Review on W912 Pacific Shimmer 26/4/09 - 5/5/09

Hi All

Background:

Alan 48 years old & Nikki 44 years old. Our first ever cruise celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

Our Cruise:

Pacific Dawn W912. In command was Captain David Box with Cruise Director David Pepper.

Sailaway - 26/4/09:

Well the day had finally come. Last minute post on our Cruise Critic Roll Call & it was off to Wharf 8. We dropped off our bags at 8am & was surprised that others had already dropped of their bags before us (yes 8am, my brother had another engagement to go to). It was then off to Darling Harbour for a nice breakfast. The Dawn was backed in today, which made for a quick getaway at sailaway time.

The check in process started at 10am and went very smoothly. We were advised that we will be in the first group to embark at 11.30am.This also went smooth despite one of the x-ray machines breaking down briefly. Once past the x-ray area it was a case of “Smile” for the 1st of many P&O photo opportunities.

We were then onboard & proceeded to our cabin. (Cabin P141, outside cabin Starboard side with window) (We had selected this cabin at time of booking). We were greeted by a “Happy Anniversary” sign & 3 balloons on our cabin door. Not long after getting there, our cabin steward (Pranoto) arrived with a vase full of red roses that I had pre ordered for Nikki, she was impressed. I did also request a bottle of Wine; however this needed to be redeemed with Dinner in The Palm Court Dining Room. We were very surprised at how much room there was in the cabin & how big the bed was. There was plenty of hanging & drawer space. We did have a problem locking the safe. The battery that controls the locks needed to be replaced. Once that was fixed, we felt a lot easier.

Lunch was in the Buffet which was quite nice. Following lunch it off for a look around the ship & back to the cabin. Our luggage arrived about 2pm which we unpacked prior to going off to the muster drill at 3.30pm. Following that it was onto the lido deck for the sailaway party. It was then time to relax & enjoy with some drinks. The only disappointment was there was no sounding of the ships horn under the Harbour Bridge. We were later advised by the Captain that some of the residents around Darling Harbour have complained to P&O re noise coming from the cruise ships. Dinner that night was also in the Buffet. It was then off to the showroom for the “Welcome Aboard Show” at 9.30pm. After the show it was back to the room to read through the huge amount of information about the ship.

Sea Day 1 - 27/4/09:

What great weather we had. Seas were only slight to moderate; temperature was about 24 degrees with a gentle breeze. This morning sunrise was the best of the whole cruise. Not a cloud in the sky. I was always up on deck early & meet up with a fellow passenger for a morning walk, which continued for the rest of the cruise. There were a few keen passengers that took part in the 7.00am Boot Camp at Seas.

Breakfast today was in the Buffet. For the remainder of the cruise it was a mix of the buffet & the waiter service in the Palm Court Dining room. There were plenty of activities to do during the day or plenty of space just to do nothing but relax. During the day we went to the Port & Tour presentation, Pacific Deal or No Deal & Bingo. All conducted in the Showlounge.

Lunch was in the Buffet. Again we mixed this up for the remainder of the cruise between the Buffet, Palm Court or the Grill. In the afternoon it was meet & greet with Cruise Critic members “leggyliz”, “MTBrown” & “Drum” along with their family & friends. It was good to put a face to the name.

Dinner on the first sea day was in the Trattoria. “Fallon” was one of the guest entertainers and put on a good show in the Showlounge. In all, we felt the entertainment was great for the entire cruise.

Sea Day 2 - 28/4/09:

Day 2 weather was just about the same as the first. Following my early morning walk it was back to the cabin to get Nikki for Breakfast in the Palm Court Dining Room. Being waited upon was a good feeling.

This morning was just about relaxing on the Lido deck, watching the activities happen & book reading whilst enjoying the great weather. The afternoon had us off to Sea Horse Racing & Bingo in the showroom.

Tonight was formal night. What a buzz. There were 5 areas set up for the formal photos to be taken. In the end there were plenty of shots to choose from. Dinner was a 5.30pm booking in the Dining Room. Table 106. Our waiters were Jomari & Godson. Following this night we maintained a booking for the same time but did get moved to another table nearby, but still retaining the same waiters. They were great, friendly & fun. We were again greeted with balloons on the table. Along with the wine came a cake. For their jolly good fellows was sung by our waiters & fellow table guests. Tonight’s show was Motor City in the showroom. 2 shows 7.30pm & 9.30pm.

Tonight was also the first of the Sit Down Comedy nights in the Dome. “Steady Eddie” was the guest act. I have not laughed as much in my life. Unfortunately Nikki could not handle the movement of the ship & could not stay to watch the show. The dome is the highest place on the ship & if you have weak legs as Nikki does, then you feel it badly.

That’s all for now. Part 2 will be following talking about our port & tender calls & then part 3 on the remaining sea days & wrap up.

Alan

Find our cruise photos here

Amaaaazing!!! Sounds like so much fun, lucky you!!! :O) :)

Hi again, here is part 2 of our review.

So far we are have been having a great time & looking forward to the ports of call.

Noumea – 29/4/09:

Again it was up early for my morning walk on Deck 14. The weather ahead did not look all that great, but did improve to be beautiful day in Noumea. The pilot boat came along side about 6.15am. It was then through the reef & outer islands into harbour and alongside our berth about 8.00am. Breakfast this morning was again in the Palm Court Dining Room with a couple & their 2 young girls and a window table meaning a good view of the harbour & berthing. There were a number of families on board, mainly due to not being able to secure places for their children the previous cruises. On each of our dining room breakfasts the waiters filled up table by table meaning we were meeting new people each day. We had a 9.00am City & Surrounds tour booked so we were off the ship about 8.30am. The P&O tour staff had things very organised. There were signs, chairs, shelters & water containers available. Our tour lasted 3 hours & was very good. Once back from the tour we returned to the ship for lunch, then a stroll around town & the wharf markets. For those that stayed on board there was still plenty to do with 2 movies in the Showlounge & activities in the Bengal bar & Lido deck. About 5.30pm the ship pulled away from the wharf & we were on our way again. Dinner tonight was back to the Dining Room followed by the Pirates of the Pacific Show in the Showlounge, which was followed by some gaming action in the casino. The first of the laser shows was held in the Grand plaza at 10.45pm.

Mystery Island – 30/4/09:

No deck walk this morning, but what a good view from our cabin window combined with the vision from the ships web cam on the television. What a glorious morning. We have been so looking forward to getting to Mystery Island. Today was our planned washing day, so on the way to breakfast we call into the laundromat to put our washing on. $3 per load. Following breakfast our clothes were ready for the dryers. Again $3 per load. We took our own washing powder, but is available onboard along with conditioner & starch for $1 each. Use of the irons are free. The tender process to the island started about 8.00am. Following the drying process we proceeded to get our tender tickets. From our deck it was down 2 floors to get on the tender for the 15-20minute ride to the island. Mystery Island was how I expected, clear waters & fine weather. The reef shoes from Big W got a good workout. Once off the wharf it was again time for the usual P&O photo opportunity. 30-40 metres later we were on the other side of the island where we took a sail on an outrigger canoe. Our remainder of the time on the island was spent sightseeing, swimming & market shopping. We headed back to the ship about 1.00pm for a relaxing afternoon on ship. We found our way to the front observation deck which is located at the front end of the Baja deck. The tenders were loaded by about 5.00pm & the anchor rose about 5.30pm. Dinner for us was again in the Dining Room. In the Showlounge that night was Comedian Mike Harris doing 2 shows at 7.30pm & 9.30pm. The second of the laser shows was also on this night, but for us it was a early night due to a busy day in Port Vila the next day.

Port Vila – 1/5/09:

Another early morning deck walk this morning, watching the lights of the island in the distance. Breakfast this morning was in the Buffet. It was a case of fuel up well ahead of a big day in Port Vila. Again we were on time & docked about 7.45am. Once the ship was secured & security in place, passengers were able to go ashore about 8.00am. Security of the ship is always presence. To get on & off the ship you need to scan your cruise card. Access to the wharf is only allowed to shipboard passengers. When you come back on board the ship at any port you need to go through a metal detector & have your bags x-rayed. Our first tour of the morning was at 9.15am to the Ekasup Cultural Village which was very informative & enjoyed by all. It has been awarded Vanuatu’s best tourism attraction for the past 2 years. Following this it was back to the ship for our 1.00pm Vila by Helicopter tour. After a ride into town in one of the tour mini vans, it was out in a boat to the helicopter pontoon in the harbour. It was about a 7-10 minute ride around Port Vila. What a buzz. What great views. It was Nikki’s & I first ride in a helicopter & won’t be the last. Following this flight it was time to look around town & some shopping. Despite it being a public holiday, there was plenty open except for the Banks, Post Office & Customs office. (No chance of getting your passport stamped). The day had been long & hot and about 3.00pm I just needed to get back to the comforts of the ship. Everywhere you went there was always a Taxi driver seeking passengers to go back to the ship. We finally chose a Taxi to the ship. To be honest we felt more safe in the air than the 15 minute taxi ride back to the ship. (What an experience, thank god we took out travel insurance). After some last minute shopping at the markets it was back on ship. This evening was Island night. Again we had our usual 5.30pm booking for the Dining Room. A very quiet night there with many empty tables due to a Deck BBQ dinner being held on the Lido Deck as part of the Buffet. Tonight was the first night that we did not go to the show in the Showlounge. We chose to just relax on the Lido deck soaking up the atmosphere & listening to the band Dekada play the night away.

Back tomorrow for Part 3.

Alan

Find our cruise photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/35227684@N04/sets/72157617665118373/

Hi Alan

Wow what a lovely way to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary :). I felt like I was actually on the ship when I was reading your review...great job! Keep the rest coming :D.

Hi again, here is our 3rd & final part of our review.

Sea Day 3 - 2/5/09:

Well it was the start of the return leg home. As usual it was off to deck 11 for the usual morning walk. Despite the cruise being half over there was still plenty to do and fun to be had. Following breakfast it was off to the showroom for the Virtual Bridge Tour with the First Officer. A very informative talk & presentation on the ships operation & crew functions. For the young ones it was then time for their Junior Cruisers Show. Due to a busy afternoon it was time for an early lunch. In the Dome was the Cruise Fair, a chance to sample some of the best of what the Pacific Dawn has to offer eg Wine, Cocktails, Sushi, Pasta, Arts & Crafts, Floral Arrangements, Food Tasting & Demonstrations. Tonight’s show production was “Do you want to dance”, again 2 shows. The 2nd Sit down Comedy Show was on in the Dome starring Matt Elsbury.

Sea Day 4 - 3/5/09:

Well another day closer. Each morning there is a Good Morning TV program with the Cruise Director talking about the day’s events along with interviews with the entertainers & some of the crew. It was worth a watch. It was again another full day of activities ending up with the second of the formal nights with the Baked Alaksa Parade, Champagne Waterfall & Laser Light Show. There was a real party atmosphere happening on decks 5, 6 & 7. Back to earlier in the day. For those that were interested there was a morning Animal Towel & Napkin Folding Demo along with a Live Culinary Demonstration of 3 dishes conducted by the Executive Chef & Maitre d’ Hotel. It was then off for a tour of the Galley. It appeared to me that we had at least ¾ of the passengers on this tour. It was then back to the Showlounge for a disembarkation talk. The afternoon took us of to the Grill for lunch then back to watch the Marriage Match Game Show. 4 married couples ranging from 1 month to 63 years being married. A hilarious show & well worth attending. Bingo soon followed with the Jackpot reaching $4,800.00. To accommodate as many people as possible they even had a live link to the dome. Dinner again was in the Dining Room & again more P&O photo opportunities. Tonight’s show was “Starry Starry Night” a mixture of the Pacific entertainers & guest entertainers.

Sea Day 4 - 4/5/09:

Our last sea day had arrived, but there was still so much to do. Weather for the final days had the temperature go from 27 deg down to 22 deg. Seas were slight to moderate and winds moderate to a strong breeze. The sun continued to shine. This morning in the Dome was Meet the Shows Cast as well as a backstage tour. This was followed by a Murder Mystery Quiz. A little bit of fun to be had. As we had to leave our bags out tonight it was a case of start packing. “Did we come with all this stuff” was the question being asked. The afternoon also saw the last round of Sea horse Racing & Jackpot Bingo with the jackpot being over $8,000 and had to be won. We had our last dinner in the Dining room paying thanks to our good waiters. Once our bags were check, they were put out in the passage way for collection. We chose just to do the early show which was the Pacific Pop Star Grand Final. Throughout the cruise the qualifiers were conducted in the Bengal Bar. The second show of the night was Mike Harris again. As we had seen him earlier in the cruise it was off to the Casino for some gaming action.

Back Home – 5/5/09:

Well it was all over. Most were thankful for the extra hour sleep as we had to adjust our clocks back to Sydney time. The lights of Sydney shown in the distance. We passed through the heads at about 5.15am and by 7.00am after doing a U turn in Darling Harbour; we were again backed into our berth in Wharf 8. What about the weather, cold & wet. Everyone was given an allocated time to meet & depart the ship. A process that took from 7.30am to 10.00am. It was a very smooth process. Breakfast was available either in the Buffet or the Dining Room. Each cabin was asked to be emptied by 8.00am so the staff could get them ready for the next lucky passengers. Our meeting time was 9.55am, so we had a bit of time to kill. Processing through the terminal was very smooth & before too long it was to the Taxi & off home.

Summary:

Absolutely loved the Pacific Dawn, it's a great ship. We had a lot of fun and meet a lot of different people. In all there were only a couple of problems encountered. “Safe not locking”, Toilet blocking up once”, “Shortage of hot water on the last morning”, “Wrong drinks delivered on one occasion” All of these were well outnumbered by the many memorable experiences that we enjoyed during the Cruise.

As this is our first cruise, we cannot comment on fixed dining. Anytime dining suited us fine. As mentioned earlier we chose to mix it up between the Buffet, Dining Room, Grill, La Patisserie, & Trattoria. We got to share tables with so many people, but there were times that we had a quiet table of 2.

Theme nights included 50’s & 60’s Rock & Roll night, 70’s Disco Inferno Party Night, Formal Night, Island Night & Country & Western Night.

There were many other things that we did not get to, eg Trivia, Karaoke, Dancing in the Dome, Late Night Movies, Pool Volleyball, Deck Games, Art Auctions, Arts & Crafts, Card & Board Games, Fitness Classes, and most importantly the Medical Centre.

It was our first cruise and all going well won’t be the last.

Bye Bye from Alan & Nikki

Find our cruise photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/35227684@N04/sets/72157617665118373/

Loved every word of your review. You seem to have had a great cruise and by the sounds of it have caught the cruisung bug like the rest of us :D

Lynda.

Thanks for a great review!!:) I miss the Dawn:( especially after hearing about all the daily goings on..Dekada is a great band..we had them on the Sun back in August 07 & it would have been great to see them again on the Dawn on our last cruise.

We missed getting our passports stamped in Vila :( as we didn't know where they were done..I guess i should've checked on here first before we went. We just presumed that it would have been somewhere close to the wharf.

I guess it's time to book another cruise for 2 reasons....passport stamped in Vila & to see Dekada perform again :D

Thanks again & great pics by the way.

Thanks for posting your review....it is always so good to see a cruise through the eyes of a "first timer". Unfortunately us "repeat offenders" sometimes get too fussy! Welcome to the world of addiction I bet it wont be long before you are making another booking.:D

Umm were we on the same cruise? Yours sounds so much better! Maybe I should have got up earlier and done more activities:eek::D instead of staying up all night and sleeping in. Although I did attend horseracing and bingo.

Alan you put the cruise beautifully and so articulate. Well done and lovely to meet you and Nikki. :)

Liz

P.S also I had to share a room with 3 others and 1 is my best friend and I didnt know the other 2 very well (just a hint when sharing - make sure you know them well)

Umm were we on the same cruise? Yours sounds so much better! Maybe I should have got up earlier and done more activities:eek::D instead of staying up all night and sleeping in. Although I did attend horseracing and bingo.

 

Alan you put the cruise beautifully and so articulate. Well done and lovely to meet you and Nikki. :)

 

Liz

P.S also I had to share a room with 3 others and 1 is my best friend and I didnt know the other 2 very well (just a hint when sharing - make sure you know them well)

Lol Liz..well done making it to the horse racing & bingo :p....considering they usually happen after 3pm :D

The weather was absolutely terrific too!

I did not write as many words as you did, but did just post the photos:

http://wandksport.blogspot.com/2009/05/omas-p-cruise-09.html

Walter and Connie----

(the Canberra mother and her Tasmanian son we were known as I think!)

The weather was absolutely terrific too!

I did not write as many words as you did, but did just post the photos:

 

http://wandksport.blogspot.com/2009/05/omas-p-cruise-09.html

 

Walter and Connie----

(the Canberra mother and her Tasmanian son we were known as I think!)

Fantastic photo journal...well done...thanks for sharing:p

The weather was absolutely terrific too!

I did not write as many words as you did, but did just post the photos:

 

http://wandksport.blogspot.com/2009/05/omas-p-cruise-09.html

 

Walter and Connie----

(the Canberra mother and her Tasmanian son we were known as I think!)

Some great photos there, thanks for sharing!

Not being picky, but I did notice you had Noumea and Vila mixed up in the captions..

Looks like you had a great time :D