Hi Dawn Bloggers,

It’s nice to change things up every now and again and we love to hear back from our passengers.

We are very proud to introduce to you, Judy Oliver, one of our regular contributors on Facebook, cruise enthusiast and recently back from a three day cruise onboard the Pacific Dawn to share her cruising experience with you all.

'Your holiday awaits out there'

Tell us a little bit about yourself Judy, for those who don’t know you already…

I am 51 years old and have run my own swim school for 18 years now, remarried for 2 years to a wonderful man  (Darrell) who gives in to  my cruising addiction…lol. I have 3 children from my previous marriage and 4 step children, none of  whom live at home. I love cruising obviously, karaoke, gardening and doing up our home.

My first cruise was back in 1998 on the Fair Princess with my then hubby and 2 kids where we had an inside cabin for four. The cruise went to Noumea, Vila  and Mystery island, although we never made it to Mystery Island as the weather was too rough to tender.

I have always wanted to  cruise since my parents went on one when I was 16; I was so envious. I had been trying to win a cruise since I was old enough to enter,  but I was not lucky enough – so one day I just thought why not, lets do it! So we saved up enough to book a cruise. Well, I was hooked from the first day. Finally sailing on the ship of my dreams where I could leave the kids to look after themselves, and they made lots of friends onboard, we did we also. Ahhhhhhhhhhh I love the sea life.

I would have to say, beyond a doubt, that my Island Gems cruise on the 1^st may 2010 was the highlight of my cruising history. We had 123 facebook friends to sail away with from our Facebook ‘roll call’ event, many of whom I had been chatting with online for nearly a year pre-cruise, so it felt like we had known each other for years already. I still keep in in contact with many of them and have even shared a holiday with one couple since. We booked a mini suite which was complete luxury, especialy having a balcony to sit out on in the mornings and watch the world go by with not a care in the world. The Islands – 6 ports in all, beautiful in their own special way. My first ever helicopter ride was in Vila. Wow. I now tell everyone to do this cruise – 11 days in Paradise, each day surpassing the last.

Next on my bucket list? Bora Bora. It’s truely my idea of paradise and I very much want to see it in my lifetime.

If I could give a first timer a tip, it would have to be – make sure you pack some sea sick tablets to be prepared in case they suffer from sea sickness. As I always say, if it is a bit rough, hang on and enjoy the ride! And of course, have fun.

The best part of cruising is the countdown. As the day gets closer, you run around getting all the last minute items, making sure you you’ve read the cruise book from back to front.

On the three day cruise  I recently had on the Pacific Dawn, I went with some friends – just to see the Dawn all done up. It has been so good watching Drydock scenes and being a part of the transformations. The Dawn is a beautiful ship to cruise on. I have sailed out on her two times now, and it excites me to hear the music pumping and people waving from the decks.

The first thing I do once onboard, is check out our cabin and then head on up to Lido deck to have a cocktail and start to mingle amongst other cruisers at the Sailaway party. This cruise just past, I met many of the staff – Paul (Cruise Director), Chris (Entertainer), Matt (DJ) and Jesbeth (Bartender) – all except Paul, who is new, remembered me from my last cruise in May.

Judy & Chris (Crew) on board 3 day cruise

This three day cruise went far too quickly as we had no ports to visits, but it is perfect for new cruises to try out cruise life, or of course for seasoned cruises to have a quick weekend away to recharge.

P&O have always made my cruises awesome, that’s why I prefer to go with them, as I like the fact that you are travelling with other Aussies – because we all know how to have a great time. 

Signing off, Judy.

Thanks Judy for an excellent window into the cruise lifestyle, and of course for making our community so special. Your three day absence (whilst on board) was definitely noticed! You can check out more of Judy’s photos and of course chat with her about her cruise via Facebook , join the discussions or RSVP for your cruise ‘roll call’ event.

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