Just off Dawn Princess.

We just got off our short 2-nighter Sydney to Brisbane on Dawn Princess. Had a couple of issues, when we got to our assigned table on the first night (6 of us plus 1 year old) there were people sitting at the table, now I realise these hiccups happen but I didn't like the way we were treated. The head waiters acted as if we were at fault and that it was such an inconvenience finding us another table. We were made to stand around with a hungry baby for ages while they tried to sort it out, without an apology. Then finally found us a table and told we would have new table number sent to us for next night. So the next night we front up to our new table and yes same scenario people already sitting on it so the whole drama started again. Finally we were escorted to our original table where the people who were sitting there first night now seated at next table. Also son bought soft drink package and went to get his hot chocolate like normal and was told no you can no longer get them on package but when you buy it on line it still states you can. Also told that with coffee card you now have to use a punch to get hot chocolate.

But on the positive side because it was the start of a 42 day cruise we got 500 minutes internet credit. And our baby is definitely going to be a cruiser she loved her first cruise.

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Hearing a few issues with Dawn the last month or two.

Glad bubs liked it.

Brother-in-law, (a young single 70 year old) is on for the full 42 day cruise rang this morning after arriving in Brisbane and said everything was perfect. He has done many cruises internationally so he knows what to expect. Hope it stays like this for him the entire cruise. He has already made friends at the Riviera Bar!:D Unfortunate on a 2 day cruise things where not up to scratch. If people where on the wrong table they should have been move, although it was probably easier to put you on a clean table. From previous observations this is always done with a smile from the waiters and a "no problem". Actually he said the ship was very late leaving Sydney well after the 1st seating at 5.30pm so the first night may have been open dining.

No not open dining as I said would not have been worried about the mix-up as things happen but it was the staff attitude that surprised and upset me, first night we didn't even receive an apology. In fact when my daughter eventually asked to speak with the Maitre-D after some time waiting was rudely told by head waiter that is what the complaints process is about. I have never experienced this kind of attitude on over 40 previous cruises. Looks like a good crowd on board I am sure your brother-in-law will have a great time.

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i did a 2 nighter on the Sun Princess from Bris to Sydney recently and the first 2 nights in the MDR they had anytime dining because there was a lot of people getting on & off in Sydney and it seemed to work better, maybe that would have been a better idea

Is the Dawn P&O yet? The changeover might explain some of the issues people are having.

Not yet, happens in June when the Pacific Explorer appears as if by magic. She should be used to P&O colours as that's what she was before joining Princess. I do believe she started out as an Achille Lauro ship, the line being bought by P&O (England).

Not yet, happens in June when the Pacific Explorer appears as if by magic. She should be used to P&O colours as that's what she was before joining Princess. I do believe she started out as an Achille Lauro ship, the line being bought by P&O (England).

We sailed on her last year and were amazed at what great shape she's in for her age. And, she handled the seas beautifully. P&O are getting back a well cared for ship.

Not yet, happens in June when the Pacific Explorer appears as if by magic. She should be used to P&O colours as that's what she was before joining Princess. I do believe she started out as an Achille Lauro ship, the line being bought by P&O (England).

Just found this link here on Cruise Critic. If the OP got off the Dawn today she was definitely on P&O's Pacific Dawn http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/news.cfm?ID=7650

Just found this link here on Cruise Critic. If the OP got off the Dawn today she was definitely on P&O's Pacific Dawn http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/news.cfm?ID=7650

Drawn Princess is in Brisbane today. Just leaving now as I type this.

Just found this link here on Cruise Critic. If the OP got off the Dawn today she was definitely on P&O's Pacific Dawn http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/news.cfm?ID=7650

you will find the Dawn Princess would have been at the Grain Terminal and the p&o Dawn at portside

you will find the Dawn Princess would have been at the Grain Terminal and the p&o Dawn at portside

Just off it myself today, the Dawn Princess was definitely at Portside.

As for the late departure from Sydney that was due to a counting issue in domestic and international pax. Had to be sorted before we were cleared to leave, but didn't cause any problems.

As for the cruise, enjoyed it and the staff were excellent. Actually had an issue with the dining companions themselves at our table, and on the second night the Maitre d' moved us without even needing to discuss it. Overall, found it a good cruise, DP still has its 'quirks' to the extent they shut down all onboard retail sales for the first two days for the domestic sector - though that said, there's a massive proportion starting in BNE this time, so somewhat understandable.

Just found this link here on Cruise Critic. If the OP got off the Dawn today she was definitely on P&O's Pacific Dawn http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/news.cfm?ID=7650

Actually do think I would know what ship I sailed on!!!!!! [emoji33][emoji33]

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A shame to hear...though not altogether surprised - we were on the cruise before you, and although our head waiter was excellent & nothing too much trouble for him, the others seemed to look on the majority of us like something nasty they'd just scraped off their shoes...

We just got off our short 2-nighter Sydney to Brisbane on Dawn Princess. Had a couple of issues, when we got to our assigned table on the first night (6 of us plus 1 year old) there were people sitting at the table, now I realise these hiccups happen but I didn't like the way we were treated. The head waiters acted as if we were at fault and that it was such an inconvenience finding us another table. We were made to stand around with a hungry baby for ages while they tried to sort it out, without an apology. Then finally found us a table and told we would have new table number sent to us for next night. So the next night we front up to our new table and yes same scenario people already sitting on it so the whole drama started again. Finally we were escorted to our original table where the people who were sitting there first night now seated at next table. Also son bought soft drink package and went to get his hot chocolate like normal and was told no you can no longer get them on package but when you buy it on line it still states you can. Also told that with coffee card you now have to use a punch to get hot chocolate.

But on the positive side because it was the start of a 42 day cruise we got 500 minutes internet credit. And our baby is definitely going to be a cruiser she loved her first cruise.

 

 

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Thanks for your review, we also did the two night cruise, I couldn't believe how old the demographic was but then that is what happens when selling it as a 42 or 40 night cruise rather than in three or four legs. Shame you had MDR issues.

Just found this link here on Cruise Critic. If the OP got off the Dawn today she was definitely on P&O's Pacific Dawn http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/news.cfm?ID=7650

You are confusing the Pacific Dawn (just refurbished) and the Dawn Princess (soon to become Pacific Explorer).:D

you will find the Dawn Princess would have been at the Grain Terminal and the p&o Dawn at portside

Not correct, the Dawn was at Portside on Saturday, the Pacific dawn was elsewhere getting refurbished.

Thanks for your review, we also did the two night cruise, I couldn't believe how old the demographic was but then that is what happens when selling it as a 42 or 40 night cruise rather than in three or four legs. Shame you had MDR issues.

A fair few younger people onboard while we were. But I think most of them also got off after the two days!

A fair few younger people onboard while we were. But I think most of them also got off after the two days!

Yes, it seemed all the younger crowd were in the 695 who debarked in Brisbane. A notable difference in ages for those getting off and those remaining for the longer cruise.

actually do think i would know what ship i sailed on!!!!!! [emoji33][emoji33]

 

 

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LOL, would think so.

Yes, it seemed all the younger crowd were in the 695 who debarked in Brisbane. A notable difference in ages for those getting off and those remaining for the longer cruise.

Yes making me wonder about the ages to expect on my 75 night cruise

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Mostly retirees I suspect.

Yes, it seemed all the younger crowd were in the 695 who debarked in Brisbane. A notable difference in ages for those getting off and those remaining for the longer cruise.

Felt like a reasonable balance for those two days though.

Yes making me wonder about the ages to expect on my 75 night cruise

 

 

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If the cruise is sold as several legs of the cruise (as well as the 75 night cruise), then it would likely be a bit younger or similar. If it is only sold as a 75 night cruise, it is likely to be the same or even a bit older.:eek:

Unless it sells really well upfront, it's usually sold as sectors.

That said, most sectors are still 3 weeks plus - and then one way - , so you'll still only wind up with certain travellers, typically retired. Though there are always individual exceptions. Which puts the age category at the top end...