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Wondering if anybody has done a cruise (P & O or Princess Cruise) to NZ and what the best time to go and what they thought of it.I would appreciate it.Thanks
Hi Terry,
We did the 08/09 New years cruise on the Sun Princess to NZ. Had a fantastic time thought NZ was great. We had varying weather conditions, when we left (being Dec it was very hot) but by the time we got to Milford sound it was freezing and windy with snow on the top of the mountains around the Sounds. The further the ship went north the warmer the weather became and in most ports we had fine weather. It is a great way to see NZ and this was our 2nd new year cruise on the Sun Princess – absolutely love this ship.
Cheers Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Appreciate your comments.I recently went on the Pacific dawn to the islands and I heard from others that Sun Princess was better & there was a great variety of food & atmosphere was better.I will try out the NZ Cruise next.I hope you had a great time in NZ.The Pacific dawn trip was a great experience I enjoyed it first time on a ship.I’m addicted that I now tell others they should try it sometime.Thanks Cathy once again.
Hi Terry,
We have done 2 cruises on the Sun Princess (the last 2 new years cruises) and found her to be a fantastic ship, we didn’t have any complaints, fist time we had a balcony cabin and this was lovely 2nd time we had an inside cabin and although it did seem small it was still good.
We are going on the Pacific Dawn next July and are looking forward to cruising on her. Have also done Pacific Star and Pacific Sun and had a great time on both but looking forward to going on the Dawn as she is newer. You will have a great time in NZ
Hi Cathy, we are doing that cruise next dec 2010. the first 10 days of dec. can you remember how warm it was as we are concerned on how much winter clothes we need to pack. I am watching the temperatures at the moment and they vary from 11 to 25. what do you suggest.
Hi Kay,
Cold!!!! When we where at the bottom of the South Island doing Milford Sound and then on to Dunedin we needed warm clothes (although we didn’t take a lot of warm clothes) and while in the Sounds had to buy a spray jacket. But once we got to Christchurch and then on to the North Island it was much warmer and only need shorts and T Shirts. We had a great time doing NZ – although also like the Pacific islands – two very different holidays. We are off the the Pacific Dawn next July but going to the Pacific Islands again – hope it is warm then.
Thanks for that Cathy, at the moment the temps, are low and it is the time of year we will be going. We will have to take half of each I think.
Hi Terry
We did P & O NZ cruise in February 2010, and it was great. No complaints about the actual cruise but the tours are a rip off. The gorge train tour was cancelled and it went to Palmerston instead. It was still $179 per person and feel they overcharged when a trip would normally cost $72 approx. The ticket seller at the station said it would cost $50 each way in a taxi from the ship to the train station!!! The other tour of the same price and not good value, was the pushbike tour which was very poorly run. I cancelled the other tours we had booked to avoid more dissappointment and went our own way. NZ is a very beautifull country.
In Feb 09 we booked the Christmas cruise sailing the 19 Dec on the Pacific Jewel. We live in Brisbane and like many others we know who were expecting to travel on the Jewel felt disappointed when we were informed that the ship will be servicing Sydney.
Will there be a welcome for the Pacific Dawn when she arrives in Brisbane?
Looking forward to our cruise Gail
Gail, I think you will find the Pacific Dawn a more fun oriented ship than the Pacific Jewel. The P Jewel does not have ‘The Dome’ which is a lounge/disco atop the ship. Whereas the P Jewel has a large Gym in that same position.
sorry alex but it does have lounge / disco at the top of the ship and it does overlook the sea. as i spent most nights in there when in was on board.
Hello – did ask a question but cannot find any reply – must be new look website-difficult to find items.
Can anyone suggest best way of leaving Brisbane harbour when we land there in December. Is cab the only way? How close are car rental companies? Thanks.
Hi Denise
Car rentals in Hamilton area
Budget – 12 Curtin Avenue, Hamilton – (07) 3633 5333
Rentfortress – 1 Curtin Ave West, Eagle Farm – (07)3216 4776
Thrifty – 18 Hercules St, Hamilton – (07) 3131 4677
U-Drive – 485 Kingsford Smith Drv, Hamilton 1800 673 067
They are all close to the to Bretts Wharf Terminal
Also there is the Council Bus (300) that leaves from Kings Smith Drive in front of Brett Wharf Ferry
Or catch the Ferry to the City
I hope this helps
Denise, indeed I can… My wife and I will be arriving in Brissy today week and there’s a (government) bus that leaves only 500m from the terminal. That goes into Ann St. Brisbane, from where you can catch the airport train. The bus is $2.90 per adult and the train is $9.50 per adult. If you’re going to be on that cruise, let me know @ cmpmal@tpg.com.au, as we might be able to share a taxi with you!
That would make the taxi easily the cheapest option…
We went on Pacific Dawn in Apr., 09 and to say we were disappoionted is an understatement.
The mini suite we had was right under the pool deck and very noisy at all times of the night and day. I expected a lot better given the money we paid. I would have assumed that this cabin would have been quiet and didn’t even consider that being under the pool deck would cause such noise. My cruise was spoilt because of this.
I would advise anyone going on a cruise to be very careful about cabin selection. Next time, I would try and speak direct to the ship and find out exactly what is over our cabin roof.
Hi Sue,
We are going on the PD in July and are on Aloha in mini suite – what was your cabin number.
Went on Christmas cruise on Dawn Cabin A145 Mini Suite – what a joke – the worst cruise ever unable to sleep awoken at all hours of the night with chairs & tables being scraped along the deck. Thought we would treat ourselves to a little luxury, What a waste of time & money = not Happy Jan. P & O could not care less.
Yes Tony, deck 11 is the worst deck to be on and yet you pay more to be there. Anyone contemplating booking this deck think twice or take ear plugs with you as the noise is continuos.
Oh no im going on 11th floor on the 7th April.
We have just come back from a cruise on the Dawn in a mini suite and we didn’t have any noise problems at all. There is now astro turf on the decks and the jogging times are restricted, but even on party night, we weren’t disturbed by noise at all. The canapes and ’sweet surprises’ were nice too as well as the welcome glass of champagne.
That’s unfortunate, but what could P & O do? Ban passengers from the deck above? I’ve seen a debate on this elsewhere and some don’t notice the noise while others do. I guess on a crowded Christmas cruise (and New Year) you take your chances.
My parents were on it in june and the noise started at 4.00am every morning to midnight.
We were on P/Dawn fot the New Years cruise in a mini suite had the same trouble with noise, I definetly will go on another cruise but will only be travelling in a balcony room on deck 10, its strange that with the amount of money we pay for the suite we don’t get any thing extra except for a bigger room, the noise is chair scraping,boot camp, and running.
You should get extras in a mini-suite (it’s in the brochure and probably on the site), but not as much as a suite. The only extra a balcony cabin gets from the oceanview or inside, is the balcony.
going on maiden trip on breakdown dawn on saturday its only thursday and we are delayed already great start. why bother.
Hello Everyone! I only found this site today and it seems like such a great area to find out cruising information that I’m hoping someone might be able to advise me! We’re a first time cruising family and seem so naive compared to everyone else!!
We are booked on the Pacific Sun in January and when we booked our two cabins (three adult/teen children travelling with us) we were allocated U51 and U55 which we just forward of the middle of the ship on the Upper deck. Now my tickets have arrived and our cabins are on the same level but right on the back left hand corner with my kids’ room on the side and myself and hubby’s room looking out the back (ours is also a wheelchair access room). Now I’m starting to worry that they’re awful rooms – people seem to advise avoiding cabins towards the back … and we couldn’t get much further back if we tried!!! Does anyone know if these are cabins are OK? We are all sooo excited about our cruise that I’m just trying to make sure everything goes well. It also concerns me that they’re not the cabins we originally booked.
I look forward to hearing from some kind person who might be able to advise me!
Hi Joanne, what they are saying is you could experience the movement of the ship more if you get some rough weather. Otherwise you will be fine and your cabins are okay as well. Go to the chemist and get a packet of avomine 25mg for sea sickness in case some one is not a good sailer as this is what the ships doctor uses. They are $11 at the chemist for 30tabs. Take one every 12hours if required. I have been using them for 26 years and was given them by the ships doctor. Make sure you have travel insurance because if you use the doctor it is not cheap. My daughter used them in sept. for a sinus infection and it cost $210. If you want to know more just leave your questions on this blog and we will answer them for you.
Thanks Kay for that! You certainly are a mine of information about cruising! Another question … someone suggested getting walkie talkies to keep in touch with the kids. My older kids won’t need them obviously but I thought it might be handy for the 14 year old as it would appear our mobiles won’t work on board. Have you heard of people using walkie talkies with any success? Thought it would just make things easier if we could stay in touch as we do with our mobiles!
Thanks in advance!
I do not think walkie talkie would work. We were on the star in 07 and took the baby moniter with us as we were on the same deck as the showroom. We thought we would use it when the baby was sleeping while we were down the hallway at the showroom but it did not work, and yet when we tested it by walking down the street at home to see how much range we had it worked then. I think it has a lot to do with the steel walls on the ship and you will not get any reception because of this. Lay some ground rules with the kids like I did 26 years ago when mine were teenagers and you will have no problems. Also they have cameras everywere now and security staff and they will be pulled into line quick smart. Also we had 2 familes put off on our last cruise in sept. because of graffiting the lift and yelling out at bingo after being given a warning so you see P&O do not put up with any nonsence.
I’ve actually read the the Kid’s clubs lend you walkie-talkies, so some must work. Why don’t you email P & O? I’ve found that they always answer queries within a couple of days. Good luck. I’m very pleased they don’t put up with any bad behaviour.
Hi Sandee, The kids club lend you a pager only so if they need to contact you they can do so. It only buzzes and you know that you have to return to the kids room. With teenagers they do not have these.
Oh thanks, Kay, for clearing that up. I have got only granchildren and they haven’t cruised with us, so I was just going by the cruise forums.
lies lies is all we got sailed on pacific dawn maiden trip from brisbane and had nothing but lies, lies. p&o have a lot to answer for will choose another company next cruise.
That’s strange, but I’ve just been reading some reviews of this cruise elsewhere, and ALL the posters had a MARVELLOUS time.
We are leaving on the Dawn on 9th Jan. What issues did you have Chris.
will post all our issues in next few day but you will have great time
What were the lies, Chris? Do tell us.
Can you buy bottles of Wine or Spirits to take back to your Cabin?
If so what sort of cost?
It sounds like the Alcohol could cost more than the Cruise
Cheers
only buy wine in bottles spirits in cups only $6.90 for scotch plus 25c for mix cocktails the dearest is $9.25 and very yummy
Hi there, do the in-cabin TVs have DVD players with them?
no they dont take a laptop if u have one
We are taking two of our grandchildren(6&7) on Pacific Dawn to Cairns/Port Douglas in Jan, shore tours are a little out of our reach, is there anything nearby at port that we can take them on or to see?
Hi Sue, im also going on that cruise with hubby and 2 kids 3 & 6.. i booked a tour going on the sky rail in Cairns.. i saved 200 doing it myself.. ive heard there is free things to do like the rook pools.. see you there Julie
Hi Sue,
Not sure if my reply worked or not but i meant to say ive been told there are rock pools in Cairns which are free.
Julie
In Cairns there is a free lagoon swimming pool and also Muddies playground which will be good for 6&7 year olds. Both are located on the Esplanade. Have a look at http://www.cairnsesplanade.com.au/cmsPageView.html?pageId=1
Thanks Julie, How are you getting to the sky rail?
hello i just wanted to say hello to zoltina-j its romie here, and i miss you heaps thankyou for giving me lots of entertainent on the ship with the shows and everything, on the last day i just wanted to say i cried and everything, i couldnt find you and i couldnt get you so i just had to cry lol anyway hope to see you again this year on another cruise seya xxx
Hi, is anyone booked on the Pacific Dawn , whitsundays, april 17? I am going with a large group of friends, but unfortunately for my daughter 15 yr old, she has not got anyone her age, and Im hoping she might be able to make friends with some teens her age either before or once we set sail.
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I am also a first time cruise traveller, so not sure what to expect. All my group is coupled off, I am the single mum so feel a bit awkward as I am the odd one out, in my group.
Hi Everyone,
Be very wary about booking on Pacific Sun I did 16 night cruise from Freementle there was no water to drink for 3 days unless you wanted to purchase from P&O @ $3.50 bottle this meant also tea & coffee were not drinkable also (water was too salty). The water in shower & toilets didn’t always work either. The air conditioner constantly out of order, even in cabin & dining areas not good in 40 plus degree’s. I have heard ship has been sold but be careful if you have already booked .
Fear Not………. you won’t be the odd one out. You and your daughter will have the best time ever, and this will not be your last cruise. She will make heaps of friends on board, otherwise will have heaps of fun hanging with mum and finding a new friendship with you, other than daughter.
Hi Janine, thanks for your reply. You have given me the inspiration I was lacking, As time gets closer I will get more excited and leave my insecurities at home. Thanks for your kind words. Regards Anna
Hi Anna,
Your daughter will have an absoluty fantastic time. Our son was 14 on his first cruise and he made friends very quickly. The teen activities are brilliant. In fact dont be surprised if you dont see much of your daughter at all. We are booked to go on PD on 24 April and he who is now 17 and my 10 yeard old cant wait. This will be their 4th cruise and the anticipation is even greater than their first time.
My mate and i are single.Just wondering if there is plenty of single women and is it a young crowd or mixed.
Thanks in advance
Hi there im going there by myself. I hope theres people there my age. Yes there are all ages. Have a great time.
Hi sailors,
My mate and i are single.We are just wondering if there is plenty of single women on any cruise?
Thanks in advance
hey chris..
Ive been on two cruises before, both on the pacific dawn. As a general rule, the longer the cruise the older the crowd. You can ring P&O and they will actually tell you the number of men/women between 19-25 and other demographics. Good luck!
how much does the boot camp cost and is it available to over 12 year olds also is the water ok to drink on Pacific Dawn not desal water ?
Yes the water is fine. Actually it tasted better out of the tap in the cabin then the bottled water.
I know you are not allowed to take alcohol on board but are you allowed to take your own soft drinks and bottled water on board Pacific Dawn?
Hi
My grandaughter and i are going on our first cruise on April 1st, to noumea. vila etc.
Can anyone advise me if i can use aust dollars or do i need to have other currency.
Thanks
Hi Lea TO help you along here goes.1st of all you can change your money on the ship any time at the pursers office!The money gets converted into Pacific Francs/Vatu etc it depends on were your going to.2nd of all my family @ I have used the Aussie$but only in small currency such as 2,5,$10 the most.I have always found the Islanders Very Friendly,@ they dont mind the change.Souveniers are always reasonably priced as well. I hope that helps.Have fun.
Hi Lea, everywhere we went they took aussie dollars. The ship staff told us to get francs but didn’t bother. Noumea very expensive anyway and in Vila all the shops and stalls took aussie. Watch out for the pushy taxi drivers in Vila as you get off the ship. We paid no more than ten dollars for a taxi each way and that was for 4. Found it best to wait a bit for the taxis, look round the markets by the ship first. Don’t rush to buy though it will all still be there when you get back from town.
Hi Anita,Yes you are right that you can use the Aussie dollar everywhere,but my family and I did get a small amount converted so our son could have some money as a souvenier,plus its good for show and tell at school!I found Noumea quite reasonable in prices,I think it depends on what you buy.My son bought some puppets for $5 and he recieved one for free,because the lady thought that he was respectful and said thankyou in french(which is merci) I think it surprised her!But I did find if you try to speak the local language,its easier and friendlier to get by.We got cheap wooden souveniers ie turtles,swords,from a shop half way down the street on the right hand side on the main parade.Plus did you try the French chocolate shop 4 streets down on the left.We found the chocolate,around the same price here back at home,and they made beautiful hot drinks.Give it a go next time,you wont regret it, it would be a lovely place for Lea to go to relax and enjoy!Your so right about the taxis,we caught a mini bus but the drivers dont like leaving until the bus is nearly full.Plus its so true about the markets,being there until the ship leaves!Isnt it a bubbly town.Great for duty free.I hope that Lea and her granddaughter will have a lovely time together,how special that will be.I wish them all the best.Take care,Au revoir
Thanks for the great advice – im sure we will have a lovely time. starting the count down now
Bye for now
You can use Australian Dollars there. Do take there money as well.
how much for Bootcamp on the Dawn and what age for kids as i have a 12 year old that would like to participate
Went on the New Years eve cruise on the Dawn and yes it broke down the first day and we went to a different port for repairs. It was a problem with grey water and I think it was broken before we left port as none of the toilets on our level would flush when we got on board at Brisbane. As the ship never stays more than a day in Brisbane, they get you under way so you start drinking\gambling and then they workout how to fix the problem. A day later we were on our way again, they gave us a $25 refund, it might buy you two cocktails which would be good if they were not watered down!
I did hear passengers complain who were on A deck, one guy was right under the table tennis table and the kids played it all day and night – lots of stamping feet.
The kids did not like the kids club much and would just not go after the first day – they played Hanna Montanna and the boys hated it but were told they had to watch it – there was no way they were going back after that! One of my friends boys was picked on in the 5+ club and my older boy was in a fight in the teens club and did not want to go back after that – older kids pick on the little kids!
Staff and food were great, but drinks were expensive and we spent twice as much as expected on board. One guy run up 10K in the first 6 days of the crusie. The tours are not cheap and this is where you can spend your money, they fill up fast so get in early or you will not get your tour you want. The action tours are gone the first day!
If you don’t mind crowds then the New years crusie is fine, but it take hours to get 2000+ people fed and even longer to get them ashore via the small boats – Good when the ship can actual dock otherwise its hurry up and get a number and then wait wait wait! Same goes for getting back on – one person at a time!
New Years eve was awesom – I did not even notice the “Grog Monters”!
Casino was excellent as it had a lot of tables with low $ minimums for beginers to have a go without breaking the bank.
Suva, FIJI is not worth seeing so go to one of the resorts for the day if you want to hop off the ship. Do you duty free shopping for grog in Port Vila as its cheaper than on board the ship, but there is only a few dollars in it.
The ship was smooth as was the ocean and did not see anyone sick at all. I believe 5 people were put off the ship for drunken and bad behaviour.
Would do another cruise elsewhere in the world where there are less Aussie’s who take pride in getting smashed. We had one large group from Townsville who had black shirts which said “Official P n O Grog Monsters” written on their shirts – they never took them off!
Lots of 17 to 22 years olds on there first big trip away and a few around 25 or so. Families and oldies made up the remainder of the population with most people being in the obese and I mean really obese – Except for the 20 year olds it was like a fat farm – guess they like the “All you can eat” and all day\night servings! More than once the elevator would sound the alarm that it was overloaded – We just asked the 400 lb guy and his 350 lb mate to hop out nicely.
Have fun.
please share your thoughts on the W032 cruise
Just booked
cheers Bubbs
My husband and I are going on our first cruise on the Pacific Sun in Jan 2011 for my 30th birthday. Can anyone please advise us from their own personal experiences if any of the tour shores are worth booking in Noumea? Thanks heaps (:
Hi Tracy,
It depends on what tour you want to do. We are just back and only did the train in Noumea and we paid for it on shore. Cost us the price of one of the tickets from the ship and there were 4 of us. It does the same tour but not quite as flash transport. Didn’t worry us when we were saving $180. Didn’t think much of the main shops and area in Noumea. Really expensive as well.
Just been on the Pacific Sun from New Zealand to brisbane we were on deck 6 , five cabins from the front of the ship. we had 2 cabins u23 and u 17, Trip was for 5 days accross the Tasman, a bit rough on the Monday, none of us sea sick!!!! Had the best holiday ever!!! The tri[p was fantastic, the staff unreal, we would give the whole expirence 10 out of 10. They have something on all the time for all age groups, the shows are unreal. Food unreal you eat all day long, didnt put on weight as we used the stairs all the time, and with that you get fit. This was our first cruise and cant wait to do another one. Everything is well organized on the ship, never a dull moment. We got lunch as soon as we boarded the boat at about 1.30 pm and had breakfast the morning we got off the boat at Brisbane at 5.30 am. We went to the Rest for all our meals. Enjoy your cruise.
Booked on Pacific Dawn 1st April. Anyone know what weather like then.
We are on same cruise.
From what I understand it is hot and humid. Maybe a little overcast.
Pentecost is especially known to be very wet and humid.
Hi Elizabeth,\my husband and I are booked on the same trip, they say the Temps in the islands are about 24 degrees.
looking forward to our first c ruise, but a bit worried about our cabin, we are in A147, all the blogs talk about the noise from above..Thought paying the extra money would be worth it, maybe not..
Yes very noisey, take some ear plugs, I do every cruise as the cabins make a noise on all decks to some degree. We were on deck 10 last year and there was a loud bang coming from the bathroom area in our cabin 24/7 on and off all the time. It seemed to be echoing down the wall from somewere. Also the creaking noise as if the furniture was shaking.
My parents had 152 on deck 11 and had noise day and night.
The noise is terrible & P&O could not care less – these cabins on Deck 11 are always full – unsuspecting poor people never again with P&O for me – they don’t care about noise as long as the ship is packed to the rafters.
For the privelege of the noise it is double the price!! go figure!!
personally i think your all whinging far to much. i found the staff were so friendly and always willing to help. the staff on that ship should be proud.
I am going on the Pacific Dawn to NZ on Feb 20th,can any one help me about shore cruises and what best trips to do?
I was going to hire a car from Dunedin and Tauranga ,do you know how far it is to the city from each port?
Cheers
Hi Kevin, not sure about Tauranga but I think it is pretty much in town. Dunedin is about a 15 – 20 minute drive to town. You are on a pretty much direct road from the port to town. If you are wanting to drive down the other side of the harbour it is about an hour at most each way. That is where the albatross colony is.
FRED
Hi every one my wife and I are sailing on the pacific dawn 20th febuary 2010 to NEWZEALAND .
have herd that on the tasmanian cruise just completed was a bit poor air con not working delays and time cut short at stop overs
I wonder if this has been an on goung problem.
how ever I love being on ships it does not realy worry me there is always somthing happening when you look for a positive out come look forward to any feed back
Yes we had delays in boarding at Sydney ship running late. Then only had 3 hours in our 1st port, lost 3 hours in our second port, got back to sydney 4 hours late along with the constant leaks through out the ship last sept.
Wondering when Pacific Dawn is going in for a refit.
Supposed to be the last fortnight in May.
hi bit concerned with some of the comments made about the condition of the dawn -apparently needs a bit of a lift can anyone confirm if this is going to be done in may. I am travelling with a number of friends end of june.
If you’re worried, ring P&O directly. Not many queries get answered here.
thanks sandee i will
We just got of the Pacific dawn today after a trip up the Qld coast.
We were in a balcony room on deck 10 b261 and were very happy with our room.
The ship had engine problems and we just got back a day and a half late. That didn’t worry us but was a pain for all those with flights booked. I didn’t find the ship needed a refit it was all very nice.
I heard it is going into dry dock in a couple of weeks for major work.
Hi,
My grandaughter and i are going on cruise W012N 1st April Pacific Dawn
any one else going on same cruise?
Hi Lea,
my husband Geoff and i are going on 1st April, 38 days to go, I an’t wait..
Hi Teresa,
I cant wait either. I am as excited now as when i first booked. And i am counting down too. Is this your first cruise too?
Hi Lea,how are you!Ive blogged you a while back talking about what to do with your granddaughter while in Noumea!I just thought that Id let you know that the French Chocolate shop is down the main street,on the left.4 streets down and the name of the street is called Rue d’Austerlitz.Last time I was there they took Australian $.Plus I brought some of these choc’s back home.Make sure that they dont have nuts in them though!Like I said before its a nice place to have a drink and relax..All the streets are in French,but they also have the English version.I hope that you have a wonderful time with your Granddaughter..All the best
hi natalie,
I am doing great thanks
thanks for the info. I will have to go light on the food so i can savour the delights of the chocolate shop. They say “save the best for last” dont they!
Thanks for the tip – 24 day s to go till we leave. sooooooooooooo excited
Lea
Hey Lea,
My husband and I are also booked on the April 1st Pacific Dawn cruise – this will b our first cruise and we are going to renew our wedding vows so we are soo excited!
Hi Lisa,
What a lovely way to celebrate your wedding vows, good luck to you both.
Thanks Lea
I am sure we will have a wonderful time. Just curious about our cabin though – we have booked a suite on the Aloha Deck (A112). I have been reading a few comments here about how noisy it is on this level – starting to worry a bit – what cabin are you in?
Hi Lisa
Just had a look at a diagram of the decks and it does not show what is directly above you. It may be an open deck. We are in cabin E216 on Emerald deck – was suggested this was a good deck as it was lower to the water and there was less movement. I was initially booked in on Deck 9 but I changed it.
I am getting very excited 12 days to go then Yahooooo. Have you tried the facebook P&O website as there are many past cruisers on there who may be able to give you some information about noise levels on your deck.
Hi Lisa,
We were on the New :Year’s cruise over 12 days and were on Aloha Deck A182 and noise was not a problem. Balcony cabin was great and we enjoyed every minute. Sure you will too!
hI myself my hubby 3 teens parents and sister and teenage neice all going on 1st of april cruise excited but now a bit concerned after reading info
Don’t be concerned. You will have a wonderful time. If things do go wrong (and they can anywhere in life) you will be looked after well. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the most oil, and the vast majority of people have a great time and don’t come here to say they did. Enjoy your cruise – we can’t wait for the next one!
HI,
Was just wandering what reno’s Pacific Dawn is having done?
Am going on the Food and Wine cruise in May. Has anyone been on one? Am wondering what is on offer to do and eat and drink. Have been on the Dawn before so i know the basics. Just after what goes on on this specific cruise. ta
10 of us will be travelling on the 1st May 2010 ‘Island Gems’ and a little concerned at the out-dated/in need of repairs reviews. I have just found out just after our cruise, the ship goes in for repairs for a fortnight, and just concerned how will it fair on our cruise. I am wondering if any past cruisers have done the “Tchou Tchou Train” in Noumea and what did they think, whether worth it? Also any reviews on “The Cascade Water Fall Vila”. I know people will compain at just about anything, and I am not one of them!!! We just want to have a lovely cruise, and hoping the shop does not fall to pieces in the mean time. Just got a little worried recent troubles near “Gateway” Brisbane!! We are looking forward to our holiday and appreciate any valid comments. Thanks………
Hi Judy,
I have travelled a few times to Noumea and have done the train tour, i thought it was great! Takes u to some great lookouts for pictures and then can drop u off in town for shopping. Its fun.
The Cascade Waterfalls are Brilliant, last time my partner and I Abseiled down them.! Great Experience! They are very nice waterfalls, but it is a bit of a walk, so if you have any problems with walking/hiking be mindful.. Also buy some reef shoes or old joggers, cause they get wet and muddy.
Any other questions, doesnt hesitate to ask me.
We were booked on the cruise to leave brisbane on the 14th nov last on the SUN, it was cancelled on the wednesday . We were very dissapointed at the time but managed to find a holiday replacement to Airlie beach which was beautiful. We has since rebooked our cruise for 30th oct on the Dawn, We are really looking forward to the cruise and 6 1/2 mths seems like ages away. Hoping this time all will go ahead. It was a 50th birthday present for my husband last year so hopefully we ll get on this time!! Its our first cruise , so fingers crossed.It great reading ideas from everyone, we were thinking bout doing the train tour and also the cascade falls, we are really looking forward to our cruise , wish it wasnt 6 mtths away !!!
Reply
Thankyou Angie for taking the time to reply with some useful info. I have read that P&O tours are very expensive in comparison to what you can buy on shore. I guess with 10 of us booked, it may be less of a hassle to stay put with our already booked tours with the ship. One of our couples were keen to do the abseiling but have since got a couple of injuries (Back and Wrist) I guess you would have to be in tip-top shape?? I hope they enjoy just the Waterfalls and won’t be too disappointed. I have been on a few cruises in past years and our last being the Sun Princess which was a lovely ship I just wonder have you been on the Pacific Dawn and what were your comments if so? Either way we are booked and very much looking forward to our holiday. I hope if all goes well. Thanking you…..Judy
Hi Judy,
We have always booked through the ship for our tours, its just easier, and that way you know you will be back on board in time.. Plus the ship books it all through the local agencies anyway, so all monies goes back to them..
Waterfalls are great, i think everyone should enjoy the tour, as long as they dont expect too much, even with the cruise, just sit back, relax and go with the flow. My husbans and I went on Sun Princess 1 yr ago, Brilliant ship, loved it! We havent been on Pacific Dawn yet, so our cruise in may should be great! We did travel on the Pacific Sun a couple yrs ago though.
Really just take in all the ship and ports your holiday has to offer! Have Fun!
Angie
We did the tchoo tchoo train in noumea. It is much cheaper to do it yourself as the other tour operators are in the terminal building and outside as well. Ours was a green train and you do the city sights up to the lookout the same as P&O. The cascade waterfalls can be done cheaper by bartering with the taxi driver but if you want to do it with P&O it is well worth it. Such a lovely place.
Thankyou Kay for taking time to reply. Thank you for the tip with the local tour operators being cheaper. I think with 10 of us going, it may be wiser to stick with already booked tours with P&O do you think so? Thanks Kay……Judy
Judy, I went to the Cascade Water Fall Vila about 4 years ago, one thing that we learnt was that there are drivers waiting outside to take you wherever you want to go, make sure you get a price from them before you hop into their vehicle, we asked a driver and he gave us a great price, don’t pay over $100, if you don’t get a price first they will charge in the hundreds. The waterfalls are spectacular, long walk up hill, but worth it. Port Vila is such a beautiful place and a lot of the staff on board come from there and will be only too pleased to help you out.
Hi everyone!
jsut wandering if anyone has been on a Qld cruise recently and what tours thye did at Pt Douglas?
We leave on cruise in may,
Thanks
Angie
Hi Angie,
I am going on the qld cruise at the end of may, is it the same one, if so hope to see you then.
Thanks Judith
Hi Judith,
We leave brisbane on the 29th may?!!
We cant wait!!
Is this the same one your on?
Hi Angie,
Yes it is the same one that we are going on and we cant wait, counting down the days.
Not long now, bout 21 days!!
U excited??
so do you know what cabin ur in??
Will have to meet up for a drink
hi angie yep we loved the qld cruise we done it in january n the yr before that well the 1st 1 we just took the kids to the zoo and they really enjoyed that but take a trip to the tourist imformation centre and see what they have to offer you as we found them very friendly,hope this helps a little for you regards leanne
Thanks Leanne,
I have done the qld cruise yrs ago, but because of a cyclone we didnt get to do anything at any of the ports really..
Fingers crossed for this trip!
Did u enjoy the Dawn?
hi angie ,
yes we did enjoy the dawn they were just fantastic people anything you wanted you got, we are planning another trip on the pacific dawn next yr dec 28th 2011 and really looking forward to that…. i hope you have a great trip n my fingers will be crossed for you as well..so take care n enjoy your fantastic cruise…. regards leanne.
22nd April 2010 2.41p.m. Sailed on Pacific Dawn for 7 nights loved the ship, accomodation, food service was excellent, entertainment was fun and exciting, stewardness was efficient and caring, the only downfall was a day tour on Villa that was not value for your money. Not a destination that is worthwhile visiting that is our opinion.Otherwise the Captain and crew did an excellent job driving and navigating the ship through some rocky seas made our cruise memorable and the Maitre D’Hotel is excellent and the Cruise Director was beautiful, a great entertainer and organizer. I look forward to my next cruise possibly the Pacific Jewel.
celia,
glad you had a good time ,its good to read positive remarks about the cruises, waiting to go on ours in oct/nov . so interested in what others say. its our first cruise and we were booked on one that was cancelled 2009 so we are really looking forward to going this year, its hard to know what to book on the shore tours.
New to cruising, leaving on Pacific Dawn 26th June, 2010. Looking at booking some shore tours in Noumea. Kids interested in Paraflying and Jet Boat. Would there be time to do something else?
HI Tez,
you could possible have time to go to the aqaurium, or to the local shop and lunch…
Or try the Le petit Train, think they call it the Choo choo now or something like that, they take you up to some look outs for some great pics and a ride throught the town, u see alot more on there than just walking around.
IF you only fo these things u mentioned which dont take half ur day up, im cant seee why u cant fit more into ur day.
Angie
Hey Cruising Lovers,
Just wandering if anyone knows of or has prices for the day spa on the Pacific Dawn??
Looking for prices on massages mostly, trying to supprise my husband for our honeymoon!
Any help gyuys??
Thanks
Angie
Pacific dawn is losing its dome but they will put a fancy spa in the whole area
do u know hen that is happening??
we leave on the 28ht may
Who said???
Hi,
Myself and family are going on our first cruise end of July. I am wondering if anybody can help me with any advice at all. We are going on the Island Gems cruise on the pacific dawn for 11 nights. Can anyone recommend any of the shore tours. Are they good value for money or is it cheaper to organise yourself on the islands? If so how easy is it? Also are you able to get on and off the boat as much as you like at the ports? Also are you able to buy soft drink and take on board to drink? looking forward to any tips and advice anybody can give. We are going with our children, 20yrs, 18yrs and 15yrs? Do you think they will also fit in and have a good time. Thanks Debbie
We are going on our first cruise on the Pacific Dawn leaving from Brisbane on 4th September. We are in our early sixties and have booked a mini-suite, wondering if there was anyone else in our age group that we can meet up with on board?? Bit worried about the comments that I have read about the noise from the pool deck when you are in the mini suites??
this is mainly aimed at the p&o cruise people hi let me first say what a great job you all do . my partner and i r going on the cruise that sails on the 1 july only 33 days to go not that im counting this is my third and his first cruise what i wanted to ask u is concerning him he is doing his coxens course and has done his med3 he currently works on ships and mainly tugs and also ties up the chip carrers and sometime cruise liners such as the world. welive in the town of eden in n.s.w. what i wanted to ask u that while we r on the cruise if there is any chance of him either talking to some of the crew or at least geting some info and satistics about the ship as this is the line of work that he is in int would intrest him greatly thank u
it is the third of july we sail not the first on thedawn
Hi everyone – my husband and I are booked on the Pacific Dawn – departing Brisbane, in July doing the Pacific island cruise – would anyone know what the temperture could be. Thanks for any input. Laura
Hi.
Can anyone tell me what places a 15yr old isn’t allowed on the Pacific Dawn. She will be the only under-aged traveller in our group of 13.
Are older teenaged passengers allowed in discos or any licensed areas if they don’t consume alcohol? I’d be pretty certain that she wouldn’t be allowed in any casino/gambling areas.
Mary.
Hi a question for the p & o medical staff. My family and I have booked through a travel agent. When first booking medical details weren’t discussed so medical history hasn’t been recorded. My son has haemophilia (a bleeding disorder). He has treatment that he needs to take which requires him to administer intravenously, therefore he needs to bring on board his treatment as well as needles to administer it. I have asked at the travel agent if this is something that we need to let P&O know prior to the trip. She has informed me that a letter from my sons doctor should be adequate. As this is our first cruise and i am uncertain i thought i would take it upon myself to check as i would hate to have complications that may spoil our holiday if i could avoid this. My son is 18yrs old and knows how to manage his condition. Also the travel agent has organised standard travel insurance with covermore to cover my son as well as us. Will this be suitable enough> Hope to hear a reply soon. Thank you
Going on the Dawn 19th of June,anyone else ?
hello everyone we are just wondering if theres anyone out there going on the pacific dawn 27th dec2011/7th january 2012
We are going on the Pacific Dawn Cruise going to Whitsundays/ Cairns /Port Douglas on 27th August, can any one advise me on the tours, they seem quite expensive are they worth the money or are you better off doing it yourself? any info would be much appreciate, thanks Leanne
We’ve booked a mini-suite on the Dawn and it said we have ‘priorty check-in available’. Having unsuccessfully tried to discover what this means and what is different from regular check in I was hoping someone could shed a little light on what we need to do.
We haven’t done this before, please help.
Hey Carolyn,
Me thinks, that it may mean that you don’t have to join the huge queue of excited travellers, you can “eagerly” jump the queue (so to speak).
There could very well be a seperate check in facility that you go to ,also there could also be a small private lounge for you to wait in (just like the Qantas Club @ the airport) until your number is called or you may even be able to head straight through to customs and then board the ship while other wait forv their number (that they have been issued) to be called.
Thank you Dave for responding. But it seems as though your guess is as good as mine!?
Thanks though for taking the time to offer help.
Maybe there is someone who has been through it or even P&O who can say for sure what the process is & where we are to go…… if it is different.
I must say Dave that any ‘queue jumping’ when we hear it can be a very long one indeed would be cool!
I have booked to go on the Dawn in April next year and unfortunately my cruising friend has had to cancel. Is there a lady out there who wouldn’t mind sharing a balcony cabin. I live in a country town so finding someone here is only a remote possability so I’m thinking there must be a lady out there in a similar situation who doesn’t mind sharing. We would have plenty of time to get to know each another. If anyone is interested please contact me through email.
I think I’m allowed to post this here. After all this club has just voted P&O their favourite cruise line.
http://ozcruiseclub.com.au has a thread for people seeking somewhere to share with. Good luck!
Hi, my hubby, myself and a couple of friends are heading off on our first ever cruise on the 6th November from Brisbane on the Dawn. We are soooooooooooooooooooo excited. Coming from Tassie we more than welcome the warmer weather and all there is to do and see on our adventure. Less than 4 months to go woohoooooooo
We are looking at taking at 12/03/2011 cruise and just wanted to pick the brains of any experienced cruisers. We are looking at an inner cabin towards the centre of the Baja Deck. Is this a good option or are we better off going lower for a smoother ride? Front, centre or back of the ship? I have been told that March is still cyclone season, should we expect rough seas or is it just luck of the draw? 2 adults & 2 kids, is a 4 berth cabin comfortable enough, I guess you only really sleep there? Any suggestions to do at ports? Is it best to go for a ship organised tour or do yur own thing? Any must places to visit? Is alcohol expensive on board? Can you take your own softdrinks or drinks of any kind on board with you? Thanks in advance for all your help. Bec
Hi am thinking of surprising my husband with a 7 day cruise in November this year for his birthday…. I have done quite a few cruises in other countries but have never cruised P&O. We are looking at going on the Pacific Dawn (Week Fantastique) and I really want to know about the majority ages of the rest of the cruise passengers. Does anyone know whether this cruise will be full of either really young travellers or really old travellers. We are in between the two groups and have no children and really don’t want to be in a situation where we are amongst the major minority. I realise there will be people with kids but am just wondering about the demographic of the greatest percentage of cruisers. Any help in this department would be appreciated.
Thanks
We found a good mix of ages on our Week Fantastique from very young to elderly.
Even though it was not school holidays there were quite a few children on board, but they were occupied in the kid’s clubs most of the time and weren’t really a problem.
I feel this 7 day cruise is the best for a good mix. Longer cruises tend to have more older people, while those in school holidays have heaps of children.
Hope you have a marvellous time!
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