Back from Christmas Cruise on Pacific Dawn

[goanna]

Well, we're back now from Sydney after spending a few days with family before heading back to Perth. Christmas Cruise aboard Pacific Dawn was FANTASTIC. Did any one else here go? Anyone booked on the PD will have a BALL. The Entertainment Director, Martin, had a hard time, as I think he was used to British or American audiences who are fairly animated, and us Aussies are quite reserved to start with, and I cringed for the first few nights in the Show Lounge when the shows were met with polite applause, however, things warmed up and by the end of the cruise, people had loosened up and the crew and staff received standing ovations. They were fabulous - the entertainment crew taught us the macarena, and how to dance to Nutbush City Limits, we learned line dancing in the Dome and they even dressed up as the Village People! We had Perfect Match competition, where the couple who won were still together at the end of the cruise, and also the Marriage Quiz which was hilarious. We met some lovely people from Perth, and tested the cocktail menu nearly every night - very reasonably priced with most cocktails starting at $6.50. I was very worried about what to wear, but for most of the time, the dress code was relaxed and casual (we are Aussies) except for the theme nights and formal nights when everyone looked very dapper in their glad rags. I'm a real estate agent, and met several other REA's on holiday. The atmosphere was superb and the ports of call were amazing. One of the ports was Noumea. I had read some very scathing reports on Noumea, and was somewhat surprised to see how nice it actually was. We hired little two seater bikes (they looked like Noddy cars) and travelled out of the town and around the island. I can only say that people who have knocked Noumea, have only been in the town and not explored further. I found the town of Vila to be smelly and dirty, but again, get out of the town and rest of the island is spectacular. We didn't book any shore tours, and in Vila, we clubbed together with another 2 couples and paid our mini bus driver $AUS20 each for an island tour. He took us to the waterfalls (worth a visit), the Island Chief's house - we met the Chief, a local village and around the island. This tour through P & O was about $65 per head from memory, so it's worth thinking 'outside the square'. We had a mini suite with a balcony, as it was my hubby's 50th birthday present, however, it made the trip rather pricey. Would we go again - absolutely, but this time we will book on Caribe or Dolphin a cabin with a window. Our friends were on Caribe with a window and had just as good a cruise as we did. The food was great - we only ate at the Cafe del Sol and the Palm Court Restaurant (included) which was really good. It was encouraging that there was a bottle of liquid disinfectant for hands at the Cafe del Sol, and also extra towels and bins near the doors in the public toilets so that toilet doors could be opened with a paper towel and not bare hands.

Anyone thinking about booking the Pacific Dawn - DO IT, anyone thinking about a Christmas Cruise - DO IT - I'm 46 and my hubby is 50. We are young at heart and were worried about having to mix with lots of much older people or lots of screaming unruly kids. I think because we went on the Christmas Cruise, there was a higher percentage of kids, but we hardly saw them, and it was rather lovely to sit around the Christmas tree with the ship's choir and about 100 kids singing carols on Christmas Day. I'm sure the dynamics would change dramatically outside of school holidays.

The only thing which I found expensive was the photographs. The photographer was everywhere, and quite insistent on taking pictures all the time. I understand that they have to make a living, but I found that $20 was a bit steep for a photo I could have got someone else to take with our digital camera. Oh well - don't get sucked in - we did a bit at first, but then got wise to it all.

I'm sure I've rambled on enough. Would love to hear from other PD passengers to see if you got as much of a buzz as we did.

Best regards

Joanna Goanna (still peeling, still beaming, still purring contently with that 'post holiday glow':D )

[cloakndagger]

Glad you had a wonderful time! Thanks for your review.

Sitting around the tree singing carols sounded lovely. Did you get any pics??

Welcome home!

[karmac]

Hi Goanna, yes we too had as good a time as you did when we were on the Dawn's maiden voyage. So much so that we booked another 2 weeks later. We are the same age as you but travelled with our 3 kids (16, 13 & 11). Most people who go in a mini suite say they wouldn't go back to a cabin but the fact that you said you will is, in my opinion, a very positive thing. We had an outside cabin on Emerald deck & have booked outside Plaza for next time. Unfortunately our oldest son who will be 18 wil not be coming. We couldn't have a mini suite even if we wanted as we are a family but we were more than happy with our cabin. To me, the only dissappointment with the cabin was that the cases wouldn't fit under the beds and that is a very minor downside.
Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time and hope you get to go again soon.

Karen

[SAKA85]

many thanks for some great tips we are going in feb will try to see the waterfalls:)

[cheznandy]

Thanks Joanna, great review, havent cruised on the PD yet, but have 28 days coming up:p so really looking forward to it!!
I always book inside cabins, (yes, I am a cheapie), if I get an upgrade great, if not, I still have a great cruise!!

Thanks again

Chez
xx

[Megagirl]

Hi Joanna

Thanks for the great review. We sail in 16 nights and I can't wait. We're self employed and cruising is a great way for us to relax after a full-on year at work. Your positive comments have added to my excitement.

We met a lovely couple from Perth on the Sun last year and hope to cruise with them again some day. They are booked on the Sun Princess to Asia in May this year so they now have the bug as well.

Cheers

Jenny

[Sainters66]

Hello Goanna
Many thanks for your review, we re going on the 19th of Feb, We will be in a 4 berth os cabin on Caribe deck, with my 2 sons 11 & 15.Do you happen to know the costing for the meals in the other resturants on board the ship? and will there be much to entertain the 2 kids?
Regards
Isabel & John

[goanna]

Hi everyone, glad to have been of some help. Sainters66 - the price of meals outside of the 'freebies' is still reasonable, as far as I know - the Grill sells kebabs, burgers etc. and the Trattoria sells pastas, garlic bread (normal restaurant prices). We didn't eat there, but our friends did, and said that prices were in line with normal aussie cafes. However, we didn't think there was any point buying when one could almost get the same meals for free (the mini suite set us back so much, we were on a very tight budget for the rest of the trip). The buffet in the Cafe del Sol was like Sizzlers on steriods - loads of fresh salads, fruit, cold meats and cheeses, desserts, a couple of pasta dishes, a couple of potato dishes plus chips, curries, roast meats, and other hot meat dishes. I understand that kids love burgers and kebabs, but if you can steer them away from these places and just point them in the direction of the Cafe del Sol, you won't have a huge bill at the end of the cruise, and there should be enough variety to keep the fussiest kids happy. Having said that we were on a budget, I must admit that most of our money was spent at the various bars (no we're not alkies, just enjoy good wine and the cocktails were DELICIOUS - highly recommend the M&M cocktail - very creamy and chocolatey, but high in calories, so be warned!!). We both put on about 3 kilos (I tried to be good, honest!) but when I packed my suitcase, I forgot to pack Will Power, and I was doomed from day one ..

Cloakndagger - yes I will post some piccies over the next couple of days.

Karmac - um, putting the cases under the bed - never thought of that - we put ours on the shelf above the wardrobe, but I'm a shorty and getting them down was a challenge (hubby wasn't much help, he still had red lips and a hangover a week later from all the bottles of red he and our new friends had consumed on the cruise (don't tell him I told you!)).

Sainters66 - as to your question about will there be enough to entertain the kids - well, there were 3 (I think) clubs for kids of different ages. I guess the kids only need 'entertaining' on the days at sea. We had 5 islands to visit on a 10 day cruise, but really it was only 8 days because day one was a half day, and that was spent exploring, and day 10 was an early start as we arrived back in Sydney at dawn, and were busy getting ready to disembark. Most of the kids we saw were playing in the pool/spas during the day, and there is a show every night at 7.30 and 9.30. During the day is also tee-shirt painting classes, art auctions, horse racing (wooden horses), dancing classes, table tennis, ceramics, pool volleyball, Aussie Survival Challenge, scrabble, and always a movie being shown in the showlounge in the afternoon. On the tv in the cabins were movies and other Foxtel type shows including kids movies. The library was good, but not extensive, and there is also the internet cafe (it costs, but not a huge amount). Honestly, all the kids we saw were having a great time in the pools playing with other kids and making new friends. Other people we met said that they hardly saw their kids, but always met up for meals to catch up on the gossip. There was a fabulous display of 'Hansel & Gretel' houses made by the kids on board, so I assume that they are given projects to do at the kids clubs. We hardly saw a tear, and I'm fairly confident that if your kids are sociable, they will make friends quickly, and make their own entertainment. It was great to fathers and sons playing table tennis together, mothers and daughters sitting around the pool talking, kids joining in the dancing at the MANY deck parties - I'm sure that most families formed new bonds on the cruise and it was uplifting to see.

Something else I just thought of - this anytime dining is good - it was our first cruise, so I have nothing else to compare with. The only thing I would comment on, is that if you choose the Palm Court Dining one night, the waiters try to fill up the tables, and 'place' you at a table of THEIR choice. Fair enough, I thought, but everytime, they would put us with MUCH older people (great up to a point, but most were deaf and it was a tad frustrating not being with people of our age). In the Cafe del Sol, there are large round tables, and a mixture of twos and fours. If the twos or fours were taken, we would do a quick look around and choose a table with other passengers who were the same age or who looked nice, and got to know some great people that way. It got easier after the first few days, as we then had a little crowd we mixed with, and we would meet up at dinner time and fill an 8 or 10 person table. Just a comment ...

To all of you going on the PD soon - I'm as envious as heck - I wanted to turn around and do another 10 days when walking down the gang plank - it was a really mixed feeling of happiness and sadness. I'm sure everyone takes something home with them (I don't mean the cuttlery or dressing gowns!), and the main thing for me was that I got my husband back. He has a very stressful job and it took him about 24 hours to fully relax, but I really felt that we climbed mountains together (and that's nothing to do with trying to walk up and down the stairs instead of taking the lifts!) and our relationship is back to where it was when we first got married.

Anyway, hope this has been of some help.

Joanna Goanna ;)

[Forever dreaming]

We hired little two seater bikes (they looked like Noddy cars) and travelled out of the town and around the island.


Hi Joanna Goanna,

It sounds like you had a fabulous holiday. I loved reading your review. I'm very envious. I am curious about the two seater bikes you hired in Noumea. Were you able to hire them and ride them wherever you liked or did you have to stay with the guide? I always thought that the bikes were an organised follow the leader type tour. I would much prefer it to go where ever you like. Also is Noumea hilly? Were they hard to peddle around?
Sorry they sound like stupid questions - Dont want to do too much exercise !!!:D

Cheers,
Fiona
:)

[cheznandy]

Hi Joanna Goanna,

It sounds like you had a fabulous holiday. I loved reading your review. I'm very envious. I am curious about the two seater bikes you hired in Noumea. Were you able to hire them and ride them wherever you liked or did you have to stay with the guide? I always thought that the bikes were an organised follow the leader type tour. I would much prefer it to go where ever you like. Also is Noumea hilly? Were they hard to peddle around?
Sorry they sound like stupid questions - Dont want to do too much exercise !!!:D

Cheers,
Fiona
:)


Fiona, Jenny Brushtail posted this pic a while ago, think these are the cars Joanna was talking about, we saw them there too, dont think they peddle though:p Dont forget driving is on the right side of the road:eek:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2290584260093744378ZKvYre

Chez
xx

[NSWP]

Joanna Goanna you have just got off PD, Martin the Cruise Director..is he a real tall super skinny pom/welshman? If so he was the Assistant CD on Regal Princess, coming over before the change to PD. Funny man.

Frank a yank was the CD on RP with Martin his 2 i/c.

NOW..Sainter66..I do not believe PD can be that bad..it is a revamped Regal Princess which I spent 31 nights on last year, bringing it here.

Just go on board with a positive attitude. Some people expect 100% perfection on a cruiseship, that is impossible.

Cheers..Les:cool:

[Forever dreaming]

Thanks Chez - What a fab pic. I'm going to have to book a cruise just so I can have a go on one of them. I'd better start saving......:D

Cheers,
Fiona
:)

[MsMinx]

Great review Joanna :D I'm glad you had a great cruise! :D Look forward to seeing some photos!

Those little "noddy car" things are a lot of fun! We had one on Isle of Pines on a tour where we all followed one of the local guys in his ute for a tour of the whole island :D

Are you able to tell me where you hired yours from in Noumea? I'm a little concerned that if we get in late and our shore tours are cancelled that we'll have nothing to do, so i'm looking for back up plans ;)

[goanna]

Yes, Martin is the very same CD on PD - he's fabulous and I thought he had stepped out of the program which used to be on UK TV called Hi Di Hi which is based around the UK holiday camp called Butlins which is a place where Brits go when they can't afford to go on cruises!! (joke!). Had to laugh, coz he DID work at Butlins! Anyway, peeps, give Marty a warm and fuzzy welcome, he's trying his best to inject some fun and frivolity into your cruise, and without him, we would all be sitting around the pool twiddling our thumbs.

Attached is a picture of me in the Noddy Car .. hope it came out, not used to this technology ...

[Archiel]

Thanks for taking the time to write this review Goanna! i'm going on PD in a little over two weeks, and you review has increased my level of excited more than i thought possible :)

glad to hear that you got your husband back, it's kind of fitting seeing as i read somewhere that PD was designed in the same sort of family of boats on which the loveboat was filmed.

How many people entered the Love Match? cos that sounds like a bit of fun, as a single guy travelling with some mates i might give that a go, if i get the courage that is. lol

Again thanks for the review and glad you had an awesome time!


:D

Gabe

[goanna]

Forgot to mention ... Noddy car is mechanical - no need to pedal!

[goanna]

Hi Gabe

I think Perfect Match was held on night 4 (but don't quote me). Have you seen it on TV? There are 3 guys and 1 girl (and then they do the reverse with 3 girls and 1 guy). The girl can't see the guys and asks them 3 questions. Then she picks based on their answers, their voices, etc. You will be given plenty of notice to lodge your interest to participate. It's great fun, and a good sense of humour and a dash of charisma wouldn't go astray, failing that, a bottle of Jim Beam before you play could rate your chances very highly!

There were lots of singles on our trip, and there are also lots of single's get together throughout the cruise. If you are looking for love, it may be the perfect spot, with romantic sunsets, islands to explore together etc. Of course, it could be your worst nightmare with some over anxious female stalking you for 10 days and you can't get away, but let's not be negative about this, OK?

Regarding the Noddy Cars, I just read that Ms Minx had a question - they are independent hire (no guides). They cost about $60 per hour from memory (quite pricey, but SUCH good fun). The hire place is right on the harbour front in town next to a small indoor market type place. There were lots of sign posts, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it. They hire out scooters and pushbikes too (as well as tandems for those who are more adventurous). BE CAREFUL though, it's wierd driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, and the local drivers are less than careful. These things are also small, so be prepared to let cars pass by as the Noddy cars don't have a lot of power. The photo Chez attached is of the same ones as we hired, from the same place by the looks of things. We had to dock at another dock in Noumea coz the Pacific Sun (?) was in for repairs, but as you will see from the sign, the cruise ship normal docking area is almost next door to the shop. GO WILD!!:D

[sapphireblue5]

Hi everyone I'm back from Christmas cruise on the Sapphire Princess, It was a wonderfull cruise they know how to give you a great christmas and New Year, The weather was hot and Beautiful the meals was great I will be doing anther cruise soon and I will be doing Princess cruises.I love the big ships I meet a lot of people and always have fun.:) ;) :)

[MsMinx]

Thanks for that info Joanna :D I'll write it down and keep an eye out for them when we arrive :D

[goanna]

OK, folks, buckling under pressure now ... here are some photos - hope they come out OK. Of course there are some shots I couldn't POSSIBLY publish (no, not THOSE shots, I mean me in a swimsuit).

I normally ride dressage horses, but who could resist the opportunity to ride a GOLD tiger! That was taken in the Bengal Bar. There is one of our cabin with significant other in a pose I got quite used to seeing! The ship from the shore (always fascinated me), me dressed up for island night - tip : take a checked shirt and jeans for western night and buy sarongs $10) and grass skirt/lei sets ($20) wherever you can for island night. Also take 2 outfits for formal nights and be prepared to have your portrait taken on the formal nights (we couldn't get away with that one).

[cheznandy]

Love the pics Joanna!! where was the fabulous shot taken with the ship?? and I love you suite:) sorry you are being bombarded with questions today:p

Chez
xx

[badgerbill]

Hi Di Hi which is based around the UK holiday camp called Butlins which is a place where Brits go when they can't afford to go on cruises!! (joke!). Had to laugh, coz he DID work at Butlins! ...


What an education for the Aussies......lol........p.o australia should add the "Glamorous Granny" competition to their entertainment program cos i want to enter.....not.......:D cheers shiona

[goanna]

Sorry about the last batch, they didn't really show the SHIP it'self.

Here are some of the entrance to the Palm Court, Christmas around the tree, the bengal bar from the karaoke stage

I googled Pacific Dawn Entertainers the other day, and came across a website of a whole load of photos a chap had taken and some video shots. There are also some video clips on U tube of a group of travel agents (?) spending the day on PD. Might be worth checking out - certainly the Web photos were very good.

Chez - the photo of the ship was taken from the beach on the Isle of Pines. I had this fascination for seeing this humungous ship docked within (what seemed like) a few metres off shore.

Yes Shiona, glamourous grannies would rock the ship, I reckon! Whoever is on the next PD trip, have a whisper in Marty's ear - I'm sure he's open to suggestions ...

[cheznandy]

Chez - the photo of the ship was taken from the beach on the Isle of Pines. I had this fascination for seeing this humungous ship docked within (what seemed like) a few metres off shore.



I thought it was taken from there, but I havent been to Isle of Pines since 1999, and the water didnt look so blue then:rolleyes: we must have had an overcast day , good to see it is still lovely!!

Chez
xx

[goanna]

Hi Chez, I thought all the islands were GORGEOUS for different reasons. Isle of Pines was so green and the water was very blue (we had sunshine nearly the whole way - a bit of rain one night and a dull few hours one day, but pretty good - couldn't have ordered better weather really). The snorkelling wasn't fabulous, but we did see a sea snake and lots of fish. It was just heavenly to lie in warm water and relax. There were lots of scungey dogs on the Isle of Pines and one gave a very graphic demonstration of how puppies are created right in the middle of the beach. A lady next to us on the beach had a lot of questions to ask when her little son asked "what's that doggy doing on top of that other doggy, mummy?" . I went mad and against all warnings, tried the local food. There were ladies giving away chicken and veggies wrapped in a leaf type basket - quite nice really, and no nasty after effects.

Mystery Island was amazing with VERY blue water and green palm trees. Do yourself a favour and buy a crayfish freshly caught and cooked and wrapped in a banana leaf for $10 (yes, for a WHOLE one cut into 2 peices for TEN AUSSIE DOLLARS). There is a great photo opportunity as a local dressed as a cannibal pretends to spear a poor tourist who is sitting in a large caudren.

Ouvea is fabulous too. A 10 minute walk (or taxi ride) from the tender dock to the beach - superb beaches and a lovely church to look at. Again, great scenery and just the peace and serenity of the place, and the friendly locals are worth the trip. We saw some enormous coconut crabs which looked fierce enough to take a hand off (probably would if provoked). The locals had tied them to a tree, and were taking money in exchange for photos - very cruel - I hate to see any living creature in a cage or tied up, even if it is a child eating crab ..

I've been over Port Vila and Noumea, so that's pretty much covered it. The time on shore is so easy - some people came ashore early and then went back to the ship for lunch and then came back again, some just stayed for a few hours and went back. P & O really have it covered when it comes to organising island stops, and those tenders were working hard all day, with very short delays. I could go on forever about our trip, it was MORE than a cruise, MORE than a holiday - it was a life changing experience and I feel very lucky to have been able to go and come home feeling so uplifted. Thank goodness cruising is now so much more affordable - I am dropping hints about our next cruise, but this year I am at the olympics (not competing, just supporting), next year is my mum's 80th birthday in the UK, and 2010 is the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. I think will will have to wait till I turn 50 in 2011 and do another one then (unless I sell lots of houses and/or win Lotto) :D

[Archiel]

It's great fun, and a good sense of humour and a dash of charisma wouldn't go astray, failing that, a bottle of Jim Beam before you play could rate your chances very highly!

Of course, it could be your worst nightmare with some over anxious female stalking you for 10 days and you can't get away, but let's not be negative about this, OK?


Sounds Fun! i might have to sign myself up and then not think about it, or i wont end up doing it, not sure about the charisma but the bottle of Beam might be something i could handle :P

i'm sure the stalking thing wouldn't happen, but it'd make a great story to tell to everyone when i got back.

Oh and i'm definately going to have to try these crayfish you mentioned when i'm on Mystery Island. sounds delicious.

Cheers!

[Skyrules]

The ship from the shore (always fascinated me), me dressed up for island night


I love the photo of Pacific Dawn at Isle of Pines.. I agree with you -there's nothing like seeing the ship from the Islands. The anchorage at Isle of Pines is good for getting a photo like yours - makes it look like the ship is tied up at the little tender wharf. Here's a similar shot of Pacfic Sky at IoP on my first cruise.

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/41900/1502499902078909071S425x425Q85.jpg

When I came back from my first cruise I had lot's of photo's of Pacific Sky from the shore, and my Dad asked what was with all the photo's.. He came with us on our next cruise - and at the first Island we stopped at one of his comments was, "now I see why you have all the photo's of the ship from the island" and he came back with just as many as me!

[Skyrules]

Love the pics Joanna!! where was the fabulous shot taken with the ship?? and I love you suite:) sorry you are being bombarded with questions today:p

Chez
xx

See my reply above Chez - it's at the Isle of Pines!

[karmac]

Here's a link to one of my favourite photos of the Dawn at Isle of Pines. This pic is currently my desk top. Sorry, I didn;t know how to just post the photo from webshotes.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2630351090089661373nBWchI

Karen

[DennisN]

Hey Joana Goanna,

Great review - and a great trip as you say.;)

You inspired me to get off my backside and write something as well.

Its floating round here somewhere.

Hope you're going back for more sometime in the future - we are.

Just not sure when. :D :)

[livingstone]

I'm sure everyone takes something home with them (I don't mean the cuttlery or dressing gowns!), and the main thing for me was that I got my husband back. ...... and our relationship is back to where it was when we first got married.

Anyway, hope this has been of some help.

Joanna Goanna ;)

I have to say that if you got nothing else from the crusie you refeshed your marrage. that is some of the best news I have heard so far this year, congratulation on a cruise well done.

[Tigerman00]

very well done .. you got on and we got off .. I hope they keep it going . but knowing P&O they wont ,, your photography is first class .... a gold star for that .. keep on cruising ,,, Chop .... Sea Tiger

[arxcards]

Joanna Goanna you have just got off PD, Martin the Cruise Director..is he a real tall super skinny pom/welshman? If so he was the Assistant CD on Regal Princess, coming over before the change to PD. Funny man.

Frank a yank was the CD on RP with Martin his 2 i/c.


Cheers..Les:cool:
Les,
This also fits the M\O of one of the cruise staff on our SP NYE cruise. Is it possible he changed ships on 27th \28th December - Curly hair, talks a bit camp. Will try to find a pic.
Cheers

[goanna]

Hi Dennis

I LOVED your review - peeps, if you want to see some FABULOUS photos and the PD Christmas Cruise through a fresh pair of eyes, check out Dennis' review - well done. Interesting comments about paying the extra for a balcony - I do agree that there is nothing nicer than sitting on your own balcony with a drink and watching the world sail by, but I don't want people to feel too disappointed if they didn't get a cabin with a balcony. The Promenade deck is a great viewing place, as well as the area at the stern (as per your photos of the wake).

Les - Martin, the CD didn't have curley hair from memory, and he doesn't sound very camp either. In fact, I think he was from north england, rather than wales. He is married, because he told us on night 1 that he had a family back home. I will rummage through all the tons of literature I brought home and do some research.

[Charlie Girl]

Here's a link to one of my favourite photos of the Dawn at Isle of Pines. This pic is currently my desk top. Sorry, I didn;t know how to just post the photo from webshotes.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2630351090089661373nBWchI

Karen

Hi cruising buddy great pics I looked to see I/Pines and looked at them all GREAT :D See you on 24th be great to see you again
Cheers