling up anchor at 8am. Get out on deck for a coffee and pastry and enjoy the scenery as it slides past as we cruise down the River Derwent.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Morning Briefings
- Group travel to Mona
- Group travel to Winter Feast
- Group travel to Dark Path
- VIP ticket to Dark Homo
- Nightcaps
23-24 JUNE – 2 NIGHTS AT SEA
After the excitement of the festival, you can rest and enjoy the final two nights onboard as you cruise home to Sydney.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Morning Briefings
- Scavenger Hunt
- Pop Up Pirate Barrrrrrr!
- Group Lunches including specialty pizza @ 400 Gradi (seriously the best pizza’s afloat!)
- LGBT+ Drinks
- Group Dinners
- Special VIP access dinner and show “Love Riot”
- Nightcaps
18-19 JUNE – 2 NIGHTS AT SEA
Your Dark Mofo cruise begins! You’ve got two nights onboard to relax and unwind on your way to Hobart.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Sail Away Drinks
- Ships Tour with Frock Hudson
- LGBT+ Drinks
- Group Dinners with optional Chef’s Table by Luke Mangan
- Welcome Cocktail Party presented by P&O
- Morning Briefing
- Group Lunch
- Group Cocktail Making Class
20-22 JUNE – 2 (and a bit) DAYS & 2 NIGHTS IN HOBART
Pacific Explorer arrives in Hobart and docks right in the heart of town. It’s a convenient base so you can easily explore all the attractions of this celebrated city.
Day one in Hobart:
Take a return ferry ride to Mona (Return ferry and admission included in your cruise fare). Described by its owner as a `subversive adult Disneyland’, Mona is home to one of the most controversial private collections of art in the world. There’s also a microbrewery, winery, restaurant and cafe on site so you can make a whole day of it. Or choose a Shore Tour experience to see the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania. Take a P&O Cruises Shore Tour and experience the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania as you walk amongst the treetops 45 metres above the forest floor at Tahune Forest Airwalk.
Night one in Hobart
Head to the hugely popular Winter Feast (entry is included in your cruise fare). A contemporary take on a medieval banquet featuring a staggering number of food stalls, communal tables and live music.
Afterwards, head to the Dark Homo party and party hard with the Queers of Hobart!
Note that due to operational reasons, the ship is required to depart the dock tonight and then return in the morning. A curfew will operate tonight, however you could choose to stay out all night. If you want to book accommodation in Hobart for this night, you need to book it early.
Day two in Hobart
Take a second trip to Mona or explore Hobart.
Night two in Hobart
Stroll on over to Dark Park, a public art playground. Red neon lights lead the way to a range of exhibits from live art displays to music and light installations. And the best part? Most exhibits are free.
Day three (well almost) in Hobart
It’s an early morning departure as we set sail back to Sydney, pulling up anchor at 8am. Get out on deck for a coffee and pastry and enjoy the scenery as it slides past as we cruise down the River Derwent.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Morning Briefings
- Group travel to Mona
- Group travel to Winter Feast
- Group travel to Dark Path
- VIP ticket to Dark Homo
- Nightcaps
23-24 JUNE – FINAL NIGHT AT SEA
After the excitement of the festival, you can rest and enjoy the final full day and night onboard as you cruise home to Sydney.
Gay Layer Activities include:
- Morning Briefings
- Scavenger Hunt
- Pop Up Pirate Barrrrrrr!
- Group Lunches including specialty pizza @ 400 Gradi (seriously the best pizza’s afloat!)
- LGBT+ Drinks
- Group Dinners
- Special VIP access dinner and show “Love Riot”
- Nightcaps
THIS DESIRABLE DARK MOFO CRUISE FARE INCLUDES:
- accommodation (cabin)
- entry into all bars, pubs and nightclubs onboard the ship
- all meals (specialty dining additional charges)
- swimming pools and spas
- fitness centre and spa retreat
- organised ship activities, karaoke and cooking demonstrations
- party nights and laser light shows
- adults only sit down comedy club
- production shows, cinema, live music and more!
PLUS
Our Gay Layer of extras, activities and inclusions that money just can’t buy!
DESIRABLE DARK MOFO FARES
Cabins start at just $145 per night* per person, quad share, including all taxes, fees and port expenses and our amazing “Gay Layer” of VIP extras and special inclusions.
Book before 25th February and pay reduced cruise deposit of just $1 plus our $168 booking fee per person, plus receive bonus On Board Credit of up to $150 per cabin.
Places are limited – don’t delay in securing your cabin today.
On a budget? Ask about our Go Fares, as these can save you between $50 and $110 per person depending on cabin type, however a higher deposit may be required.
| Cabin Type | Quad Share | Triple Share | Twin Share | Solo Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Cabin | from $859 | from $919 | from $1009 | from $1,829 |
| Oceanview Cabin | from $909 | from $1,059 | from $1,259 | from $2,398 |
| Balcony Cabin | from $959 | from $1,139 | from $1,299 | Sold Out |
| Mini Suite | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| Suite Class | from $2,049 | from $2,339 | from $2,689 | from $5,159 |
| Penthouse Suite | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
Scroll sideways to see all options
P&O Fare Structure
Click here to see the three fare structure/categories you can choose from.
For more pics from our 2019 event, check out the gallery here.