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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.
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.
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
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.
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
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 sailors,
My mate and i are single.We are just wondering if there is plenty of single women on any cruise?
Thanks in advance
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
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.
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!!
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
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
HI,
Was just wandering what reno’s Pacific Dawn is having done?
Hi Michael,
Here’s a small sample of the current Pacific Dawn wine list. There is a wider selection, which is updated on a regular basis. I hope this helps:
Helm Cabernet Sauvignon, Canberra District
Chateau Tanunda, Barrique Keller Cabernet & Shiraz, South Australia
“E” Minor Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, Barossa
Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Grant Burge Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa
Rothbury Estate Cabernet & Merlot, Hunter
Vasse Felix Cabernet & Merlot, Margaret River
Cape Naturaliste Torpedo Rock Cabernet & Shiraz, Margaret River
Stella Bella Pink Muscat, Margaret River
D’ Arenberg Noble Riesling
sparkling Brown Brothers “Zibibbo Rosa”, Victoria
Imprint By “Mitchelton”, Central Victoria
Grant Burge “Brut”, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, Barossa
Omni Sparkling, SE Australia
Rothbury Estate Sparkling Cuve, Hunter
Katnook Founders Block Sparkling Shiraz, Coonawarra
Eight Horse Sparkling Brut, SE Australia
and much more…
Hi Andrea,
The Hotel Director, Andrew, thought your question deserves a full and detailed answer. Tune in tomorrow as he will post his thoughts on addressing sea sickness.
all the best
P&O Cruises
Hi Belinda,
You can purchase laundry detergent onboard. Have a fantastic cruise!
P&O Cruises
Hey Belinda,
I thought i would tell you.
The washing powder on board is $1 per load and the washing machines and dryers are $3 a cycle so make sure you bring along alot of $1 coins
Enjoy your trip
Hi Brad,
David Pepper is a recent addition to P&O Cruises! He has worked his way up through various cruise lines and various positions before joining us as Cruise Director. To get to this position someone would typically have worked up from a Junior Cruise Staff/Host position, learning all about the entertainment department and life at sea (and seeing the world at the same time!). A great Cruise Director needs to have a positive attitude, be able to think on their feet, be a strong presenter and a good conversationalist, have innovative idea’s and be able to lead a team – all while having fun!
Hope this helps
P&O Cruises People & Performance Team
Hi Sue,
Our Hotel Director, Andrew, has just posted on the blog an article about seasickness and potential cures. See: http://pacificdawn.pocruises.com.au/2009/04/03/seasickness-prevention-and-myths/
We hope you enjoy your 5th cruise!
Smooth sailing.
Sue,
Have you considered having “the Jab” before you set sail, as a preventative? I too suffered sea sickness on our last cruise. We have booked another cruise for Dec and I would be interested to hear if this approach would work? or does the needle only work if you actually have sea sickness? If anyone has any experience of this, it would be interesting to know.
Hi Andrea,
You won’t need to bring power adaptors as all rooms have an Australian 3 point plug or adaptor. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions on our website: http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/frequently-asked-questions.cfm#electrical-sockets
Enjoy your cruise!
P&O Cruises
Hi Sue
My husband and I are looking forward to our first cruise on May 5 and we are also celebrating our 30th anniversary this year see you there!
Jenny
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for your note. Unfortunately Zoltina, our cruise director, is on annual leave at the time of your cruise. However she is replaced by our very capable David Pepper.
Enjoy your cruise!
P&O Cruises
Hi Maureen. Thanks for your feedback.
Yes, Pacific Dawn will be deployed to Brisbane in December after the arrival of our newest superliner Pacific Jewel, which will be based in Sydney. The move followed research which showed that the distinctive features of each ship were better suited to the holiday requirements of passengers in their new home ports.
Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel are quality superliners and sister ships. They are two of the most spacious and modern ships to cruise in Australian waters – both with an abundance of balcony cabins, high-quality children’s amenities and spa treatment facilities.
We will be back in touch with you personally and endeavour to accommodate you on a cruise that you are happy with.
Once again, many thanks for your valuable feedback.
P&O Cruises
Hi Ian,
Wireless internet access is available on board all of our ships in certain areas. Wireless network cards can be purchased on Pacific Dawn, and used after the cruise. You can also visit our internet café which is charged directly to your cruise card.
We hope this helps.
P&O Cruises
Hi Kim,
Currently on Pacific Dawn sailing for the 5th May 2009 we have over 200 children ranging between the ages of 1 through to 17 years. Children dine with their parents so therefore they do participate in the formal nights. Children are welcome to watch the production shows, but the newsletter delivered to your cabin daily will advise if it is not appropriate for children.
Happy cruising!
P&O Cruises
Hi Jarrad,
During the day casual wear is suggested. The majority of your trip will be in a warm tropical environment, so light weight summer clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and do not forget a jacket as the nights can be cooler. Smart casual attire is required after 5.30pm if you are going to the public lounges and restaurants. On a 12 night sailing you will have 2 formal nights, evening or cocktail wear for ladies, dinner jacket and tie or a suit for men. Further information can be found on our website: http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/pre-cruise-information.cfm#dress-at-sea or download our cruising guide: http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/brochures.cfm.
Have a great cruise!
P&O Cruises
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your question. Boarding time is generally cruise specific so please check with your travel agent or phone P&O cruises on 13 24 69. However all passengers need to be onboard at least an hour before sailing. Light lunch is provided on day of sailing in the buffet.
Enjoy your cruise.
P&O Cruises
hi and bula from fiji. as i was reading about dawn princess i throught to write met many people from the ships and they like savusavu and people of savusavu very happy to meet tourist and tourist just love the cruises every tourist i meet they just loves to be on the boat for ever they all and food and wine . i know i should not be commenting on this page because i have never been on any of this ship but it all the people who travellers.
anyway i do my little handicrafts busniess in savusavu and we really depend on tourist like yous.
twith many many thanks.
kam
Hi Lynne,
The climate in the places you visit are usually tropical and humid, you will probably experience a range of 23-29 degrees Celsius, with a low rainfall. You can also find some of this information in our cruising guide, Follow the link to download
http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/brochures.cfm
Enjoy your cruise with us.
P&O Cruises
Hi Simone,
The change in the age group will begin on Pacific Dawn as of 09 September sailing. Activities for HQ usually include sports competitions, pizza parties, late night movies, talent shows, dance parties, dance classes and more.
Welcome back to P&O Cruises!
Hi Jane,
Entertainment is not released pre cruise, the stage show productions generally change with the cast, and they are generally on a 6 month contract. So yes it is possible that the shows are the same as what you have seen previously, but they do change regularly. The cruise directors are generally on a 4-6 month contract.
All the best.
P&O Cruises
Hi Kam,
I will travel to Savu Savu in Dec 2009, with my husband and we will be very happy to visit your business. Can you please tell me more about Savu Savu.
Thanks
Sharon
Hi Kam. We are going to visit Savu Savu in June. What and where is your business? Can you also advise whether there are locals that are happy to show tourists around or if there are motor scooter that we could hire to ride ourselves and if we need to have licences for this.
Looking foward to our trip.
Andrea.
Bula Kam,
Savusavu was one of our findest memories of our cruise. We spent a great afternoon at the “Decked Out Cafe” owned by Pettine.
Try the cafes Fish and Chips and enjoy the band that plays a broad spectrum of music.
The Fiji beer tasted great and at AUS $3.00 per stubby was excellent value.
We have kept in touch with Pettine via email. I am sure that you would know Pettine.
Next time we are in Savusavu we will be sure to try and locate you.
Bula Bula
we went on the the pacific star in september 2007 and have a very fussy eater in one of our children and all i can say were that when it came to mealtimes the crew were very accommodating in this regard
Lyn & Family,
We went on our first cruise last November with our 3 year old daughter. It was so fantastic that within a month of returning we booked another for next February. Our daughter is a basic eater also but there was always something for her, talking of which the whole cruise is non-stop eating! The kids club is fantastic and we had a struggle actually getting our daughter to leave to go to meals. Then it was a case of ‘get it down quick’ to get back there.
Have a great time.
Rob S
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your question. Pacific Dawn offers ‘Your Choice Dining’ where you can choose the time you dine, and with whom, in the main dining room. You can enjoy À la carte dining in the Palm Court dining room anytime from 5.30pm – 10.00pm.
Enjoy your cruise.
P&O Cruises
Hi Adam,
ZoltinaJ is away on shore leave. To help answer your questions, Tom our energetic Sports coordinator is currently on board Pacific Dawn keeping everyone entertained and fit with our on board sports programs and the popular Beach Sports activities. Tom has also introduced a great new ‘paper plane flying’ activity where guests are asked to make a paper plane and fly it through the Atrium. It makes for great fun whether you are participating or just watching! Captain Lorenzo Paoletti is currently Master of Pacific Dawn and will take his vacation at the end of April.
Have a great cruise!
P&O Cruises
Hi Mike,
Cruise Director Martin Stevens decided to take leave from Pacific Dawn and return to his homeland of the UK. All Captains and Senior Officers within the Carnival Fleet are assigned to various vessels around the world and we hope to welcome back Captain Froude to P&O Cruises Australia in the future.
Executive Chef Ravindra is currently in charge of the delicious new menus on offer on board Pacific Dawn and ensuring that thousands of guests are leaving the dining room every night with a smile on their face. Ravindra has also accepted the position as future resident Executive Chef on board Pacific Jewel.
We hope this helps.
P&O Cruises
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your note. Teen lounge has activities such as pizza nights, playstation, sports competitions, Pizza and mocktail parties, Karaoke and lip sync shows, dance classes, dance parties and more. We have a range of sports activities both on board and in some of the Island calls. Check your Pacific Daily (on board newsletter) for details on what is happeneing each day. Most sporting activities are open to all ages unless advised as adults only. Gym equipment may be used by persons over the age of 16.
Hope this helps.
P&O Cruises
Hi Helen,
‘HQ’ will offer activities for our younger passengers between the ages of 11-17 years. Variouls daily activities will be offered each day including karaoke, arts and crafts, sporting activities, playstation competitions and pizza parties. Once on board the HQ Team will provide a daily program of what’s on in HQ. You can bring your own soft drinks however at the end of the cruise; anything remaining cannot be brought back on land.
See you soon.
P&O Cruises
Hi Janet,
Unfortunately there is no pre-booking. We cannot guarantee your child’s participation in the Youth Centres. We do make every effort to accommodate all interested children, but entry into the Youth Centres will be on a first come, first served basis until the maximum capacity in each centre is reached. Don’t forget, children must be toilet trained to participate without parental supervision.
More information regarding travelling as a family can be found if you follow the link below
http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/pre-cruise-information.cfm#travelling-with-children
See you soon.
P&O Cruises
Hi Andrea,
For passengers embarking the Pacific Dawn sector in Papeete, you are required to check in between the times of 12:15PM-2:00PM, your passport is required at time of check in, and your cruise card will be given to you at the check in counter. There will be other passengers joining the ship in Papeete. Please click on the following link for more information regarding cruise cards
http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/day-of-embarkation.cfm#cashless-cruising
Have fun!
P&O Cruises
ok i can answer some of ur question in the teen lounge activites such as PS3, Wii, Air hockey are ther e to be played aswell as activites run by the staff of the lounge (activites like jelly eating and late night movies are also run), every cruise has a theme most cruises have the pirate theme, island theme, rock n roll, and country and western. If ur cruise is for 10days like mine was there will be 2 formal nights. With the fitness centre i found that anyone could go down to level 2 and use it.
Enjoy ur cruise=)
dear kalana xmas day is as exciting as you want it to be. the dawn is decorated with trees and anything christmassy. all kids get a present and santa visits as well.the crew had a fabulous display outside of the palm court as well.my 2 youngest 14@16 got a present from p&o as well.when we were at mystery island p&o gave all the kids on the island a gift so i am not sure what they will do on ouvea.you can bring your own gifts to open and make it a special day for your kids or just buy them something from the ship to open. ouvea is very pretty, nice people and a beautiful beach with clear water. just watch out for giant spiders hanging from the power lines. you can also sing christmas carols and don’t forget your christmas hat and get into the whole spirit of christmas.
Hi Kalana
We’ll be on the same cruise, our second but first ever on the Pacific Dawn. We too are very excited, something like 250 sleeps to go. Our oldest is 19 so wont be in teenies but our oldest will be just 17 and is really looking forward to the teens programme which judging by our last cruise in ‘07 on the Pacific Star was just fantastic. They are so well looked after and met so many friends who they still keep in contact with.
Maybe we’ll run into each other, although we thought Pacific Star was big but compared to the Dawn it’s like a little toy by the look of it.
Take care and keep counting.
Hi Steve, There is two ATM machines on board that I know of, they are just pass the Pursers desk, not sure of bank charges. As for the casino I only played the poker machines and they take money,I don’t know about the tables.Hope this helps and I hope you have a good time. Lucky duck.
When i used the ATM on the Pacific Sun, i only received one fee from my bank which was $2.00AUD
Jennifer…thanks for that…can not wait till next Sunday to cruise..do not know whay to expect all 4 very excited
i was on ur cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) it was great
Sorry the blog should have said Christmas 08
really great
Paul
We hope the weather is going to be perpect , We have a crew of 14 booked on the same cruise, cant wait , only 179 more sleeps.
Hi Wendy,
We too are in the same predicament!!
Booked the NYE cruise because of new ship and going to FIJI.
We were very disappointed when the ships were changed. We cruised with the Dawn in Jan 2008 and had an absolute ball, but wanted something a little different this time around. After alot of contemplating, changing our minds several times and checking out other holiday options, we have decided to stay with the cruise. Since making this decision we are now very excited again. Can you tell me what last years NYE was like? I notice we visit Mystery Island on NY Day and hope we can all get up and enjoy it!!!!
Jodie
Hi Wendy & Jodie and all fellow New Years Eve Cruisers!! (and P&O Blog readers!!),
I am one of Kate’s (see above comment on NYE cruising) friends and fellow Pacific Dawn New Years Eve cruiser….and we had an absolute blast as she has said and are also in the same predicament for this years NYE Cruise, however for the opposite ship..we booked to go on the Dawn out of Sydney as we absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Dome nightclub and the entertainment offered, and we are now faced with the decision to either go on the Dawn out of Brisbane or go on the Jewel out of Sydney (which we are booked on at the moment). Our main issue is that in the brochures and from information our travel agent has from P&O no-one can tell us where or what the nightclub will be on the Jewel as in what is the Dome area, there is a massive Spa retreat and fitness centre.
We loved the atmosphere in the Dome, and the fact that it was the only nightclub and where everyone met up at the end of another great day on-board and that was the main reason we booked for the Dawn, but we can see the advantages of going on the Jewel (New ship, out of sydney etc etc) but before we make any decisions we just need some more information!!! Perhaps if someone from P&O reads this they may be able to help??
But if anyone is considering doing the New Years Cruise….or any cruise for that matter, don’t think about it, DO IT!! You will have the absolute best holiday of your life and be looked after by the most fantastic crew & staff imaginable!!!
As for making the decision about which ship to choose for this year…well I think its going to come down to what suits and what ship & itinerary offers more of what we want……but even so its still such a hard choice! I know both will be as fantastic as one another no matter what we end up deciding!!
Michelle
Hi Wendy,
I to was disapointed about the ships changing, We booked for the 6 of us (my Husband and I and our 4 kids) have been looking forward to going on the Pacific Dawn for years, since she came to Sydney! We booked to go on the Xmas Cruise this year only to have ths ships change Just before we set sail. I have had many friends go on the Dawn to come home and say what a fabulous time they had. It’s very disapointing that I won’t be able to experience the Dawn myself. I am sure I will still have the best time!!!
Tracy
Hi Greta,
Just wanted to let you know that my husband, myself and a large group of friends have done the last two new year cruises (although it was on the Sun Princess) we had such a great time the first time we went again just this past new year. It was great as the first time we did the South Pacific Islands and this last one was around New Zealand could not fault either. New Years eve is a big night and celebrated by all even the crew get to join in. Have also done two cruises recently on P&O and could not fault these trips either. We have already booked to go on the Dawn out of Brisbane next July. If you go new year you will have a great time.
Cheers Cathy
Hey Greta
I have done the 2 past new years cruises on the Pacific Dawn and im booked on the Pacific Jewel to do the next new years cruise!! I have had the most fantastic time on both and im already couting down to my next one!!
Being on the ship for new years eve has been the most awesome experiences of my life!!
Imagine this- 1000 people out on the deck in full party mode, beautiful warm weather, lots of alcohol, party music, out in the middle of the ocean and lots of new friends!! This is what my last 2 new years eves have been!! and on our most recent cruise (08-09) we had the countdown then right after midnight, it poured with rain! I’ll never forget that moment! Everyone loved it cos it had been a boiling hot day and all the airconditioners (on the entire ship) had broken down for most of the day!! They played the song ‘Summer Rain’ and everyone went crazy!! The best night of my life!!
I enjoyed every second of both cruises, but the new years eve deck party was definately the highlight of both cruises!! The party continues on till 5am and both years we’ve seen the sun come up!! Its the BEST way to see in the new year!!
If you’re thinking of doing it DO IT!!! You will have the time of your life!! Cruising is THE BEST way to holiday and being able to celebrate new years in the middle of the ocean is a bonus!!
Hi Steve
Congrats and have a great time on your cruise.
The cost of beer was around $5.50 for a stubby and around $8.40 for spirits from memory, but I was a bit intoxicated at the time lol that was Christmas 08, anyway I hope you enjoy your trip I cant wait for our next one in 2010 Cheers ….Greg
greg,
Thanks for this info..have to teach the wife to drink beer
Thanks
Hi Jodie,
My sister was really sea sick on her first cruise 3 years ago and is going on another cruise in October this year. Her plan is to have a jab the morning before we board the ship as recommended by her doctor. Will let you know how she gets on.
Hi,
This is a great selection of wines. When we went on our last cruise three years ago we had Jacob’s Creek Pinot Noir Chardonnay. Do they still sell this on board and any of the Yellowglen vintage sparklings?
Hi Kate,
That sounds like the best New Years!! I have always wanted to go on a new years cruise but my husband doesn’t like cruising and won’t let me go on my own (my friends all have young families and can’t go).
Hey Gail
No I don’t think you are being unrealistic there should be no tax’s on drinks at sea it should be duty free and yes I agree they should have pre mixed drinks in cans or stubby things like Jim Beam & Jim Beam and maybe some Jim Beam you know where I’m going with this lol…All the best Greg
I’m with you Gail, P & O can you please supply mixer drinks.
Hi Michelle,
Myself, my husband and our 4 children are booked to go on our first ever cruise the Christmas Cruise sailing Dec 18th this year which we booked back in July last year. I really wanted to book the New Years Eve Cruise but with the six of us it was out of our budget, so we decided to go at Christmas which will be just as special (the kids are so excited!).
We also had the disapointment of after wanting to go on the Pacific Dawn since she first came to Sydney and actually booking to go on her only to have her being moved to Brisbane just before we were due to sail was heartbreaking as i will never know what the Dawn was like.
Either way I know our cruise will be unforgetable and we will have the best time ( without sea sickness I hope! ). I was glad to hear your New Years Eve Cruise was such a blast maybe my husband and I can do the New Years Eve cruise without the kids one year you never know.
I’m counting down the days till Dec ( sad I know) but we can’t wait, WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT ALL FUSS IS ABOUT, LOL
Tracy
I forgot to mention in the comment above that we are sailing from Sydney on the Xmas cruise
Tracy
Hi Tracey
When you board you can go to your cabin where your luggage will be delivered to. A light lunch is in the bistro, you check our the boat and all the facilities and about 3pm you will be called to muster where you learn all about evacuation of the ship and putting on life jackets. There is entertainment on deck and every one is in party mode. As they say do much as you like or as little as you like. But just enjoy, relax and look forward to your next cruise.
Enjoy
Julie
To get a good idea, order the DVD from the P&O website it is free and will give you a good overview about the ship.
Other than that…expect it to be a GREAT adventure as it will be.
Investigate your shore tours and book them before you cruise as the good tours get booked really fast. There are usually a number of time slots for the same tour, but you could find them all booked by the time you get onboard if they are popular.
As mentioned one of the first items on the agenda will be a safety drill, but that is after sufficient time to have a few drinks and do some investigation…:)
We have cruised a few times now and it is as exciting each time.
Have a great time.
Hi Yvonne,
We sailed on the Dawn in Jan 08. We had 2 formal dinners and wore the same outfit both times. Your husband will be fine in pants & jacket. We found that not everyone got “dressed up” anyway, so it doesn’t really matter what you wear. Hope this helps.
Hi
My husband just wore a navy dinner jacket with black pants. I think as long as you have a jacket, shirt with collar and tie for formal dinners.
Julie
when we was on there there was a few men that was dressed like that. dont worry he will be fine.
Yvonne, men have to wear clean and tidy no shorts, they must wear long pants ladies can wear anything
have lots of fun
kim
Hi Yvonne,
I wore a suit and tie, but the mens dress code varied from smart casual (no ties) to “full on”. Ladies also varied from smart pants with tops to evening gowns with all the matching jewelery.
On formal nights it is nice to dress up a little more than usual, but you don’t have to go over the top.
There are formal night photo opportunities so it is good to dress up at least one of the formal nights for the photos.
Hi Robert, my suggestion to you is to buy your own snorkling gear and take it with you. We hired it on our last cruise and it would have been cheaper to buy it!! Also, 3 out of the 4 sets we hired leaked water and really spoilt our snorkelling. They did give us a part refund, but we really just wanted some decent gear. We are sailing again in Dec and will be buying our own before we go this time.
Hi Robert,
From my past experience (back in 2006) you get to keep it for the whole cruise.
Hi Robert
Buy the gear before you go, and don’t forget to get a pair of reef shoes as well. You do not want to cut your feet on the coral. You should be able to get the snorkel gear and reef shoes for around $30 if you look around. You are also then certain of how clean they are and that no-one else has used previously. You can buy better if you choose, but the cheap ones are fine for at least one cruise anyway. Stores to look in are Big W, Target and Aussie Disposals.
I agree with all comments, buy your own gear. Last NYE cruise I went on snorkle gear was hired out in about 30 minutes for whole cruise and in the shop onboard they cost about $100 to buy. I always take my own. My children’s first cruise and they will all be getting snorkle sets this christmas to take with us.
yes he will be fine. don’t worry not every one wears a suite. the ladies dont all wear formal dresses a lot tend to wear after 5 or just a nice skirt and top. have a wonderfull cruise and injoy.
Sorry forgot to tell you they dont have to wear a jacket or a tie
Hi Sue,
We might see you there we are going in July also what date are you going? were are going on the 11th – 21st
hi Sue..i`m not sure if they have Coke Zero,i know they have diet coke and pepsi max,but a few people i know took their own soft drinks by the box or the slab (they just carried them onboard after being scanned) and they said this worked out a lot cheaper for them.
hi Tracy,it`s best to book your table each night for the Dining room,even if there is only a few of you.the other eating places have various times during the day/night,and that will be in your Pacific Daily news.
the tipping charge is per person per day on your “cruise card” of around $7.50 i think it is at the moment,but you can choose to have the tipping charge removed from your cruise card at the Pursers desk,and that way you can then choose who you wish to tip at the end of the cruise that you believe has given you excellent service. they do have envelopes for this as well….hope this helps
Hi Tracy
The tipping is automatically added to your cruise card account everyday, i think its about $7 per adult per day – but you can alter the amount, have it directed to someone specifically (ie your cabin steward) or take it off completely. They are quite flexible in the regard. We did that on our second cruise and just left it as was and found that to be fine – as its put into a general pool and distributed evenly through all the staff (as they all do a fabulous job). however we also decided to give our room steward a little extra cash – there are envelopes at the reception desk on board for this – and we also took a thank you card on board with us and wrote in it. Our cabin steward was fantastic, particularly as we were a little messy (4 girls sharing) and he was always happy and smiley.
Our first cruise we took the tipping off of our cards and only gave cash to our room steward.
Having said that tho, everyone is different. Some people we talked to didn’t tip at all, Some tipped each day, some gave cash to the drinks waiters. It is all dependant on your preference. But our preference was to leave the tipping on our cards and that is what I would suggest from my experience if you decide that you want to tip.
Oh and also, if you are dining in the main dining room or the steakhouse/pizzeria, its better is to book a table for that night during the day (they have a dedicated bookings phone line) because it can get quite a wait – especially on formal nights and if there are a few of you eating – but for the buffet you can go at any time.
Hope that helps some!!!
Michelle
Hey Tracy
On or family cruise we tipped our cabin steward over the 10 days aboard but the ship will take out about $7.50 each day per person from your cabin credit, but you can go to the pursers desk and ask them to take it off.
Happy Sailing
p.s The staff are worth every cent they are given and more
we go the 21st july
Hi Kim,
My partner and I are also going on the 11th cant wait.
change of plans – we’ve been told to stay on the Jewel by our travel agent because its going to be fantastic apparently – so we’re going to take a chance and hope for the best!!!!! So anyone travelling on the Jewel for New Years – we’ll see you there!!!!! Can’t wait to party to bring in 2010!!!!!!!!
Hi Michelle, I was booked to go on the Jewel from Brisbane and I looked up the ship every week on the internet. There are some great photos of the ship and deck plans etc etc. I know P & O are going to do renovations to the new ship. Now I am going on the Pacific Dawn, I am very excited about this. If you would like to look up Pacific Jewel here is the web site: http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk the click on “on the boat” then “view virtual tour. Also there is deck plans of the ship. I think Ocena village two will be Pacific Jewel and Ocean village original will be Pacific Pearl. Thanks Jen
Hi Peter,
My husband and I are booked on this cruise and we are looking forward to having a great time. have cruised before in 1994 on P & O Fairstar to South Pacific. The new year cruise sounds fantastic. Can’t wait!
Hey, Im booked on the NYE cruise out of Brisbane aswell, I was wondering with all the drama;s in Fiji what will happen to the cruise, do we go to other places if the is trouble
hi Michael,in February 2007 we were supposed to go to Suva in Fiji,but with the military coup P&O decided it was much safer for us to visit Dravuni Island in Fiji…no matter what happens,you will still have great cruise!!!
I cruised on the Rhapsody of the Seas last NYE and while it was a lovely ship it was missing a party feeling so I am trying the P & O for the first time. As for the trouble in Fiji, I had a friend over there when the Coup was happening and as long as you werent in the capital then you wouldnt know it happened. The resort she was working at didnt have to change their day to day activities at all so fingers crossed we will be fine.
Hi John, Tell your girls that there is no mobile reception out at sea. You only get reception when you come to an island if you have international roaming. You only get reception back the morning you are coming back into Sydney.
Hi,
You can hire walkie talkies from the Pursers Desk,
This is a cheap way to keep in contact with your family and there is always reception.
Hi John Even though a mobile phone sounds like a good idea you will not get a signal.
hi Julie,i beg to differ about your statement of the mobile phones. The Dawn has now got the facilities via satellite to have mobile coverage in most areas at sea,but you must have your mobile enabled for international roaming. Most of the time at sea i was able to send text messages back to my family but at a cost of about $1.55 each…when we got to Fiji and Samoa the texts were a little cheaper.I was only recently on the Dawn back in March/April and my daughter was on the Dawn last November and she also had the same coverage. John,if you`re not sure about international roaming,contact your provider that you`re with.
Hi Gail. Thanks for the up date on mobile phones I was on one of the Dawn’s first cruises in Australia. It is good to see you can now get coverage. We are going again in September out to Fiji and Tonga.
To add to my comment. I should have read everyone elses comments about the phones as well.
hi mez…i`m sure lots of people could give you lots of info about the Sun,and roll calls are very popular these days,we had a roll call going on a cruise site that i belong to,and we ended up getting about 67 other members travelling on the cruise.
If P&O have no objection,i can post the link to the site,plus they have lts and lots of info and tips…..our group from the site recently went on the W909 cruise in March on the Dawn,and we had shirts made up all the same with “Samoan Secrets” printed on them. You will have a fantastic cruise aboard the Sun!!
ATTENTION P&O,MAY I HAVE PERMISSION TO POST THE LINK TO THE CRUISE SITE??
hi Shelley,i have travelled on the Sun twice,and i loved it..as far as the ATM`s are concerned,i`m not sure if they have them,if you ring P&O they will be able to tell you,but a word of caution though,do not rely on the ATM`s working all the time as recently in March i went on the Dawn and they have 2 ATM`s onboard. on the 3rd day after sailing,one of the atm`s had a physical malfunction and was out of order,and by the middle of the next week the other atm had run out of money,so please take cash/credit cards with you,and Sharyn,i too am disappointed about the Jewel not having a dance area as well,the Dome is fantastic on the Dawn!!
hi shelley yep i went on the pacific sun with my friend and our 2 kids aged 10,14 and we all had a ball they look after you so well you dont want to get off and the food is something to die for you’ll have a ball as did and going back again next year but this time on the pacific dawn……party hard enjoy.leanne
Hi Sharyn & Gail!
I have made a couple of comments below re the Dawn/Jewel nightclub situation. Through our travel agent we were able to get some answers from P&0 – apparently they are fazing out the term “nightclub” as it is very 70’s-80’s and replacing it with “Party Areas” so apparently every night on the Jewel there will be a designated party in a different area of the ship.
Being a group of single friends in our 20’s, the party/nightclub/nightlife side of the holiday is our main concern. We have cruised on the Dawn for the last two NYE’s and when the change happened we were really confused and undecided, but we were told not to change, to stay on the Jewel, that we will not be disapointed. By what we were told, the Jewel out of Sydney will definately be a party ship. And we were also told to except lots of fantastic suprises so now we can’t wait to party for NYE 09/10!!!! so P&O Jewel….hope you’re ready for us!!!!!!
Hope that helps you some and anyone else reading – It took us a long time to find out this info, and I am sure we aren’t the only ones confused so I am very glad to share it!! Whichever ship anyone chooses you will have the time of your life!
Michelle
The Pacific Sun has two ATM’s
These are located just before the photo Gallery Deck 9 Aft.
I used them on the last night and got 20.00 out
Thanks
We were on the Sun in March 09 and the ATM’s weren’t working. Do not rely on them as other friends who have travelled since said they only worked occassionally.
Hi Kalana
We will be on the same trip. This is our second cruise and like you I have been counting the days since booking. Our youngest will be 17 so still in teens programme which she is very excited about. It is 2 years since our last cruise and I still remember it like it was yesterday. We are going to try and book tours before we go or very early in the cruise as once on board they sell out very quickly.
Maybe we’ll meet on board.
Talk again
Narelle
Why don’t they accept visa debit cards?
Hi Kalana, as has already been suggested, Cascade Waterfalls is a beautiful spot to visit and also if time permits, a round island tour is also very good. Is an all day tour, and Vanuatu time is very different to our time, meaning they are very laid back and not in a hurry to do anything or go anywhere, so you would have to be aware that you need to allow extra time to be sure you would be back on the ship before sailing.
hi Michelle,thanks for the info about the Jewel,but also what i liked about the Dome on the Dawn was that during the day i could take a book and sit and read where it was quiet when nothing was on…as far as the “dance” areas go on the Jewel,if she`s a sister ship to the Dawn,i can`t think of any areas or bars that would be big enough to hold a large crowd (apart from outside and the main showlounge)…so it`s going to be interesting to see how they handle this situation..even us “oldies” like to party on until the weeee hours of the morning too..
hi Robyn,it`s amazing how many of the crew remember different people over the years on the different ships,just recently on the Dawn,i came across our chief cabin steward from the Sky back in 2003,and he still remembered me,plus a few bartenders and general staff…this time i took photos and wrote down their names as well…in the Palm Court dining room there is a fantastic waiter by the name of Jomari who was our waiter on the Sun back in 2007…i`m just wondering when i cruise again next year who will still be around??
Hi Lynne,
we are also going this cruise , hope we catch up on the cruise , we have several tours already organised, there are so many many wonderful places to do tours , Apia is one of my favorite ports,We sailed to Tahiti last year and had a ball ,so much that we are going again.. we also have a great roll call going , but don’t think I am allowed to put it here .
Deb
Hi Deb,
Can you please explain to me what a roll call is and how it works.
Thanks
Hi Lynn and Deb. We are also joining the Tahitian Treasures Cruise, but from Papeete and sooooo much looking forward to it. We are travelling with friends who are also counting down. Am wondering what theme nights there may be from the 15th June onwards. Does anyone know what the snorkelling is like at any of our stops? Maybe see you onboard…
roll calls are great fun , you get to meet others on same cruise before you go and exchange ideas about best tours ,thing to do onboard ,ports etc , I don’t think I can put our details here but just do a google search on “Pacific Dawn roll calls” ,that will show you what it is all about .
Snorkling at Bora Bora and a few of the other islands was the highlight of the cruise .
hope we catch up ,it will be easy to find any of the girls in our group(roll call ) we will all have Boa fethers on ,, we are a fun ,friendly group!!! Just come and say hello they will all know who I am DEB!!!
Hi Deb & Andrea, Thanks for your reply,We have decided on some shore trips today will try finding the roll call. This is my 3rd cruise on the Dawn and my husbands 2nd, last was on 12th Oct 2008 with 3 girlfriends what a great time we had.My husbands name is Greg, will look out for you regards Lynne
Have just returned from 10 nights on the Dawn and yes Jomari is still giving great service in the Palm Court Dining room. He is returning home in October.
We have cruised 6 times with P&O and have used our visa debit every time but the last. Just be careful though as it is easy to get caught overspending. P&O take an imprint of your card and then give you a cruise card to “spend” on. There is no cash on board. Each day the money you have spent is deducted from your card and “held” against it. At the end of the cruise you are then debited the full amount you have spent. The problem is that it can take up to 14-21 days for the “held” amount to be released which means if you are not careful, your card can become overdrawn. We found the easiest way to avoid this it to put cash on your card and then on the last day, settle your cash account and give them your Visa for the last day and night.
Hope this helps with your issue.
P.S We cruised in March 09 this year and could still use our Visa Debit, so if this has changed – ignore all of the above
If you take cash you can always keep it your safe. Your money will be safe as you are the only one that can access it. When you board; your cabin steward will show you how to operate your safe. Great for keeping cash, passport and jewelry. We had 4 in our Cabin on the Pacific Sun
Hope this helps
Hi Louise,
It is perfectly fine to use your Visa Debit Card even though the paperwork sent to you states you cannot. Best advice is to contact your bank so they are aware that you will be overseas and using your card to make purchases as they can put a hold on the card for security reasons if thy are unaware you will be overseas.
You will just fill in a form on checkin that allows all charges back to your Visa Debit Card.
Just keep a tab on your spending by checking at the pursers desk. You can get a print out of your spend account at any time. There is an ATM on board if you want to withdraw cash but I am sure there is around a $10 fee charged.
We were delivered an account on the last evening showing that our Visa Debit Card had been charged and our accounts were settled before we disembarked.
If you are planning a late one on the last night – Cash can be used after midnight or so! lol :0)
Have a great time, and if you are going to Port Vila Vanuatu do NOT miss the Cascade Waterfall – Absolutely Stunning!
Cherrie
Hi Louise we also only have a visa debit card so we are getting our hard earned and saved money out the back the bank a couple of days before. Each cabin has its own safe so you can put your money in there we are sailing away on the 31 August and we cant wait have a great trip one of my friends from work is going on her cruise on the 5 of May she is so excited.
hi Lindy,i was also on the Dawn in March/April and i took with me X amount of cash to put on my cruise card,and seeing as how we had a long cruise (17 nights) my cash soon ran out.With the ATM`s being out of order,the Purser`s desk did register my Visa Debit Card for the remainder of the cruise,i just had to be careful what i spent in the last few days..
Hi Gail, we were actually on the sun – but that’s ok.
.
I guess as we have cruised so much (and we are going again at Easter 2010 on the Dawn) we know how much we can spend so we budget for it per day.
We even allow for the duty free grog
Funny how the ATM’s have been a bit of a flop. We cruised up the Qld coast and they were out of order the whole time. Lucky we were still in Oz though.
I love this blog site. It’s great to speak with fellow cruisers.
Thanks Lindy
We have saved $8,000 and one would think that we wouldn’t spend that much I know last time we cruised we didn’t am hoping that someone from P & O might confirm for us.
We are actually doing the Qld Coast one this time, what did you think??
We actually really enjoyed the Qld Coast cruise. Only my husband & I went this time (left the boys at home). It’s a very relaxed cruise as they only do about 12-14 knots the whole way. We had awesome weather and it was like a mill pond all the way. (The cyclone followed us home though
) We told the first timers that they were lucky as there wasn’t any rock at all. I don’t think I saw anyone sick.
We hired a convertable in Cairns and drove around. This was so much fun and only cost approx $120.00 for the day.
Hi Kalana
We went on the Pacific Star and it was in September’07 so I’m really excited to be experiencing Christmas on board. I believe Ouvea is the closest thing to paradise.
The dress standards on board, and I’m assuming they are all the same on the Aussie cruises are fairly casual. Good casual dress is acceptable in the dining rooms. We found on formal night that dressing as if going out to a good restaurant was about it (Iwore a good cocktail dress but may or may not go as dressy this time although it is nice to dress up)
My hubby doesn’t like ties anyway so he wore good pants and a dinner jacket and my son much the same wore a tie but it came off soon after the photos and the captains welcome drinks. All in all the atmosphere is very casual and very comfortable. My daughter is finishing grade 12 and would like to wear her formal dress one more time but if she does, I would say it will only be for the photos.
The kids will have a ball in the teens programme. Our son is 19 now so it’ll be totally different for him this time around. The teens programme is fantastic. We really only saw our kids at meal times. We usually came to the cabin around midnight and quite often they would crawl in after 1am and then back with their friends the next day. They still keep in touch with their friends who come from all over the Eastern side of Australia.
I’ll write more another time as it is so exciting, I could keep going all day.
Look forward to hearing from you again.
Narellle
Hi Jen
We are packing too and getting excited too. Looking forward to doing the same sort of things as you are (including bingo)The cruise is our retirement gift to us as we have always wanted to go on one.
Thanks Cherrie
We did Port Vila last time, we are doing the Qld Coast this time and hoping it will be good. Fingers crossed they let us use our card…
Hi Cherie, Great you mentioned that,
My wife and I went in Oct 2008,
one thing i never did was notify credit unionI was going overseas,
When I went to use ATM on Vanuato, the machine did not lt me..
We booked through Harvey World Travel in Knox City, Wantirna, Melbourne, and the girl did not tell us about this,
She did not tell us many things,
We will never go Harvey world travel again,
We are also on that cruise with two boys 8 and 4. I think P& O will let you know beforehand what themes are. I read something about it in the paperwork.
We were in Noumea a couple of years ago (can’t believe we are going back again – not big fans), and it was cool weather – around 25 and sunny. nights can be quite cool. Not hot weather at all. Fiji in May is around 27 and sunny as well. so although warmer than our home of Adelaide – not hot hot hot…
see you on board.. our first cruise on Pacific Dawn – been on a couple of others a while back.
All very excited – only 10 weeks till we leave for Sydney.. yippee
allison
can you tell me how long the jab lasts for. Been sick for a day or so on previous cruises and this sounds like the answer. yep – make the sydney heads myself… lol
how soon before you go do you need to have it? figure in July it might be a bit rough, so want to take precautions.
thanks
allison
the doctor has said it will be fine to have it the day before as it will still be in your system. Our last cruise was in july and yes it was rough
Hallo to all on teh Dawn. My husband is working on the ship and will be there for his birthday. This is the first time he will not be home for this special day. How can I get some roses and chocolate to him on the ship. I am from South Africa. Thank you.
Hi Shelley. Depending on how much you drink, if you buy anything from Duty Free shop on board, the trips you do. Last cruise, 12 nights, we went on, we had two tours and a visit to the ships Dr and we spent about $1500. We are not real drinkers, so that made it a bit cheaper for us.
when are you going in july? We are going on the 21st july. we went april last year and we spent $3000 and we renewed our vows and spent $1000 of that on photos. we drank, played bingo had tours, wine and brought duty free stuff on the boat and a shore in villa(ciggs and spirts). so it depends on what you want to do have a look at the tours and price on the web sitte so then you will know that price. we started with $1000 on each card. we had change out of the $3000 at the end of the cruise.
Hi Andrea
Shivvvvvering here in NSW too, funny you will be getting on as we are getting off we are doing the Syd to PPT leg of the cruise, hope you enjoy..we have 34 sleeps? I think…
Hi, My daughter is on the dawn now has just sent an email to tell me she just got back on the ship from being on mystery island and she loved it, layed back I was there 3 years ago and I loved it too. I sent my daughter on the dawn for her 21st birthday preasant which is tomorrow she will be in Villa. She has gone with 7 girlfriends so i bet they are making themselves known on board. As they say you will have the time of your life .ENJOY.
Hi Kalana
Excititng isn’t it?
We park our car at Andrew’s Airport Parking. We’ve used them twice now. It’s convenient and close to the wharf. They bus you down to the terminal in a group and pick you up when you SADLY arrive back after the cruise.
There are heaps of airport parking places around the area. If you get on the internet, have a look and they will have prices. If you decide to do it I would be booking soon though as Christmas time could get busy.
It costs roughly $20 per day. The car is usually dirty when you pick it up but for a fee they will wash it for you but we don’t worry about it as we have a car wash near home anyway. If you are in RACQ you also get a discount from the above.
As for the cruise personaliser, if you are still having trouble, contact your Travel Agent and they should be able to help you.
Take care and keep counting.
Talk again,
Narelle
Kalana
I have just looked up the rates for the car parking (the one I mentioned) and for 10 days undercover the rate is $107 and $87 for outdoor. We go undercover.
Hi Kalana,
I have trouble gettting into the cruise personaliser too. The problem I have is after going into the cruise personaliser, the new folder opens and comes up with a Certificate Error. I find exiting out the folder and trying this again works the second time.
Hi Kalana,
I had the same problem accessing the cruise personaliser but found out from the travel agent that because the ship changed from the Jewel to the Dawn, the booking number changed as well. We are also booked on the December 19th cruise. May see you then.
Suzie and David
no nothing in the room but you can get it from the coffee shop at any time. yes you can as that is what i wear on our cruises so do a lot of other ladies as well.
hi Jen,onboard there are 24hr auto coffee/tea dispensing machines,makes it handy when at 2 am and you can`t sleep and would love a nice cup of tea…the machines are located on the deck near the buffet
Hi Jen, I have been on six cruises and yes you can wear black pants on formal nights.There are no tea making facilities on emerald deck( I can’t say if the balcony cabins have them) But they have free tea/coffee bar on the swimming pool deck near the restuarant.plus coffee place near pursers desk.Hope you enjoy your cruise.Jo
Hi Jen,
The mini suites have tea and coffee facilities and the suites also have a capuccino maker but the rest of the cabins do not have any of these facilities
Hi Sue
It’s great to see your comments. You seem to be a seasoned cruiser and I am picking up a lot of tips from yours and others comments. We are going on our 2nd one from Brisbane in December, the first one out of Brissie on the Dawn. We are over our initial disappointment of not being on the Jewell. We were originally booked on the Sun, then it changed and changed again but from everything I read, the Dawn is fantastic. I can’t wait. I hope we have smooth travelling as we did last time 2 years ago in September. We went on the Pacific Star then which is a lot smaller but we thought that was huge so I’d say we are in for a real surprise.
tassie trip is evil that boat is bad. i was that sick on that boat it took 3 weeks to get over it i could not even look at a glass of water with out feeling sick i could not even carry a bucket of water to our horse the slushing noice set me off again. you will love the dawn. the two can not be compared. have a lovley cruise. i LOVE the dawn going again in july
Hi Allison,
We have just returned from 10 nights on Pacific Dawn during school holidays (April). Our boys are 5 and 3. Apparently there were only 40 3-6 year olds in total on the cruise and we never had a problem getting them in. We didn’t have to book them in ever and were able to come and go as we pleased.
As for Shark Shark apparently there was about 80 7 – 12 year olds so I don’t know what the situation was with ‘getting in’. I would imagine that kids tended to float in and out of there more because some children had been granted sign in and out privileges by their parents.
We found the kids facilities to be crucial to our trip because there isn’t a great deal else for the kids to do (especially the little ones) on board. Nights are great because you’ll be able to have an early dinner with the kids if you want to and then send them off to be entertained and for the movies so you can have some time to yourselves. During our cruise they had early kids dinner at 4.30 to 5.15 which is perfect for the younger ones and, maybe, your 8 year old depending on how hungry he is then. The dinner buffet starts at 5.30 so you could feed him there and have dinner yourselves in the restaurant later on.
It will take about two nights to get into the swing of things. My boys loved the playstations and the games etc. During the cruise the kids rehearsed for a talent show and performed in the show lounge on the last day. It was really good and great memories for the older kids.
We loved our cruise and I would love to do it again. If you have any questions I’m happy to answer them as best I can.
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
I know a few of us have asked about the kids meal on board, you’d be the best person to ask having just experienced it with your little ones. What sort of choices were there for the children?
Kym
Thanks Lyn. Pretty excited here now – only 9 weeks till we head to Sydney for a few days, prior to the cruise….
The info for the kids is great and appreciate your response. Early dinner is a great idea for the kids and I know they have evening childcare so that will be nice as well. To actually have time with the hubby without the kids and a nice meal – looking forward to that.
The middle of the cruise will go fast as we are at a different place each day, so the kids will only want the kids club in the first two and last two days i would think.
Oldest son (8) is pretty good at bingo, goes with his nana sometimes, so if he can’t get in – I am sure he will join in with us… lol.
We are sharing a cabin, but assume there won’t be much time spent in it.
I would assume that P&O ensure that most kids are taken care of, so the restrictions on numbers must play a part in all that.
All rather excited and counting down now. Thanks so much for your info. If there is anything else I will be sure to ask.
Kind Regards
allison
Message for Allison…on the ship now the Bingo is classed as gambling,so all persons under the age of 18 have to leave the lounge and can not play bingo.
Thanks Gail – heads up about the Bingo. I am sure we can find other things to do…. I would say there is a chance we will be spoilt for choice..
cheers
Allison
Hi Nik,it is HIGHLY recommended that you have adequate Travel Insurance.Overseas there is no Medicare,and if you were in need of emergency treatment you could be up for $1,000`s of dollars. It also covers any public liability as well as a range of other things too…just recently in March on the Dawn a friend had a suspected heart attack,and with all the tests he had to have on the ship it amounted to over $3,000 alone..thankfully he was ok…there are lots of places that provide travel insurance,and make sure you also read the excess charges as well…
I got cheap travel insurance at AAMI. 7 days cover for 2 Adults & 2 Children
for $96.00. Web Site: aami.com.au
Sue,
My wife and I are also booked on the 21st July cruise. We went on the same cruise in December 2007 and loved it so much we are going again. Is there anyone else out there that would like to meet up for a drink as we sail under the Harbour Bridge?
hi david we would love to meet and have a drink or two and play bingo. we are in cabin c131. all our kids will be wityh us but they are over 21 so it will be fun.
Sue,
Our kids are also all over 21 but they are not coming with us. I’m not a big fan of bingo but my wife plays sometimes. We are in A123.
We look forward to meeting you.
Hi all
I am going on W919 July 21st. I see a few people here are already going on that cruise (may have already been in contact with you on other forums???) but if not hello!
hi rose
we are also on that cruise so we might have to meet for a drink. who are you traverling with? count down is on. 67 days to go…….
Hi.
We don’t drink much but two of us spent $2000 Aus on the cruise and this did not include tours.
You will find that the Dawn Photos taken by proffessional photographer costs a fair bit. Buy photos the last day of trip,
Also,,,very important, when packing to go home,,,put the photos in the hand luggage as photos are not light when you buy albums also,,,and this will save you at least $30 for being overweight at the airport.
We also found that cameras etc were same price as Aus, so buy memory cards in Australia,
Have a few spare ones.. as you may delete photos and regret it,
if you do delete photos on memory card, do not despair.
Take card out and put it away and put new card in.
Harvey Norman has a program you can buy and get your photos back, The only thing is,,,IMPORTANT, do not take any more photos on the card a it will destroy some of the other photos on card.
One more thing, the passport does not get stamped at the ports,,but at isle of pines , they will stamp it for you,but tis will cost $5,it is just wher the toilets are.. Everything is $5 Aus,
At Isle of pines, the restaurant is dear, about $50 per person for lunch,ie cold buffet. we gave it a miss.
Re tours ,,Book at home as most tours are gone when you get on ship.
Carry $1 Aus coins.
Hi
You will find that there will only be one suitcase delivered first and the others later.
We were freaking out when we only had one delivered outside the door,as we thought our baggage was left on shore,
So don’t panic when only one suitcase arrives.
After you go to room, you then have to go to one of the lounges,we went to Begal room,to hear a talk on how to abandom ship if need arises,
After that, most people go up deck and party as the ship leaves port,
We recently stayed in a suite on the Dawn (last month) and there was no access between the balconies. I’d imagine this is the same for the mini-suite.
Lyn
Hi Suzie and David and hello again Kalana
We are also travelling on the same cruise. We will be travelling with our son who will be 19 then and our daughter who will be 17.
Really looking forward to it. We have already started looking at the shore tours for Vila to see what may be available and intend to book early and not on board the ship as they sell out very quickly. I know my husband and son want to try a fishing trip this time around so us girls will be looking for something as well. We also intend to have a pamper at the salon on board. We have put away 2 tins to fill up with coins which we are calling our cocktail fund and will cash it in at the bank before we go and put in onto the visa card.
Kalana, hope the info I gave you on the parking in Brisbane was helpful.
Narelle
Hi there suzie and david, great to hear from more fellow cruisers. Thanks for info on cruise personaliser. I was getting worried each time i logged on and the screen would be blank(it all makes sense now). Thanks again and keep on blogging!!!!!
Hi to Narelle, How many days to go now? lol. My daughter and I are also planning the big papmper session on board as well cant wait for that. As for tours, we are still undecided, was thinking of an all day one but we would like some free time to wander around also so the Cascade Falls tour looks good as it is only 2 and a half hours. Good on you for the savings tin idea both the kids have got there own tin, I tried it but kept on getting into it every time I needed extra money for something. I have a friend at work who saves EVERY $5 note she gets, she has only been doing it a few weeks and has 40 of them thats ($400).She is very strong with saving as apposed to me.LOL… The info on the parking was great, I sent them an email about vacancies and so far they are not booked out yet but they said to get in soon.. Better go now could keep chatting for hours talk to you soon.
Hi again Suzie just wandering is this your first cruise like us or have you been before. Do you have any kids???
Just be wary, AAMI charge an excess if you need to claim.
Reply for Andrea….most will have an excess fee,it varies from company to company,always best to hunt around for the best deal as in pricing,coverage, excess fees etc
hi all – going on 3rd cruise april 2010 – we had our insurance through vero family cover 2 adults and 2 children 12 nights $125 – $100 excess had to make claim as our daughter need to see doctor after shore tour cost $600 we had our claim approved and chq in mail within 10 working days
Hi Sam
I have cruised on the Pacific Dawn twice, last one just a few weeks ago. Used the Gym equipment such as Treadmill, bike, weights etc on the first cruise and it is free. The movies are free as well, walk into the Showlounge, sit down anywhere you want and watch. The Pacific Daily delivered to your cabin each night outlines what time the movies are on.
Hi Sam
See my reply below, put it in the wrong field.
Hi Jodie thanks for your input on tours in Villa. I have decided to take a punt and wait till we get there and see what happens. Its all part of the adventure. You mentioned that you are sailing again in Dec, is that from Brisbane? If so what date are you going? We leave from Brissie 19th Dec. Its our first cruise and first ever overseas trip for me, hubby, daughter 16, and son 13. They arent as excited as thier mum (its too far away!) thanks again hope to chat again soon
no, its all free, the movies are great, and the latest releases, fantastic. the gym is small, but has everthing. hope you enjoy…
Gidday Sam
All movies and use of the gym are free. Enjoy your cruise.
Jeff
There is no fee to play the playstations in the Teen lounge
Hi Sam
See my reply further down the list
Hi
We have Cruised from Singapore thru the Malacca Straits with Star Cruises in August 07 that was also a fantastic experience and worth doing.We were on the Dawn in Feb 09 for 14days and we absolutely loved it especially the Days at Sea because it gave you time to relax and unwind. On the Asia cruise you were off the Ship every day so may be not as relaxing.
morning fellow bloggers, hi Narelle, Suzie and David. just wanting to know if anyone has benn on or heard about the Ekasup Cultural Village tour on Villa??? This seems to cover most things EG cultural places of interest, shopping ect and only goes for 2 and a half hours leaving you time to explore the island on your own.. Also when you look up the tours on web sight it says that they are onle available up to 30th Nov does that mean that you cant do tours at xmans time when we are cruising?? Hey Narelle how many days now?????????
Hi Garry and Yoyet
Getting very excited about our cruise on July 2nd with P Dawn. We first cruised in 2007 aboard the StarCruises ship Star Virgo out of Singapore in the Malacca Straits (very smooth sailing) along the coast of Malaysia and Thailand, back to Singapore and then around the other side of the Malay Peninsula to Redang Island. It was the best thing we have ever done. I can’t rave enough about how wonderful it was; how good the shore excursions and food were and how magnificent the ship is. The weather was sensational. The crew was sensational. Our in-laws did a renewal of their wedding vows – superb – that’s how we got to meet and speak with the captain cos he did it. And there were extra little touches for our birthdays that didn’t cost a thing. We had really 6 meals on board every day as the morning and arvo teas and suppers were included in the price and they were sumptuous. I highly recommend it. Is it the same with P Dawn? If we took tea and coffee bags on board could we make a cuppa in our cabins? Hope you can help out.
Hi Kalana
We went to the village. It was a great insight into the islands of Vanuatu and the people. We met another family on board and as we had no tours booked, decided to grab someone on dock (never in short supply). There are heaps of locals with minivans just ready for the tourists.
Mind you it took a bit of getting used to being driven in a left hand drive and the roads…SCARY. Whoever doesn’t give way, gets right of way.LOL Some really great potholes too.
John acted as our tour guide all day and took us anywhere we wanted. Took us to a really good pub for lunch. He was very informative. He took us to the village which cost extra but from memory all up for the 8 of us (not including the meal at the pub) it cost around $130.
As for the tours I think they are updated , most are still the same as when we went 2 years ago. I would imagine the dates to be updated and no reason for them not to be available to us in December. Maybe someone else could help us with that query.
Anyway talk again soon. 222 Days to go!!!!!!!!! (but you’d know that)
Hi Kalana, My husband and I have been to Villa 3 times now ,we did fullday trips around the Island twice and last time did the Ekasup culture tour it was great good value and we had pently of time to shop .Take small notes{ $5, $10 ,$20} with you.Regards Lynne
Hi Narelle, so we dont really need to book a tour, should we wait and get a local to take us around various places? Did he go to the same place a tour would go? It sounds like the cheaper way to go. The Ekasup tour will cost over $300 for the four of us. Is it easy to communicate with the locals? I know that is probably a stupid question but i have visions of heaps of locals in your face as you get of the boat all of them wanting your business, no one understanding a word anyone is saying, do you know what i mean?…very over whelming. Oh and by the way how many days now?????????
Hi Kalana
It is a bit overwhelming with all the locals in your face when you get to Villa, however it’s a lot cheaper to get one of them to drive you around and show you the sights. We cruised in Jan 08 and are going again Dec 09. When we last visited Villa, we hired a local called “Jack” who took us all around to the best duty free places and also to his local village & beach, which was great. I think the whole day cost us about $50. We chose him because he was the friendliest and told us to take our time choosing a tour guide and he would wait for us incase we chose him, which we did. We also did the Jet boat ride and that was awesome!! Have fun.
Hi again Kalana
220 LOL
When we did our trip on the cruise in Vanuatu that was definately the best way for us. The family we met on board and did it with agreed. That way we got to pick and choose where and when we went and John being a local knew a lot of places and a lot of people. He just made himself a part of our group but left us alone at times as well and came back to pick us up. We are going to include the cascades when we go as it seems to be a MUST DO!! We are also going to take our snorkel gear (we left it on board last time but didn’t get a chance to go anyway). He was going to take us to hideaway island but like women who get their own way we decided we wanted to include shopping, wont’ do it this time though.
Other people on more recent trips may have some other ideas to share but the way we’ve thought is that if you don’t have any particular one in mind then you wont risk disappointment. We did one in Noumea and the tour guide was useless the bus was old and decreprid with no airconditioning (only when the driver went fast and had the windows open) and was quite dirty and smelly. We were disappointed but when on a trip like this you just laugh and make the most of a bad experience. There’s always a bad story to tell about holidays and that makes just a small portion. The ship is great fun, never a dull moment.(not that we’ve been on anything as grand as the Dawn). The staff are fantastic and you will pine for it as soon as you leave. I don’t think this will be your last one if you can save for another in a couple of ;years. You’ll be hooked.
I’m getting excited again, but you cant’ really tell can you.
Hi Narelle 219 days to go. Am having a full on time at work at the moment so this holiday cant come soon enough!! Thanks for the advice about tours I think I might take the punt and choose someone on shore to take us around, sounds like more fun and spur of the moment stuff. You never know, we might end up in the same bus. Dont know about passing up on going shopping though are you serious?lol… talk again soon
Hi David,
When we were there in 2007, especially Vila, they preferred Australian Dollars.
Happy Cruising. Lucky you
Hi David. My husband also uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and it is not a problem on the ship. You just may need to unplug one of the sidelamps as we had to last cruise. Have a great time. With the smaller Islands that you visit, make sure you have $1 and $2 coins with you.
hey david
my husband uses a cpap machine and we have had no problems he also uses a humidifier with his. all we did was took a small extension cord and power board and was good to go. enjoy your cruise
karen
Hi Karen
My hsuband and I are lso going on cruise April2010. We leave April 10th, when do you leave. We are travelling with friends of ours and their 2 daughters who will be 15 and 12 when we leave. It seems so long away lets just hope the time flies by. Happy cruising all.
Hi Belinda ,
we are also going on this wonderful cruise, we have a roll call going , and yes there is several children sailing , we have 8 children on the rollcall around your kids ages, they will have so much fun .I would think there will be more kids sailing.
Won’t be long till the cruise now!!!!
Can’t wait ,so exciting
Cheers Deb
Hi Deb, thanks for your reply. I am glad to hear that there is kids sailing about the same age as mine. Looking forward to maybe seeing you on board. See you soon Belinda.
Hi Belinda ,
Look for a group with Boa’s on . It will be easy to find us. We will have them on from embarkation day .
Cheers Deb
Hi Deb,
Can you tell me what a roll call is?
Thanks, Narelle
Hi Narelle,
It is group of people doing the cruise ,, they organise group tours, get togethers on board etc If you do a google search , put in the words…roll call Pacific Dawn ,that will take you to the roll call.
Cheers Deb
Hi junie77
To answer your qustion NO you cant drink your duty free alcohol, when you buy it in Villa you dont even take it to the ship, they will deliver it for you to the ship and you will get you alcohol on the last night.
Sorry to disappoint you like that lol but I hope you have a great cruise….Cheers
no you can’t, the alcohol you buy in port villa gets held for you till the last night of your cruise, then it is brought to your cabin for you. buy it from port villa, the last shop on the left of the main street, everybody knows about it, very cheap, enjoy…
Hi Robert
Back in 2007 it cost us $85 for my daughter and we got it all back on insurance but it took a few weeks.
Others on the blog have commented and I think more recently I have seen it cost someone $125.
If you go into the section on Seasickness and myths there are some really helpful tips and information from the bloggers. One common one has been recommendation of taking AVomine tablets one day before cruising and for a couple of days. Apparently is the same as the injection and has been recommended by doctors. It can be bought from chemists. I know we are going to give it a try when we cruise in December.
Do yourself a favour and click into the comments on the Seasickness and Myths section. You will get a lot of helpful advice. Worth the try before you pay $100+.
Anyway Happy Cruising, Is this your first one?
Narelle
Hi Robert,
When we sailed the first time in Apr 08 it cost $50 for the consultation, plus injection and follow up Avomine tablets the bill came to $90.25. We claimed imost of it back. This year, in April, my wife took Avomine tablets the night before we sailed as well as one before dinner on the first night and she had absolutely NO seasickness. It was amazing that she was so different to the first trip.
Garry
just returned from pacific dawn today, i got the needle the first morning, it ended up costing $90 but well worth it, felt so much better in 1/2 hr, you also get tablets with the needle, which work really well. i have heard we should get back the full amount, so hope thats true. Enjoyed every minute of our cruise, can’t complain about a thing, except the last day, because we had to hop off, and return to reality, boo hoo. Enjoy every minute, its awsome.
hi Robert, just looked up the tablets i got on board from the doctor with my injection and they are Avomine, they worked really well. Before we left I took Travel calm, and wore wrist bands, but still got sick, so I think Avomine is the one to take for sure, it is a pack of 10 and says you can take 1-4 tablets a day, start taking them the night before you travel, enjoy your cruise.
Hi,
I went on the 23 Oct 08 cruise & I was so sick, went straight to the Medical Centre they gave me an injection & a box of 9 Avomine tablets for something like $90. After that rest of my cruise was a breeze. I’ve just come off the 05-May – 16 May was only sick one day as we couldn’t get off at Mystery Island & I didn’t take any tablets night before. I tell you those Avomine tablet are awesome. I had left overs from last year so I used them again this one. When I got back last year I claimed on insurance & got all my money back within a week.
Hi Robert, I get motion sick and have found that Kwells work for me. I travelled on the Pacific Dawn for the last cruise and took some Ginger which is recommended as a natural aid. I try to push the boundary and not take anything if possible. The Pacific Dawn is very stable and the few time we had a bit of motion I simply had a lay down foe a while and I was ok. The crew and as per this web iste also mention Green Apples, so I started eating them whn I felt a little “off” and I was ok. On my first cruise I had Kwells, Ginger Tablets and wrist bands….smile.
I found being up the front of the ship in the Dome (Pacific Dawn) wasn’t a good idea if there was any real swell. Get back further towards the mid ship area. Bengal Bar was good for me.
Hope you have a pleasant trip.
Hi Narelle it is my wifes first time, I cruised on the Oriana almost 30 years ago it was sensational. My wife is so excited it is for her 50th birthday I have saved so hard for this if its anything like 30 years ago we will have a wonderful time thanks for your comments. i have a work friend who sailed in Oct 08 and she had a great time she has rebooked for feb 10 I also have another work friend who is currently sailing as we speak she gets back on Sat so i am waiting with anticaption for her return.
thanks Rob
hey Robert…i got quite ill last year on my first cruise and was told by a crew member to buy the motion sickness bands on board that slip on just like a bracelet on your wrist…they were sensational and worked really well….. i will be using them with my kids this time as well…we 2 are on your cruise so maybe we will see each other….
p.s i priced the bands at my local chemist they were around $10 a set
Kalana, I think we must be on the cruise after yours. We leave Brisbane on the 28th Dec 2009 (New Years Cruise). You and your family will have a ball. Too bad we aren’t on the same cruise, we have a daughter 17 and a son 13!!!!
Hi Jodie, that’s a bummer Enjoy your new years cruise. I havent even been on my first cruise yet and i am already thinking about doing a new years cruise the following year. You will have to let us know how it goes. Have a great time. kalana
hi Sam, we just arrived home today from Pacific Dawn cruise, 5.5.09 – 16.5.09. So many wonderful movies, Secret life of bees, Bride wars, Twilight, Marley and me, Yes man, Bolt, Australia, Ice age 2, Ghost town, Mamma mia, Wall-e, Slumdog millionaire, Quantum of solace, Bedtime stories, Body of lies, Sisterhood of traveling pants 2, The curious case of benjamin button, and many more, the list goes on and on. Sorry, can’t help with the teen lounge, enjoy your trip.
Sorry Sue, that is prob the only question I can’t answer, have a wonderful cruise,
Hi sue,
just got off the dawn today.no they don’t have coke zero.you can take your own cartons of coke on with you
Sandy
sue when i went in march they didnt have zero ust fake chinese diet coke
sorry, jackpot bingo was $12,000, thats right twelve thousand dollars.
Hi Jen & John. Glad you had a great time. We have 29 sleeps to go before joining Pacific Dawn midway thru Tahitian Treasures at Papeete. Cannot come soon enough. This is our 3rd cruise in just under 2 years. It really has is hooked. Great to read all the different stories and questions from everyone on this site. Happy Cruising Everyone…
G’day,
We too were on the cruise 5 May to 16 May and yes it was the best.
Great crew on board that make you feel so welcome. Great entertainment and we met some really nice people aboard as well.
We ate at the Pal Court as well for our meals and there are 2 blokes there, Joseph & Harrison, who provided us with great service and friendship every evening.
Best thing in the evenings is to have a drink or 2 at the Promenade Bar and listen to Jesse play some wonderful music.
Do as much or as little as you want but have a great time.
Joe & Alison
G’day,
We too were on the cruise 5 May to 16 May and yes it was the best.
Great crew on board that make you feel so welcome. Great entertainment and we met some really nice people aboard as well.
We ate at the Palm Court as well for our meals and there are 2 blokes there, Joseph & Harrison, who provided us with great service and friendship every evening.
Best thing in the evenings is to have a drink or 2 at the Promenade Bar and listen to Jesse play some wonderful music.
Do as much or as little as you want but have a great time.
Joe & Alison
Hi Jen & John, in regard to bringing little pressies for the children on the islands, can you give me any suggestions of what to take. We are sailing in Dec and I would really like to take some things with me for them, just not sure what???
Will be on Pacific Dawn next year. Do the menus in Palm Court restaurant change on a daily basis or is it the same every night?
Also, we are booked in a mini suite. Has anyone been in mini suite before as I have had several comments from other people, good and bad. Apparently the mini suites do not have same facilities / benefits as full suite.
Jan
thanks any way.
Hi Leanne, I am going on the same cruise as you. Can you tell me is Cairns and Port Douglas far away from where the teder drops people off? Could our family walk or do we need to get transport into the shopping centres? How far away do you think eg 3k, 10k, 20k? Thanks Jen
Hi Jen
I am taking my family on the Pacific Dawn on 23rd Jan. Went in Feb ‘09 and can’t wait to go again. Same cruise, new ship.
Jeff’n Julie
I agree with you Leanne, the Queensland cruise is great, and the Pacific Dawn is a bigger, newer and better ship. We will be on the same cruise. See you in Jan.
Jeff ‘n Julie
Hi Leanne, do you know if Yorkeys Knob for Cairns & Port Douglas are Tender port’s? On P & O website the itinerary is a little different from what we booked. This new itinerary looks better. Also do P & O do DVD’s of QLD cruise to sell to passengers. Thanks Jen
Hi Leanne
We are going on the same cruise. Are there any children going with you? Of the 8 of us there will be a 15yo and three 14year olds. We live on the Gold Coast, where are you travelling from.
Hi Leanne
We are on the 23rd Jan cruise. We went on the same cruise 3 months ago and we’re looking foward to going on the Dawn this time. There will be 4 teenagers going with us this time. Do u have kids cruising with u?
Gold Coast Julie
Hi Leanne
We too are cruising on 23rd Jan 2010 are we will have 4 teenagers with us, 14-15 yo. Do u have kids going on the cruise? Went on same cruise back in Feb and looking forward to going on the Pacific Dawn.
Julie and Jeff (Gold Coast)
Hi Leanne
We will be on the 23rd Jan cruise, 4 adults and 4 teenagers, three 14yo & one 15yo. Are there any children in your group. We went on the same cruise Feb 28, 2009 and can’t wait to go again. Then on March 6th 2010 we’re going to Noumea & Vila. We are looking forward to cruising on the Pacific Dawn as it newer and bigger than the Pacific Sun. We live on the Gold Coast so we haven’t got far to travel. Keep in touch.
from Julie & Jeff
Please cotact us by Email jeffthompson5@hotmail.com
We can send cruise pics and talk about our past and future cruise.
Hi Leanne, We are going on same cruise as you. We are from Gumma.
Hi Leanne, Jen from Gumma, I just saw on the news that Pacific Dawn will be sailing past Coffs Harbour tomorrow while a boat picks up tests from the Ship. I am going to Coffs tomorrow Sunday 31st May and will have a look for the ship. I was on Nambucca headland when Queen Mary sailed past a few years ago and alot of locals were their watching her sail past (lucky it was my day off work).
Hi Jen
No tender is required in Cairns as ship docks across the road from the shops.
Jeff
hi jen ,you get off at cairns and walk around but as for port douglas we catch a bus up there iam getting excited ,maybe we can meet ,you will really love this cruise it was so pretty and also port douglas has a zoo we went there it was a really good day.take care leanne
hi sandy i just returned from a 11 night night cruise on pacific dawn i returned sat.16 may.The weather at vila & isle of pines was perfect mid twenties, i didnt find the night to cold but it does pay to take a warm jacket etc . Sharon
Hi Jeff, Is Yorkys Knob at Cairns a Tender Port ? I thought this stop may be a little above Cairns harbour but I have never been to Cairns before (maybe the tenders drop people off at Cairns harbour). On P & O website the itinerary is different from what we booked. eg: we booked Cairns overnight now it says, Whitsundays, Yorkys Knob Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island. Our original Itinerary said Port Douglas was optional transport 2nd day from Cairns, now is says we are going to Port Douglas which I think is a tender port, so all stops on this cruise will be tender ports. Do you know where the tenders drop passengers off at Yorkys Knob Cairns & Port Douglas. I am unsure of what itinerary we will actually get. First Cruise for our children.
Hi Jeff n Julie, our children are 7, 8 & 9yo boys. We are not going to tell them about the Cruise until we are boarding. We are telling them that our holiday will consist of a visit to Australia Zoo and on our way home we will drop into the Cruise terminal at Brisbane.
We are doing the QLD cruise because this is a sample for our children to see if they like it and we have always wanted to go to Cairns & Port Douglas. I booked this cruise because originally this was suposed to be Pacific Sun. I have been on Pacific Sun and the children on that cruise had a great time on the waterslide, so did I and lots of other activities. Now there is no waterslide and the ship has changed 3 times since we booked. I am very happy that we are going on Pacific Dawn.
I really don’t mind what ininerary we get, our family really need a holiday. I have also read other people’s comments and in January when we go Crusing, I really hope the airconditioner doesn’t break down, the heat at that time of year even if it rains is very hot.
We are from Mid North Coast of NSW. Half way between Brisbane and Sydney. I hope you and your family are safe on the Gold Coast after the current storms. Today we are getting a little of that weather as the system moves down the coast, by thisafternoon we should be getting extreme wind and rain. See you in 8 months. Jen
We are on same deck and have our cabin number allocated. I check on cruise personalizer. I know cabin numbers may change at the last minute. If cruise not full sometimes there are upgrades.
Hi Jeff, If you go to P & O Website, find a cruise, find 23rd January 2010 and click on the picture of the itinerary the picture will enlarge it says we are going to Yorkys Knob Cairns and Port Douglas. I have looked up these ports in the P & O brochure and they are tender ports on other cruises eg 10 night QLD cruise from Sydney on Pacific Dawn. I can’t wait this will be 6th cruise but first Aussie Cruise & first for our children. Jeff thanks for your reply, this is good to know maybe the itinerary will change back to Cairns. Thanks Jen
I mean DVD not video. I would like to purchase a DVD of our cruise.
Hi Jen
Yes you can buy a DVD on every cruise. I was on the Skyrail with Ivan the cameraman who filmed all the activities on the ship and all items of interest on land. Ivan is a great guy of Argentinian heritage who was on his first assignment for P&O.
Hi Cathy, you can log onto the weather in Vila, Noumea using google search. I did this and found the average temperture for whatever time of year you want on every place on earth, but I only looked up Fiji & Noumea.
Hi Julie, I have cruised to both places. The ship purser have always changed Aust $ to the local currency. I think they change back again if you have any left. I have never had any left to change back and the Fiji note I have is in my photo album with all my cruise photos. I went to Tonga in 1978, I was only 8yo. Got me hooked to cruising.
Weather over there is warm to hot. You can get some fijian and tongan dollars. My travel agent advised me to. We are going on the same cruise as you. The tongans are excellent weavers. A tour of a village is very good as you get to see some of their culture. Also if you get seasick Avomine 25mg is great. About $11 at the chemist. Have a great time the Dawn is a beautiful ship. Cruised on her last year. You have a fridge in your cabin.
Hi Jen
I questioned P&O about the same itinerary listing and the anwer I got was that because the cruise is still 8 months away they are not aware of tides until cruise time. The ship may still dock in Cairns. Keep on eye on the itinerary closer to the date. I also questioned them if it was due to the Pacific Dawn being a larger ship it may not be able to dock. Nobody could give a reason, so it’s just wait and see. Yorkey’s Knob isn’t far fron Trinity Wharf and I think the tender boat will ferry everyone to here.
Hi again Jen
We enjoyed the extra trips between the ship and the marina at both Airlie Beach and Port Douglas. Even spotted a few sharks within 10 metres of the tender boat on our return. In Cairns it is best if you are docked at Trinity Wharf as you can come and go from the whenever you want. We also made a night visit to the lagoon which is a fabulous swimming pool.
Hi Jen
You mention you are taking chidren on your cruise, how old are they?
Between all of us there will be 4 teenagers 14-15 years old and we live on the Gold Coast.
hi jen i know that when we went on the pacific sun they made a dvd that you could buy of the cruise so iam thinking that the dawn would have the same well iam hoping that they do a dvd as i regret not getting 1 on our last cruise..leanne
Hi Jen
Thank you for thinking about us. We are ok on the Gold Coast, plenty of wind & rain, but escaped any damage. We have a small lake next to our big pool from all the rain. I also don’t care what ship we are on or what the itinerary is as long there is no cyclone oraweek of rain. It’s great to send messages to others on the same cruise. All I know is that we on on the Caribe deck.
Hi again Kalana, great to hear from you again.
I was excited for you when you said you had your passports. Another step closer!!!!!! When you get on the cruise personaliser with your new number just go through each passenger detail and double check everything is okay and then keep checking to find your cabin allocation.
It is soooooooo exciting. Last time ours changed 2 days before the cruise, same deck, but anywhere is good.
Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Take care, stay safe and keep counting.
Narelle
Hi Jeff
If you choose Video (instead of virtual) then select Pacific Dawn you will get a drop down of all the decks on the Pac Dawn just select which deck & you will get a video tour of it….hope that helps
Hi Jeff, have you got the DVD from P & O called Wish you were here. I ordered it from the brochures on P & O website. It is all about the Pacific Dawn and after the intorductory video it goes through each deck and shows pictures of alot of the ship including every type of cabin. Then after it shows the Dawn it goes through the Pacific Sun deck plans and pictures. It is really good. Pacific Dawn will be the largest ship I have been on so far since I started cruising in 1978.
Don’t think so. I haven’t been on the Pacific Dawn but there are no pool tables on any other cruise ship I have been on. Probably due to the motion especially in big swell. Maybe P & O can reply to your question
no there arn’t any at all sorry.
There are no pool tables
I reckon there should be at least one eh!.. pity there isnt, think of the insane trick shots! “hit the cue ball , flow around 9 balls moving also, hopefully hit something you are allowed to and sink it, then just a casual ‘just as i planned the shot’ comment with a smooth james bond smile”
Hi Maddie
When r u cruizin’, there are 4 of us 14 yo on the 23rd Jan 2010 cruise. I’ve been before and loved it.
Ryan from Gold Coast
so did you have problems with the swin flu? thanks for that.
yes was on it last night.
oh i forgot to mention in my excitment that we can share on this section my girls are 10 and 15:)
forgot to mention the girls are aged 15 and 10 lol i was way to excited i think
Hi Kalana
Wow 206!!!! Roll on December.
Hope you get your Booking Reference Number soon. What deck are you booked on at the moment? We were lucky enough to get on to Caribe as we were confirmed on waitlist in February. We were originally on deck 5 and upgraded to 6 but went on the waitlist for 9 which is Caribe. Doesnt’ really matter though, so little time is spent in the cabin anyway.
Saw the ship on the news tonight and amongst the sad and bad news of it all, she looks glorious. Can’t wait. I feel for the people on board now though and hope their cruise isn’t ruined by it all.
Enjoy the party this weekend and talk soon.
Narelle
What a fantastic attitude. Have a WONDERFUL CRUISE!!!
Hi Allison,
My partner and I are also going on the same cruise and I am not worried at all the last cruise we went on also P and O ship they were very strict with cleaning and hand washing then, its just a shame the media hype it all up. Got my tickets today cant wait only 43 sleeps I think. See you on board.
Sam
hi allison, good ideas, we also took a can of glenn20 spray with us the second time around as we had got mild colds the first cruise.
Hi Samantha and Narelle
Picked up the tickets today and will be delving into all the details tonight.
Its so terribly exciting, not sure what info to read first. 6 weeks to go. yippee.
I understand what the government is doing trying to reduce the spread, but reality is, its already too late. A cruise ship is no different to working in a multi story building. Or any place that people come together. The government can’t bring Australia to its knees by confining everyone from doing everything. At some stage sanity has to kick in.
But we all just so excited and quite frankly, if the cruise has to be changed a little or a port dropped, then so be it.
P&O are handling this with the calm I expect and not being dragged into all this. I feel quite confident they will do all they can to ensure we all have a wonderful holiday, and I expect the ship to be sparkling when we arrive (as if it wouldn’t anyway).
Afterall, the virus was taken onto the ship by someone who had it before they left. How can P&O be held accountable for that! I believe the people who had it didn’t know they had it when they boarded.. But P&O are working with authorities and been quite open about it all.
So all those going on 11 July, look out, my hubby and the kids and I are looking forward to some fun fun fun.. Bring it on!
Cheers Allison
There is an site called Albumprinter and you can make up your own photo album via the computer. It is not difficult as you can mix and match, style and size as you wish. http://www.albumprinter.com.au Cheers and good luck David.
Hi Michel!
You and your family and friends will have the best time!!
Just in response to the wine question….I was on the Dawn for NYE07/08 & 08/09 and on these cruises they definately had the Brown Brother Crouchen Reisling – because that is all drank!! We had it for the first time on our first cruise and loved and it were so happy it was still on the wine list this time when we were aboard – but only thing is, its not cheap on board- about $30 a bottle compared to $12 in the shops……
Other thing is, I have a bad back too and year one slept on the top bunk and it was quite uncomfortable, but last year swapped to a lower bunk and it was much better – so my advice is, if you’re sharing make sure to sleep on a lower bed, I think they are ensemble beds so have a lot more support than the single mattress top bunks.
Hope that helps some and have a fantastic holiday.
Michelle
michael i must say i had the best sleeps on board the bed was sooooooooo comfy miss them alot lol
Hi Michel,
Yes, we will be cruising on Pacific Dawn on 20 Oct.
Hubby, myself & 2 children (12 & 4).
I don’t mind a drop of Brown Brothers either lol.
Cheers,Kaye
And they have Zibibo – another light fruity one. If you like the Dolcetto and syrah and the Crouchen reisling yo
They also have Zibibo – if you like the wines you mentioned, you’ll love Zibibo! I do
My kids LOVED the teen lounge – a couple of times they booked tables for their new friends for meals even – we had to keep a copy of their timetable so we could plan to see them! There is so much variety of activities/chilling time that a shy 15 yr old WILL be kept entertained for as long or little as they want.
Beds were great – combination of comfy beds and gentle rolling made for some very good sleeping!
HI Karen!
We’re sailing on the Jewel for NYE this year aswell – and the last two NYE’s we’ve been on the Dawn!
Its so fantastic, everyone is on party mode and ready to have a great time (although i think this can be said for any of the cruises!!) On our other NYE cruises we have had an extra Formal night as NYE dinner is formal and then there has been a massive deck party!! Last year is poured with rain right as the clock struck midnight but it made no difference what-so-ever!!!
I get the impression that really all of the cruises are very similar, but from what I have been told, this year we shoudl expect a few more amazing surprises as it will only be the third Jewell Cruise and apparently they are making a few new (better) changes to entertainment!! We are so so excited and can’t wait – actually went in to the Travel agents today to confirm our booking!!!!
See you on board!!!! Only 214 Days to go!!!
Michelle
Hi Anita
My family has just returned from a cruise on the Dawn on 26 April 2009 and we had an awesome time. Just letting you know that they would not have accepted your booking if there was not space for your teens in the Teen lounge, so rest assured your teens will be well catered for. If you are looking for a fun day trip and you are going to Villa, I would highly suggest that you do the dune buggy trip. That is if you don’t mind a little mud. We took our 15 yr old daughter and 13 yr old son and it was the absolute best, fun thing to do. May I suggest that you prebook your day trips before boarding as you are allocated a place and you don’t need to line up to buy tickets. Also you don’t need to pay for the day trips until after boarding.
Hope this helps
8th Jan 2010 is Friday did you mean 9th Jan 2010. The 7 – 10 yo and 11 to 17yo age groups for 9th Jan looks like it is sold out but your kids will be in this group. Holiday time get’s booked out very fast. I hope you and your children or should I say young adults have a great time.
What do you mean by kids allocations? If its for the teen lounge you just have to register as soon as you get on the boat.
there are no pool tables on the pacific dawn i was on there in march…
We are coming up for our third cruise and the beds are good. Slept like babies. The gentle movement is good also.
Megan. There is heaps for a 15yr old to do! I sailed 2 years ago with a 12 and 14 yr old and hardly ever saw them. There is a teenage club with supervised activities from about 10am to 1am daily. I hope you’re not too attached to your 15 year old? By the way, we are sailing again this August. Enjoy your cruise!
Jim
Yeah the beds are comfortable, my partner didnt have any problems & he has back problems too. I just come back from the 5 May – 16 May cruise we had 2 teenagers with our group they loved the teen lounge. My kids are 10 & 11 so they were in the Shark Shack which they really enjoyed. Thumbs up to cruising, Love it.
Hi Andrea
I would think P&O would be very well informed on this swine flu. They have ships all over the world and also travel to Mexico. They did move some cruises from going to Mexico, but the travel advisories have been lifted and the cruises are once again heading that way.
I think the media in Australia are blowing this all out of proportion.
Things can obviously change, but I believe that P&O are on top of this and getting expert advice.
I’m so jealous of you with 28 beautiful nights onboard… Wow it will be a fantastic holiday. Sit back and enjoy.
I think the Australian media have really caused a sensation that didn’t need to occur and have dragged the Pacific Dawn into it all. It sells papers and sensationalises a situation, which nobody benefits from.
Whilst they are focusing on Pacific Dawn, who is stopping all those people driving up to FNQ or all those flights landing at our airports.
Yes there are cases onboard, but they are also on planes and in cars. Its just more interesting reading to pick on a ship off the coast..
Have a fantastic time, there isn’t a doubt you will. We get on not long after you get back. Tahiti will be sensational.
Hi Andrea, I couldn’t agree with you more…anyway still more than ever excited now about boarding that beautifull ship on Thursday for our 28 day cruise! Yipee! We think P&O do a wonderfull job at making your holiday fantastic, been on Pacific Star & Sun and now Pacific Dawn, can’t wait, couldn’t get enough of looking at her on the news every night. It was great keepiing uptodate with this site to hear from Ann, the truth, on what was happening. A little anxious as we did not want it to be cancelled, felt sorry for people on the last cruise not getting to see the places but I am sure they will book another cruise because once you get a taste of cruising you are hooked. Tahitti here we come!
Hi Jen!
Hi Jen,
Thanks for that – we are really looking forward to going on the Jewel. We actually had the opposite decision to make before we booked (and before the change was made) we wanted to go on the Jewel, but wished it went from Sydney so just decided to do the Dawn again (its a fabulous ship – you will love it!) but now its worked out really well! We’ve also looked it as Ocean Village and you’re definately right the other one is going to be the Pacific Pearl.
You will have a wonderful holiday on the Dawn!!! She is a wonderful ship and the crew are just brilliant!
Michelle
Hi Jen. We were booked on Pacific Sun for the NYE cruise, then they changed it to the Jewel, then when they swapped the ships over, we contacted P & O and changed our booking and are now going on the Jewel from Sydney. Wasnt really a big problem, but we were looking forward to checking out the Jewel as we have done 2 Dawn cruises. We actually saved $100 each after the switch. More money to spend lol.
Roll on 28th December. But then at the moment we are on countdown for our Sun cruise in August going up the east coast from Brisbane to Darwin and back to Brisbane. Yee haa.
hi jeff n julie yeah well we love that cruise to so we are going back for a second dose as the saying goes,we are all excited about going on the dawn cant wait hope we can all meet up that would be great to have a drink and chat.so jeff n julie take care cya on the 23rd january. iam taking a lady friend with me her name is johanne and shes never been on a cruise but shes so excited,also my daughter is taking 1 of her school friends and clare) and clare hasnt been on 1 either so we had a cruise night sponsered by harvey world travel,just showing what you can do on the ship now lol they are so eager to go cant wait they say..take care leanne
hi jeff yes there are childern coming with us,my daughter hannah she will be 16,clare shes 14 and courtney 18 plus courtneys 2 brothers ryan 16 derryn 14 .we will be travelling from nambucca heads nsw we will be leaving on the friday 22nd staying on toombul road in a motel that the travel agent will book for us,lol i only own hannah as theres 10 of us going theres 2 of my friends that i work with johannw and sharon sharon owns courtney derryn and ryan clare is my daughters school friend and my brother and his wife are going as well.hopefully we can all meet up that would be choice my number 0265694702…..bye leanne
julie yes i have a daughter 16,and my friend sharon has 3 kids aging from 18 to 14 so hopefully all the kids can get together and become great friends cya on the cruise cant wait bye leanne.
hi julie hers my home number give us a call 0265694702 cant wait to meet up we live in nambucca heads nsw
hey michelle
we have been on most of p&o ships so far and they have all been great but this one will be extra special for us as we will be sailing with 3 of our 5 children , its also our 25th wedding anniversary and my birthday nye so cant wait maybe we will catch up
karen
hey michelle
thanks for that we are looking forward to this cruise even though we have been on several before this one will be special with my birthday nye and also celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with 3of our 5 children. even with the change of ship it should be great
karen
Hi Jen
Have u had any floods down your way. Not sure where u actually live but it seems the rain & storms have hit all the way down to Sydney. Send us an Email so we can talk about our cruises & send pics to each other. Your 3 boys are gonna love the cruise. I took me 2 youngest on the last one (22 & 14) and they loved it. Email address : jeffthompson5@hotmail.com
Thanks Wendy, your kids age similar to mine, daughter will be just 16 and son just 14, (although a young 14). Did your kids enjoy cruise overall and did you see much of them. Also how were they with cruise card charging. Thanks.
Anita
Hi Michelle, thanks for all your info on the ship, I intended on sleeping on bottom bunk anyway… couldnt imagine myself climbing into a bunk with this bad back as i had a spinal injection 7 months ago and dont want to push my luck.
We are so looking forward to this cruise, everyone i know seems to have been on one or is going on one.
Thanks again
Michel
Hi Kaye
Is this your first cruise on the Dawn? This is our first cruise ever! Sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
I will be travelling with my 15yo daughter, Mother-in-law (shes groovy) and one of my best friends (she’s insane).
We are all from the Mid North Coast of NSW. Could catch up with you on board….
Michel
Hi Kaye
By the Way…. 140 days to go….. yippeee
Hi Maggie,
I’ve been on the Pacific Dawn twice now within in the last 6mths. They pretty much had the same theme nights on both cruises. Second time around I was prepared so I enjoyed the theme nights more. Theme nights were 2 formals, island night, country & western, rock N roll, 70’s night, pirate night, I can’t remeber what other nights. So just be prepared for nights like that. They were so awesome. Hope this helps.
Hi,
I’ve been on the Dawn twice now within the last 6mths with my 2 kids who are 10 & 11. The kids are well looked after & always kept entertained. So much for them to do on there I had to beg my kids to come & hang with myself & the rest of the family that come on the cruise. Your kids will have a ball & never be bored. P&O is awesome.
Hi,
I was on the 5 May-16 May cruise, I am pist that I didn’t think of taking little gifts for the children on the islands they are so cute & always smiling. I seen some of the kids on the islands with gifts such as colouring pencils & books, bags of lollies, which I thought was a good idea. When I go back again next year I’l be doing the same.
Jodie, When we visited Mystery Islan November 2008 there was a sign asking people to donate books, pencils, crayons etc for the local schools. Something you may like to consider if your cruise is visiting these locations.
Thanks Michelle we will have a good time on Pacific Dawn. As for the Jewel it is all about the people onboard. It is the party atmosphere & hype from all the staff that make the cruise really good especially on NYE cruises. I had a great time on NYE cruise, it was fantastic. I think bingo on last day was about $8,000 this was 4 years ago and a 21yo girl won it. So good luck to you Michelle have a go at bingo especially on the last day.
what are your kids ages. We are on the same cruise and out kids can’t wait to use the kids club.
We are with you – no way will we cancel.
Counting down here as well – sorting out what to pack. It will be awesome..
Hi Lynne, the cruise Tahitian Treasures is definitly going on the 4th June 2009.
I can’t wait! This is our 3rd Cruise, and have loved every one. The beds, whether singles or queen beds, are really comfy.
You had better start packing!
hi jenny how are you i cant believe we live just a short distance from each other heres my email address cherryripe21@hotmail.com..lets get together one saturday arvie,wow i cant believe your from gumma and we are from nambucca heads.
hi jen lol you should of come and got me i would of went with you to see it i wanted to go up to coffs and see the ship to but no one would come with me so i stayed at home….we are all getting excited about going on our cruise not long now..leanne
it changes daily
1)The palm court menu has 2 pages – 1 page stays the same, 1 page changes every day.
2)We’d say go for the mini suite! Welcome champagne,bowl of fruit, canapes and sweets on Formal nights, bigger bathroom, better toiletries, fancier bedding, bigger wardrobe, nice sitting area, fresh flowers, quicker booking in and a much bigger room. We had a mini suite and our kids had a normal outside cabin so we got to see both sides!
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Janis
I was on the Pacific Dawn in May. Half the menu in the Palm Court stays the same the remainder changes daily. Lunch menu stays the same and is very extensive. The food is pretty good and satisfys most tastes.
The mini-suites are approximately 3 metres longer and half a cabin again in width from the balcony staterooms. Nice bathrooms & some have baths. Much more room to move but I guess its a pesonal preference. Loads of storage space in both. The full suites are two room, dressing room etc and lovely.
The Pacific Dawn is a very nice comfortable ship and the Dome is an excellent place to curl up in the day with a book. Don’t forget to go to the bow of deck 10 and you can enter a verandah under the bridge. its great.
Enjoy.
Hi Michel,
Yes my family and I are travelling on the Dawn on October 20 this year. Our kids will be 11yrs & 9yrs. We are flying down a few days earlier to Sydney and again a few days after cruise to take kids to Taronga Zoo etc.
We live in Townsville and are so looking forward to this cruise. My husband & I cruised with friends in 2007, so this time promised to take the kids. I’m so glad you’ve got the countdown shown, as we were counting down at home on a whiteboard but obviously have missed ticking off quite a few days, due to working fulltime and hubby away at present.
This is my 2nd cruise, and I totally loved my first one on the Pacific Sun. The Pacific Dawn looks so wonderful. We’re constantly visiting this site just to read what everyone is saying. We’ve gotten so much more information from reading this blog site, than in any brochure. This is such a great initiative of P & O’s.
Keep counting, as it will be here before we know it …..
Kym
Hi Michel,
we too will be cruising on the 20th oct 2009,my husband and I and our son and daughter with their partners are as well,we cant wait,this will be the second time for me and my son and his partner,last cruise was on the sun,at sep times,and my hubby went on one 35years or more ago,cant remember the name of the ship at this time,and my daughter and her partner its their first time,im sure they’ll enjoy the experience.I was sea sick last time and had the needle and phenergan tablets which Ill start taking the day before this time,but i have heard that you dont seem to notice it as much on the dawn as we did on the sun?This is our presant for my hubbys 50th which was in march but we couldnt travel then,and it will also be my sons partners 24th when we are at champayne bay,so lots of celebrating to do.Yes the count down has started im sure you will enjoy the cruise as its so much fun and you will meet lots of new friends.
Jenny.
Hi Michel, Kym & Jenny,
As I have already said to Michel in another “thread” we will also be on the 20 Oct cruise. Hubby, myself & 2 kids (12 & 4). We are flying to Sydney on 19 Oct (from Brisbane). Michel, this will be our second cruise, we went on the old Pacific Sky in 2003. Loved it, we have been waiting 6 years for our next cruise!!!
Is there anyone who will be sailing on the Dawn 20th October 09 with teens aged 14 to 16? My daughter will be 15.5 and is afraid she will not know anyone in the teen lounge.
I think i read somewhere that the teen lounge will be split into two areas during september 12 to 14 and 15 to 17 yr olds…. Is this true?
What sort of activities do the older teens do? Im sure they are well supervised!
As i said before… so many questions…
Cheers
Michel
Hi Jan, we are boarding in Papeete. There are four of us that I know of, not sure of any others. We cannot wait. We leave Melbourne on 14th June, fly to Auckland then on to Papeete. We have been counting this down for months. We also have been on the Pacific Star, Sun and soon to be Dawn. Could not recommend the staff highly enough. You do not get the type of service that P & O provide on any other type of holiday.I agree with all other comments that Ann Sherry has done a great job with keeping us all in the picture with what is happening, and yes the pictures from the above the ship looked great. I will be watching Pacific Dawns departure on Thursday on the Coastalwatch website. If you click on South Heads camera, you can watch any shipping going in or out of the heads. It is great flicking back and fowards from this site to the cruiscams. Maybe we will see you on board. Have a great time….
hey Narelle, I think you right with the countdown. It has been great to see the ship on the news, the other night they showed it traveling through at nighttime, it looked magical with all the lights, it made my stomach do flip flops. Gee i sound like a little kid. God help me when dec finnaly comes. The party was a great success, thanks for asking. a lot of fun was had by all and everyone was wekk behaved. Not in much of a hurry to do that again though. My daughter and i are now off to the Pink concert in Brissie on 13th June, that was her bday pressie. We are right up the front in the funhouse section. Lookout lol!!! Still havent heard back from travel agent regarding my new booking number yet, its a bit frustrating, I might have to be a pain and annoy her again for it. Anyway just noticed the time better be off noe. Take care, talk again soon.
Hi Kalana, Contact P&O and they should be able to give you your booking number.
Enjoy your cruise!
Kalana, I’ll be in touch with you constantly in December with the countdown so watch out. I’m insanely excitable about it all too. Just go with it and enjoy it. Talk soon. Bye for now.
BTW if there is anyone else out there going on the Christmas cruise from Brisbane on the 19th December, we would love to hear from you too.
HAPPY CRUISING.
Hi Janine, have already tried P&O regarding booking number and they said because i booked through a travel agent i had to go through them. They were unable to help me. I could talk to P&O again i guess and say that i dont seem to be getting any help from my travel agent. Thanks anyway
Hi Kathy, The teenagers have their own room and programmes for them to choose from in their daily newsletter which is delivered to your cabin each night. you do not use cash on board. when you get your tickets you will recieve a form to fill out your credit cards details and when you check in at the wharf you give them the paper work then. Y ou are given an ID card with your name on it and this is your card you use for all purchases on board. at the end of the cruise you will be given a statement of your account and they automatically take it off your credit card. You can go to the pursers desk throughout your trip and get a printout of what you have spent so you have an idea and do not blow it. The childrens cards are linked to yours and they have a different colour ID card so they cannot purchase alcohol. Cans of drink are $2 can. slurpys $3 each. You should be able to get a set limit on their spending at the pursers desk. If you are not sure about getting seasick avomine 25mg can be purchased at the chemist for about $11. you only need to take them while at sea if you find you need them.
Hello. We are going on the September 25th cruise to New Caledonia. It’s a great treat for us — we’ve retired here in California and have taken several cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico, but a cruise down under wasn’t considered until Quantas lowered its fares quite a bit and we jumped at the chance. It appears from what we’ve read in the comments that a lot of folks from Australia and NZ can benefit from these frequent and lengthy cruises to the Pacific islands. We are definitely looking forward to this cruise experience. –Jeff and Rochelle Cohen from Sacramento, California (northern California — the better half).
My family and I were on a 17 night March/april just gone. I have a boy and a girl 13 and 12 at the time. There was plenty for them to do. The teen staff are great. They basically wanted to spend every minute the teen lounge was open in there, and did not want to leave for bed at night.
P & O only accept cash or credit cards at the pursers office. Purchases on board are done through your cruise card. They deduct $7.50 per person per day from your cruise account for tips. Alochol is expensive….beer or bundy costing $7.50 or $8.50.
We went on a September cruise in2007, you will love it.
Hi Kathy, the tipping is not compulsory, you go to the pursers desk and tell them you do not want the tipping on your account . Otherwise they automatically add it.
Hi would like to hear from anyone travelling on the 9th september
Hi Kay, yes my wife & 2 kids will be on the 09/09/09 & can’t wait, this will be our 2nd cruise our last on the Sky in 04. 16 days of heaven. Our kids boy 13.5 & girl 11. They’re over the moon & can’t wait.
Thanks Vins. After reading your comments we will definitely go with the mini suite. Also happy to hear that dinner menu changes daily. Reading the other comments in this blog it would appear that alcohol could be quite expensive?
Janis, The drink costs are actually quite reasonable. I’m not sure what you drink, but beer is about the same as pub prices in Oz. ie. Corona was about $6.50 from memory. Cocktails are extremely cheap at about $7.50.
On my first cruise I thought it would be expensive, but was pleasantly surprised.
I would not say that they are very expensive.
Hi Dianne, I have started to pack and cant wait to sail on the 4th June, Greg and I are really looking forward to going
Hi Jenny My husband & I are going on the 20/10/09 cruise on Dawn. Its going to be my 50th birthday too.. My last cruise was when I was 18 & single…. We are both really looking forward to this one.. We are going to stay a few nights in sydney first.. I want to do the sydney harbour bridge walk. can not wait .This criuse should be fantastic.. Cheers….
Hi Jenny, get yourself some avomine 25mg over the counter now at the chemist. P & O have been using it and still do in their medical centre on board. Great for seasickness. Back in 1983 2 of my children were given it by the ships doctor and the day before we came back to sydney on the oriana we were in a cyclone and they were not sick we were. About $11 at the chemist. The dawn is a great ship cruised on her last year and will be this september.
You certainly will have some cellebrating to do….. We booked about a yr ago and cant believe how quickly it is coming around. Maybe we will run into each other on board.
Im frantically saving every $ i can so i can have a really good holiday… last year was the worst year of my life so i hope this year is topped off by an absolutely tops holiday onboard the Dawn….
Cheers
Michel
Hi Narelle, yes it is cheaper to buy one before you cruise. They are about
$6 unless they have gone up on board.
we was on the dawn last march and we brought them at 6.95 each and they had the dawn on them. yes it is cheaper to buy them before but they want have the pacific dawn on them. i belive they might be 7.95 now
We got lanyards sent to us when we received the tickets/cruise info folder in the mail, but dont know if this was included by the travel agent we booked with or part of the p&o package for the booking we made, it was a nice little surprise anyway
Thanks for that Kay.
yep. welcome to the past passengers brigade. this will be your 4th cruise.
Enjoy. You will love the Pacific Dawn. We have had two trips on her including the inaugural cruise. Favourite ship is still Pacific Sky, but Dawn is definitely a fitting replacement for her. We are now anxiously counting down to our 24th cruise in August on Pacific Sun.
Hi Allison,
I’ve just had a friend come back off the Dawn and only today she gave me lots of information and handouts that she had collected while on board.
You actually get given an “Overseas Television Cabin TV Guide”. There is 5 channels, (3 Movies, 1 TV series, 1 Kids) All have a mixture of adult and kids shows on them. I’ve also read in the Pacific Daily newsletter that some movies are shown in the International Showlounge. It appears that they have different showing times eg. 10am, 2pm and late 11pm.
Hope you find this useful. I only wish we had 35 sleeps to go. According to our whiteboard countdown we have 135
Kym
Thanks for your valuable information…. there are so many questions… dont know where to start. I think people must be thinking im as excited as a little kid at xmas…. i cant stop talking about it and telling everyone im going on it…..
Michel
Thanx Jim
I think i can start to relax now…..
I think its a case of the unknown for me.
Cheers
Michel
Thanx vins
This cruise seems to be getting better and better… my mind is at ease…. Im still excited though….. imagine what i’ll be like a week before we leave…
Cheers
Michel
Im a big lover of Zibibo…. perfect celebrationary bubbly….lol
Michel
HI Michel,
To my knowledge after September the kids club age group range changes. The 11 years onwards go to the new HQ Teen club. I did read that they will cater for activities towards the age group 11-14years, and the same for the older ones. Some they will all do together, othertimes separate to make it age appropiate. My daughter is a young 11year so I’m alittle concerned that the teen lounge will be too old for her. So i’m glad that there will be some separate things for the younger teen to do. My son will be 9yrs so he was alittle disappointed when he found out he wouldn’t be with his sister. He too has concerns that he won’t know anyone. I’m certain once on board he will change his mind. I know my daughter isn’t too worried about not having her pesty brother around her:-)
Hi Michel,We are also on this cruise and cant wait !!! My husband and daughter along with my sister her husband and 3 teenagers will also be onboard. They are 16,14 & 13 so there is another 3 for the teen lounge. I am also celebrating my 50th birthday and this cruise is part of that celebration. We are all counting down the days lol !!!!!! Jenni
Hi Michele,
Just picked up the new P & O Brochure 2009/2011. On page 17 (Children Activities) it does show the new age group kids clubs in a feature. Though in small print further down it reads, “Prior to 29 Nov 09 Shark Shack will be for kids aged 7-12, & the Teen Lounge is for teens aged 13-17. Teen lounge will be renamed HQ from Sept09.
I’ve asked my travel agent to confirm this for me, as my son would dearly love to have his 11yr sister with him.
Sorry meant to type your name correctly in my latest blog as Michel.
So sorry…
Thanks Kym
its 34 sleeps now.. Thanks for the info – i am sure we will all be sitting in bed each morning reading our newsletters and working our what to do with the day.. i believe the kids get their own, so they are going to love that.
Good to know we have a TV in the cabin just in case we have a few minutes.. lol
very excited here. tomorrow will be 33 sleeps… yippee
allison
Hi Kathy, Just relax & enjoy every moment there’s plenty to do on board or you can do just nothing. The kids will have a blast, plenty for them to do with all other kids & yourself. Noumea not much to look at, Emerald bay is lovely & isle of pines is just heaven. The sand is like talcum powder white & soft & the snorkling is fantastic. Entertainment is great & so is the food.Take plenty of beach wear for days & nice casual wear for evenings & you’ll probably have a couple of formal nights along with 2 or 3 theme nights. Can still be cool at night on deck. My wife & I with 2 kids will be docking that day of the 25th for we’re on the cruise before you. Have fun & enjoy.. Regards Gavin.
HI Kathy
I recently went on a cruise which was my first. We went to the Isle of Pines. A very pretty place. There is not much to do except for snorkling and walking around looking at the tropical type scenery. My time onboard was a blast. The food was fantastic. I did not have one single meal that was anything other than restaraunt quality. Service was also great. When you get onborad just relax and let your hair down as every body else will. Enjoy your cruise.
Cheers – Jeff
Hi Kay, just wandering what kind of reaction you get if you tell them you do not wish to have tipping applied to your account. I did a quick calculation and for the duration of our trip we will be up for another $300. Would much rather tip person to person, if that makes sense..
Hi Narelle,
I agree with you, If you get good service from some one on board then it should be up to the individual how much they tip and have the opportunity to pay that tip in person and say thank you for the great service.
Cheers, happy sailing.
Hi Kalana
Tipping is not compulsory but it is used by P&O to supplement the crews wages. In the old days where you had 1st & 2nd seating at dinner you had the same waiter every day & night – that is not so now. You can request the same table but in most instances you may never come across the same waiter again. The crew look upon these tips as part of their wages. The same with the photo shop and the boutiques etc hence the reason why shipping lines need to sail full or near to capacity because they need you to spend your money with them.
I have the tips deducted from my account but I also tip the cabin steward at the end of the trip.
I am also sure there are many passengers who do not tip at all.
It’s up to you………………I think its nice.
I have heard but do not know how true it is, but if tipping someone yourself they still have to hand that tip in. Chidren do not tip but I am not sure what age that covers. Personally I do have the tipping stopped and do my own as we travel on a tight budget and it all adds up by the time you do shore tours etc.
Does this charge apply for two small kids as well. 4 and 8 years. Not sure if its just adults or kids also.
On cruises (along time ago) my parents just paid the person direct. When we travel we never skimp on this type of thing, but $300 is alot of money to pay, before you even leave port..
I wouldn’t want to offend anyone, but would prefer to give money personally. but i guess those who work in the areas we don’t see, would miss out – ie kitchen people, chefs, engine room etc. I guess this ensures they all get a little extra and not those who have customer contact getting it all.
Hi all,
I saw this info on the P & O website in regard to tipping. Hope it helps.
“Tipping/gratuities -
During your cruise, many members of our on board staff will provide you with excellent service, and tipping is simply the traditional way of saying ‘Thank You’. Although tipping is voluntary, and at passengers’ discretion, we are frequently asked by passengers to recommend an appropriate daily amount. Our suggested tipping amount is AUD5.50 per passenger (aged 13 years and over) per day. This will increase to AUD7.50 effective from Pacific Dawn voyage W824 departing 19 August 08 and Pacific Sun voyage N830 departing 18 August 08.
For passengers’ convenience, P&O Cruises has introduced a method of tipping that makes it easier to reward staff for their excellent service. The suggested amount will be added to each passenger’s (aged 13 years and over) on board account on a daily basis. This allows for the collection of tips without the need for cash and helps to ensure all staff who have served you are rewarded. Of course the level of tipping remains a very personal matter and is very much dependent on the level of service provided. We offer passengers the option of adjusting the standard daily charge at any time during their cruise, or directing it to specific staff who have provided excellent service. Staff at our Purser’s desk will be delighted to assist passengers in relation to any queries they may have about their tipping amount”.
Cheers, Kaye.. Cruising 20 Oct 09..
Thanks Kay – excellent information.. perhaps i should re-read the information book we received. Guess we read the stuff that had us all excited first..
Hi Jenny,
to go onto the cruise personaliser you need your booking reference number. Your travel agent should be able to give you this number. Our travel agent was able to give us ours, and at that time we had only paid the deposit.
Cheers,Kaye.. Cruising 20 Oct 09.
Hi Jen, I havent experienced seasickness yet as we are yet to go on our first cruise, but I have spoken to my chemist regarding this, both my kids are aged 16 & 13 and are shockers when it comes to taking tablets, so he said they can have the maximum dose of phenergan approx 25ml which is equivilant to 1 avomine tablet. They should start taking it 1 to 2 days before cruising, which I think is the same with the Avomine. All going well they will only need to take it for a few days into the trip. Hope this is of some assistance. PS I just remembered that there are a chewable tablet called Kwells, if anyone is familiar with this tablet could you let us know. Thanks Kalana
Hi Jen, get yourself the Avomine 25mg from the chemist no prescription needed. I have been using it since 1983 with my children 2 who used to get sick and came through a cyclone not sick with this medication and the rest of us were sick because we had none. Now I take it with me all the time for myself and my grandchildren so if it gets rough we can take one. You can wait and see how the children go on board and if they have to take one, then what the ships doctor did with my kids one tablet in the morning on waking and one at night before going to bed. Kwells are useless, have tried these myself many, many years ago. Phenergan can make the kids very sleepy. The avomine has not done that to us even though the packet says it might. The kids are still full of energy. Really its the answer to seasickness and there is nothing worse then being seasick.
Hi Jen! We took our 2 girls on a cruise in January 2008 they are 18 and 15 I wasn’t sure what they were going to be like with the sea sickness. So I brought some kwell ones and they are still unopened. They were too excited and we hardly ever seen them they were so occupied in the teen lounge having heaps of fun. Hope all goes well for your cruise.Jackie
We went on a cruise and the weather was just under cyclonic for 3 days. !0 year old son very sick took him to doctor on board had needle better in 12 hours. Got cost of doctor back from travel insurance. Had great weather after that and no problems
hi jen yes i can relate to sea sickness my friend gave us travacalm and the 2 kids had them before they got on the ship and they were both fine its all natural and it contains ginger so good luck hope all goes well regards leanne
Hi Kaye,
Thanks for the info about the personaliser,I tried the booking reference number thats on our reciept but it’s not working,Ill give my travel agent a ring in the morning to see if its the right one.
Jenny.
hi jenny it should start with 6.
hi guys my exericence is the avomine is much better. i do get very sea sick and i take avomine before and also the first 2 -3 days on the ship. we are due to go on the dawn again in 45days.
Hi Kalana
I experienced sea sickness on our last 2 cruises and found that on the last one, if I took 2 Kewell tablets as soon as we boarded, by sailing time I was fine, ready for the wonderful food and beverages. They aren’t something that you need to take regularly, only when and if you feel a little queasy. Hope this helps
Hi Yolande, You will have no trouble with food trust me, there is so so much of it. We went to one morning tea and was cakes and biscuits, but we as I said only went once as food was plenty. You only have to pay for pizzas, and the steak house, but if you like you can take a plate of food with you back to the cabin for later, you do have a fridge in there. I didn’t actually see a time for afternoon tea though but thats not saying there isn’t any, we were too busy doing nothing. You don’t have to spend any money on food or drinks if you can drink water, tea and coffee which you can get any time of day. We are going on the Pacific Jewel for Christmas this year so we are hoping it is as good as the Pacific Dawn as we loved it so much. Hope you have a lovely time Jackie
Hi Yolande,
When are you going on your cruise? There are a couple of us who have said Hi to each other on this blog and we are going on the Christmas cruise from Brisbane. We would love to say hello to anyone else going on the same cruise.
Hi Tracy,
We to are sailing on Pacific Jewel for the Christmas cruise, there will be my hubby, and 2 daughters 16 and 19. I am also taking my parents and my sister and her hubby, This is our Christmas present to all of us. It is our 3rd cruise the girls 2nd and my parents haven’t been on one before, so we are all excited. But we are a bit upset that they changed the ship as the Dawn was just tops, our girls did’t want to get off. We didn’t see them much either of a night time and some meals. but they lived in the teen lounge and enjoyed it and made heaps of friends. It is the only holiday I can say that I can actually say I relax at no ironing, no cooking, no washing up, and no making beds yeh, Can’t wait, any questions I can answer I would love to here from you. Jackie
Hi Jackie, Pacific Jewel is the sister ship to Pacific Dawn. Same setup inside
but different decor.
Hi Jackie, if you go into google and put in cruise ship ocean village it will bring up some websites. Click onto cruiseship company-about ocean village cruise ships. This will allow you to do a virtual tour of the ship. click onto the area of the ship you want to see for example cabins hold your mouse there as a line of cabin information opens up underneath and move the mouse down and along to select. You can have fun with this and explore the whole ship as it will be the pacific jewel when it comes to Australia.
Although The Dawn and the Jewel are sister ships there is one big diffrence in the public rooms. The “Dome” on Pacific Jewel is the Spa Health Club and Gym. Not a lounge or night club as it is on Pacific Dawn
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your reply it’s great to make contact with someone going on the same cruise. We to were upset about the change of ship, we had always wanted to sail on the Dawn so we booked our cruise to have the ship changed 8 months later was dissapointing but I must say we are excited about cruising on a brand new ship. If you have any advice, tips or you tell us what to expect with daily happenings on a cruise ship it would be fantastic, and just to let you know we only have 182 sleeps to go…..WOW!!
Cheers
Tracy
Hi Melissa, the kids club is great for the little ones. You will get a news letter to your cabin each night for the turtle cove on whats doing the next day. They have computer games for them, toys, craft, games played as a group and a adventure playground at the end of their room.
Hi Cherie
The Dawn does have ATMs but I would not rely on them working all the time, you can bring cash and put in your safe in the cabin that way you know you have cash for the ports you stop at, have a great cruise…cheers
Hey Jen!!
Ive been on the past 2 new years eve cruises on the Dawn and you’re right, it is the best time of year to cruise!! Everyone is in party mode and its such an awesome way to bring in the new year!! My best friend and i are booked in for our 3rd new years cruise on the Jewel this year and we’re so excited to be going on the new ship because we were originally booked on the Dawn but then it got changed!! We’ve been told that the Jewel will be the biggest party ship to leave Sydney!! Only 202 days to go!! You should definately book another new years cruise!!
Hi Narelle, yep I recieved it today so i eagerly logged on to see what cabin we have been given. From what I can understand we are on Baha deck cabin b136, its still an inside cabin, i was hoping that we might have been upgraded to a cabin with a window or better still a balcony lol. Anyway its made it more exciting now. I cant believe how fast the countdown is going. My daughter and I are off to see Pink at the entertainment cntr on sat cant wait, gives me something else to think about other than this bloody cruise!!!lol. Take care and talk to you soon
Hi Michel,
The only thing I have seen in the news was that the passengers on the Dawn Princess were not allowed off the ship last Tuesday when they had a stop at Lifou. Apparently passengers on board had “flu like” symptoms & the port authorities requested no-one come ashore. I haven’t heard anything about P&O passengers not being allowed to go ashore.
Cheers, Kaye. Cruising 20 Oct 09
Hi Michel, I am following the Pacific Dawn on the web cam on P&Os site at the moment as my parents are on it. They were in Noumea last sunday and are in NukuÁlofa Tonga today. The web cam updates every 30secs. So they have not missed any ports as you can see the island from the bridge.
Hey Karen!
Me and my best friend have been on the past 2 new years cruises on the Dawn and we are also booked on the Jewel for the next new years cruise!
Being on a cruise for new years is something you will never forget!! It is the most awesome experience- to be sailing in the middle of the ocean and counting the new year in!! New years eve is a (extra) formal night so most people get dressed up for dinner then get changed for the new years eve deck party which is definately the highlight of the cruise!! Last year we counted down to midnight then it poured with rain!! The most awesome moment that i will never forget!! And it all got captured on the cruise dvd that we bought at the end of the cruise!! I’ve watched that part so many times and no one can believe how much fun we are having!!
Being on a new years cruise is the best!!! Everyone is in party mode and its the best way to see in the new year!! You and your family are gonna have SO much fun!! The Jewel is gonna be the best party ship out of Sydney too!! We can’t wait and are counting down already!! Let me know if you have any more questions!! 201 days to go!!!!
Last NYE I went on was 2005/2006. On NYE it was Island Night and everyone wore Island gear on Pacific Sun. It was fantastic, best cruise I have been on so far. Maybe Pacific Dawn does formal NYE but it really does not matter what you wear it is party time. Single men/boys were drinking bottles of Moe from the bottle. Empty bottles everywhere. Music, dancing and party people, it was really good. A bit loud during dinner as everyone had party hats and party blowers(whitles) they blew all through dinner. The whole dining room was in party mode. Excellent. you will have a blast.
Thanks Kaye,
I too have been following the Dawn as well as the Sun via their on board cameras…. tis great to see where the ships are going and also the vast weather they are experiencing.
We will have to catch up when we are onboard together somehow. My daughter, mum and i are very very excited about this trip.
cheers
Hi Jeff,
Recalled reading a wine list somewhere and found it dated in early April. Though it doesn’t list prices, don’t recall reading from any past cruisers those prices either.
A reply from pocruises
Here’s a small sample of the current Pacific Dawn wine list. There is a wider selection, which is updated on a regular basis. I hope this helps:
Helm Cabernet Sauvignon, Canberra District
Chateau Tanunda, Barrique Keller Cabernet & Shiraz, South Australia
“E” Minor Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, Barossa
Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Grant Burge Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa
Rothbury Estate Cabernet & Merlot, Hunter
Vasse Felix Cabernet & Merlot, Margaret River
Cape Naturaliste Torpedo Rock Cabernet & Shiraz, Margaret River
Stella Bella Pink Muscat, Margaret River
D’ Arenberg Noble Riesling
sparkling Brown Brothers “Zibibbo Rosa”, Victoria
Imprint By “Mitchelton”, Central Victoria
Grant Burge “Brut”, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, Barossa
Omni Sparkling, SE Australia
Rothbury Estate Sparkling Cuve, Hunter
Katnook Founders Block Sparkling Shiraz, Coonawarra
Eight Horse Sparkling Brut, SE Australia
and much more…
Hi Narelle,
if you have a facebook account jump in there and join the P & O Australia group, I have also joined the P & O NYE Cruise group on there, numbers are slowly growing, hope to see you on board.
Hi all
Yep Kate is definately right (I am the best friend mentioned above lol) There is nothing like cruising for New Years – we are already having withdrawls that we won’t be able to go for NYE 10/11 and we haven’t even been on NYE 09/10 yet!!!!!
BTW only 199 days to go now!!!!
Hi Kalana I was just wondering why you did not pick your cabin when you booked your cruise? that’s the way I did my cruise (xams 08) or is there any advantage in letting them pick it for you,like maybe the price, I would like to know for my next cruise to see if I can get a better deal…Cheers
Who cares!!! there is so much to do you only go there to shower and sleep.
Hi there,
Just wondering if any one in there late 40’s is in a mini suite on 20/03/2010 on Pacific Dawn for 12 day cruise from Brisbane to fiji etc.
Cheers,
Steve and Maddie
Hi Michelle, I’m not sure about dress codes for your 14 year old’s, although there would be possibly 2 “theme” nights on your cruise, if they wanted to join in on them. It’s more about casual day dress, and smart casual for dining. There would also be a formal dinner if they wanted to join in (probably not the scene for 14 year olds).
You are right about the changes with the teen club as of September. Until then there is still the Teen Lounge for 13 – 17 year olds, which is their own designated area situated on the Sun Deck. The activities include:
Sports competitions
Late-night movies
Pizza & mocktail parties
Karaoke and lip- sync shows
Casino night
Hip-hop dance classes
Dance parties
Theme nights etc.
I’m sure they’ll have heaps of fun.
Cheers,Kaye. Cruising 20 Oct 09.
Hi Michelle, teenagers have their own room to meet in with activities and a person supervising them. They can wear what ever they like as with anytime dining on Lido deck it is casual and the dining room they prefer no shorts in there in the evening but jeans or trousers, slacks or dresses are ok.
Hi Jenny, my daughter takes her hair straightener with her. Th e Dawn has australian power points.
Hi Jenny
We’re from just up the road from you, near Taree. We too are going on the October 20th Cruise on Pacific Dawn. This will be our 1st Cruise & we two are taking our hair straightener, teenage daughter cant live without it. In out cabin we will have a 15yo, 42yo, 37yo & 71yo. Cant wait 129 days to go. Might catch you on board….
Cheers
Michel
HAS ANYONE BEEN TO THE SPA TREATMENT THINGY! YOU KNOW THE LUXURIES OF A MASSAGE, FACIALS ETC AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST ON THE PACIFIC DAWN? CHEERS FOR NOW CAN’T WAIT FOR MARCH 2010……YEH…!!!
Hi Kay,
Thanks for letting me know about taking the straightner.Thats good to know.:)
Jenny.
Hi Lauren
I have done 2 cruises and are doing another one in Oct of this year. The “credit debit card” you are referring to is a card that the ship will give you that you put money on (you can use cash, credit card etc). You use this card for EVERYTHING on the ship, and each time you use it, you get a receipt with the balance available. You can simply top up at your leisure.
Have a great cruise!
MARIE
hey Lauren
Ive been on the Pacific Dawn twice and both times i’ve used my visa-debit card and its worked just like a normal credit card!!
Bet you’re getting sooo excited!! My new years cruise is still 198 day away and im already excited!! Have a great cruise!! The Dawn is fantastic!!
Hi Lauren,
what they ara asking is that when you sign up to go onboard you give them your credit card number and details and at the end of the cruise they will automatically debit your card instead of queing up to pay on the last night , take it from me it is so much easier and yes a credit/debit card should be ok as that is what aI used last time, Hope this helps, WHEN ONBOARD THEY GIVE YOU A CRUISE CARD WHICH IS WHAT YOU PAY EVERYTHING WITH ON, DRINKS, FOOD ,SNACKS, DUTYFREE THE LOT Enjoy your trip,
Sue
Lauren hope you enjoyed your cruise, let us know everything as we are going on the 11 july….
Don’t think you have to sign up a credit card. I don’t have a credit card and I am not getting one for the cruise I am booked on. I will put money on my cruise card when I want. Usually when everyone is at the disco late at night before going to bed. Day time to many people at Purcer office.
Hi Marie,
thanks for that. I know what you mean about the onboard card – they make life a lot easier. I don’t think I explained myself properly with the Visa debit card. I was meaning would they take it as payment for the cruise card. I still don’t think I’m making any sense – might have to call them instead!
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know we have done two cruises and about to do our 3rd, we have five children and they have been the best holidays ever for all of us. The kids LUV IT, you get time to yourselves, the crew and staff are fantastic and the luxuries are no more expensive that what you would pay on land. Also, the staff that look after your rooms are amazing – so friendly, trustworthy and they know everything about everything if you take the time to chat with them.
ENJOY
Can’t wait till ours on 31 July 09. Except this time we are going without the kids for three days woo hoo !!!!
My wife visited the Day Spa and had from what we can recall a “Seaweed Wrap”. It lasted for approximately two hours and she thoroughly enjoyed it a recommends it as a special treat.
It was good value for money.
One good thing about P&O the pricing is geared for Australians as they are the main customers.
Kerry loved the excellent cocktails. When you first board the ship, find your cabin, then find “the cocktail of the day”…*smile*
Hi Gavin & Leanne, we are sailing on the 9th as well, with a 4 and 10 year old. On caribe deck. This will be my 12th cruise and my daughters 5th. The grandchildren it will be their 3rd. They love it as it is a fun time. Cannot wait myself. The 10 year old is counting the weeks on the white board. We are going to Sydney for two days prior to take the kids to the zoo etc.
Hi Gavin & Leanne
I am travelling with my 12 year old daughter on the Dawn on 9 September. We are both very excited but it will be my daughter’s first cruise – we’ve already started packing!
Rowena
Thanks Kate, that helps a lot.
Yes, we are getting very excited! I have been on the Pacific Sky twice, but this is my first time on the Dawn. I’m sure it’s going to be just as much fun. Can’t wait! Enjoy your New Year’s cruise when it comes around – I would love to do that. Maybe my next one…
As far as I know you speak with one of the waiters in the main dining room and they will organise it for you. I do not know if there is any cost for this. They will surprise her with it when the desserts are given out. Usually at the evening meal.
you can do it before you leave ring custorm service at p&O and they can orginize it for you. yes it does cost. i think from memery it was about $10. yhey will make her feel verry special.
have a look on the shore tours on this site and you might find more info. it sounds like a new tour. as its not on our list of tours. we go on the 21st july 2009.
Has anyone ever used the internet on board in the last 12 months and how much is it to use.
Sorry but we have looked on the Shore tours on P&O web site and the shore tours booklet, the snorkel tour is not listed there. It is only on the list of shore tours we received with our tickets. Sue
Hi Kim,
We are travelling on the Christmas cruise can’t wait also a while to wait but counting down. We went on the Dawn in January 2008 and yes they were strick on the entrance into the teen lounge. They checked there cards until they knew them but the answer from our experience is yes they did stop younger children entering. Thanks Jackie
Hi Kim
We are on the July 11 cruise on the Dawn as well. Our kids are a bit younger than yours at 8 and nearly 5, so they are desperate to get to kids club.
Its booked out, so I am sure there will be heaps of kids and teens for them to meet with.
Can’t wait …
and only around 26 sleeps till we leave for Sydney
Hi Kim
Yes we are a party of 8 (2 families of 4) travelling on the 11th July. Our kids are 2 boys 15yrs, 1 boy 17yrs and a girl 18yrs of age. At this stage I`m not sure if the boys intend to go into the teen lounge but unfortunately my daughter won`t be able to if they all do- so not sure how it`s all going to work But, seems that there is so much to do that they should all have plenty to keep them busy. On Saturday we were saying this time in 4 weeks we will be sailing- very exciting!! Hope its a bit warmer at the islands than the weather in Sydney at the moment. Is there any other families out there on the Dawn departing Sydney on 11th July with kids about our kids ages?
Hi Kym,
I am also going on the 11th of july with my husband and a couple of friends its our 2nd cruise and i cant wait. Hope to see you on board.
Sam
Hello Kim, We vare travelling on the same cruise as you, your kids will have a wonderful time, we hardly saw our kids, Kids Club is great!!! My daughter is 15 and there are other families travelling with us and their children are all around 15—19 hope to meet you abord
kim
Hi Jackie,
Are you going on the Christmas cruise on the Jewell from Sydney on the 18th or the Dawn from Brisbane on the 19th?
We are travelling with our 17 & 19 year olds on the Dawn from Brisbane. Can’t wait.
Narelle, we are on the Jewel from Sydney what a bumma our girls are 16 and 19 hopw you have a great time Jackie
Hi Andrew,
We have been in an inside cabin on our first cruise years ago now, and it was dark, and I like to see or let light in. On the Dawn in 2008 I asked for a mid ship cabin and outside we got on Emerald deck and a window just terrific, was much better. We are on the Jewel for Christmas and they don’t have quad cabins in the middle of the ship we are still on Emerald deck but towards the front. If you ask for around the middle you don’t get as much ship movement they tell me. With a window your kids will love to look out of a morning and of a night we could still see the waves on the ocean. I hope you all enjoy what ever cruise you pick it is a really relaxing holiday for all enjoy.. Hope this has helped you a little
Jackie
Hi Andrew, A window cabin is better but costs a bit more. The kids loved it last year as the windows on the dawn are quite large and they both could sit up there and look out. We were lucky as we were given an upgrade when we checked in at Sydney for no extra cost.
Hi
If travelling with kids I suggest an outside cabin, it is always nice to look out the window even if they spend time in the kids centre, it is so great to wake up in the moring and look outside the window, and no matter what deck you will be on the cabins are all the same, and the service is always good also, the middle of the ship is the best if you are lucky enough to get a cabin there and also lower down is good also.
I hope this helps you,
Have a great holiday and don’t forget to take some Avomine for sea sickness just in case better to carefull than to be sorry you didn’t take anything,
Hi Andrew, I suggest get an outside cabin as your children will like to look outside and see the ocean. I have been in both and am going next year 2010 with my three children 7, 8 & 9yo we have an inside cabin. We won’t be in our cabin alot and the TV in cabin shows cruise cam so we can see what the weather like before we go outside.
I met some single men (55-60yo) on the last cruise I went on. They always book inside cabin as they liked to stay out all night and sleep during the day. They liked the inside cabin as it is darker but they always got upgraded to outside cabin.
I don’t mind either cabin but I noticed we were near the purcer office and it was quiet I think because it is staffed 24hrs. Some other passengers complained about roudy loud noise by teenagers/early 20’s partying near their cabin, coming home to their cabin a bit drunk and loud. I have never experienced this & I also sleep through anything. But it was the NYE cruise. It was the absolute best cruise I have ever been on.
Get outside cabin for your first cruise.
Jen
Wow 12 Cruise’s. This our 2nd & definately won’t be our last. We’re on Caribe deck also. Our Girl is 11 in 2 weeks & boy 13.5, You’ll love the zoo, we flew to Syd last year for that. Kids loved it. We are also counting the days. We just looked through all our photos of our last cruise in 04 on the sky, bought back memories & got us all excited for this one.Can’t believe how much the kids have grown. Might see you all for a cocktail.
Cheers, Gavin
Hi Gavin & Leanne, Courtney will be 3 weeks off turning 10, and Dillon is 4. We are in cabin C224. So no doubt the two girls will meet up in the Shark Shack. Our cabin could change as it did last year. We did not know of the change until we checked in. Ended up with a porthole no extra cost.
Hi Kay, I’m sure the kids will find each other, Abby is just so excited about the whole kids club thing. All she wants to do is ge her hair braided again. At the moment we’re in C170 though as you said anything can happen. Do you have any idea about the older kids activities for my boy Luke? 14in october. He’s a little worried.
Cheers Gavin.
Hi Gavin & Leanne, The teen lounge has sports competitions, late night movies, pizza parties,karaoke and lip-sync shows, casino night, hip-hop classes, talent shows, dance parties, mocktail parties, t-shirt painting, playstation 2 & 3 as well as table tennis etc. I am sure he will find a friend as it is only at sea that he will need to fill his time in. When on land as you know it is usually a full day.
Hi Gavin & Leanne, I just noticed you are just down the hallway from us cabin with a porthole, we have an inside one.
Hi Kay, Thankyou for that info on the teens, I will show Luke this which i’m sure will make him much happier & he loves Pizza & playstation. Counting down the days. Bye for now.
Thanks for that Sue – it seems to have changed a bit from when I went last. The last time I went the cruise card used to be more like a pre-paid system. This way sounds much more dangerous!
Just over two weeks to go – I can’t wait!
Hi Jeff, quite a few motels near the cruise terminal but cannot tell you what they are like. However Airport Securapark Services has undercover car parking for $94.40 for 7 days. Phone number is 0738682176 and they do transfers to and from the ship.
Hi Jeff
The parking is a dime a dozen on the road to the cruise terminal in Brisbane. We always use Andrews Parking. It costs $90 for 7 days for undercover parking. You also get a discount if you are an RACQ member.
They can be accessed and booked via the internet with payment being made on the day you leave the car, they drive you to and from the terminal. We have always found them friendly.
Unsure about hotels, we were thinking of maybe spending the night in one also before we go but we are only about 3/4 hour away anyway.
Hi Jeff, we are coming over from New Zealand the night before our cruise and are staying at Airport Motel. It is $190 for a family of four in a 2 bedroom unit. Really close to the wharf. Can’t help with parking sorry.
Hi Jeff, We stayed at the Best Western Airport Hacienda Motel, Hamilton. 5mis from airport and we walked across the road with our suitcases to leave from the port. They have a restaurant and serve breakie in the morning. we had a family room for the four of us and made use of the pool the arvo before. have fun
hi jeff, you can leave your car at andrews car park its not exspensive and they do look after your car,and also you can stay at the country comfort motel on toombul road as thats what we do the night before cruising and then you havent got as far to go to andrews carparking they pick you up and drop you off then they bring you back to your car after your cruise..so relax and enjoy..leanne
Hey Narelle, Pink was ABSOLUTLY AWESOME!!!! My daughter had a ball, we were so close to the stage, she is such an awesome performer, the things she was doing while singing was phenominal, she is sooooo beautiful more so in person. We even were lucky enough to nearly bump into her ex hubby Carey Hart. He was walking past us with a hoodie on, no security or other people around him, it took us by surprise we werent expecting him to be wandering around on his own. We both stamered for words like complete idiots, then we both said omg thats Carey Hart. Then he was gone. It was funny at the time. Anyway getting back to the Dawn, Ive seen that new countdown as well its pretty cool. We only have 186 days to go. Do you know much about the cabin situation? We have an inside cabin 4 berth, is it 2 bunk beds or do you have 2 twin beds. Just wanting to know do the kids have to sleep together or are we all sleeping separately? Im fine with that, hubby not impressed though LOL.
Hey Kalana
Glad to hear you had an awesome time. Remind me though not to get any tips on talking to famous people from you!!LOL
The cabins are more spacious than you’d expect and are 4 separate beds with the top bunks being brought down at night. The cabin stewards are just awesome and through the day fold the beds in and you come into your cabin at night and they are down with the sheets ready for you to drop into. About the only thing they don’t do is stay around to tuck you in for the night.
They are comfy beds. We were never in them though before 1-2 am and usually left them fairly early to see the sun rise. Don’t expect the kids to be back before 2am most nights, ours always came in way after us.
From what I understand the bottom bunks can not be put together so it’s all separate sleeping. Took us a while to get used to but hey we weren’t in the cabin much anyway.
Can’t wait, I am sooooooooooo obsessed.
Talk again soon.
sorry about the spelling it was very late last night when i wrote this.
Has anyone done there own shore tours using the taxis in Fiji and Tonga.What did it cost and did they get a good tour?
hi can anyone tell me how to pre book shour tours or do you have to wait till you get your tickets thanks heaps
Hi michel,
127 days to go! we have 2 first timers and my hubby cant really remember his last cruise he was 18 with all his mates I think on the Acadia ship.Yes you may catch us on board.
Yes,Taree is not that far a couple of hours or so,this is my second cruise,last one was on the sun and I went with the mother in law and her friend,this time Ill be with my husband and our son and daughter and their partners,but we are bunking in with our son and his partner and my daughter and her partner have a twin,both outside cabins on Emerald deck E115 and E119,this cruise is for my husbands 50th which was in march but we all couldnt travel then,and 2wks before our cruise my daughters partner turns 24 and when we are at champagne bay my sons partner turns 24 also,so here’s hopeing for very calm waters and lots of sunshine
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
When we booked we were given cabin No. C153 & we are hoping that we can keep this one or be upgraded but that probably will be unlikely. Mid ship for the queezy tummies. We will have all the appropriate drugs for seasickness with us. Doctors perscription ones needed for two of our group. Cant wait ….. 126 days to go…….
Michel
Hi Michel,
We were given our cabins when we booked as well,we tried to be mid ship as I get sea sick too,but we were lucky to get on we tried for 6th april,2nd and 11th of july but they were fully booked,but the 20th oct is good as we can save more.Im going to try the Avomine this time Kaye that writes on this blog put me onto it as they use it on the dawn now,as last time I got the needle and tablets they were phenergan.Oh and they asked if we wanted to be up graded when we booked but couldn’t tell us where it would be and I didnt want the back of the ship as they say you can really feel the movement so we left it as it was.I cant wait either,when I read all the blogs I get excited as it gets closer! 125 days
Jenny.
thanks Lyn
the other family that were travelling could not get their 3 kids on so it is just us now. counting down the days hope there is no rain either. we just can not wait though i am the most excited, the kids don’t want to think about it yet otherwise they can’t sleep.
Hi Lyn,
We are spending a few extra days in Sydney at the end of our cruise, staying in Darling Harbour.
We are a family of four travelling on the 11th July. We have a son 16 and daughter 18. My husband and I went on a crusie in October 2004 but this is the first time for our kids.
We are all counting down the days…22 to go!! Wahoo!! We are in a Baja deck inside cabin.
We live in Perth and will fly into Sydney on the Saturday 11th ready for departure in the afternoon.
May be can meet over a drink or two in one of the lounges?
Hi Helen thats great to hear from another family with kids a similar age to all of ours. This blog is so good to read and just adds to the anticipation of our trip. How fantastic travelling from Perth- what an exciting trip for all of you. Darling Harbour is great -we have actually had a cpl of stays in there at the Novotel during holidays as there is so much to do- even though we live only about an hour from the city- will have to catch up at some stage and fill you in on the must does. Thanks for replying to my blog.
Hi there does anyone out there know about ironing facilities on the pacific dawn- if they are in the laundries and are plentiful or if it is worth bringing a travel iron on. Also, do they provide shampoo and soap etc or not in your cabin?? Thanks
Hi Lyn,
On one of your blogs you asked about the laundry on the Dawn,
there is plenty of washing machines and dryers we didn’t have any trouble only on the way home there was a little wait, but nothing major. We brought the powder in the laundry in machines for $1.00 in sachets, just enough for a wash. In the the cabin we got shampoo/shower gell filled up daily for us to use. And no don’t worry about bringing your own iron there is plenty too, not many people actually used them they only ironed the formal nights. Hope this helps.
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Jackie thanks so much for answering my questions about the laundry facilities and toiletries. The less we need to take on the better- as I want as much room as possible for outfits!! We are also planning to take our own snorkel gear so that will take up space. Just out of interest does anyone know if you can just hire the fins on board without the snorkel and mask?- as this would save some space. This time in 3 weeks we will be sailing – hopefully it is smooth !!
Hi there we are travelling on the Dawn departing on 11th July and have just received notification that we have a change in one of our stops. We are now visiting Lifou instead of Ouvea due to local unrest on the island. Not sure if that is a shame or not as haven`t been to either before but Ouvea did look beautiful. It seems we will now have a choice of doing a shore tour excursion if we wish to book one on Lifou- does anyone recommend anything in particular worth doing or is the area that the ship brings you to on the island nice enough to just hang around and what about snorkelling?
Hi Lyn, there are 27 of us trvelling on the 11th july, 8 families the kids are all around 15, 16, 17, 18 mostly girls so your daughter will be fine. we have been on 7 cruises this will be our eighth .. we are all on Dolphin deck.I’m sure all the kids will meet up and have a fantastic time! hope to meet up with you on board.. Kim
Thanks for that Kim -yes I`m sure there is going to be plenty of kids around that age. My daughter actually found out that someone she has met before at uni is going to be on the same cruise And the same for my 15yr old son- funny hey. Its getting quite exciting now and the packing is nearly done- hard to get my head around beach wear though it is freezing in Sydney today!! I love reading all the blogs on here it is so informative and just adds to the excitment- this time in 4 days we will be having a ball- hopefully not seasick!
Hi John, A tipping allowance is included in your cruise cost. The tipping allowance is from my understanding shared among all the staff including those you may not get to see. I think this is fair enough, but some passengers do take the option to declare thet they don’t sish to pay this tipping fee. I usually accept it as it is intended and then at the end of the cruise give a personal tip to our Cabin Steward and a special waiter if you dine at a regular table.
On the old cruises you diend at the same table each night, but now you have flexible dining. On our last cruise we still managed to get to know a special waiter and so gave them a personal tip.
I won’t mention any value, but if like us you find the staff to make your cruise that much better then give them something in return.
Happy Cruising
John & Kerry
Hi Sandy
My wife and I sailed in March on the Dawn in cabin C 198 Caribe Deck and the queen bed was against the wall
Thanks for your reply, Rick
That’s good. We have C196 for NZ next Feb. Hope they don’t change it.
Sandy
Jane
My husband & I are just doing the 14 night cruise departing August 17, looking forward to it cant wait
I just rang yesterday about my husband’s and mother’s birthday whilst on our cruise. They said that once you notify of a birthday they will decorate the door of the cabin and there will be a small cake a dinner. She said that there was no charge. There may be if you a bigger cake or wine etc..My question now is how do they kow where we will be dining. Maybe they tell you where the cake will be for that night?
you give your name when you book for dinner and cabin number. they have a list with allk the names for birthdays , wedding aniv, honeymoons and any other spe time. it was a bigger cake for the 10 bucks. good luck and have a wonderful time.
Hi Lee,
Originally we had only booked the 14 night, but when we saw the cruise before left on Friday night and back in on Monday, we decided to take that as well, great way to relax after a hard week at work.
We have cruised on the Pacific Sky with the kids and Pacific Sun by oursleves and had a great time on both, and no doubt we’ll enjoy ourselves on the Dawn.
Hopefully you and your husband will too. Only 8 weeks to go, and trust me we are counting the days.
Jane
Hey Shelley!!
How exciting for you-only 12 sleeps to go!! You are going to have the time of your life!! Cruising is THE BEST way to travel and once you go on your first cruise you will get totally addicted!! I’ve been on 2 New Years Eve cruises on the Pacific Dawn with my best friend and we are booked on the new ship The Pacific Jewel for next New Years Eve!! We are counting down like you, but have a bit of a longer wait!! 188 days for us!!
My parents have been on a cruise around New Zealand and they loved it!! The photos look amazing!! But just being on the ship in the middle of the ocean is so awesome and relaxing, it doesn’t even matter where you go, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic holiday!!
Have a great time!! Let me know how it all went when you get back!!
Hello Shelly, I am also going on the same cruise…according to my travel agent the “local unrest” that is happening on Ouvea has apparently got to do with politics
….but hey upside is we going to Lifou instead of skipping a whole destination all together 
:):)
Hi Jayjay
why on Earth would you want to follow up on a story that was already blown out of proportion. It was contained and all passengers cleared for the next sailing. It blew Queenslands theory out of the water, there were cases found nowhere near where Pacific Dawn was. I was a bit ashamed to be called a Queenslander.
P&O look after the saftey and security and health of their passengers as a top priority.
May I suggest you put that in your follow up story?
Cheers, enjoy Samoa.
yep counting down the days, got my stuff all packed so i could go tomorrow didn’t know about Ouvea, how did you find out.
i’m also leaving on July 11. Can’t wait. Didn’t know about ouvea, thanks for that. This is our second cruise. My daughter is performing on the ship with a group of kids from Port macquarie.
hELLO WE ARE TRAVELLING ON THE SAME CRUISE, CAN’T WAIT THERE ARE 27 OF US TRAVELLING ALL FAMILIES WE WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME, i HOPE TO MEET ON ON THERE KIM
Hi Kim,
A couple of people on the blog have commented that their Travel Agents have told them about Ouvea. I’m not sure what the ‘unrest’ is – but anyway apparently they are anchoring at Lifou instead, which isn’t a bad thing.
When do you go??
Have fun.
Narelle
Travel agent emailed me notification about Ouvea from P&O. Haven’t been to either place so not worried. Would be more concerned if i had been to Lifou before and missed Ouvea.
Gosh packed already – you are good. Just working on the list now. but just very excited and only 14 sleeps till we head to Sydney for a few days… then on we get.
Contact your travel agent if you are concerned. We go to Lifou on the same day as we were going to Ouvea.
Better get packing – I’m obviously lagging behind everyone else.
Great 15 days to go and we can not wait, the kids will be in kids club and my hubby and i will have some time to ourselves, hope it is all as great as what we expect
cruising is a great holiday, what i love about it is we don’t see the kids (thanks to kids club) and my husband and I have some time to ourselves it is the best holiday ever!!! Hope to see you on board Sam..we are a group of 27 see you in 8 sleeps Kim
Hi Sam, see you on board, in 8 sleeps how exciting, we are packing this weekend. kim
allison only 15 days to go now
Hi Jen
Yes we did the same thing, thought the slide would be fun for the kids. Got a short reply from P and O when I asked about one on the Dawn and also got told there isn’t one on the Sun either now. However we will still enjoy the cruise and we are off in January as well.
Hi Jenny from Macksville
A waterslide would be fantastic, we booked our last cruise on the Pac Sun, but the slide was removed before we had the chance to try it out. I’m sure your 3 boys are still going to have heaps of fun on the cruise. Can’t wait for the 23rd January, 2010 to meet you & your family as well as Leanne, Hannah & their fellow cruisers, We’ll be like one big happy family. See you all on the Pacific Dawn.
We are travelling with my 2 boys (8 and 6) on the Dawn on 9 Sept . We are all excited because it’s our first time cruise , and we don’t know what we expect. or holiday like….but I have been read lots of review and sound very fun , with the theme party night if we are not dress up for theme party eg outsback etc…. Are we allow to go in ? the kids very excited and they already planning what they should do first etc….
Hi Rowena, my kids are excited as well for they no what to expect, it’s there 2nd cruise. They both just loved the kids club. mind you that was 5 years ago.Your daughter will just love it, My little princess is Abby so you daughter can look out for her in the club. We looked at all our photos the other day just to get us all in the mood again.Only73 sleeps to the first cocktail watching the sun set.
Cheers Gavin
Hi Emma & Tim, My Wife & 2 kids will also be on your cruise my boy 13 & Girl 11. You’ll have a blast so much to do or do as little as possible if you like. The boys will love snorkling at the islands there great. I haven’t been to Tonga yet though Fiji is great. As far as dressing up you don’t have to though it’s fun. You’ll have wonderful time. Cocktails are great.
See you on board. Cheers Gavin. 72 sleeps
Hi Gavin and Leanne
Thanks for the reply. We are both very excited as well but Teagan is a bit hesitant about the kids club but I think once she gets there I probably won’t see her much. We are by ourselves so I’m hoping she doesn’t want to spend too much time there as I won’t know anyone. I’ll let her know to look out for Abby. I bought us a facemask and snorkel each on the weekend but my mum has informed me that you can’t snorkel without flippers. Do know if this is the case or if they available on board to hire as I thought they would take up too much space in our bags? We are counting down the days as well now and have decided to go up the day before and stay at the Medina Grand Harbourside which seems to be the closest hotel to Wharf 8. I too am very much looking forward to the cocktails. I went on the Fairstar over 15 years ago now and we very much enjoyed having the cocktail of the day before dinner although I was quite young and don’t really remember too much about the rest of the cruise!
Rowena
Hi Rowena, it is expensive to hire flippers on board. We take our own. This year we got space bags, the one you can vac or roll and it has given us a lot of room in our suitcase. We have a girl Courtney who will be 10 3 days after we get back she loves the kids room. This is her third trip. We are staying at Napoleon on Kent for 2 nights, you can see the ship from our apartment. So she will have Abby and Courtney to look out for. Abby is on the same deck as ours.
I took my snorkle and flippers in my carry on bag, they fit in the overhead compartment on the plane as I had to fly to Sydney for my last cruise. Had no room in my suit case for them. I would reccomend you take flippers.
Hi Emma And Tim, we are on the same cruise as you in c224. You can still go to the theme nights. It is your choice if you dress up. As you have not cruised before get yourself a packet of avomine 25mg for seasickness. Costs about $11 at the chemist for a pack of 30. You can purchase them from the pursers desk on board but they could be more expensive. This is my 12th cruise my grandchildren are 4 and 10. Kids love the childrens room. You will have the time of your life. I love it.
Hi Kay
I think I’ll buy some before I go then. Thanks for the tip with the space bags, I hadn’t thought of that but will definitely get some before I go. That’s great now Teagan will have two girls to look out for. We are on Dolphin deck. I rang the Medina a couple of weeks ago as I wanted to be able to see the ship from our room but they said that they couldn’t guarantee that we would get a room that overlooks wharf 8. I decided that I wasn’t going to spend the extra money if we weren’t able to see the ship. Hopefully we can get up early enough to watch it dock in morning. Thanks again your tips have been quite helpful and I am starting to spend allot of time looking through the blogs.
Rowena
Hi Kay…thanks for your tip , we will get avomine for seasick , i am planning to do some shore tour , can you advise me which one is good for family . My kids and husband love snorkel. thanks heaps
Hi Emma & Tim, the tchu tchu train is ideal in Noumea for the kids, it is a sightseeing tour. Fiji the culture tours are good as you go to their village and experience their way of life. the same in Tonga. See you on board.
wow well that is exciting performing on the ship and incorporating a holiday lucky you. yep only 13 sleeps to go, just packed as we have a huge weekend next, PINK Sat night, always a great show. Packed all summer things tho so hopefully it will be hot hot hot…..
Hi Rowena,
Kay is the veteran of cruises so she will have plenty of good advice.We are also on Caribe Deck as Kay. We take our own fins also. Just think of it as you don’t have to take a hair dryer so you can fit in the fins. All 3 girls i’m sure will be looking out for each other & kids make friends very quickly. I to was on the Fairstar in 87 & i can’t remember to much either. We cruise the Pacific Sky 5 yrs ago & the kids had a ball & so did we.Looking forward to meeting for a drink.We fly down the morning of departure from the Gold Coast.
Cheers Gavin
Hi Gavin, Leanne, Rowena, Tim & Emma, just found out there have been a change to our itinerary. Instead of Lautoka will be docking at Dravuni Island due to the fact that Lautoka is so close to Port denaru. It is ideal for swimming with white beaches and palm trees.
Hi Gav and Leanne
Kay certainly has been a wealth of information and I’m so glad I found the blog as I have picked up so many things that you just can’t get from the brochure or website. Caribe deck is the one up from us. I’ll be going shopping to buy some fins on the weekend, thank you. A drink would be great and Teagan is excited that she knows there are more girls her own age.
Rowena
Thanks Jen I’m sure I’ll fit them in somewhere or take an extra bag!
Hi Kay
Dravuni Island sounds great. I was a bit confused with the shore tours as there are so many and I guess there will be some places that we will just want to relax on the beach. I was planning on definitely doing a shore tour in Noumea as I wasn’t very impressed with Noumea last cruise as we only did the main shopping part and it was quite expensive. I was also hoping to do one of the shore tours that included a village tour and fire walking – are there any that you can recommend? It would also be great if you could point out the islands where we do not need shore tours. I want to pre-book as I found that by the time we got on the ship they were all booked out. Thanks again
Rowena
wow big group you will all have a great time I am sure, no doubt we will see you somewhere
Thank you, Jackie. Sorry it’s taken so long to reply. I hadn’t looked at the blog for awhile as my first comment had disappeared or never actually made it so I thought it wasn’t working. Funny to be worrying about my stomach but I do get a bit woozy if I get hungry. Anyway, obviously no need to worry.
And Narelle – we are leaving in “2 sleeps” so won’t get to meet you. Have a fantastic time.
Hey Val and Dave,
We are going on our first cruise on Dawn on Aug 17th 2009 too!!!
How EXCITING!!
Just spent the last hour reading these threads from the bottom of the page up, and just read your entry!
Great to get all this information isn’t it, as I have not found out much info about our cruise except from the book and the website.
Have a few questions I might ask if they are not answered by the time I finish reading to the top of the page!!!
Anyway, might meet you on the ship Val and Dave,
Katie and Sanjeeva
Purser office onboard change currency. I think they change back to Aust $ if you don’t uses all your money. Not coins. I have never had any money left to change back. Purser office is like a bank.
Try the internet to look for a motel. Novatel darling harbour is opposite the warf and there are a few others. Type in motels darling harbour and you should get a good variety. If you have the name of the street the warf is in then try google search – type motels in that street in Sydney.
Hi Katie, we are staying at Napoleon on Kent in Sept, it overlooks the wharf as all you have to do is walk down the hill and you are at the wharf. They are self contained apartments and if you go into the lastminute.com.au site you may get a deal. We got an apartment for $199 a night for 4. If you get the address up on maps google you can see the ship in the background. You need fijian dollars. Vanuatu takes australian dollars and Noumea you need their currency. You can purchase it on board. internet is expensive on board.
Hi Katie,
When my friends and I went on the Dawn for NYE 07/08 we stayed at Star City Casino Hotel and it was fantastic. If you’re not into the Casino its still a fab place to stay, you don’t actually have to go into the casino part at all.
It was a little pricey but it was peak summer season and we booked direct with the hotel – I recommend http://www.wotif.com for cheap last minute deals if you want to risk it (although now I think you can book 3 months in advance) or else book with the hotel. We had a city view room (I think it was) and that included buffet breakfast for two and we were able to watch the ship come in at about 5.50am under the harbour bridge and then dock….it was FANTASTIC getting ready to go on and actually being able to see her. The Hotel/Casino is on the opposite side of the water to the dock so you get a fantastic view. We just told them when we booked that we were travelling on the Dawn and wanted to be able to see the ship come in.
One added advantage of being at the Casino was that we were able to go and eat at the cafe in there and it is quite cheap – helps save the $$$ for the cruise!!!
We had a fabulous time on the Dawn, so much so that my best friend and I went on her again with some other friends for NYE 08/09 and were booked to go on her again this NYE but we are now going on the Jewel instead.
Also you don’t really need to change your currency unless you want to – in Vanuatu and New Caledonia they accept $$Aust but make sure you have plenty of small change and small notes especially for the islands. Fiji, not so sure about but I have been told that it is pretty much the same there too.
You will have the BEST time and if you are like most people (including me) you’re first time cruising will most definately not be your last!!!
Enjoy your holiday!!!
Michelle
Hi Katie
We are also sailing on the 17th August.
This will be our second cruise last one ten years ago.
I am so looking forward to it might see you on board.
Yes i can’t wait. Am also counting of the days. It is just one of the best holidays ever.
Happy sailing Janet
Hi Katie
mY husband & I are cruising on the 17th Aug as well & looking forward to it counting the days.
We are on Aloha Deck & looking forward to Fiji, this will be our 6th cruise
Lee
Hi again Katie
Just to answer your question about the taxi from Star City….
The taxi was very reasonable – We caught a taxi-van (4 girls all with massive suitcases!!) and from memory I think it cost around $20 – mind you we had to pay the surcharge for the bigger van. Its only a very short drive (literally across a bridge and down a bit – but too far to walk) so in a normal taxi i would be surprised if it cost much more than $10 but then again, it was a while ago so don’t quote me on that!!!!
Staying at Star City was so good, we loved it and the only reason we’re not staying there again (and didn’t last year) is that we have birthdays that bookend the trip and need to be home for……
Hope that helps some!!
Michelle
Hi Katie,
We just arrived home from our Pacific Dawn cruise to New Caledonia today. The best thing I did was take my laptop with me. Use of the internet onboard costs 75c/minute (+$3.95 account set-up) or you can choose from a couple of plans ($55 or $100). By taking your own laptop, you only need to log on for a few minutes each time to send and receive your emails. Then log off, compose your replies in the comfort of your cabin, and then go back down to the internet cafe on level 8 to log on and send/receive once again. I chose the 75c/min option and spent just over $20 altogether. There are instructions available in the internet cafe to let you know what to enter under the SMTP server (for outgoing mail). I had to restart my laptop for the new settings to work.
Have a great trip!
- Merrilly
Hi Gavin & Leanne, Mum and dad enjoyed their trip. They said next time they will barter with the taxi drivers and do their own thing. I know from memory that we did a old tongan cultural village tour in nukuálofa years ago and it was great. It is tour id TBU-I adult $58 child $29 departs 9.30am returns 11.00 am. The Tchou tchou train in Noumea they said was good it is $59 adult and $39 child. Departs 8.30, 10.30, 12.30, 2.30. Returns 10.30, 12.30, 2.30, 4.30. Happy sailing.
Hi
I went on the fairstar in 1985 where I met my hisband and the cocktails were so cheap….probably how I met my husband.lol
We are going again next year and this time with our two children who will be 21 and 19 when we sail.
A couple of questions for anyone with cruising experience.
Are the cocktails /wine still cheap..most important question and
Are there many kids of that age that travel with their parents? I am a bit nervous about the safety of my daughter and any drug spiking etc. They are in a cabin across from us and after that poor dianne Brimbel case I am a bit nervous. My husband is telling me to not worry as it should be perfectly safe. is there security around at night as i am sure I will be in bed alot earlier than the kids. i remember dancing to 5 am on the fairstar and I am sure its just the same.
Vicki
Hi Vicki, I have kids across the hall too, somewhat younger though, and not on the same cruise. We bought walkie talkies from Aldi for us all to use to stay in contact, and on them there is a baby monitor setting so you can hear what they are getting up to in the middle of the night – they might not like you to know at their age mind!!! If they agree to use them, it might give you all an added level of security and some peace of mind. Enjoy, JAG!
Hi Vicky, Don’t worry about security on the ship, it is very safe. We travelled on the Dawn 18mths ago and there was not a worry at all. I think since that bad incident a few years ago, they have really stepped up their security. My daughter actually lost her room key (with the room number on it) and we were most concerned that someone could get access to our room, however security told us that there were camera’s everywhere and if someone entered our room it would all be on camera and not to worry. They take your photo when you board and it’s linked to your cruise card, so they have an image of everyone on board. I don’t think they can risk any more scandal, so the security is everywhere. Have a great trip, and don’t worry!!!
thanks Jag and Jodie for that. I feel alot better about it. I have been reading a bit about the security on board ship now and it certainly has been beefed up. The only thing I dont lke is that they take the alcohol out of the bags if you bring your own on board. There goes my idea of having a drink on the balcony of my room in the afternoon whilst watching the islands go by. I had the cocktail shaker packed.
The baby monitor is a great idea. Maybe I could hide one under the bunk bed. I also used to take them away with us when the kids were younger so we could sit outside around the BBQ area and feel that the kids were safe. I think the kids would kill me if I did that now. I might threaten them with it! HaHa
Vicki
Hello Kay,
We are travelling on the dawn on 11th july..only 8 sleeps away..
What has the weather been like? has it been cold or warm?…
Is the water rough or nice and smooth? could you please let me know so i can pack appropriately..
Thanks Kim C
Hi Jane and Bill
We are both looking forward to the cruise, this is Maddie’s first and my second cruise…… first time on the Dawn …..also looking at doing the trip on the 27th November to Sydney,Melbourne Tassie and then on to New Zealand…if all goes well.
Let’s catch up for dinner and a savy !!!!
Cheers,
Steve and Maddie
Hi Andrea. Glad to hear that you had a good trip. My husaband and I are travelling in September to Tonga and Fiji and we were wondering what day trips you went on and were they worth the money and did you book through P&O or did you go elsewhere.
Thanks Julie
that sounds great can you tell me what your theme night were????
can u PLEASE make sure u have Longbeach original cigarettes(yellow stripe on packet) on the 3rd august cruise, last cruise onboard the pacific sun, they never had any, which is rediculous when u have so many passengers , and a lot more smokers than non smokers,
thanks in advance
Hi Jeff
I recommend Sparkling Brown Brothers “Zibibbo Rosa”
Usually cost about $16.00
Love it we live in Nrt East Victoria
Janet
nathan coyle
hey Zoltina-J Medwik-Daley it is nathan coyle hear l was on the cruises last year from 29 august 2008 to 7 september 2008 we have a great time. and we are come on the pacife dawn in august 17 2009 for 14 night up to fiji see you on board Zoltina.
from nathan coyle.
please send me a reply
P.S all the best
That sounds so cool, staying at star city casino hotel,
How did you get to the wharf Michelle? By Taxi, and was it far away, much $$??
We like very classy hotels so we are looking for something in the upper price range, and would really like harbour views and seeing the Dawn from our wondow would be absolutely AWESOME.
Thanks, Katie
Sounds stupendis Shultz!!
i look forward in comparing the most sensational food that anyone could ever encounter!! ( complements to the chef i might add )
Happy Cruising!!
Yours Sincerely,
Timmy Canham
We have booked on the 9/1/10 cruise (W002N) out of Brisbane (2 adults and 2 kids ages 12 & 15) and have some questions:
~Anyone else booked on that cruise?
~I have read that you need to register for the Teen Club once onboard, and if you miss out to come back every day to check for vacancies. We were waitlisted for this cruise because they had reached their child limits so I’m worried they won’t get places. Has anyone had trouble getting their kids into the activity centres?
~What times are the kid centres open?
~Do we need beach towels for shore activities?
~Are there luggage limits?
~Any other recommendations to make out holiday the best ever?
I’m sure there will be many more questions before we head out to sea, but thanks in advance for your advice.
Yours in sailing
JAG
A bit late notice but we have a group of about 8 – 10 of us going ranging in age from 19 – 25. Should be a good trip
Hi Michelle, Go into the P&O website and click onto shore tours and you will get the tours and the prices. Also if you find what you like you can prebook by ringing Sydney P&O branch, must have your booking number which your travel agent has and they bill you at the end of your trip. Also get yourself a packet of avomine 25mg tablets non prescription for seasickness as no one knows what sort of sailer they are going to be for their first time. I have cruised 12 times and P&O uses these. They are about $11 for a pack of 30 and only need to be used while at sea. Usually one every 12 hours. If you are on land the next morning you will not need that one but take one before you sail. Play a wait and see game and see how you go but this is what was recommended for my children years ago when I started cruising. You will have a ball your holiday is what you make of it.
To get day temp. you can blogg any where on earth to find what average temp for that country is. eg: google search weather in Noumea, then find September. You usually get a government website for that country and find the month you want. Or try brureau of Metorology then type in what country you want.
Hi Kay,
Thanks so much for your help, we are so excited and are looking forward to having an excellent time.
Thanks again,
Michelle
Thank you Kay. Perhaps you can also help me use this blog? How do you start your own topic – I ended up posting my original message by hitting a reply button but I’m sure that isn’t what I was supposed to do!?!?! I am so excited about this cruise – went on one when I was 12 years old, some 26 plus years ago – the Oriana! I think things have changed since then! Anyway, thanks again Kay.
Yours in sailing, JAG
Hi Jag123, Just read down 2 blogs as I sent Michelle a message this morning there is some info there, also the towels for swimming are supplied. Register as soon as you get on board. The opening times for the kids are SEA DAYS 9.00am to 12.00 midday and 2.00pm to 10.30pm. PORT DAYS are the same. They do not like the suitcases to heavy as the men have to lift them onto the conveyer belt and also deliver them to your cabin.
Hi JAG,
When we went on the Dawn in 2008 we went looking around the ship when we left Sydney and found everything, the girls found the famous Teen lounge and thats when we put the girls names down for it. We had no worries they only let so many children of ages for the clubs so I don’t think to many miss out. There are always some kids that don’t or wont go so you should be ok. Get ready to say bye to them of a morning because you wont see them all day we didn’t we thought we had lost ours. We didn’t even see them for meal times they made so many nice friends that they either had club dinners or with their friends. Not really sure what time the hours are I think our girls were gone at after breakfast which wasn’t too early, and closed around 10ish they did have a late one something was on and it went till 2am, they loved that. It is safe up there no older ones are allowed in or younger at that matter, they need to show their cards. until they were known by the leaders. No don’t take your own towels we did which nearly meant another bag as you can use the ships there are plenty and when they are wet put them in the bins around the ship and just get another one. We got ours of a night time ready for the island visits. There is a luggage size and weight but you will have to see on the p and o site for that, I can’t remember (good hey!). Just don’t take too much you wont need it, my girls reckon at Christmas they are only taking a bag between them (good for girls). Hope this helps you.
You will have a great time.
Jackie
Thank you Jackie – with every response, I am getting more and more excited. I would have preferred the Christmas cruise, but we had to waitlist the kids – and January 9th is what came up so I’m happy!
So we can take the ship towels ashore when we go snorkelling? How good is that! Luggage wise, I find less is often best, but on a cruise you can’t exactly pop down the shops when you realise you forgot your hat or need a jumper! Do you have any idea if they let you take sprite or red bull on board – I’m an addict! I really don’t like the cheap imitation stuff and I have no idea what they sell or how much they would charge me for it!!!
Someone mentioned little gifts of pencils and books for the local islander children – I think this is a fabulous idea, but would have no idea how many I should pack? I can grab stacks of those 5c exercise books in the new year and make up a bag of goodies for each kid – but if I take 20 – does that mean 3 kids will miss out??? Someone also mentioned lollybags – can we take lollies out of Australia? The lolly bags might not make it to the islands with my kids around!!!
Anyway, thanks again for your response and happy sailing at Christmas.
JAG
Hi Jag, I am no wiser then you. I just hit someones reply as well. We did up some lollie bags and gave them out on the small island of Wala otherwise you will not have enough. The small islands were you go ashore by tender with no shore tours involved is the best place. I had 24 bags made up and the children are scattered so just use your judgement and make sure you have enough for each group of children before you give them out. Maybe a large bag of lollipops will go much further. You will find a big difference to the Oriana with this ship. We also cruised on it back in the eighties.
Hi Jag, yes we are on that cruise as well. We will have our 2 teens with us, girl aged 16 and boy 14. Both having birthdays in September. I am hoping they are going to enjoy the teen centre, should do from all I have read. We are coming over the day before and staying at a motel on Kingsford Smith Drive. Only 6 months to go. Seemed ages away when we booked it, (14 months), but time has gone really quickly.
Hi Jag, Yes you can pop down to the shop and buy a hat and jumper. I always buy a sun hat with ship name & jumper with ship name & T shirt on every cruise I go on. I have never been on the same ship twice so I have alot of P & O T shirts. People where I live must think that I only have P & O clothes. I am going on the Dawn 23 January from Brisbane & from all the bloggs this probably won’t be my last time on the Dawn although I was going to try Pacific Jewel next. It is amazing sailing out of Sydney Harbour. I like going in summer when it is daylight savings, longer days & lovely warm weather. You can take ship towles on shore tours so you will have to take a beach bag, back pack. I purchased one from the shop onboard when I went on the Fairstar. I still have my Fairstar bag from 15 years ago.
I also read some blogg that said soap & shampoo are refilled daily in you cabin. I can’t rember this on last cruise, this is great service. P & O really take care of you.
Last cruise on Pacific Sun smoking was still inside a few bars & casino. I am very pleased it is only outside now. It really made me feel sick & I stayed away from smoking areas. I also have a child with asthma and smoking really affects him.
As you board the ship you go to your cabin then find the teen centre and register your children asap, then get a cocktail and just relax.
Your luggage will arrive anytime from boarding to 8pm or maybe later. I always go to dinner first night with clothes I wear onto ship. Don’t worry about luggage your cabin steward will put it into your cabin for you. Stewards have key and enter your cabin on a daily basis to make up your beds, vaccume your cabin daily, tidy and clean your shower, toilet, replace toilet paper and towles & alot more. They really do a good job. Just put your cabin sign out if you don’t want anyone to come in.
Have a great cruise.
Hi Jag, to start your own blogg without hiting someone’s reply just go to the bottom of all the bloggs and start typing. You can also select a title you would like to write in eg: New Menu’s, Meet the crew, Formal Nights, just click on a heading and go to bottom of all bloggs.
Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions! And for showing me what to do to start a new topic!!! Hey Anita, where are you guys travelling from. We live here in Brisbane.
Have you looked at shore tours yet? P&O are telling me they haven’t loaded them onto their computer for next year yet, so can’t tell me times of each tour and which Noumea ones are even available given our 3pm arrival – 11pm departure.
Very excited and motivated to get on the treadmill at the moment!!! Gotta look good in my togs!
Yours in sailing, JAG
Hi Anita
Just checked out the wharf and the hotels along Kingsford Smith Drive. Which one are you staying at? We have worked out it is cheaper to stay at one of these hotels and leave our car in their storage carpark, than paying for 2 x taxi fares! Our holiday just stretched another day! Also chatted to the travel agent at the wharf and he gave me lots of tips – like they usually board at 11am but you can drop off your luggage and check-in from 7am! I want to rise extra early and watch the ship dock! So excited. JAG
Hi Vicki,
When we were on the ship the only places for smokers was up on the top decks outside, and yes you can smell them walking around the pool area, they mainly took the seats and tables under cover so the smell used to linger on a bit more. We don’t like the smell either and our daughter gets a bit of ashma thing going so we always had to be a bit careful up there.
Jackie
Hi Vicki, we were on the Dawn last april and they had a smokers area lounge at one end of the casino. We used to hold our breaths as we walked through here as it was so strong on our way to the international showroom. I live in Queensland to so we notice the smell a lot more. I hope they have done away with that area because it is strong.
Hi Vicki
We have just come off the Dawn…smoking allowed on Lido (Deck 12 portside) and Deck 7 portside outside. No smoking inside of ship at all. A big plus for the non smokers. The smokers seem to be happy with this arrangement also.
Andrea.
Hi Vicki,
I have just returned on Pacific Dawn. Smoking is very much restricted. We had smoking dedicated areas on port side of lido deck, port side of Promenade deck only (all outside). There is no smoking in the bars or casino these days. Smoking is also banned in staterooms and you will be charged a $300 cleaning fee if evidence of smoking is found. Hope this helps. As a non smoker I found it much nicer not having any smoking inside.
Thanks for that info Jackie. I am happy that it is not allowed in the bars and I suppose that means the casino too.
Vicki
Hi Kay, thanks for that info, you’ve been a terrific help through all of you posts. Not long now!
That is so great, what good news.
Hi Andrea
that is great and thanks for your reply. Did you have a good holiday?
Vicki
Hi Vicki
We had a great time…no excuses for not having a good time. It is what you make it. We went with another couple and they also had a great time. This was our 3rd cruise in 2 yrs..we have been bitten by the bug. Have only done Sth Pacific, but think we might try Mediterranean or cruise from Singapore next time. No matter where I am sure it will be nice.
Hope you have a great time on your holiday.
Andrea.
Hi Lee,
How exciting. We are also on Aloha Deck in a mini suite. Will look out for you. Only 38 days to go…
excellent Michelle,
I think we will copy your idea. I will look into booking a room there too.
Thanks so much.
Katie
You’ll love it Katie! Let me know how you go
Michelle
Hi Vicki,
You may like to see the Safety and Security Information page on the P&O website.
http://pocruises.com.au/html/safety-and-security-at-p-o-cruises.cfm
P&O Cruises
Hi Ian,
I thought our girls would get sick on our cruise but they didn’t have time to even think of it. I took kewell with us and the packet is still unopened.
I would take a packet of tablets with you and only use them if you need them I was talking to a lady on the cruise that gets sick and she said that them tablets don’t take long until they work. Don’t worry you will all have a great time.
Jackie
Hi Ian, get yourself some avomine 25mg. About $11 at the chemist. You have to ask for them as they put a sticker on them. The ship stocks them as well at the pursers desk. 100% better then kwells. They come in a packet of 30 and take one while at sea every 12 hours. I have been using them on and off for the last 26 years. Stemitol is more for dizziness avomine will stop the nausea.
Hi Ian.
Hubby was just talking about a family that wore these bands on there wrists and remember talking to them and they swear by them they were a velco band with like a magnet in them the whole family wore them the mum though only wore them so the kids didn’t look or feel out of place.
Have a great cruise can’t wait till Christmas for our cruise.
Enjoy
Jackie
Phenergan is given for seasickness by injection on board. I take the tablets and they work well for me. They can bought over the counter at the chemist. I also take Travacalm original (half dose). This combination does the trick for me.
thanks for the replies ladies,
.. not freaking out about it but if i can avoid it with sensible precautions beforehand it helps the mind too i reckon..
.. dang it i was so positive i was gonna be mr cool about the trip and its like being 10 years old at xmas….. 1 more sleep 1 more sleeep,,, yah yah yah!! …
i have a history of seasickness and mostly know how to control it, but only ever been on overnight trip to tasmania before, smaller ship worse weather..i do dread feeling like that and the thought of a potential 10 days gives me the willies.. lucky i dont usually drink much grog anyway.. the eldest started going green on a dolphin watch boat last year while we were still in sheltered waters so she will be well tableted too
worst thing today is i am bouncing off the walls getting all excited about tomorrow
sorry i know youonly replied about the seasick but my fingers got kinda hotwired!
thanks jackie you are included in the reply to kay just below
Alison, last time a suit and tie was OK. Some men had a bow tie however most just had suit and tie. I will be doing the same this time. It’s a great night and you can have your photo’s taken all dressed up.
Yes, 11 nights to go. They can’t go quick enough.
Hi JAG,
Thanks for the info about Roll Call, never knew it existed. I have now joined up for my cruise – 20 Oct 09. Thanks again.
Kaye. Cruising 20 Oct 09.
Hi Jag,
Unfortunately I could not get this website to work. Thanks anyway.
Katie
Hi Jag
when I booked my cruise the P&O lady told me that my cabin would not be changed as I have two kids(late teens) in a cabin next to ours travelling with us and want them as close as possible. I was not planning on paying for the cruise until the last minute so hopefully my cabins I have booked wont change.
I went on a cruise years ago and was in one of the worst cabins on the ship and it didnt matter at all as we were hardly in them. You dont want to miss out on anything going on up on deck so you sleep and shower and change in the cabin and thats it. Well I was only 18 so thats all I did in the cabin.lol
I slept like a baby with the rolling of the ship on the water even tho were were at the far back of the ship I think any cabin on the Dawn would be better than one of the best cabins on the last ship I went on.
Hopefully your cabin will be great.
Vicki
Thanks Vicki, I have been told IF the 2 cabins are linked then we won’t get upgraded, but as my kids are older I’m quite happy for them to upgrade my cabin and leave theirs where it is (theres is quite OK – certainly not the worst in the grade). I will make sure the cabins are not linked and ask for mine to be upgraded and kids stay where they are. Like you, I think I’m going to enjoy the trip no matter where I am! Thanks for your reply, JAG
any one out there traveling on the pacific dawn on the 31st of august who would like a chat
A note on seasickness – I am not a doctor, so please correct me if I’m wrong!
The way Qwells work is by emptying the stomach into the intestine, but if you don’t drink enough water, you will feel even more seasick! Make sure you drink lots of water, but it is fairly quick to make you feel better.
Phenergon is an antihistamine, which MAY make you drowsy, but dries up excess fluid from your nasal passages, including the middle ear – again you need to drink extra water to ensure you don’t get dehydrated.
The Avomine works a different way – I was told it works by draining half the fluid from the inner ear so it resets your balance. This is why it takes 12 hours for it to work but is more effective for the duration of the cruise.
I hope this helps some of you fellow sailors! JAG
Hi Pam, we are sailing out in January and all of the hotels were happy to take my booking by phone, just not on the net! They are not the flashest of places but they are ok and approximatel 500m down from the terminal so I will wake at 5am to see the Dawn dock. Hubby will drive the kids down with our tonne of suitcases, check in, then drive the car back to the hotel and check out. We could walk but there are no footpaths and I think the wheels on the road or grass/dirt would wreck them.
There are 6 hotels along this strip of Kingsford Smith Drive – 3 within walking distance of the wharf. The main 3 all offer carparking for up to 4 weeks, but some are uncovered – if you want undercover, you may be asked for $80 per week.
If you look at google maps and type in accommodation, it will list them and their locations, and give you links to their webpage and also reviews. Also when you do google maps, make sure you hit view by satellite as the Sun (I think) was in port at time of photo! I hope this helps you out a bit! JAG
Hi Jag, Avomine starts to work within an hour of taking it. Thats why if you do suffer from seasickness it is best if you take it an hour before sailing, if you are a chronic sufferer of motion sickness start taking the tablets the day before. I and my family have been using them since 1983 and were in a cyclone with 60 foot waves and 2 of my children had been put on these 24hours after we sailed by the ships doctor and they were the only ones who were not sick we all were.
Hi Jag
Who do you contact regarding upgrades? Your travel agent or P & O direct. I also have a “special” birthday celebration on board and it would be nice to have an upgrade to really celebrate in style! Is it better to ask or just leave it and see what happens?
Hi Janis, if you are dealing with a travel agent, like me, then P&O prefer you to go through them. When making the booking, there is a little box they tick (or not) to say if you want your cabin number locked in, or upgraded if available. HOWEVER, my travel agent isn’t so helpful, so when I called P&O about the shore tours, the guy had my booking open on screen and was able to double check for me – he also changed my twin beds to queen that the agent failed to do also! Some agents are great, and others not so. I only went through this agent because it was a special deal with the new car we bought. Not that great a deal as it turns out, but it got us booked and hooked so can’t complain. I dont’ think special occasions get you shortlisted for a cabin upgrade, but past do passengers get preference. It really depends on what cabins are booked and what are empty in the last weeks leading up to your cruise. Good luck! JAG.
Hi Kerrie, Your daughter can go into the bars with you. She will have a different colour cruise card to you and this alerts the staff to the fact she is under age. But she can attend with you any time of the day. Get yourself a packet of avomine 25mg tablets for sea sickness in case you need them about $11 a packet of 30. Register your 10 year old in the kids room when you get on board. Happy sailing just read if possible the other blogs you may pick up some more useful information.
Hi Kerrie, We have travelled on the Pacific Sun and Sun Princess with our daughter and son, our daughter had just turned 18 and had to have her driver’s licence to show for ID even though she had an adults cruise card before they would serve her drinks or allow her into the night club, we did find that they where quite strict on this. Our son who was only 15 was allowed with us during the day but not allowed into the night club at night. When we cruised the last time we had a friends son who was one month of turning 18 and there where a few on the cruise in this age group and they all hung out together and made their own fun. Hope this helps a bit. Cathy
Hi Kerri we have just come off the Pacific Dawn on Tues after the most fantastic family holiday.Our kids are 18 and 15 and we travelled with a family with a 15 and 17 nearly 18yr old.They were all fine in The Dome nightclub until 12midnight then they put over an announcement that it is an over 18 venue so our kids would try to hang til they announced it again- usually get another 15mins out of it. They do have a lot of security in there and it was a very safe venue. We did feel that it was a shame that if they had their parents with them they should have been able to stay but I guess they need rules. My daughter met up with some really nice girls and as they were over 18 able to stay as long as they wanted. Our younger ones would sometimes head into the showlounge at 10.45pm to watch the movie. They have family trivia and various other types in bars around the ship and it wasn`t a problem having the kids in there. Island night was the best night so many people out on Lido deck doing Nutbush Macarena etc etc under the stars then a conga line up into The Dome. On our 10 night cruise we also had Cowboy night, 2 Formal nights, Pirate night and Rock n Roll night and you do find people do dress up for the themes. Highly recommend if visiting Port Vila a trip to Cascade Waterfalls and on the way back a cpl of hrs at Hideaway Isl for the most spectacular snorkelling(but also take your reef shoes for both places-you need them & we also took our own snorkel gear on board as quite expensive $50 per set to hire/wk or $45 to buy a set of fins only !!)- We found ourselves a really nice Mini bus taxi driver for our group when we got off ship and we had him for the day and it worked out sooo much cheaper. If you want to know anything else I am happy to answer any off your questions. I know how helpful I found the blog before I went. Oh yeah and if going to Mystery Isl -it is very beautiful- great snorkelling on other side and very cheap markets and hair braiding. Hope this helps- Lyn
Hi Jag
Thanks for that. If I may ask where are you staying for the night. I may give them a call and see if they would take my booking for February. They do offer free car storage for the week?
Hi Pam, we are booked in the family room at Kingsford Smith Motel – closest to the wharf. We are keeping our car there for the 7 nights, and our family room is $200 for the night – queen in the living area, singles in the seperate bedroom. Booking this far in advance is no problem, just need to give them your credit card number when booking. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://kingsfordsmithmotel.com.au/
Yours in sailing, JAG
Thanks Jag – much appreciated Will give them a call.
Hi Pam
We have stayed at this property before a cruise and it is great. Look out the window in the morning and the ship is in port. Very reasonably priced and friendly staff. Great location, can get the rivercat and head in to Brisbane to have a look around also.
Andrea.
Hi Pam, we are staying at the Airport Motel on Kingsford Smith Drive in Jan next year and they took our booking over the internet in March. It is $195 for 4 of us in a 2 bedroom unit.
Hi Steve and Maddie..
would love to catch up for a drink and dinner.. Keep a look out for us.. we are on Aloha deck but can’t remember the name of the cabin sorry.. what cabin are you in ?? Other wise just ask at the pursers desk for our cabin no. and make a time.. can’t wait.. Jane
Hi Jane Jenkins, the purser will not give out cabin numbers. My parents tried that last month when they were on board but it is for security.
Hi Jane and Bill,
Yes we are on the same deck Aloha in a mini- suite …we will keep a look out for you both ….look forward to dinner and savy !!!!!
Cheers,
Steve and Maddie
Thanks for the reply Robert, Julie and I are getting married the day before the cruise so we are looking forword to a beautiful honeymoon on the ship. perhaps we can meet up for a beer.
Hi there,
My hubby (Adrian) and I are also on the 31st Aug cruise, it’s our first and we are so excited!! We fly from Perth on Sunday night/Monday morning. approx 46 days to go!!! Can’t wait!!!!
Jeff – we live in Brisbane but chose to stay at hotel near the wharf – so I can see the ship dock and check in first! If you google map Hamilton, Bribane you can see the Pacific Sun in port, and then type in accomodation and it will come up with several hotels within walking distance. The 3 main closest ones all offer free parking for up to 4 weeks included in your stay. If you particularly want undercover parking for your car, you may need to pay extra. We are staying at Kingsfor Smith Hotel, family suite for $200 per night. They all seem fairly similar in standard and costs so check them out on the net, JAG
You are supposed to be able to do it online, or phone P&O direct with your booking number and they will make the booking for you. Next years shore tours have not been released yet – I’ve been told to check in a few weeks. Enjoy, JAG
Hi Shell, as soon as you pay your final payment which is usually 8 weeks before you sail, go into the shore tours site and pick the ones you want to do, then ring P&O in Sydney with your booking number as they will ask for this and they will tell you what time the tours go so you can pick the time that suits you. If you pick one that goes not long after the ship arrives make sure you get to the international showroom to get a departure ticket so you can get off the ship in time for your tour. They use this system so there is not to much congestion in the passage ways with people trying to get off. We sail on the 9th sept. and have already done our bookings.
thanks i will try that also i have read that avomine is great to take for sea sickness could anyone let me know if you are able to drink alchol while taking these thanks for any help
thanks kay for the info about shore tours i will follow it up .Unfortunatley we are not travelling on the dawn we are on the sun from brisbane leave 31/10/09 -7-11-09 thanks heaps for all the info it is great to read all the comments thanks again…
Hi Shell, it says on the packet to avoid alcohol, however you may be a good sailer so play a wait and see game. I only need them if the ship starts to do a lot of rolling. If you are prone to car sick etc. then you will need to take them all the time. A lot of tablets have these warnings on them, so if you would like to drink be cautious and also ask the chemist what could happen.
hi kay thanks heaps for that advice i wll check with chemist and thanks about shore tour advice as well made our final payment already now the spending money starts
hi we are going then would be good if the sun had a blog as well….
Hi there,
Couple of things I’d like to know about the Pacific dawn. Are you able to dry clothes without the dryer and how can you find out about the hairdressing facilities.
Thanks
Michelle
I to am travelling on this cruise with my 4 children 12, 7 and 6yr twins and my grandmother and the neighbours from across the road the only person to cruise before is my grandmother. The kids are getting very excited only 3 more sleeps they tell me till we sail.
To disembark at ports you have to go and get a ticket, P & O will let you know where from. They announce first group off ship and so on. If you have an early shore tour best to get a disembarkment ticket first so you can make your shore tour. Shrore tours do wait for all pepole on their list to attend.
When leaving the ship in Sydney P & O ususlly do this by people who have connecting flights first and then order of connections eg: bus, train and then off last is poeple who live in Sydney or stay in Sydney overnight.
They have all passengers off really quick.
Look out for Getaway on 6th August as Pacific Dawn will be on this show. can’t wait to see her.
Hi Dave & Val,
When you disembark at your ports of call it will depend on if the ship is docking or by tender. If docking you can pretty much get off when you feel like it – although there can be a big line up when you are first allowed to desembark. If it is by tender you will find that you will have to get a ticket of sorts and they will call the ticket number when they are ready for you. This can take a bit of time. When you arrive back in Sydney you will have already filled in forms before you final day and they will give you coloured bag tickets with where you should go to be called for disembarkation with an approx. time. Hope this helps.
Cathy
Hi Dave & Val
If you have booked A tour at one of the ports they will tell you ware to meet and at what time. If the ship is at anchor and you are not going on a tour you go and get a ticket and when they call that group you make your way to deck 4 to tack the tender.
Hi Dave & Val
If you have booked A tour at one of the ports they will tell you ware to meet and at what time. If the ship is at anchor and you are not going on a tour you go and get a ticket and when they call that group you make your way to deck 4 to tack the tender.
A couple of days before you get bake to Sydney they will give you a form to fill out asking what your travel home arrangement’s are and they will disembark you in time to catch your plane if you are flying home . We sailed on the Pacific Dawn in March and as we had a late flight home we ware one the last groups off. We where off the ship by 10.30 having docked at 7.00. It is a very slick operation. Enjoy your cruise.
Rick
Hi Tegan,
Depending on which ship you are going on – We have done two trips on the Sun Princess one balcony and one inside – the balcony cabin did feel much larger although size wise it was really only the balcony that was extra. We have booked a mini suite on the Pacific Dawn for next year and the extra is that you have a sitting room as such plus the balcony is bigger (all up the minis suite is nearly twice the size of balcony) on the mini suites and you get a few nice extras, but there is definately nothing wrong with a balcony cabin – it is nice to be able to open the door and have some fresh air. But at the end of the day you don’t really spend a lot of time in your cabin.
Hope this helps a bit. You will have the best time no matter what cabin you are in – this next curise for us will be our 5th in 3 years. It is our childrens 21 & 18 next year and we are taking them as the present for their Birthdays and are really looking forward to it as it should be a lot of fun.
Hi Tegan and welcome. The main difference between a balcony cabin and a mini suite is the size – you have a lounge room like seating area inside the suit and a larger sized balcony. Some suites have baths inside the ensuite too and they get extra special treats included. The suites are all on the upper deck together, adjoined by high grade balcony cabins. There are less ‘family’ or ‘multi-share’ rooms on this deck, whereas some of the balcony cabins are on the next deck down. Check out your ship plan to compare the size of cabins and what cabins ajoin each.
I think the main question is how much time you expect to spend in your cabin and out on your balcony – if you are private person and like your own space you may prefer a larger area to spread out and relax, or if you only expect to shower, change and crash in bed, then it seems wasted money. Another consideration is if you get seasick – the cabins mid-ship rock less, with the further forward ones rocking the most. I think all of the suites are located fairly central.
Good luck in your choice, but I think you will be extremely happy with either – compared to T category, you’ll be living in luxruy!!!
Hi Tegan
Be careful with the mini suite thing. We met a couple who “upgraded” to the mini suite and were offered coffee facilities and free laundry and when they asked for it they were told that they got the wrong brochure. (sent direct from P&O stating all the inclusions). They had all the documentation and P&O still refused to honour the mini suite inclusions. Very disappointing and they certainly ensured that anyone they dined with knew about it…
Mini suite is bigger and has a small lounge, but the balcony is quite big enough for 2 and still has the lovely view and private balcony.
You spend very little time in the cabin, as so much going on. We have done the balcony thing in the past and only had a window 4 berth this time with the kids and it was fine.
Like I said, you really don’t spend alot of time in the cabin, so I would personally go the balcony room and save the extra for all the incidentals you will buy on board.
Just ensure if you do go mini suite – to get P&O to commit to the inclusions, as the paperwork i looked at when i got home also stated the same thing about coffee and laundry inclusions. In fact in all the printed material they sent me. So that was pretty poor on P&O’s behalf not to honor what they sent out to customers. The couple who upgraded were really cross as were a number of others who took up the same offer. Saying they got the “wrong flyer” isn’t really good enough.
Hi Michelle!!
On the Dawn, I struggled with the laundry facilities – sea days everyone has the same idea to get their washing done and I spent about 3 hours going from one laundry to the other waiting for a free machine. In the end I realised I was wasting a beautiful day of my holiday and just sent it all to the Dry cleaning service!!! It was quite expensive (for example $2 for each pair of underpants!!) but worth not having to worry about my clothes, but I can understand that if you’re travelling with a family it can get quite pricey!!! Mind you that was the first year I went – last year I took a bar of Wondersoap, washed my clothes in the sink and then hung them on coathangers or laid them out on a towel on the window ledge to dry in the sun. It would generally take a day or two for things to dry but I got by – after all, you’re on holiday!!!!
Also, the hairdressing facilities, they’re quite good but I would suggest on day one go down to have a look – my friends were all quite impressed with the massage/beauty treatments and quite liked their hair styles we had done on our first cruise, but I had my hair put up for one of the Formal nights, it cost me $65 and I hated it, I ended up washing it out and doing it myself….so if you have long or very thick hair (which I have both) it would probably be worth having a consultation with the stylist first. On formal nights they can get very busy and aren’t really able to take the time to go through things with you thoroughly so it might pay to go down there the day before just to check what and if they can do your hair how you want it – I wish I had now. The other struggle I had was the language barrier, I had a really lovely stylist but she couldn’t speak English very well and we had some difficulties in me trying to explain what I wanted done and for her to understand what I wanted. As far as actually cutting and colouring goes, I’m pretty sure they do it but I don’t know what it would be like. Again, it would probably just pay to go and have a look on your first day.
Hope that helps some!! Hope you’re looking forward to your holiday – you’ll love it!!!!
From (another) Michelle!
Hey Michelle,
Thanks for the info, appreciate that. My hair is really thick too! I would be getting it straightened at the hairdressers, there is no way I’d let someone random loose with scissors on my hair!!
I am getting soo excited about this cruise and can’t wait til it’s time!!
6 weeks today!!
From one Michelle to another ~ thanks
Hi Michelle, go purchase yourself a plastic fold up clothes line with the pegs attached, you can get these at crazy clarks etc. I have one from 20 years ago and can hook mine up to the air vent in the cabin and the air dries the clothes. Otherwise you have a clothes line in the shower recess but takes longer to dry there. You used to be able to fill a plastic bag for $25 to be done on board. You may have to check that out.
Michelle
I have just come off the Dawn and did not have a problem with using the ships laundry when needed. Never a waited. As Kay suggested, those little plastic clothes thinggys with pegs on are great. They do still do the laundry, 20 items for $25 on selected days only…very expensive way to do it. I was hand washing most things in our cabin and hanging them in the plastic foldup hanger with pegs attached till they stopped dripping in the shower and then in the open area of wardrobe for the remainder of day. Most things were dry either overnight or within 24 hrs. Would not like to try and do this way if there were more than 2 of us. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Andrea.
We took enough clothes for the whole trip. When we emptied out our cases we just filled them back up with dirty clothes. Had two pairs of trousers sent to the laundry at $7.50 each and that got me through. I have a policy with my family that i don’t cook, clean or wash when i am on holiday.. So just packed extra (but two small boys clothes don’t take up huge amounts of space)
The facilities looked good and every time I went past there didn’t seem to be anyone in the laundry. And plenty of machines on several levels of the ship.
We only had one $25 day for a bag load of washing and that was 3 days before we docked in Sydney, so didn’t bother.
There is a small line in the shower recess, but could be used if you took pegs for more items (smalls). We just used for swimmers etc.
Mind you – we don’t buy souveniers etc so basically came home with what we took. But the cases were full of dirty clothes and I have spent alot of time in the laundry at home since!!
I’m sure it would be safe to leave a load going and pop back and get it later, or put in the dryer.
Have a great time.
Hi Kerrie, we took our kids to the wharf to look at the ship and point out our cabin – got them so excited and eager to do their jobs to earn extra spending money. It also gets you more excited about the trip and you can check out where you have to take your baggage, check in etc. Just an idea!
Hi Cathy Harry
what cruise are you going on next year. Our kids are the same age as your two.. We are sailing on 2nd October 2010. Hopefully there wil be lots of kids the same age as ours.
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
What a shame we are on the 24th July 2010 – it would have been great for the kids to get on board and have someone to meet up with straight away. My daughter turns 21 in March and this will be her 3rd cruise and my son will be 18 in May (this is his 2nd) this is why we picked July (also we wanted longer than a 7 night cruise and opted for 11).
Cathy
That is a shame Cathy. When you get back from your cruise, blog to let me know if there were lots of kids in that agegroup. Our cruise is school holidays (to fit in with my daughters university holidays) so I suppose there will be alot of younger children. We have booked a minisuite and the kids are in an inside cabin opposite our cabin. I am so excited I can’t imagine having to wait so long.
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
We are doing the same as you we have booked a mini suite (got a great deal as we are members of Captains circle) and the kids are in a 4 birth as my daughters partner is going and so is my father-inlaw. There is usually more of the younger crowd on the 7 nighters but there will still be someone that they can meet up with. But will let you know how we go. Can’t believe we still have one year and one day to go. Cheers
yep fantastic absolutely, could not fault anything.
Kim
I also saw I pic where one of the stewards made a crocodile and put a childs Teddy in it’s mouth
Hi there, we also just got back from the 11th-21st July cruise and we had the most fantastic time.Once we got over the somewot rough 1st Sun which P&O have no control over (thank god for Avomine & Ginger Travel Calm) our holiday far exceeded our expectations-The most wonderful caring staff(Martin our Cabin attendant so attentive and Latif our Waiter every night so much fun and generous with food-esp chips for the kids), great food, as much entertainment as you want to participate in (my friend & I sometimes wondered when we would fit in getting ready for our 8pm Dinner Bkg) gorgeous weather, spectacular sunsets, pristine islands to swim in (shame bout Isle of Pines-maybe next time, but loved Mystery Isl!!) There was absolutely nothing to fault-now I have, as Zoltina would say, `Thousands and Thousands and Thousands` of photos to sort through~only joking about 1,500. We are now pondering over the new brochures for 2010 and dreaming- although I think The Pacific Dawn Ship is going th be hard to beat- as we just loved The Dome!!!
This was our best holiday ever with family and friends. Loved absolutely everything about it – cannot wait to book our next. Not sure which ship though – any ideas? We liked to dance and kids had a ball with teenagers their age. Hope the Jewel also caters for that. Island Night was the best.
Our cabin steward was Martin and Latif was our waiter – what stars – no fancy animals for us though, only nice clean cabins.
Boys (18 and 16) were with us – shared cabin with them – not as painful as expected. Didn’t mind missing Isle of Pines – will have to do that next time!
Blogs were so handy to read beforehand – wouldn’t have known half of what we found out here. It saved us so much space, time and convenience.
I too along with my husband have just returned from the 11-21st July cruise. Absolutely fantastic! So much to do it was impossible to fit everything in.
Zoltina-J, is the casino still ‘giving away thousands and thousand and thousands of dollars!’ or was it just for our cruise?? Oh and of course like others, hope your ‘rash’ has cleared up!! ha ha.
I didn’t think much of Noumea, unfortunately most shops were closed due to Bastille Day, but I thought it appeared dirty and just a city with nothing really interesting to see. Maybe P&O could consider giving it a miss in the future as a lot of other people had the same opinion of it. Mystery Island was a beautiful beach with crystal clear water. Shame we didn’t get to Isle of Pines, but maybe can see that another time. The food was delicious and so much of it that I didn’t start feeling hungry again until a couple of days after we got back. Our cabin steward Renante always had our cabin looking spotless, he turned down our beds every night for us, also leaving the bedside lamps on and also made a great looking dog out of the towels. Only wish we had left him a tip as he really did deserved one.
I thought the drinks were a little over priced, but I would say that’s where they make their money as overall the price of the cruise is cheap for what you get.
I can certainly recommend cruising and I’ll definitely be going again – maybe in another 2-3 years time.
Regards
Jenny
IT was fantastic the crew and staff were fabulous they were all very friendly not rude at all, cant wait to do it all again.
Hi Mitchell , was on the same cruise. I think i have a flyer with all the details you need. Did you want the pacific dancers entertainers or the whole lot? I can post you a copy if you like or fax it to you.
Just need to unpack and go through the paperwork we collected.
Allison
Hi Narelle yep Im still out here, I was wandering where you were??
Ive seen a few people talk about these roll calls, how do you get onto them? Did you see that the dawn will be on getaway on the 6th of august, cant wait. We were actually thinking of getting some kind of bus transfer from the gold coast to the terminal and home again. I only have a small car which wont fit 4 people and all our luggage and my husband only has his work ute. So if anyone can give me any info on this kind of transport the would be handy!!!!Good tohear from you Narelle talk to you soon 149 days to go!!!!
Hi Jane,
Could you tell us how much a night it cost and can you leave a car there for the 12 nights ….we are thinking of driving to brissie from townsville….we still have a few sleeps to go yet …..
Cheers,
Steve and Maddie
My two also didn’t understand ship size and we got the reaction “WOW” when they saw it. Just blown away.
Just got back and already planning when we can go again… Gosh we only had 4 months a while back to wait and now we are back 3 days….
We watched the ship come into Sydney from our hotel room and the kids couldn’t believe it when i said – thats it coming in now all lit up! They thought i was joking – it dwarfed everything around it. Magnificent.
Take the camera – doubt your daughter will want to jump off when she sees it.. lol
hi jeff& julie just reading your sweet message on the p&o blog,we cant wait to meet yous either its just ashame we kept missing each other whilst on the gold coast..and yes we will be like 1 big happy family and we cant wait too meet yous all and i do think that alot of great true friendships will be made by all and a truely happy cruise,and hope that one day we can all do it again.so take care and see yous on the pacific dawn 23rd january 2010….love leanne &hannah and crew.xxxxx
We haven’t been on the Sun, but a few people told us it sits better in the water and they preferred the Sun.
We loved the Dawn and now curious ourselves…. Might have to cruise on the Sun to find out.. lol.
But interesting you got the same feedback as we did.
allison
Although I have never been on the Dawn (going July 2010) I have been on the pacific Sun – although I had a good time I was not impressed by the ship or the food, maybe it has got better since I went on it April 08? I went on the Pacific Star in 07 and thought this was a better ship. I have been on the Sun Princess twice – now this is a nice ship. Can’t wait to go on the Dawn.
I have been on many cruises over the years going all the way back to the Oriana. I was not impressed with the Pacific Dawn, (my prior cruise was on the Pacific Sun). The food for the 1st 2-3 days was very ordinary and there were many crew members who could not give a toss mind you there were some very good crew members as well. The change in the itinery was a fiasco for quite a few passengers, (double booking of tours, incorrect or no notification of tours & changes) with the gentlemen in the tour office basically shrugging his shoulders & saying bad luck. There were other issues like blocked/overflowing toilets, no hot water, lifts breaking down frige broken in our room, & our cabin steward only changing towels & etc every second day. (i think his contract was finishing up & he couldn’t care) And finally a change in cruise director should be in order after the poor scheduling of popular events at the same time, scheduling popular events in bars when the showlounge etc (which were not being used would have been more appropirate) should have been utilised. There I’ve had my rant. I still enjoyed the trip but I will not sail on the Dawn again
Hi Lyn,
We are travelling on the Dawn in Dec. One of our ports is Vila and I was just wondering how you organised the Hideaway Island stop. Also, did you book cascade waterfalls through P&O or did you just go with a local, and how do you think the costs compare? i.e. booking tours through P&O versus just finding a local and getting them to take you. Any info would be helpful.
Thanks Jodie
hi jodie,
dont bother booking the cascades, we didnt because theres mini-buses outside the port and you can hire them for the do cascades which is $20 for adults and $15 for children and the hideway stop is probably possible for the driver and we found it about 50% cheaper than p&o and we went duty-free shopping after we did the cascades
Hi Jodie we were a group of 8 travelling together and friends who had previously been to Vila on a cruise had suggested to us about doing our own thing and being much more economical. So, we decided to give it a go – not sure if taxi`s etc would be plentiful we got ourselves organized to be one of the first off the ship. There were heaps of mini buses and drivers but some were quite pushy however my husband found a nice fellow`Harry`who he negotiated with a fee of $25 per person for the day.He drove us through little back villages up to cascade waterfalls (and waited for us-maybe an hr 1/2 or so) then he drove us to catch the ferry to Hideaway Isl (where we agreed for him to pick us up in 2 1/2hrs) then he dropped us at the shops and agreed to meet us in another hour (where we all sat & had a drink together in a lovely bar looking over the harbour) He was such a lovely man and a great way to see Vila then he dropped us back at the ship.The only extra charges were for Cascade warerfalls which was pd at the gate (I think $20 per person) but well worth it and I think maybe $10 per person at Hideaway but the 5 min ferry trip was free. When at Cascade wear reef shoes- go up the very top under the falls there is a pool you can go into and our kids went through the falls into a cave behind- they said it was an amazing experience, At Hideaway Isl the Snorkelling was the best I have ever done incl Hawaii-just breathtaking. But the beach is full of coral so take your reef shoes!! We couldn`t go to Isle of Pines on our cruise so had an extra day in Port Vila instead-so organized with `Harry` to come back the next day and he took us around to the East side to a beautiful beach called Eton Beach(could have stayed there all day it was heaven). So all in all I would thoroughly recommend doing it this way-much better value & I think we saw a lot more. Hope this helps feel free if you want any more info.
Thanks Lyn.
You are a wealth of information!! We will take your advice and try to do a similar tour with a local in Vila. Great tip about the reef shoes, something I would not have thought of.
Thanks again, Jodie
Hi Jodie just noticed that you are travelling on the Dawn in Dec. What date are you going? and from where?. My family and I are leaving from Brisvegas on Dec 19th. Another lady on the blog, Narelle and her family are travelling then too. We are yet to find any other cruisers on the same trip. Bye the way Hi to Narelle hope you are feeling better. 143 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Kalana,
We are travelling on the 28th Dec (NYE Cruise), so I think it may be the one after yours, I haven’t met any other bloggers going on our cruise either, where are they all????????
im hoping that you can give us the simple request that all of us are asking. hope that we can also use wifi internet access in our own cabins because not all of us wants to go to crew bar to get wifi or mess rooms. we need some privacy also talking with our family. hope you will grant our request. please? thank you so much!!!!
its too bad that the jewel has the dome as the lotus spa instead
I wonder where the nightclubs are on the Jewel, if the dome is the day spa. I enjoy going to the gym, but my idea of a cruise isn’t running on a treadmill – or spending a fortune on facials. Hope the Jewel is as much fun as the Dawn.
Hi Glenn, I have been cruising on and off for the last 34 years and things have changed for the better. We are also on the Sept 9th cruise.
Hi Glenn,
We first cruised in 1986 on the Fairstar and thought hey this is good, we had so much fun and younger of course but yeh it was great, We took our girls on the January 2008 cruise on the Pacific Dawn, well yes things have changed but for the better the ship was bigger and alot quiter, on the Fairstar we could here the ship at night making noises through the walls but this one is comfort plus. The food is just as good plenty of it. Yes you will notice alot of difference but hey wat a great holiday you will have.
Hope you enjoy it again, We are going on the Christmas cruise on the new Pacific Jewel they changed the ship on us but we are looking forward to it.Will miss the dome though we lived there alot of the time.
Jackie
Hi Glenn, yes i was on the Fairstar back in 87 then on the Pacific Sky in 04 & there was a huge difference. Now we’re booked on the Dawn same cruise as you on the 9th & looking forward to it. Read a heap of all the other posts & you’ll find a heap of info. Only 40 more days you know. See ya for a beer on deck.
Cheers Gavin.
Hi Cathy, I am also waiting to hear from someone about the green choo choo train. There is also a pink one as well. I would love to know how much it is so I can cancel my yellow train booking.
Hi Kathy, sorry not sure how much but i heard one of the ladies saying it was much better value on the green chou chou we shared a table in the palm court one night and there was 2 couples that had been on the green chou chou and they said it was heaps better there friends had booked the yellow one but when they went to book it to it was booked out, so just by chance they got the green one when they got off the boat, they compared there trips they were surprised at how much more they saw and how great the driver was he talked about so much more and took them to alot more places, enjoy your trip, Christine.
I went on a NYE cruise by myself. Back when I went 05/06 P & O used to book share cabins where you share with one or three others in your age group. P & O don’t do this anymore.
I met quite alot of people who went alone. The people you meet is unbelieveable. You meet different people every day.
Just go by yourself. Or grab a friend / relative / workmate and go. You have to do a NYE cruise. They are fantastic. They also get sold out very quick. I usually book my cruises 18mths in advance. I am booked on 2 next year (2010). I have never been on the same ship twice. Going on Dawn & Jewel next year.
Tim havent heard from you yet still waiting
Hi Robert,
It sounds like you are going to be spending a lot of time in the buffet and dining rooms. Remember to do some sight seeing and go see the shows.
Cheers Vianne
hay shultz!!
not far away now for ya to endulge in the most fantastic mouth watering food! ( i know for sure you wont be disappointed!) I hope you both have a great time, after you go on this cruise i can guarantee it definetly will not be your last, ( you can then join the previous sailors club!)
All the best there Robby!!
happy cruising and most of all happy eating!
kind regards,
Tim
P.S: dont forget theres more then the restaurant on the ship! ( theres the buffet)
Hi Emma & Tim, I’m sure you can only get the snorkel kit, the floatation jackets weren’t available when we were on but dont quote me on that i’m only going by word of mouth because a mum we met was going to see if she could buy one at one of the islands because she coudnt get one from the ship…. Christine.
Hey Bernadette
Which cruise are you going on in Feb next year? We are going around New Zealand on 20 Feb. Haven’t been on a cruise for many years so I am really excited about this one. I loved cruising back then and I’m sure this one will be even better.
Sandra
Hi again, Bernedette
Sorry, I spelled your name wrong (that’ll teach me to check before I click!)
Hiya,
We are on the 31 Aug cruise on Pacific Dawn. Just wondering if anyone has been on the yellow tchou tchou train tour and whether it is worth it? We are also interested in the glass bottom boats. If anyone has experienced them we would love to hear your comments.
Thanks ~ Mich
Hi i am sailing on the Pacific Dawn on 1st April 2010. I will be taking my grandaughter as part of her 16th birthday present – This will be my first cruise ever. From everything i have read i am very excited for April to get here. The positive feedback i have read has been exceptional and i am sure i will be a frequent traveller.
Hi Glenn, when you arrive at the terminal proceed to the counter and check in. You will be given your cruise card which also is your cash card and security for checking on and off the ship at ports of call. You will need a lanyard to put your card on to keep around your neck. Then all you have to do is wait until they start to board. To do this you proceed through the doors opposite the check in were you go through customs. Then go up stairs get your cruise picture taken, then onto the ship and get your card activated by security then proceed to your cabin. By now lunch is being served in the dining room and buffet. And if you have children registrar them before you sail in the kids room. Just after you sail there will be a life drill so find your muster station on the back of the cabin door. Do not put your life jacket on carry it with you as they will tell you when they want you to wear it. I think that is all see you on board happy sailing Kay
Hi Michelle, my parents have just done the tchoo tchoo train and recommend it. We have booked it already and I have done the glass bottom boat in Vila and it was good also.
Hi Michelle, i just came back on the july 21st to 31st cruise, and we found out that the yellow chou chou train which is a PO tour is not as good as the green chou chou this one is booked privatly when you get of the boat there are people to ask near the PO tents just ask around, every one was talking about this the yellow one is good but you see alot more and more informative on the green one. Christine.
Hi there Christine, we are going on the Dawn on 31st August and was wondering about the green chou chou train, had not heard of it before. Do you know how much it is?
Cathy
It is really up to the individual if they want to put their cruise card around their neck on a lanyard. I didn’t want to I kept it in my purse like a efpost or credit card. P & O sell lanyards, last cruise I was on 5 years ago I think they were about $6 each. I imagine the prices have gone up now.
Also good that we get lunch now. I have never been on a cruise where passengers receive lunch. As I have always boarded by 2 or 3pm as ship has left at 5pm I have only ever had dinner first night onboard. This is really great news.
Hi Jen, lanyards range from $2 upwards in shops like crazy clarks, dollar and sense etc. but they were still $6 last year on ship. I like to have my hands free while on board as there is no need to carry my purse around as all my needs are on the card.
Hi Kay
Your information is very helpful for the first time cruise…I have a question. i am not a good swimmer and need need floating jacket to wear then i can snorkel, is P&O provide a floating jacket or do i need to bring our own . when you gettoff the shore (we are cruise on 9/9/09) where should you go for snorkel or do you need to go with the tour for a good place snorkel
I am try not to bring floating jacket as they use lots of space….
thanks
emma
Hi Emma & Tim, yes you will have to supply your own jacket. On our cruise you will be able to snorkel on Dravuni Island. Go into the shore tours and see if they have any tours going that include it as well.
Hi Emma, I meant to tell you to get some soft sand shoes or aqua shoes for walking on the rocks that are in the water.
Hi Timmy Shultz here I will be there with bells on see ya later
Hi Robert, wot a way to spend your days on the high sea’s, but may I say that the Dawn done the best Grilled Salmon. Highly recomended. I can say that as we were on a nine night cruise and I managed to fit in 10 grilled salmon meals.
Kind Regards Brad the Salmon Eater
PS Robert don’t forget the walking track up the top deck and the gym down on deck 4 for memory.
Hi Robert
I just cruised on the Pacific Dawn 21st to the 31st July, and the weather couldnt have been better. The first sea day was a bit chilly, so you’d probably need a light jacket when out on deck, but otherwise it was probably early to mid twenties. We didnt get a drop of rain at all. In all inside areas of the ship, there is air con that keeps it at a nice temperature as well. Hope that helps!
Hi Robert, my husband and I just sailed on the Pacific Dawn 21st to 31st July and yes the weather was great but some areas of the ship was freezing such as the pacific show lounge and the palm court resturant alot of people complained of these areas, when we were moving the lido deck was very windy and cold but bearable some days, all in all the cruise was amazing and i cant wait to do it again, Zoltina j the cruise director is just gorgious and does her job at an A1 level as do all of the staff, my only complaint is that there is not enough tables and chairs on the Lido deck and every one i spoke to said the same, hope you enjoy your cruise as much as we did, Christine & Norman Walters.
Thanks Kay I will have a look.
PS have you thought of getting a job with P&O as you have a wealth of unformation for us first time cruisers!!! LOL
hi Kay, thanks for very helpful information for the first time cruiser. Our family love to snorkel but i am not a good swimmer therefore i need a floating jacket while i am snorkel , Is P&O provide floating jacket or we need to bring our own , are they allow us to bring to the shore , We on the 9/9/09 cruise, do we need to go with the tour for snorkel or we just go our own if so where the best place for snorkel…..thanks and can’t wait
cheers..Emma
Michel,
C153, being midship shouldn’t have as much movement as C107.
We are having C196 in Feb next year which is also midship, but further back, so are hoping it is a good one. I don’t mind the movement, but I would not appreciate leaking toilets- ugghh!
Hi Penny, it does not start until the end of september.
Hi Christine, how much did you pay per adult on the geen train as we have booked the yellow one for next month.
Has anyone used the green or pink choo choo train in Noumea and if so is it cheaper then the yellow one. I would love to know so I can cancel the yellow one I have booked.
Hi Kay, I have been cruising for 30 years, remember when everything used to be included in cruise fairs like, yoga, arobics etc etc, now they charge for these activities. I think they always charged for craft. Remember the midnight buffets they used to have, now if your hungry after 10.30 you have to buy food. Cruising sure has changed over the years. Maybe the fares are less now so when your onboard you have to pay for all the things that used to be included.
The ships are a lot bigger now and have more cabin space. Drinks have not gone up to much since I last cruised, I think about $1. I can’t wait to try your choice dining. I am cruising on Dawn & Jewel next year. Can’t wait to find out what elce has changed.
Hi Christine, we are sailing on 9/9/09 and it is our first time…with the floating jacket , i need them for snorkel because i am not a good swimmer , can you get this from the boat or we need to bring our own, are we allow to take it to off shore .
thanks
Emma
Hi Christine,
Sounds like us or me I should say we went on the Dawn in January 08 and we are going on the Jewel for the Christmas cruise and I have been looking at the cam every day its on the screen. My girls see it in Sydney and get jealous of it leaving again also. But hey we must have enjoyed ourselves if this is what we do during the day.
Jackie
Hi Kym,
I am sure I have some teen lounge newsletters so would be happy to send them on to you. I can scan and email them if you like – or post?
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Would you mind scanning a couple of teen newsletters and emailing them to me at keysie@slingshot.co.nz. Travelling with 2 of them in January. Thanks
Hi Sharon,
Fantastic thanks. I’m happy for you to email if that’s easier for you. Email address is martinkym@aapt.net.au.
I love this site…….
Kym
thanks Kay and Bella…. i will go check out the website now… its definatly going to be a whole new experience for me as last year i went all alone and meet some wonderful people i have kept in contact with… this year theres 4 of us to make friends etc will be very exciting… and it think its wonderful we have this tool to use and the website you suggested Bella.. i am starting to pack this weekend, wow i cant believe its only 26 days now!!!!
You’re welcome Penny!! I can imagine how excited you would be, I remember the long countdown for my cruise and then the next thing I knew it was over!
Hope you enjoy the website link I gave you, if you do have any questions there at all my username is Bella also so feel free to look me up and pm me if you need to. And a few posts up, Dave & Val have posted a link to another forum, which has heaps of info as well so thats a good one too. That one is people from all over the world, whereas the one I mentioned is Australia only, I regularly go to both.
Have a wonderful cruise!!
Hi, I left the s off ships. Website is
http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/cruise_ships.aspx
I hope this opens as the other site I gave came up as an error.
Hi Brooke,
You can use the Event section on the Facebook page as a roll call for your cruise to find other excited passengers on the same cruise with you.
P&O Cruises
Hi Kay, sorry i dont know how much the green train was and not sure about the yellow one to compare prices, im only going by what people were saying ,we sat with people at dinner who had said the green one was great compeared to friends who had gone on the yellow one and then we had heard it several times during our cruise every one raved about the green train there is also a purple one but havnt heard anything about that one……Christine
Hi Vicki, The security these days is unbelievably efficient. You will notice some security guards about but all public areas are monitored by CCTV. We had a bad experience Nov 08 and within a minute of this event the security officers were on the scene and apprehended the drunk and locked him up. The follow up by P&O was very good even after disembaking as well. Have no fear. All bars close at about 2:00 am or is it 4:00 I ‘m not sure as I’m in bed by then.
I was just reading a feedback message on the cost of the washing machines and dryers on board. We paid $1 a load last april 08 it appears it is now $3 a load. Can anyone who have cruised just recently verify this for me.
Have you ever thought of some Queensland Wines??
Robert Channon Wineries in Stanthorpe have some great wines.
We’d certainly have them with our dinner on board.
what kind of cost? for the whites and bubbles… this will help with the alocated budget to Vino for the trip.
sharon
Hi I saw on the P&O web page that the wine list has been renewed is the one u mention it? or is their a new one. Going on the Dawn on the NZ 20th Feb sailing. Could you also tell me prices of the bottles as we are seniors and would like to know if we are going to be able to drink while aboard!
Hi Kay,
I am interested to hear about the trains as well. We are going on our first cruise in March 2010 with our three children and have been looking at the yellow train tour in Noumea, I am wanting to know is it better to book before you go or wait till you arrive and book on shore?
Have also been reading mixed reports about noumea.. some a little dissapointing
So would be interested to hear about some good experiences there.
thanks Alex, that is comforting. the kids cabin is across from ours and i hope I dont keep one ear open at night the whole cruise waiting for them to get home at night. maybe I will have to have an extra cocktail before bed so I dont hear anything.hehe
Vicki
Hi Cathy
are you still on this site. I lost it when they changed to facebook. I liked the old blog better. How do you become members of the Captains Circle? Is it for people who have cruised previously?
Vicki
Hey Cathy
how do you join the captains circle?
I am finding it hard to navigate on this new blog. I wish they hadn’t changed it
Vicki
Your not the only one Vicki …cant stand this facebook …………….
Hi there, i went on the 21st july – 31st july dawn cruise and had the yellow trained booked, when we got off at noumea we were surprised by the amount of cheaper tours there was, i remember the green train was around $20-$25 approx for an adult, there are city sightseeing tours for around $20 some cheaper.
Andrea, it is advisable to bring a power board in case you have a few appliances that need to be charged at once as the ship has only one power point per cabin.
Just like Sandy the cruise director on the Sun. He is all of the things you have said above. Best ever cruise director on any of my cruises.
Bula John & Kerry,
When is your next trip back to Savusavu?
Savusavu is missing the “Tourist” ships… definately was great having all the tourist in town.
Please keep in touch.
Loloma from your savusavu family
Pettine
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