Travellers on at least two round-trip P&O Cruises sailings between Fremantle and Benoa (the main port for Bali) will be able to indulge in some of the Indonesian island’s nightlife after the line revealed it will remain in port for the entire night.

Remaining in port for an entire night is usually considered almost the exclusive territory of the premium and luxury cruise lines and an activity not often parlayed by the contemporary brands. However, the overnight visits by Pacific Eden will open up a range of full-day shore excursions allowing its guests to venture further in and to explore more of the holiday island.

The 1,500-passenger Pacific Eden will spend its longest season ever in Fremantle, spending three months from early April to early July based on the west coast and offering affordable cruises to Indonesia, along the length of the WA coast, into the Kimberley and to the Margaret River wine region. The ship will then head further north to Singapore for a short season before rounding out the final months of 2017 by residing in Cairns.

“We’re always thinking of ways to introduce new experiences into our itineraries and by opening up our Indonesian cruises to include overnight stays in Bali, we’re allowing our guests the freedom to really immerse themselves in the beautiful Balinese culture,” P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell commented.

With the extended time in port, the new range of shore excursions include a traditional Balinese farming experience where guests spend a day with a local family and can learn the art of harvesting coconuts and rice ploughing. Other options include whitewater rafting along the Ayung River and a tour of local temples in Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula.

The extended port calls will take place on two 12-night itineraries from Fremantle, which set sail on 09 April and 28 May 2017. These cruises will also visit Komodo Island, Lombok and Probolinggo, with the cheapest staterooms currently available on the May departure and priced from $899 per person quad share.