Excitement & Questions

[Suncoaster]

Well looks like we are going to book another cruise, our first cruise was on Pacific Sun out of Sydney in April2006. This time we will be going from Brisbane (homeport) and on the Pacific Dawn for 4thSept 2010. Went and watched the Dawn sail past Caloundra last night, looked good.

So to questions:

Is there long term parking close to the wharf, or any other suggestions of getting to the ship? There will be 7 of us and luggage.

Do we need our thermal mugs and is there free tea/coffe/water available all day/night?

Need to take power board?

Is there an ATM on board? if so does it run out of money??

What money is used in Noumea? we loved the fact we only needed Aussie Dollars on our last cruise in all five ports.

What upgrades do you get for being a past cruiser?

We were happy with a low deck, no window last time, so would go same again, but any deck to avoid getting?

And any major differences from Sun to Dawn, and any other info I need to be updated on/

Thanks everyone,

Val

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Is there long term parking close to the wharf, or any other suggestions of getting to the ship? There will be 7 of us and luggage.Val

 

Hi Val,

Heres one site to check out re parking.

 

http://www.portsideparking.com.au/

 

We have never had occassion to use it, but have heard good reports about it.

I am sure there may be others as well if you do a google search.

[Suncoaster]

Another question do they still do Bridge and Galley tours?

[rkmw]

Another question do they still do Bridge and Galley tours?

 

 

hi Val, because of security reasons they do not advertise any bridge tours but we went on one cruising with princess but its like a lottery where they may pick your name out of a hat and if you join the roll call someone may approach the pursers and arrange a private galley tour for CC's otherwise they have one for everyone near the end of the cruise

 

rkmw

[Kinkacruiser]

Well looks like we are going to book another cruise, our first cruise was on Pacific Sun out of Sydney in April2006. This time we will be going from Brisbane (homeport) and on the Pacific Dawn for 4thSept 2010. Went and watched the Dawn sail past Caloundra last night, looked good.

So to questions:

Is there long term parking close to the wharf, or any other suggestions of getting to the ship? There will be 7 of us and luggage.

Do we need our thermal mugs and is there free tea/coffe/water available all day/night?

Need to take power board?

Is there an ATM on board? if so does it run out of money??

What money is used in Noumea? we loved the fact we only needed Aussie Dollars on our last cruise in all five ports.

What upgrades do you get for being a past cruiser?

We were happy with a low deck, no window last time, so would go same again, but any deck to avoid getting?

And any major differences from Sun to Dawn, and any other info I need to be updated on/

Thanks everyone,

Val

You don't need thermal mugs, but if you have space, they are good...... they hold 2 cups without spilling and you can fill up and take to your room or on deck.

Power board... depends how many things you'll be powering up at the same time. I've never taken one.However, as you are driving to Portside, weight is not an issue. Not sure about an ATM onboard.

Noumea uses the Central Pacific Franc, get some only if you want to shop in the stores. The 'cruise' markets at the wharf/Coconut square or accept AUD or you can use an ATM in Noumea.

No upgrades for second time cruises unfortunately. Insiders are small but OK.

You'll be pleasntly surprised between the P&O Pacific Sun and the Pacific Dawn (the latter is an ex-Princess ship). It's great to see her based in Brissie.

Hope this helps you. Enjoy your cruise.

Cheers,

Anna

[Aus Traveller]

Follow up on Portside Parking.

 

Definitely take a power board or at least a double adaptor.

 

tea/coffee are available 24/7.

 

Currency for Noumea - If you are just going to book a tour in the terminal on the dock and buy a few souvenirs there, AUD is OK. You can get francs on board and the exchange rate is OK with no extra fee ($8 from the bank).

 

As to which deck - I don't think there are many advantages to being on a higher deck - certainly not enough advantages to warrant the extra cost. Midships is better than the front.

 

It is a lottery whether or not you get an upgrade and I don't think it makes any difference if you are a past passenger. From what we have seen, those who book earlier are more likely to get an upgrade. Some people book on the lower categories (N or O) on deck 5. As there are only four of each category, an upgrade is reasonably likely, but no absolute guarantees. By the way, we have been in P110 on one cruise and were happy with the location. If you weren't upgraded I am sure you would still be happy.

 

Inside and outside cabins are exactly the same (with the exception of a window instead of a fake window).