Giving back to the community

by P&O Cruises on August 23, 2010 · 4 comments

On board the Pacific Jewel, all crew & officers are very aware of the Islands communities that we visit. When we tender in destinations like Pentecost Island, the crew try and bring with them T-shirts and shoes to give to locals – who appreciate the kind gifts.

Recently the Pacific Jewel played host to a group of young people who attend a catering college in Noumea, New Caledonia. The students came on board for lunch but also to learn about the ship’s infrastructure and operation. Within the group of students there were a few chefs who were lucky enough to be taken to the Galley by our Executive chef, Patrice Mick. They visited the provision (stores), and the main Galley, there were even workstations set up so the group could get a hands on experience.

The other group of students was a mix of waiters & bartenders and so they were shown around our dining areas & bars by Food & Beverage Director, Mickael Gorla, & Maitre D, John Cunningham. The students were blown away by the operation of such a large ship & the lifestyle we have onboard.

Just before lunch in the Waterfront Restaurant, the Food & Beverage Director, Mickael Gorla handed a Pacific Jewel ship’s plaque to the teacher from the college, Mr Lespagnol, who had organised the trip for the students and thanked him for showing interest in the ship’s operation. We now have a partnership with the college and hope that we can play host again to the students.

Noumea School Visit

Noumea School Visit

A good day had by all!!

Sarah

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS

{ 4 comments }

SplashTV

by P&O Cruises on August 4, 2010 · 4 comments

It’s all lights, camera & action onboard Pacific Jewel this week as the team who produce P&O’s very own SplashTV have joined us onboard for series 2 of filming. 

They’re joined by the lovely Laura Csortan (previously of the Great Outdoors) who presents this series of informative and entertaining TV segments, just for our passengers.

 

Filming in The Oasis: from left to right, West (Camera Man), Laura, Marty (Sound) & David (Director)

Filming in The Oasis: from left to right, West (Camera Man), Laura, Marty (Sound) & David (Director)

A new episode of SplashTV is compiled daily onboard all P&O Australia ships.  Hosted by your Cruise Director, the SplashTV format aims to give passengers all they need to know to enjoy their great cruise holiday, as well as all the essential daily activities and action that is happening onboard. 

This cruise they are shooting brand new segments that provide passengers with top travel tips like what to do when your camera fogs up as you step off the ship, as well as getting some great chef demonstrations from Salt Grill and La Luna.

So next time you’re onboard, check out SplashTV each morning on your in cabin TV for the latest updates news on the day.

Onboard for Splash TV: Joshua Dayboll (Hotel Director), Laura Csortan, West (Camera Man), Marty (Sound). In the front row, David (Director) and Caro (Producer)

Onboard for Splash TV: Joshua Dayboll (Hotel Director), Laura Csortan, West (Camera Man), Marty (Sound). In the front row, David (Director) and Caro (Producer)

Sarah

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS

{ 4 comments }

From country fete to Cruise Fair

by P&O Cruises on July 30, 2010 · 2 comments

First time on the Pacific Jewel?

It doesn’t matter, everyone is invited to the Cruise Fair. We invite you to join us in the Casbah for a little taster of what the Jewel has to offer.

From fruit carving to cocktail tasting, the Salt Grill to La Luna. You may even get to meet the Pacific Entertainers and the world renowned Pacific Cirque. My personal favourite is to visit the Chocolate Ravioli tasting from our exclusive Chocolate Cafe.

At the Cruise Fair

At the Cruise Fair

Culinary Creations at the Cruise Fair

Culinary Creations at the Cruise Fair

Definitely one to check out whilst you are onboard!

Sarah

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS

{ 2 comments }

Meet the crew: Introducing Alun Sullivan

by P&O Cruises on July 28, 2010 · 16 comments

Alun Sullivan, Deputy Cruise Director

Alun Sullivan, Deputy Cruise Director

A lot of you guys have met our fabulous Deputy Cruise Director, Alun and wanted to know a little bit more about him. So here you are, Pacific Jewel & Alun fans. Enjoy!

1. What is your earliest happy memory?

Well it was a rather scary but happy at the same time. I must have been around 3-4 and I was in a swing at the local park I remember my parents telling me it was time to go however I was not ready to leave.
Then they told me that I should be careful because if they shouted JAM the swing would go by itself and swing round and round the structure. I suddenly had the urge to leave!

2. What did you dress up as when you were a child?

Darling, what did I not dress up as when I was a child, well even now to be honest. I remember that my sisters had a fancy dress chest that was full of clothes and accessories, I had the time of my life.

3. How did you get the job onboard?

Working in entertainment you sometimes go from one job to another and that has been the story of my life. Some weeks you are working and sometimes you are not and that would explain my very colorful resume. I have worked lots for promotional agencies promoting dog food, beauty products and even botox. I loved that aspect as really you are acting the whole time. Anyway on with the question, I decided it was time to come away and have some consistency, I originally started on Princess Cruises and then came to P&O Australia. I am so PROUD to call P&O Australia home now!

4. Best part of working on a cruise ship?

I love the fact that we actually get to know all of the passengers and have time to build a great relationships with them. I love the theme nights and seeing people get wild and outrageous. I thrive on the fact that when people first get on board they can be quite reserved and shy however a couple of days into the cruise they take a few tips from me and let their hair down especially at my drama classes on board. Bingo is always a hoot as well, if you do travel with me watch out for the hokey pokey at Island Night that kicks off!

5. Favorite port? and why?

Port Vila, I love the people and the whole vibe. You can go on some fabulous tours, breakfast at Gill’s or just relax at some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts.

6. Best ‘funny passenger’ story …

How long do you have, working onboard is like a soap opera it’s fantastic. I have collected so much material already just through people watching its great. Having worked on the American market it is so refreshing to be with Aussies and Kiwis who are so down to earth and are out to have a good time.

In all honesty there is not really one that sticks to mind as they all roll into one, however everyday is a funny day for me. There is not a day that goes by where I do not have the passengers singing nursery rhymes whilst waiting for the tender or doing the chicken dance at bingo. A couple of cruises ago I had a lady on the last sea day perform to Beyonce Single Ladies in the Marquee Show Lounge because she refused to do the chicken dance.(She Loved It!!!!!!!)

One of the funniest times onboard is the Finale of Pacific Pop Star if you have travelled with me you should know. I think I have more costume changes than Kylie!!!!

7. Most embarrassing moment on stage …

I never get embarrassed, I fell over on stage the other day when I was running onto the stage for Bingo and the lights went down as I approached the stage and I fell flat on the floor. However to make it look like natural and fabulous by the time the light came up I was lying on the floor like I was doing a casual photo shoot!

8. What is your BIG dream for your life?

I have done everything I have wanted to do so far, however eventually the next big thing will be my own tv show!!!!

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS

{ 16 comments }

Having a laugh on the Jewel!!

July 23, 2010

We invited some of Australia’s best Comedians on board the Jewel for a 3 night comedy extravaganza from the 15th – 18th July. I was a little busy with the Pacific Dailies that cruise so we asked Pip Coleman, Entertainment Coordinator for P&O Australia, (who was lucky enough to be onboard!) to write a piece [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →

Let us entertain you

July 16, 2010

Wow, have I been busy here on the Pacific Jewel. I have recently gotten myself involved in  the activities brought to you by the Cruise Staff, however I am not going to lie, it has been so much fun.
Last night was full of laughs as we played the ‘Marriage Match Game show’ where a series [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →

Sun, Sea and Paper rolling…..

July 15, 2010

Yes. It’s the art of Quilling and yes, we do this onboard the Jewel and it’s easily THE most fun you can have in 45 minutes with some paper and a stick. Not only is this a great way for building your skills in card & scrapbook making  but it’s a fantastic way to meet new [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →

Dravuni Island pontoon makes everyone feel proud

July 5, 2010

In June, Pacific Jewel made a little history in visiting Dravuni Island, one of our tender ports among P&O Cruises’ idyllic South Pacific destinations.
The Jewel’s passengers became the first visitors to the Fijian island to use a new landing pontoon, the result of a joint effort between P&O Cruises and local authorities.
As Paul Mifsud, Manager [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →

When the Jewel’s a rocking the party’s non stopping!

June 16, 2010

Another rocky day at sea, but once again this didn’t stop our passengers from dressing up to the nines for our formal night and having a fabulous evening in the Atrium.
Our Champagne Waterfall received a big round of applause after it tried to topple over in the movement of the ship, however it stayed upright [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →

All the world’s a stage

June 4, 2010

I think we all like a bit of drama in our lives, whether  it’s real life drama or amateur dramatics.
Here on the Jewel, Sara Jane (Deputy Cruise Director) and Alun (Senior Cruise Staff) get together on sea days and host Drama@Sea. These are fun workshops that introduce you to improvisation, team work and voice projection.
I [...]

  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitthis
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read the full article →