PACIFIC SUN, is it now just too old?

[Sandielle]

Yep, It's true some people don't do any research. I've asked friends/acquaintances which ship they are going on and they don't even know THAT. Some can't even remember the name when they've BEEN! :eek:

 

We research appliances before we buy - so we definitely research something as expensive (by comparision) as a cruise before we book. :rolleyes:

[bazzaw]

I think that the date of the latest refit is more important to be aware of - than the date of build. An 8 year old ship that has never had a refit (and hence has the original fabrics/upholstery and carpeting) will look "tattier" than a 20 year old ship that was all redone recently.

 

When you get up close to the outside of QM2 and the new QE, it is obvious that QM2 has been in the water for 8 years - whereas the QE is pristine. I am not sure that this would make for a better or worse cruising experience.

 

There is far too much emphasis in this Forum on the age of any given ship - rather than just what have cruisers experienced.

 

 

Barry

[Drelix]

Not trying to be a thread killer here my threads no one responds 2 my threads ? :(

But I found nothing wrong with the ship I had been on it twice in about 5 years and not much has changed its still nice for the people worried about going on it look at my video

 

[Skyrules]

Oh God, I can just imagine. That's why I've never cruised from Brisbane on a P&O boat.

 

If I want to watch someone stuff food into their face, whilst they sit there dressed in shorts and thongs, I can go to the local shopping centre and check out the food-court.

 

I don't feel inclined to pay money for the privilege.

 

I've cruised out of Brisbane on every P&O ship that's been based in Brisbane since 2004 (Sky, Star, Sun & Dawn) and on all 7 cruises I have never experienced anything like what Sludger describes.

 

Granted, the cruises from Brisbane are less formal than those out of Sydney, but that is merely reflecting the fact that the majority of passengers on cruises out of Brisbane are from Queensland, where everything is much more relaxed and laid back than in Sydney or Melbourne.

 

I've seem many a tuxedo on passengers on P&O cruises out of Sydney, yes, even on "poor old" Pacific Sun.

 

It actually doesn't have anything to do with the ship. I'm sure when Sun Princess is based here in Brisbane later in the year, you'll see the same trend.

[Skyrules]

I think that the date of the latest refit is more important to be aware of - than the date of build. An 8 year old ship that has never had a refit (and hence has the original fabrics/upholstery and carpeting) will look "tattier" than a 20 year old ship that was all redone recently.

 

When you get up close to the outside of QM2 and the new QE, it is obvious that QM2 has been in the water for 8 years - whereas the QE is pristine. I am not sure that this would make for a better or worse cruising experience.

 

There is far too much emphasis in this Forum on the age of any given ship - rather than just what have cruisers experienced.

 

 

Barry

 

And Pacific Sun has had A LOT done to her in her time in Australia, and most of it was an improvement. The ship we sailed on in 2010 (our 5th time on her) was much nicer than the ship we sailed on for the first time in 2005.

[Brossy]

And Pacific Sun has had A LOT done to her in her time in Australia, and most of it was an improvement. The ship we sailed on in 2010 (our 5th time on her) was much nicer than the ship we sailed on for the first time in 2005.

 

I agree with Skyrules. She looks so much better since the last drydock (With the exception of the removal of the waterslide, they should have kept it).

 

I wouldn't pay the same prices for the Sun as what they are charging for the Jewel/Pearl but aside from being an older ship smaller ship, everything else is the same (food/entertainment/casino/bingo etc). When a bargain pops up, why not grab it, the ocean is the same, the ports are the same and then you have extra cash in your pocket to go again, and again and again :D:D:D.

[Sandielle]

I wouldn't pay the same prices for the Sun as what they are charging for the Jewel/Pearl but aside from being an older ship smaller ship, everything else is the same (food/entertainment/casino/bingo etc). When a bargain pops up, why not grab it, the ocean is the same, the ports are the same and then you have extra cash in your pocket to go again, and again and again :D:D:D.

 

Way to go, Rose! :)

[thied]

But the Pacific sun has an out back bar:D

[Scurvy Dog]

But the Pacific sun has an out back bar:D

 

Well there's a reason there just to go on the Pacific Sun :D

[thied]

Well there's a reason there just to go on the Pacific Sun :D

 

yes there is but there are not any good itineraries avalable.

[sherri3802too]

Your post surprises me a little, I would have thought that most people would do a little research before choosing?...Maybe I'm wrong.

 

An non-cruise example of this would be a Sunday paper might advertise package trips including air to Bali or Fiji etc and then give you half a dozen different prices for different resorts for the same number of days at that location........ I thought that before deciding which package to choose it would be normal to research the accommodation places to make sure they are providing the level of amenity and inclusions you require to be satisfied with your holiday and not just choose on price alone. Otherwise you might find yourself dissatisfied.

 

I assumed the same logic would be applied to considering and booking a cruise.

 

Personally, I was under no illusions about the Pacific Sun when we cruised on her last year and I might say my expectations were surpassed by miles. I actually selected her based on this being an informal introduction to cruising for my first time cruiser companions as well as providing a great child friendly experience for my son. It worked all my party want to cruise again and are keen to try different ships next time.

 

I really don't think there is any excuse to find yourself on Pacific Sun by mistake:rolleyes:

 

No, it is a little more subtle than that. Maybe I didn't make it really clear, but what is happening (I think) is the papers are advertising cruises, often without specific mention of what ship it is.

Now obviously, a person who decides to go ahead with enquiries might walk into a travel agency or ring up the contact numbers in the original ad.

At this stage they will be told the name of the ship, but why would a person unfamiliar with cruising know much about the different ships? They wouldn't.

And would the brochure really make it clear? I don't think so. I have had P&O brochures before, as well as Princess brochures, and they all make the ships and destinations look fantastic and they talk in glowing terms.

I have never met a travel agent who took much (or any) interest in comparing cruise ships or lines or offering me any info except prices.

 

I guess what I am saying is it is perfectly possible for someone to find out the name of the shiip, see photos of it, read about it in brochures and THINK they have a fair bit of information and have done the research.

 

Believe you me, I did do research, more than a lot of people. I drew up computer tables of dates/prices, downloaded plans of ships and info on when they were built etc but it was only when I found this site that I discovered that a lot of people feel the Sun is a bit older and not necessarily the same standard of ship.

 

My personal feeling is I could probably travel quite happily on the Pacific Sun. I have read the service is good and a lot of people enjoy a more casual atmosphere and that would suit me okay.

But the only indication of any difference between ships (for people who aren't on sites such as this) comes down to the star rating and I have found even that varies from site to site for the same ship!

[bazzaw]

Shewrri3802too and Bella Cruiser

 

You are both correct in what you are saying - but it is all encapsulated in the old addage "Buyer beware!"

 

I rented an apartment in Cairns once - it was one of many in a glossy Queensland Tourism booklet. It turned out to be old and tired - the "old" part wasn't the problem, but the "tired" part was. If it had had a lick of paint and some new carpet, maybe replacement of some cooking stuff, it would have been as good as any brand new apartment. So, what is being discussed here is not different to other walks of life. Had a flight on an Emirates 777 recently - only to discover that their seating arrangement was 3-3-3 as opposed to other 777's (that I have flown in) 2-4-2. That extra seat made thing very uncomfortable. I have learned a lesson from both these two things. I do not believe anything that is advertised as being "luxurius" (have you ever read anything these days that is NOT advertised as being "luxurious") - and I am very wary of any service/product that is self-rated (number of stars-wise) by the owners! :)

 

 

Barry

[ceejay3377]

And Pacific Sun has had A LOT done to her in her time in Australia, and most of it was an improvement. The ship we sailed on in 2010 (our 5th time on her) was much nicer than the ship we sailed on for the first time in 2005.

 

I found this comment interesting, as I cruised on the Sun in 2006, and it was a disappointing experience. I had previously sailed on the Sky, and LOVED it, so I felt I had an idea of what to expect from my second P&O experience on the Sun.

 

I also did heaps of research, but in 2006 we had dial up (slooooow!) and I was not as internet savvy as I am now. I was limited to the brochures put out by P&O and the limited knowledge of my TA. Ultimately, my experience on the Sun was enough to put me off P&O (not forever, as that is a looooong time, but I am wary of the hype and spin in the brochures now).

 

We cruised in June and the weather was a bit rough, wet and cold. Now that is not P&O's fault, but what I found difficult to endure was the overcrowding inside. People were sitting in windows and public walkways, and there just was not enough lounging space inside to accomodate all the passengers while the weather was bad. My understanding was that this ship had previously been used on the Alaska route, so I was surprised at the overcrowding issue.

 

The other problem we found was the attitude of security staff. This cruise was at the time that the Diane Brimble case was hitting the press and P&O's reaction was swift and reactive (I would also say excessive and over the top, but that is just my opinion). They were flat out installing security cameras all over the ship on our cruise. The security officers were quite beligerant and aggressive anytime they saw anyone doing anything that might be fun. The entertainment staff had been instructed that they were not allowed to fraternise with any passengers (outside the necessary professional communication) and the entire atmosphere was quite standoffish, almost to the point of being unfriendly. (Especially when I remembered the atmosphere on the Sky had seemed so friendly).

 

I still had a good holiday, just not a great one. I have since cruised with HAL and I really enjoy the atmosphere on the Volendam. If you want to sit somewhere quiet, there are plenty of spots. There are no overcrowding issues on the Volendam. And the staff and crew are just so friendly.

 

I have recently reconsidered cruising P&O, particularly on the Pearl or Jewel, just to get a quick cheap cruising fix in between major cruising holidays. Cruise Critic is responsible for that, as I have made a point to read all the reviews (good and bad) of the variety of ships that now call Australia home. The combined experiences of HAL (who have kind of spoiled me) and my last experience on P&O (not so good) are what make me hesitant about cruising P&O.

 

Is the Sun old, well perhaps, but so was the Sky and the age of that ship did not negatively impact on my holiday. The most important issues are is she being maintained, and is she being marketed honestly. If the Sun is not at the same standard as the other ships in the fleet, then this really should be made clear.

 

Anyhow, this is just my opinion, and this is what I like about Cruise Critic. We can all express our opinions and share our experiences for the benefit of all.:)

 

Cheers,

 

Carina

[subaru94]

There are a lot of old ships still running as cruise ships, comes down to maintenance and no. of people per size ofship. I have been on the Pacific Sun twice, loved the first time, (did'nt know any better), then went on the Pacific Dawn, loved that, went back on the Pacific Sun and my main gripe is the number of people on the ship, if they lowered the capacity it would solve a lot of issues, as I liked the refurbishment and the entertainment, was just too crowded in comparison to the Pacific Dawn, Rhapsody of the Seas