bad reviews on pacific sun

[tracyw123]

Thanks I'll definitely take your advice and book as soon as we get on board.

 

This will be my 4th cruise and I've only just found this website. I think its great and thanks for your help

[lolabunny77]

Rather Overpriced for what it is.I haven't looked at the Flower of Asia Cruise but given it's duration It would be far from suitable for any of us with the possible exception of retirees or those of us in jobs which pay us to take extended holidays.A better option would be to fly to Singapore stay a night at a nice hotel before and after the cruise and look at either a Cruise on Superstar Virgo that takes in Penang and Phuket or the full scale one which also incorporates Port Klang for Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.Not Sure If they still do Langkawi though.It works out about much the same price

[just hooked]

Rather Overpriced for what it is.I haven't looked at the Flower of Asia Cruise but given it's duration It would be far from suitable for any of us with the possible exception of retirees or those of us in jobs which pay us to take extended holidays.A better option would be to fly to Singapore stay a night at a nice hotel before and after the cruise and look at either a Cruise on Superstar Virgo that takes in Penang and Phuket or the full scale one which also incorporates Port Klang for Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.Not Sure If they still do Langkawi though.It works out about much the same price

 

The pricing on that cruise gone down i just rebooked and saved $2000 on the cost booked in Jan . We have done the Straits of malacca and found it a very busy cruise with ports each day.Just been on the Rhapsody and loved the sea days.So this one is great with alot of sea days to spend on the ship with friends.We are on the xmas cruise so only have to take 8 days off work not bad to get a 16 night cruise in and think how much we will save on food over xmas/ new years time:)

[lolabunny77]

I would have killed for Your Choice Dining when I did N844 The Christmas Cruise 20 December to 29 December 2008 in that you get different dining companions for every meals not just Lunch and Breakfast and the same people at Dinner Every Night.I specifically told the travel agent I booked it through to put me with people close to my own age and while they did the best they could When I got on in Brisbane that day GASP HORROR I got put with lots of Married People or people over the age of 40.Almost complained to P&O Australia about that on my return but didn't.Well They lost my business this year to Contiki and their new Asia Programme but I will be back for Pacific Pearl in 2010 or 2011 if the price is right and they can do the right thing

[Ela 2]

I would have killed for Your Choice Dining when I did N844 The Christmas Cruise 20 December to 29 December 2008 in that you get different dining companions for every meals not just Lunch and Breakfast and the same people at Dinner Every Night.I specifically told the travel agent I booked it through to put me with people close to my own age and while they did the best they could When I got on in Brisbane that day GASP HORROR I got put with lots of Married People or people over the age of 40.Almost complained to P&O Australia about that on my return but didn't.Well They lost my business this year to Contiki and their new Asia Programme but I will be back for Pacific Pearl in 2010 or 2011 if the price is right and they can do the right thing

I think the Maitre D' does a great job in putting passengers with similar aged people for dinner, but sometimes it doesn't work out well.

 

On our first cruise on the Fairstar my husband and I were aged in our mid to late 30s. We were dismayed to find our table companions were a couple in their 70s and a gentleman who was in his 80s. We made the best of it and found the older gentleman was absolutely gorgeous. He was a very senior churchman who has been in Changi Prison during WWII. We still remember him fondly even though that was 25 years ago. You can meet some amazing people who you wouldn't meet otherwise. :):)

 

Evon.

[lolabunny77]

I would like to pint out how heavily chlorinated salty and cold the swimming pool was on Pacific Sun.Worse than the Beach

[Ela 2]

I think the Pac Sun has seawater in the pool. They would fill it from the ocean where the water would be a bit colder than the shallow water at the beach. The temperature would also depend on the time of year and the ocean currents. They would not have any control over that. :)

 

Evon.

[AussieTJ]

Have gone on 2 P&O cruises from Brisbane

yes we did have a wonderful time, they are more of a fun party ship not what I would call a luxury liner.

We have found that they are expensive from Australia, so our last 3 cruises have been from America,

If you buy your airline tickets at the right time (which we do) and get a 7 day cruise it has costs us less than going on a P&O cruise, and these ships are alot newer and are massive ships. Going to Mexico in 5 weeks cant wait.

The overseas cruises are also in balcony cabins which if you can get one on P&O is really really expensive

So we wont be going on any more P&O cruises unless they drop their prices (would perfer going from Brisbane) they are fun ships.

[thied]

Have gone on 2 P&O cruises from Brisbane

yes we did have a wonderful time, they are more of a fun party ship not what I would call a luxury liner.

We have found that they are expensive from Australia, so our last 3 cruises have been from America,

If you buy your airline tickets at the right time (which we do) and get a 7 day cruise it has costs us less than going on a P&O cruise, and these ships are alot newer and are massive ships. Going to Mexico in 5 weeks cant wait.

The overseas cruises are also in balcony cabins which if you can get one on P&O is really really expensive

So we wont be going on any more P&O cruises unless they drop their prices (would perfer going from Brisbane) they are fun ships.

very good we have a suite on our cruise 20/02/2010 to nz, we got it for under half price to the P&O book. still dont much about the cabin but may be some one has some photos on here ?

[lolabunny77]

THE PRICES ARE INSANE especially for the single travellers.I checked out a Price this time Six Months ago for the Pacific Jewel out of Sydney and all up including Flights and Insurance before Deposit I was looking at about the $3800-$4000 FOR AN ENTRY LEVEL CABIN on a Christmas Cruise.

Bring Back Friendly Four for the Single Travellers or my next cruise will be Superstar Virgo out of Singapore A small one that takes in Penang and Phuket.

[Ela 2]

THE PRICES ARE INSANE especially for the single travellers.I checked out a Price this time Six Months ago for the Pacific Jewel out of Sydney and all up including Flights and Insurance before Deposit I was looking at about the $3800-$4000 FOR AN ENTRY LEVEL CABIN on a Christmas Cruise.

Bring Back Friendly Four for the Single Travellers or my next cruise will be Superstar Virgo out of Singapore A small one that takes in Penang and Phuket.

Some Australian travel agents that specialise in cruising organise share cabins. Unfortunately we can't mention the names of TAs.

 

Evon.

[ging466]

Some Australian travel agents that specialise in cruising organise share cabins. Unfortunately we can't mention the names of TAs.

 

Evon.

 

No way in the world would I share a cabin with someone I didn't know. My cruises on mass market lines usually cost around $4-5,000 for a single ocean view cabin. I could never afford a balcony on my own on any line.

 

Cheers

Ging466

[tlal23]

Hi everyone I am new to the forum and to cruising. I am a bit scared after reading these posts as to what to expect. I was very excited but now a little nervous.

I am heading off on my first cruise on the 28th November (sun) with my daughter (8) my partnerand my mum. There are so many mixed reviews and I know I just need to make up my own mind, but it is a little daunting after so many bad reviews.

 

I'm also not sure what shore tours to do. I was thinking of the cascade waterfalls. It is expensive but is it worth it to have the knowledge that the boat will wait. I heard that if you do your own tour and something happens and your late it wont wait?

 

Any other advice re: what to take, what not to worry about taking, places to go (going to noumea, vila and Lifou) I can't complain as I got an awesome deal (I think) it was $950 per person including taxes for twin shares.

Thanks

Tracey

[Molly Doble]

Hi Tracey

You will have a great time and it is what you make of it. I absoloutely love cruising but on one of ours we had friends who never stopped complaining and i ended up seperating myself from them as they were spoiling my holiday. Needless to say that was the last cruise we did with them.

 

As for what to take, a must is the reef shoes they are cheap i got ours at Big W about $8. If you are planning to go to the cascades better to wear them than get your sandshoes wet.

 

I know this is your first trip but in Vila the locals are so good at driving you to where you want to go i wouldn't book the P&O tour. All the locals wait outside for you as you come off the ship with their mini vans. When we went to the cascades we got straight off the ship and got a local guide to take us to the cascades, on the way he took us thru his village to show how they live. He then waited outside the cascades for us and then he dropped us back into Port Vila for us to do shopping. When we were ready to go back to the ship we just picked up another local (they are everywhere) who took us back top the ship. It was $3 per person from Vila back to the ship.

Any time we visit Vila we are exhausted at the end of the day as we try to do half day sightseeing and half day shopping and we love it.

 

Hope this helps

 

Tania :)

[Riffraff]

Hi Tracey,

No need to be nervous, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Pacific Sun is a great ship for first time cruisers, and she's going into dry-dock at the beginning of November for a refurbishment so she'll have recently had a "make-over" when you go on her. We've been on her several times, and always had a wonderful time. She's got a very relaxed atmosphere, and the staff are great.

 

Yes the ship won't wait if you're late back and not on a tour, but it shouldn't be a problem in Vila since the locals are always around waiting to offer a lift wherever you want to go - they're very friendly.

 

We're going on Pacific Sun the cruise after yours so look after her for us and have a great time!

[tlal23]

Thanks Tania and Riffraff,

Will definetly let you know how we go.

[spunkee100]

hi found this site and it seems like nothing but bad reviews about pacific sun....have a read

 

ecember 30th, 2008 Pros: The best part of our voyage on the Pacific Sun was the day we got home and off that rusting hulk of a ship.

 

Cons: Windows you could not see through.From years of lack of cleaning or replacement as required. Swimming pool not heated.I had the water temp checked one day and it was 13 degrees c you would suffer hyperthermia within minutes of entering pool at that temp this ship is not set up for cruising in cooler climates and waters. The ships entertainment venues are closed by midnight.While they claim there are at least one bar open till 2 am.We were unable to find it. I think they may be referring to the staff bar off limits to us mere passengers. The ship is very tired in all respects and has not kept pace with modern cruising vessels.For instance if you are technically minded and would like to know information like where exactly are we? what direction are we headed?How fast are we going?All of this info is able to be presented to the passenger on the in room tv or on the few tv screens around the ship for about the cost of one passengers ticket But no. This is a cattle Ship and you are fed what comes out of the rear end of a Bull and kept in the dark. Most of the staff are good.However they are clearly unhappy with their employer and i don't blame them they work long hours for little pay.This of coarse is reflected in some areas by the i don't care attitude by some. Our cabin attendant was great as was our waiter in the restaurant.Most of the casino staff were terrific and the girls on the rear deck bar were faultless and could not do enough for you.The security Manager However was a thug and was transferred of the ship as a result of his actions good rid ens too.

 

Overall: I could go on for some considerable time about the problems with P&O and the ship,However best sum up by voting with my feet.We were a group of eight seasoned cruisers who will never set foot on board the Pacific Sun again and for that matter i Doubt that we would cruise with P&O again. BE WARNED "IT'S A DUD"

 

 

December 31st, 2008 Pros: Getting off the ship and away from those P&O jerks

 

Cons: I have been on this earth for near 50 years and in business for near 28 years. I have never ever had dealings with a more unprofessional organisation in my life. P& O have a reputation for altering the ships itinery for no valid reason simply to save money. This is an itinery that we, the passengers have paid for. And to top it off, when you want to discuss it with them, you get told that it is no point sending in emails or letters of complaint because "we will just delete them". After threatening legal action whilst on the ship, I was called to the office of the Director of the ship to explain the reasons for the changed itinery. It was to say the least, discraceful how much he lied and spoke bulls..t. Very unprofessional. Most of what he told me was contradicted by the Customer Relations at head office. My strong advice is never to go on a P&O cruise. By all means go on a cruise, but not with them. Their track record is appalling and in our case, they completely ruined a holiday for 2000 passengers...and they could not care less. Even if some people have had a good experience with P&O, they should not be supported because of the many thousands of people who have had a bad experience. We have a class legal action going so we will get the last laugh and we are currently undertaking a media campaign to warns as many people as possible - stay tuned

 

Overall: P&O must be avoided at all costs. We all should vote with our feet and no matter how big they think they are, united, little people can make a difference

yes i agree completely, see my complaints on pac.sun

[spunkee100]

Hi Harmony, it seems i cannot send a personal message on here but was interested to read the bad comments ..

is there a web site for those please?

I am getting nowhere with them either.

[floatie]

BUT look what you paid for your cruise and try and compare what you would get in queensland during the summer holiday for the same money, I bet it wouldnt even cover the airfares.

 

Best to be compared with other ships/cruise lines not land based holidays.

 

On a "per day" basis the old Pacific Sun is easily beaten by most other products of a much higher quality.

[mkhannah]

Wow i was shocked to hear such bad reviews and sad to hear that some had terrible cruises, we got off our 2nd pac sun cruise a week ago and now ready to book again, I have a young family and find cruising the most simple and easy way to travel and have found p&o fantastic. We had a huge screw up on the recent cruise with my son being allowed out of the kids club and he went buying photos, all without any privaledges and at 8.30 at night. When we found out we hit the roof, the staff were so apologetic and the whole situtation was handled excelent. refunds were organised and though one staff member was rude the rest of the staff were great! and moving on from that we had a fantastic trip. Yes the ship is old but it is the cleanest thing i have seen, everything is scrubbed and neat, staff are A++++ and food great. If there are going to be issues its probably going to happen to my family as i have 2 special needs children...i suppose some people just cant be pleased!

 

We also travelled on the Sun with our 2 children and couldn't fault anything. We all had a wonderful time. But I can understand how our dream holiday could easily turn into a nightmare if we had got sick or had issues with other passengers. Like any holiday, somethings are out of your control.

[redhotmars]

:) We went on the Pacific Sun with no expectations. We knew it was an older ship and just wanted to see if the kids liked the cruising experience. Well what a great family holiday experience. The food in the dining room was great. I loved the entertainment but best of all I loved doing all the family things with the kids. We all had fun. I think it is important to realise this is an older ship and if you start comparing it to newer ships you are going to be disappointed. If you are looking for 5-star then you are going to have to pay 5-star prices but if you are looking for a great family holiday at a good price this is an excellent option.

[Solas]

Hi,

 

Everyone is entiltled to their opinion however, from our viewpoint, yes the Pacific Sun is old, yes she's a bit rusty, yes there are a few broken bits (Sounds like the Fairstar to me :D) ... BUT We had a fantastic time and we booked another group of cruises over 2011 and 2012. Her crew were great and, weather regardless ... we had a ball. Cannot wait to get back on board again.

 

Each to their own but I'd have a cruise on the Pacific the Sun over one on the Queens any day even if the Queens cruise was offered for free !!

 

Solas

[NSWP]

Any date given for riddance of Pacific Sun from the fleet?

 

Pacific Sun was launched as MS Jubilee (Holiday class ship) for Carnival in 1986, so she is just about 25 years young !

 

I think why she is accepted by Aussies is due to the fact for many Aussies going on PS, it is their first cruise, nothing to compare with.

 

I have not been on PS, so will refrain from comment, but have friends who have, some thought it bad, somethought it OK.

[thied]

Quote.For instance if you are technically minded and would like to know information like where exactly are we? what direction are we headed?How fast are we going?All of this info is able to be presented to the passenger on the in room tv or on the few tv screens around the ship for about the cost of one passengers ticket But no.

 

They do have maps on show normalyat each end of the lido decks on all P&O ships.

 

On the Pacific Sun if you were to look on deck 10 forward out side deck, port or starbord, you can see into the bridge and on both side of the ship there is a screen that has three lins of numbers on it

line one is depth.

line two is heading.

line three is ships speed.

all there for any one to see.

 

MY self I take a GPS with a ploter with 7 a in screen me on every cruise but stays in the cabins( yes they do work in cabin only with balconies) and most phones have GPS in them as well these days.

 

love Thied.

[Bella cruiser]

Any date given for riddance of Pacific Sun from the fleet?

 

Pacific Sun was launched as MS Jubilee (Holiday class ship) for Carnival in 1986, so she is just about 25 years young !

 

I think why she is accepted by Aussies is due to the fact for many Aussies going on PS, it is their first cruise, nothing to compare with.

 

I have not been on PS, so will refrain from comment, but have friends who have, some thought it bad, somethought it OK.

 

Honestly, I don't know why people make negative comments about the Pacific Sun and are keen to see 'riddance' of her from the fleet, when they haven't cruised on her and have no intention of doing so.

 

All the negative comments I read on this forum about her very nearly made me cancel our cruise on her, but a few comments from knowledgeable repeat cruisers stopped me from switching. Believe me I am so glad I didn't change my booking.

 

We traveled on her in September and had a fantastic time!!!:)

 

Sure she's not new/fancy/glitzy but she offers a great family holiday. we would book on her again in a heartbeat and would be very sorry to see her go, when the time comes.

 

She has a great fun vibe/atmosphere, fantastic crew who couldn't do enough for you, good and plentiful food, heaps of activities, large roomy cabins, and an amazing Kids club. She was spotless and was being constantly being cleaned and polished (both Public Areas and cabins), clean fresh linen.

 

Not all of us think that huge/glitzy/flash/fancy/formal/brand new make the best cruise holiday.

 

To anyone contemplating cruising on Pacific Sun, my advise is if you are looking for a fun time then do it but if every little thing annoys you then don't do it.

 

Jenny