Paul Hancox – Cruise Director

Take care if your intending to travel the Pacific Jewel
We purchased two Suites and cabins.
one cabin has the shower handel;s reversted took two days for them to find out
Airconditiong was not working correctly for the first 4 days dues to “maintanance issues.
Swimming pool was out fo action second and third day due to “maintenance “reequirements.
Atm had no satelittle signal for the first two days and has been “jammed due to a maintanece issues” since.
Bar staff and Waiters are insufficient for passengers so services are slow.
and this is just to name a few…
Think carefully before you book this “wonderful” liner.
oh and the circus act one for the trip and that is performed at 10:45 pm great for the kids.
Oh and as for buffer service make sure you get the open times from staff as they close it dead on time wherether food there or not and if it is it goes to the kitchen not the passengers.
As you may have gathered we have been dissilluisionsed and discourgaed by our trip with 4 families in our parting not being able to access money due the the “maintenance Issues” invlolving the ATM and P& O response Sorry it will be repaired when you reach Sydney and no assistance in providing any alternative method of funds.
And if you expect Receptiion to be Helpful be Careful They are prone to be quite testy when questioned about the lack of service and when repairs might be effected.

By the way i am writing from the Pacific Jewel and almost feel like crying for help because there isnt much here …….

Fred, you are not alone. We got off the Jewel last Sunday 14th Feb. after the worst ever cruise we had been on. I went with my husband and 4yr old son.My husband had the top bunk there was 55cm between the matteress and the roof of the cabin. On Monday I rang P&O customer service centre they didn’t give a damn and I was told that I should of got on the top bunk but she didnt care about all the other issuses I told her about (entertainment, dinning lack of service from reception) but she did tell me that she would have to speak to someone on the ship about the bunk but I could have to wait up to 28 days before she got back to me (if ever, but I will not go away) and about the other things it is called feedback and that is where it stops. She said to me “well you did get a 13 night holiday” don’t worry I did tell her I paid $6500 for it and should of got what I paid for. That was our 6th crusie and proud to say looking at other cruise liners for our next holiday. P&O are too money hungry now to care for us.

Looks like the ship is back and all the truth starts coming to our attention.I asked for a response from P and O on the last blog but nothing except replies from stooges from the top saying they were ex passengers and had a great time and told me to get a life .How about now P and O gives us a reply as my cruise is fast approaching and we all want answers on what you are doing to fix this tub.Look out blog when I, and the 3 families i am bringing ,get back if it has not changed….

Hi all Bloggers, Has anyone been on Pacific Sun latley. What is the food, service & entertainment like. I went on Pacific Sun NYE 2005/2006 and it was the best cruise I have ever been on. What is it like now with your choice dining?
Any bloggers please let us all know.

What cruise are you going on?

thank you Felicity its nice to know i am not on my own with my feelings fo being disgruntled
We paid for a stateroom and had to listen to the deck parties blaring through the roof and chairs and tables scraping over the floor constantly.
Cameron take lots of money for dirnkd they now charge normal bar prices
Stubbies $8:00 j
Mixed Drinks $7:95
can of coke 330ml $2:40
not bad for a company that would being buying in bulk and not paying duty whilst in international waters, oh and you cant bring your own drink on board not a bad racket on top of our tickets dont you think aghhhhhh…..
P&O not again i dont think will be loooking at other cruise lines in future…..
As for the circus one outdoor act for a 10 day cruise
kids…….disappointed.
Also watch out for the pool seems to have lots of “maintanece”
issues and at the discrettion of the captian if it stays open we have had 4 days of no pool on a 10 day cruise
Been filled today because i demanded to speak to Bridge officers regarding criteria for closing
No meeting but an open pool strange huh when maybe it was emptied for “maintanece prior to the next cruise coming on.

Just went of the Dawn. I know people who took their own drinks.

think I know this new director Hey Did u go 2 boldmere school in the west midlands ?

Hey Guys,

With all these concerns/complaints that I’ve been reading about the Jewel (not sure if same on SUN & DAWN) someone or a few of you should use the other forms of media, (Print,TV, Radio) voicing your concerns/complaints if you are truly unhappy with the response you have received from P&O via the blog or onboard ship or by phone.
Give the media networks a call, you might just get a journo wanting to do a story on this sort of thing…………

Here’s one avenue to take for this weekend … Ed Phillips (Radio Jock) was on the Jewel (check the IN THE SPOTLIGHT BLOG) he hosts Destinations (NEW SHOW) on MIX radio network stations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide at 9am on Saturday, February 27. or you could speak to Alan Jones/ Ray Hadlee, they may be able to get a better reponse from the company.

Well – i must say that I have talked my husband into go on a cruise in July because every one I have spoken to have raved about it. I am horrified with the blogs – it sounded like a nightmare. I went into this cruising holiday believing every thing is paid for except for alcohol (which is very reasonable). I know the ship is beautiful, is it the inexperienced staff? I would like someone from P & O to write back to insure me that I have not wasted our very well earned money on this cruise. I am truly thinking of cancelling. My main concern is comments on the kids club and the lack of entertainment and the cost of everything – P & O please clear my mind and convince me that I should give it a go and these problems were just teething problems and they are on the way to being resolved!!!!!

Debi – don’t expect too much out of P&O, I think they have their hands full at the moment with complaints about the Jewel. My wife and I just came back from the 13 night maiden cruise to New Zealand on the Jewel, getting back on the 14.2.10. We have cruised once before in 2008 with P&O on the Pacific Dawn with our two teenage boys and absolutely loved it. NZ was simply fantastic and we loved all the ports of call with Fiordland and Napier being the two standouts. We also had a good time on the Jewel and met a lot of really nice people. However, on reflection I must say that we have mixed feelings about the ship and are now looking at other cruise lines or possibly another cruise on the Dawn. That is not to say that the Jewel is a bad ship – it just didn’t suit us and caters to those that enjoy the Spa experience. Re the kids club – we spoke to one guy who had young kids and he couldn’t get the kids away from the club, he said they loved it and the staff were great. Some of the complaints that I have heard and read are justified but some are due to people not doing their research – read the FAQ’s and Cruise Handbook as it will tell you a lot about the ship and what to expect. Our main complaints were: 1/ The Aqua Spa, although being absolutely spectacular, was extremely expensive and seemed to be a huge waste of space as not many people onboard used it. 2/ As a result, The Connexions and The Casbah were simply not big enough to cope with the 1900 passengers and it was a struggle to get a seat for events in these areas which resulted in angry passengers. The Night Club, The Attic, is very small and unimpressive and is used as a quiet room during the day – we didn’t really use it at all. 3/ Getting on and off in some of our ports was very ordinary and impacted on booked Shore Tours. We lost 3 hours out of our day in Bay of Islands when one of the 4 tenders broke down. 4/ As we had early shore tours we also had early breakfast in Plantations at opening time of 6.30am and on several ocassions everything was cold. 5/ There also seemed to be something wrong with the set up of the buffet in Plantations as it was a struggle getting through the line as people seemed to be going against each other all the time. Don’t rely on the ATM as it was out of order for most of our cruise also as were some of the Wahing Machines, Dryers and Gym Equipment. I can tell you that you will pay $6.75 for a Pure Blonde beer, $2.50 for a 330ml soft drink and between $7 and $10 for a cocktail – the days of cheap drinks on Cruise Ships are long gone and if you cruise on Princess they add 15% to every drink purchased for gratuity. You will also pay extra for the Aqua Spa, for Room Service, for the Salt Grill and La Luna Restaurants, at the Coffee Shop and the Chocolate Cafe and for the Lounge and the Oasis – once again this is the same on all other P&O ships and I think some people have forgotten this. You don’t have to do these things if you don’t want to. On the positive side of things our room was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for our Cabin Steward Sherilyn. The two single doonas on the queen bed threw us initially but was not really an issue. We also had some fantastic service from Yirella in Connexions and Samuel and Mohomoud in the Waterfront and Gerald in the Salt Grill and many other staff that I can’t remember names of. We thought the entertainment was quite good, we didn’t go to all the shows but the ones we saw were high quality and the Marquee is an excellent venue as it is the one place on board that can cope with the volume of people – you still have to be early to get a good seat. SZERGY, which is the circus show, was fantastic. They performed on deck whilst in Port at Auckland and then again in the Marquee in the show “Run away to the Circus” and again in the Atrium – we couldn’t get to the Atrium to see them as too overcrowded. The food in the Plantation was good and they tried to cater for all tastes – didn’t like all of it but that is a matter of taste. The food in the Waterfront was excellent and we always had dinner there. A Little tip – you can book for the next day as you go in which stops the disappointment. We also had one dinner in the Salt Grill and it was the best Restaurant meal I have ever had, well worth the extra $30 per head. You have to book here also. In summary the Jewel still has a way to go to get everything right but I don’t know how they will get over the lack of space in the entertainment venues. From talking to the staff we learned that they have a mixed crew from the Dawn, the Sun and the old crew that were on the Ocean Village 2 (previous name for the Jewel) and are completing training every day to try to bring it all together. I hope this helps and hopefully they will have fixed some of the issues before you cruise. Have a good cruise.

Neil, thank you for your very well rounded commentary on the current state of the Jewel. You have eased my mind a great deal. This will be our first cruise and we are approaching it with a high level of common sense, and not too many expectations. The problems that you have described can happen at the best hotels and resorts too, and I’m trying to be mindful of that. I’ve read all the blogs and have picked up some great tips which I hope will make our cruise a little less troublesome. We can’t wait for the end of April, and by then some of the problems may have been ironed out! Cheers everyone and happy cruising

Could anyone who has been on Pacific Sun latley give us some feedback.
Also what is the childrens centres like on Pacific Jewel?
Did Jewel have childrens meal time?

Pacific Jewel looked fab on Getaway last thursday 18/2/10. Can’t wait to go in December. Hope P & O iron out all teething problems by then.
Really hope pools fully operational by December. We are in the pools everyday onboard.
Recently on Pacific Dawn they had two shows every night. Hope the circus show will be on early for my childen to see it.

We went on the Sun in December, had a great cruise. Sun has recently had a bit of a refurbishment in some areas, so it looked good. Entertainment was great, some really good shows and guest entertainers. They had two shows a night. Now that anytime dining is on Sun the front restaurant, Burgundy, is where you go if you just want to turn up for dinner, or the Bordeaux, the back restaurant, is if you have booked a table. The buffet is also open for dinner.

Thanks Martin,
I really enjoyed the Sun last time I went. Really very very good. But they did have the waterslide back then, I went on waterslide everyday.
We are booked on Jewel in December to Tassie.
Hope all problems sorted out by then. Expecailly the pool maintenance.

Hi all,
My wife Charlene and I just returned from 9 day cruise onboard the Jewel. We had a wonderful time thanks mainly to the entertainment staff (look up Emma and Kelly). Our focus for the trip was mainly the ship board activities and I can tell you there are plenty.
The only issue we had with the pools was high seas forcing their closure. Not the ships fault I’m sure you will agree. The Spa is great but agree it’s a little expensive.
In closing checkout the shows, get there early 15-20mins and you could expect a front row set. Dont forget Bingo whatever your age.

Tracy
We were also onboard the Jewel to New Zealand and may i say we had a suite and at a cost of $7400 it was the best holiday we could have asked for, the staff, food, entertainment, service in all areas was well above board. I cannot believe what i am reading and am starting to think these people (whingers) must have been on a different cruise ship. Too many people were comparing the ship with other ships, they are all different. As for extra costs if you didnt drink or gamble or choose to eat at the ’select restaurants’ you would have no extra costs.
A cappuchino in ‘The Cafe’ was $3 and it was the best i’ve every tasted. The La Luna (8 course Asian Meal) was $20 per head and Luke Mangins (Food to die for) was $30 per head. I had a 20-20-20 in the Aqua Spa which was 20 min facial, 20 min foot massage and 20 min hot stone back massage for $109, no complaints about that, its the average price for anyone that has regular spa treatments. I seriously cannot believe what i’m reading on these blogs. We have booked another cruise for March next year so believe me go with an open mind and you wont have a problem. Enjoy…

Speaking on my wife’s email, we’ve just got back & i can tell you if you aren’t pleased with the cruise you will never be.Sure there are little things you can complain about, but really if you stay at any hotel,you will always find a few things to complain about if you look hard enough. Some people just miss the attention they get from work or from there private life, so they make a bit of a fuss. Just look at it…Food…First class all the way. even the buffet & i’m not a buffet fan was great.& if you miss that while out on port, they put on great hamburgers & fries to eat when you get back.You will never starve. The Waterfront has first class food &great service.& for $30 a head you can try Luke Mangons Salt Grill.We’ve been to Otto, Rockpool & this is up there with them.Our two boys 18 & 21 had a ball,swimming & eating all day, then partying at the Attic everynight, they loved it.The entertainment was non stop. Even the TV was cable with no adds. Yes the beers are bit overpriced, but if you budget like any holiday & don’t drink all day & all night its ok. You have to look at it like a resort hotel,drinks are pricey in them as well.For a pretty fussy family we had a ball, so go for it i say, we are going again with friends in 2012

Thank you for your very informative run down Neil. I will stop looking at these blogs and get exicted about the experience we are going to have. thanks again Neil.

Hi Gina
I’m so glad someone has finally let me know about the spa prices! My partner is a really looking forward to his first facial and massage, but I was getting worried about the prices. I’m now looking forward to my 20-20-20. In fact I might have a couple of them! We are going on this cruise to have the time of our lives, and nothing in these blogs can put me off that goal. If anything, I’m taking it all in and will be prepared for some of the “inconveniences”. I’ll take extra cash in case the ATM is out of action, I’ll make sure I book for dinner to avoid the queues, get to the shows early and if my airconditioning fails I’ll head to the pool to cool off I can’t quite figure out why people are complaining about the prices. Our cruise (outside twin, no balcony) is costing us approx $200 each a night and this includes serviced accommodation, all meals and entertainment. I’m not sure that I could get a similar deal on land! In fact my holiday last year to the Gold Coast in a self-service apartment wasn’t much cheaper (and I had to do the cooking and cleaning!). Hurry up April!

Only 4 week’s till we go on our cruise. About 10th for me & first time for my partner & his 2 kids. When you first board I have been told to book kids in the kids club – where do I do this directly to the kids club or the pursers office! For our first night of dining onboard, what do most people do for dining when you have to pre-book restaurant for a table. Does anyone know if the pool maintenance is up to date, as our kids love the pool. Also, how many shows does the open air circus act show do per 10 night cruise & is it still at 10.45pm at night – I have to agree if you have kids who I know would love to see the show it is too late for them. Reading the negatives & positives from this blog site is a little unsettling even though I know what to expect on a cruise. I too hope that a holdiay I have been looking so forward to for over 12mths isn’t a disappointing one & all these teething problems have been ironed out. P & O I think you should make a statement on this BLOG website to put passengers mind at rest & an honest statement at this as If we had only paid a deposit at this time i feel sure i would definitely be rethinking on whether to go or not. COME ON P & O FOR YOUR REPUTATION & KEEPING YOUR PASSENGERS HAPPY RELEASE A STATEMENT ON COMPLAINTS SAID OF HOW THIS IS BEING RECTIFIED & FIXED.

Learne, how old are the kids. You need to take your passport and the fathers passport along to the kids room as they photocopy these for the childs security as you and dad are the only ones to pick them up. shark Shack has a privilaged and non privilaged sign in and out form for the kids. The privilaged allows the child to come and go as they please. As far as meals go you can eat at the buffet for breakfast and lunch with the kids and then take them to kids meal at dinner time in the buffet as the kids room stays open from 2.00pm to 10.00pm. It only closes for lunch. After that if you want to eat in the dining room book the day before. We use anytime dining with ours as the kids get restless waiting for their meal.

Hi Tracy, We have just got back (14.2.10 – 23.2.10) from a South Pacific Cruise on the Jewel and it was absolutely amazing. We got treated like royalty. We also had an outside room without a balcony and the rooms are very spacious with a good sized window to look out. The circus act that was performed in the Atrium was done at 8:30 and again at 10:30 pm so its gives you a good chance to see it. The laser shows are spectacular, a couple of them quite short (approx 5 mins) but still spectacular and well worth seeing. The shows in the marquee are great entertainment also. Re: the ATM it was also down for a few days whilst we were on board but you go to reception and they will happily assist you in withdrawing money but they do charge 3% but in the scheme of things thats really not alot and ATM’s charge you approx $2 per withdrawal anyway, it does take a little longer this way though as they have to make a phone call im presuming to your bank to confirm and approve the withdrawal. The food was unreal, unfortunately I put on 3 kilos but it was welll worth it lol. Highly recommend high tea in the Waterfront at 3:30pm. I agree with Gina and CANNOT believe the comments i am reading but unfortunately there is no pleasing some people. It is one of the best holidays I have ever been on. I am really, really confident you will have a great time. ENJOY!

My husband and I are going on the pacific Jewell in April..Is there a movie theatre on board?? and does anyone know about the Boot camp is there one on the Pacific Jewell.

We were also on the NZ cruise. There was 6 of us and we had a great time. There are a few things that did not suite me and in the future I will look harder at my cruises. I have been on 11 P&O cruises ane one other. I went on the Sun in April 2009 and experienced for the first time “freedom choice” dining. I think P&O have just used this to cut the number of staff they need in the dining room and in doing this the staff are run off their feet and have no time to be as freindly as they used to be but that is just my opinion and observation. I also do not think the Plantation buffet is of good enough standard to be an alternate dining venue to the Waterfront. I was very vigilant in booking our Waterfront meals but on the one occcasion I was not able to book in time (second formal night) due to being at the spa, we were unable to get into the Waterfront or Salt grill or La Luna and had to, on formal night settle for Plantation buffet restaurant and eat casserole type meals and salad. This is not what I like to do on a cruise, wonderful dining experiences make a good cruise. Every cruise I have been on the costs have risen for drinks etc and that is expected but on the April Cruise one of my friends was able to buy single packets of cigarettes at the sports bar for $5 per packet while on the Jewel a single packet of 20’s cost $11. I feel sure P&O would be buying these duty free. They do not deliver your duty free cigarettes and alcohol to your room for your use til the last day at sea. My cabin was a balcony cabin and was fantastic in proportions and quality. Certainly no one could complain about it. I have cruised in inside cabins, outside cabins with window, suite with private balcony and this one of a balcony stateroom on deck 11 compared well. But I must say that our cabin 11103 was right under the kitchen of the Salt Grill and every night at around 2 am the noise from scratching onthe roof above us was very hard to tolerate. We did ask the hotel manager to check it out. He did and said it was the cleaner moving tables and chairs and benches to clean. On all my cruises the staff try hard but in the end there is very litttle they can do, so we just learnt to live with it. As I said I had a great time and will cruise again and would encourage anyone to give it a go. It is not for everyone and I must say that When I started cruising on the Fairstar with my husband and children (Sitmar) P&O had it all right. Cost cutting, I am sure has played a part over the years and I must say that my maturity has also changed what I am looking for in a cruise. Since April I went on another cruise line and found that without the “Freedom dining” and “not having to stand in line” or be “afraid of not getting a seat at the entertainment venue” I had a much more enjoyable time. I had already booked the NZ cruise before going on the other cruise line in November so giving P&O another go just confirmed to me that I really do not like the Freedom dining and will choose not to be subjected to it in future. A word for all the people booked on their cruises go and have an open mind and enjoy. The cruise will have some things that annoy you and some things you love, make your own decisions because even with all the teething problems, be it P&O or other cruise lines cruising is good value for money and a great holiday I am a cruiseaholic and will always cruise. For the mums with kids, my cruise in April 2009 was with my soninlaw, daughter and grandson. My daughter used the what was called the Junior Cruise Centre when she was little and My grandson used the Turtle Cove in April. My daughter loved it then and my grandson loved it in April. The kids are entertained and happy and for a holiday as a family there is nothing better. I know I probably sound like a winger but I hope I am not and that you can see the critisisms I have made as constructive. So
Bon Voyage to all you happy cruisers, take it as it comes and have a great time because in spite of everything, in the big picture, nothing was that bad that it spoiled the holiday and we had a great time.

I was also on this cruise and had a great time. We just had a standard cabin and it was better than we expected. All the entertainment was amazing especially the circus, food was great, we preferred the restaurant over the buffet but both were good. ATM being down wasnt an issue, we could get money out at the casino. I thought all drink prices were reasonable, if you buy a can of coke from a servo here, its about $2.80. And $3 for a cappacino is pretty good! Pool was empty on a couple of the days due to rough sea which is fair enough, they dont want people being slammed against the sides! Only downfall was the sea sickness which was my problem and when I went to the medical centre they were great. There was a huge line of people but they got me through in about 20 minutes.

Hi, Why do we need an ATM if everything is charged back to your card? Is it for shopping on the islands? Is there anything on the ship that needs cash?

Hi, Khloe,
When you got cash out at the casino was there a charge ?

Hi,

Sounds great! My husband, son and I are booked in the July school holidays in a Suite. Did you like the suite facilities? Also, was the balcony roomy with enough room for three outside? Was the service provided to the cabin good? I am seriously going to do several of those 20-20-20 treatments!!! Sounds Wonderful! I would love to hear your comments.
Mandy

I have just arrived back from a 7 day cruise on the Jewel. I have been on many cruises, and I must say that the entertainment was excellent . I have one very disturbing complaint and that is with the cruise director and the VERY unprofessional way he conducts himself. His attitude toward one of the performers was very obvious that he disliked him and on many occasions belittled him on stage. I found it embarrassing and at one time he said “I find this a very strange way for you to hand in your resignation Mark” not a very professional way in which to conduct yourself would you not agree. In the talent quest a contestant sang a John Williamson song True Blue an Australiana song, Paul had no hesitation in
voicing his dislike for the song considering that the majority of the people on the cruise were Australian and clearly loved the song this was in very poor taste. The audience was not impressed and I must say many comments were made after the show some vowing to write in and complain about Paul’s behavior. He is only new to the job and I suggest he changes his attitude or P & O will lose a lot of customers.

Yes there is both on board

hi tracy i to did the nz tour this is my 3rd with po we found this and every other cruise being sun +dawn +jewel what u make them there will always be problems trying to get 1900+ people off at ports where tenders are used the food and staff are fantastic. i think we as australians some of us are turning into wingers go and enjoy a great experience you will get out of it what you put into it. p.s your kids will have a ball.

hey jen . just got off the boat today was on tassy cruise and it was awesome. I have 3 children 9 ,6,and 4 year old . they had a ball at the kids club area. I was a bit worried at first to see whether they would enjoy it or not but once the begin to mix in with other children they never looked back.. the girls in charge were great and from what i saw always kept the children entertained. playing games , kraftwork, ship tours, watching movies with their friends in the evening ,last day of cruise the kids put on a fashion parade and in the evening they had there own ice cream farewell party.(couldnt pull them out of the kids club to eat with mum and dad for final night dinner and noticed many other parents having the same problems…lol) but it was great to see the look in the kids faces in how much they wanted part of what was going on at the club. the club usually closes for lunch about 12 and reopened at 2 t. during dinner they had chips and nibbles brought to club for children who remained there for the evening but most nights we took our children out for dinner and returned them back after if the wanted go back. so I think you kids should have a blast from what I have seen and what parents have said about the childrens experiences at the clubs. happy cruising

hi, my family of 5 are going on the Jewel in April the island cruise. is there anything in particular that i need to take apart from normal luggage.
thanks

leeann, read the brochure and ask your travel agent.

Good to hear the positive feed back i have been on 2 cruises with P & O the Pacific Star October 2007 (just the wife and i) and the Dawn in January 2009 with our 4 girls and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment. As some people have said you look hard enough you can find something to whinge about, we missed out on Ouvea on the Jan 09 cruise due to the weather, P & O if your’e reading this i think perhaps you may need to excercise better control over the weather next time (Ha Ha), a storm had been through the night before and had damaged the landing pontoon, of course as i said we were disappointed however we all accept that the Captain has a greater responsibility to us than just keeping us happy. We have booked for a cruise on Jewel in November of this year and we look forward to it.
Some of the comments i have read here remind me of some of the customers i deal with in my line of work FAR OUT. The old addage is completely true you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
REALITY CHECK ISLE 7.

Hi Tezza,,,,glad to hear some positive cimments for a change.Sounds like you work in a supermarket,I retired 4 years ago and I know what you mean,after working in one for all of my working life.My ambition was to have a cruise when I retired and I am hooked have just booked no7 since leaving work.Cannot beleive the amount of winging that goes on on these cruises but I have found the best way to deal with it is to ignore it and have a great time.Went on the first cruise on the Jewell out of Sydney and had a great time as I am sure you will also,beautiful ship,happy cruising,,,,,

nice to hear some positive comments ,i was beginning to think i was about to waste my money we are sailing April 17th any one else going that date

enjoy your cruise Neville,,,,

Have a great time Neville, I’d gladly go in your place if you are worried you will hate it )

We just got home yesterday and had a brilliant time, holidays are just like everything else in life, you get out what you put in !

Our attitutude was “YEAH..we are on holiday !!! No cooking, cleaning, driving, working, grocery shopping..What’s not to LOVE about that !! ?? ”

I thought Paul and all the entertainment staff were very lovely, bit of dry humour in there but never rude or unprofessional in any way.

Our girls (11yo & 12yo) had a great time and made heaps of new friends.

Our only disappointment is that we had to come home !!

We are booked on Jewell in June. Can’t wait. We did cruise on Pacific Sun in March, had engine trouble and a couple of cyclones in the area so were not able to get to Fiji or Noumea. All monies refunded plus 25% off next cruise. We had 10 days at sea that cost us nothing. Food was great and plenty of it , staff fantastic and entertainment terrific. Cannot fault P&O

Hi Everyone… My husband and I are going on the Pacific Dawn Queensland coast cruise for our honeymoon leaving brisbane on the 29th of May for 7 nights. I cant seem to find any info at all or any feedback about Pacific Dawn (Drink prices, entertainment etc) and everyone i’ve spoken to has gone on the jewel or Star! Could i get any feedback with comparisons of these ships and more so about the Dawn? Also, i have seen a few people mention about taking their own drinks on board… does the ship not check baggage? would this be a safe thing to do? Any help with this would be much appreciated as this is our 1st cruise and i’m quite nervous after reading some of these blogs Thanks!

Just came off the last cruise and I had a fantastic time, there is so much to do so you have to get involved. The entertainment staff were excellent and we had a great time with them. We couldn’t fault the food in any of the restaurants and yes some of the drinks were expensive but what the heck we were on holidays. The cocktails were cheapest and very good too. The kids met new friends and we hardly saw them, I would go on another cruise for sure, I loved the whole atmosphere.

Hi Ken from Thirroul NSW here. My wife and I are going on the Pacific Jewel leaving 19th May. It is our 25th Wedding Anniversary on the 25th May . Some of the comments are disturbing but I think we will have a great time anyway. As for the beer prices mentioned, we stayed at Star City Casino recently and paid $20 a coctail, beer was from memory $6 or $7, not worrying about that as we wont be drinking every day or night. The spa, we happily pay $150 each at Novotel brighton beach for massges etc so we will handle that price of a little over $100 each. I supposde we will expect some delays in service and other hiccups but we will deal with them as they arise and try to not get upset about them. We have to try and enjoy the time as best we can. At $200 a night each for 10 nights, no cooking, cleaning, driving, annoying phone calls etc – Great Will be enjoying going to shows, bingo, dances and socialising with new friends etc.., all this for $400 a night, Not bad value even with some hicups. If the pool is off line then I will go and enjoy other activities with my wife. Happy cruisning everyone.

Just returned from a cruise aboard the Pacific Jewel out of Sydney April 17th to Vila , Lifou and the Isle of Pines.
Have read all the various negative comments on this site over the last few months prior to what was our first cruise. The Pacific Jewel is magnificent.!!! Fine Dining , excellent entertainment , first class service – nothing is too much trouble for the extremely attentive and helpful staff.
If you just want to sit on deck and read a book – do that at home.The weather on our cruise was warm , cloudy and rain at times – who cares. There was too much to do on board in to little time.
Hoping to plan our next trip with P&O as soon as we can afford it.
Recommend the Pacific Jewel to any one in the highest possible terms

Hi,Tina from Campbelltown…a week today we returned 26thApril..& missing it…My hubby was just so sick & hated every minute…..loved seeing land & snorkelled on the The Isle Of Pines….he was very destressed havin to return for another 3 nighs~ days at sea.until our return to Sydney….My experience could of been a better one…Food exceptional,shows fantastic,the crew were very helpfull…The kids adored it..Niki my 16yr old had a ball in the HQ plus & I rarely saw her….Island night was fantastic & everyone who got involved rocked the Ship…You have to get involved its just the best…no regrets…bottled wine is the way to go $28..Corona’s$6.95….Cocktails & Martinis are fantastic…BINGO….its entertainment plus!! even if you have never been before…this is best experience & hey you may win too my friend won $700…Early dinner helps you get to the early shows..so you can get to the next entertainment venue after the show….Stuff happening al the time…& there is the attic after 10.30 most nights..dance into the morning…If you are travelling with friends..be sure you are not the one having to minds seats…as this can become a problem..as seating is very limited in parts of the enterainment lounges…Happy Cruising…Looking forward to my next cruise with P & O…..

My husband and I and our 8 yr old daughter just came off the Pacific Dawn on Sat 1 May. It was our first cruise and I have to say that it was the best holiday we’ve ever had. It started off a bit rocky with our cruise being shortened by a day due to mechancial problems (those lucky people before us got an 8 night holiday), but to P&O’s credit they reimbursed us 2 nights which paid for our spending money (so now we have money left over for the next one)!!!! My husband got sea sick the first day and I’d bought some Kwells before I went, but the tablets from the Purser’s Desk were much more effective. They’re $12 but worked a treat. There’s just so much to do on board, it’s hard to fit everything in. The kids have a ball – our daughter never wanted to eat – she was having too much fun). Bingo was fabulous, $6500 jackpot on the last day (some lucky Brisbane woman won it). It’s a bit expensive for the tickets ($30 for a book of 6) but lots of fun. I definitely overpacked, so next time I will be taking much less, it’s very casual during the day and the laundromat on board it fab – just remember to take your $1 coins wth you – $3 a wash) and some plastic bags (there’s nothing worse that wandering around the floors carrying your washing)!! Soft drink is $2.50 a can (Coke is only 330ml) and cocktails were $9.25. They will check your luggage so my advice would be not to take any drinks on board. There’s an ice-cream parlour and 2 scoops was about $1.95 (they have soft serve as well). The only down side was trying to find our photos in the gallery – they need to come up with a better system as we spent a lot of time trying to find ours. But we’ll definitely be cruising again (August if I can pursuade my husband)! Bring on Cruise No. 2!!

Hi we were on the same cruise and i agree it was fantastic. We were lucky enough not to get sick but we all took tablets every day until we got off boat it seemed to work for us. It was the best holiday we have had, and now looking out for specials so we can go again. I loved island night as well and what a great night we had on deck 12. All staff were lovely and so much to do.

Whole heartedly agree with Robert!! Would recomend the Jewel to anyone wishing to go cruising. In fact would recomend P&O as a warm and welcoming company!

Many thanks for a great time on our first cruise and, considering there being a Villa fan running the shows,( only joking) it was a truely fantastic time.Many thanks Paul and co(ventry)

Had our first cruise on the Sun and loved it immensly. Have booked our next cruise on the Jewel and we are seriously hanging out for that. The Sun was great, wonderful service, always smiling staff and the kids centre well we had to drag our son out of there to get a bite to eat.
We have decided that cruising will be it from now on. Like Tracey we too used to go to Queensland and book a self contained apartment, I did everything in Queensland what I did at home. Cook, Clean, make beds, Shopping etc. So guess who had a holiday NOT ME. Where else can you go to breakfast and come back and your bed and cabin have been made and tidied up. Snap your fingers (pick up the phone I mean) and you get anything you want.
Although there are been several disgruntled passengers I’ like to think that our trip on the Jewel will once again be outstanding. I guess there is just no pleasing some people.

Thank you to Simon & Charmaine it was a pleasure to read how positive your time was on the Jewell. My husband and I are going on the Jewell from 6th September for 16 nights to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. This will be our second cruise, we went on the Pacifice Star in 2006 and had a wonderful time then so really looking forward to our experiences this time.

Judy (Brisbane)

Hi Debi

We just returned from the Jewel last week. We had a booking of 47 people and we all enjoyed it. This is not the queen mary afterall so if you go onboard for a good relaxing holiday you will do great. It is a little tedious getting of the boat on shore days but really. They have to move 1800 people. How fast can you go. I told my kids that I will be running my home like a PO ship as I thought for the amount of people it was really well organised. (I have worked in event management so I guess I can appreciate what goes on behing closed doors) The only complaint I had was we tried to get a booking for our 40 odd people each night at the waterfront and they did make this a little difficult. We ended up booking 2 lots of 20 and they seemed to cope better. Shame we were not all together. I would not cancel your booking though as I think you will have a great time. We are certainly doing another group booking in a few years.

Hey judy, not sure if my last blog to you posted correctly!!!
Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary. My parents have also just recently celebrated their 40th also!!!
What a great way to celebrate this very special occasion. Jewel will definately impress you both,…..and if you want some info on any of the islands ie: places to see,things to do etc, pls feel free to ask.
Kind Regards.

will be on jewel in August when on princess ship they had a coffee card that I could buy pre paying for approx 10 coffees and just get card marked when I got a coffee also similar pre paying for soft drinks, we paid $45each and this allowed us unlimited soft drinks, with waiters just viewing a stamp on our cruise card – does the jewel have these. thanks

On the 26th June, wife Barbara and I leave on the Pacific Jewel for a 9 night cruise. This is our 1st cruise, and the 26th June is our 45th Wedding anniversary. Could I ask, you, that have travelled on the Pacific Jewel where is the best place to have the evening meal and to celebrate our anniversary? Do I have to wait until I get on board to book a table or can I do it before I board? Looking forward to the cruise.
Regards, John

Hi Charmine, Thanks for your reply, our cruise is taking in Noumea, Fiji, Tonga & Norfolk Is. Does the Jewell have a special occassion package like the Dawn has. I am hoping our 40th Wedding Anniversary will be just perfect, we will be on ship for our anniversary and are planning to go to “Salt” restaurant and maybe the Aqua Spa for some pampering. Visited the Jewell when it was in Brisbane last week and just can’t wait and counting down the weeks.
Kind Regards

HI! Charmaine,
I have just been reading all the comments on the Pacific Jewel blog, and have found it quite interesting. My wife and I are doing a 16 night cruise (South Pacific) on Pacific Jewel in September for our fiftieth. I would be interested in information on what to see and do on the island stop off’s, and if we should pre purchase from P&O or wait till we bet there.
Thanks,
Bill

You can take alcohol (duty Free)on board, It just gets taken away and put in a safe place until the end of the cruise. So you dont get to drink it on board. This has been happening since the days of Fairstar. Prior to 1996

Hi John and Barbara,
Myself,Carmen and Celeste had a wonderful 10 night cruise on Pacific Jewel Feb 2010. Treat yourselves to the Salt grill restaurant for the anniversary itself.It is five star standard from chef Luke Mangan and only costs an additional $30 per person for your evening meal-great value as his entrees alone at hilton hotel would cost that!!!(try scallops in blue cheese sauce-President Clinton loved them, as did we!!!)
Get your Travel agent to notify Pacific Jewel/Salt Grill in advance to avoid disappointment,and get the earliest reservation as service will be more prompt and restaurant less busy.Get the agent to note with cruise manager/re:it is your 45th wedding anniversary.
The waterfront restaurant is fantastic on other nights-usually you have to share tables which is fun to meet fellow travellers, but if not in mood, ask for a ‘2 seater”, and also book restaurant earlier in day. The buffet(Plantation Restauant) is fast, fun, and good food/variety.TRAVELLERS TIP:to get your “sea legs”, eat 2 slices of lemon/rind half hour before boarding and again once you board-the acid counteracts tummy troubles.We learnt this from a commercial fisherman and it works.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOHN AND BARBARA!!!.(from keith,carmen and celeste)

I am going on my 3rd cruise in Aug on Jewel. The 2 I have been on were great. The first one we were delayed 3 days disappointing, but I look at the good time we had, I enjoyed myself focused on the good things, my friend focused on the delay and did not enjoy cruise – it consumed her. I have enjoyed both cruises one on pacific star and other on sun princess. I would not take notice of peoples complaints, I love cruising, problems come up, best not to focus on negatives, or it will consume your time. So much good things to focus on and enjoy. As they say count your blessings, on a cruise you could count all the good things all day. I cant wait till august to enjoy another cruise. It has been helpful to see some of the problems, it shows too, how to avoid them.

Cruised on Pacific Jewel (7 – 17th April 2010) Noumea, Lifou, Port Vila, Pentecost. Our family had the most wonderfully rounded holiday any family could ever wish for. Every age group is catered for in every way. The kids (10 & 12) always had somewhere to be or something to do. Us Adults struggled to fit everything we wanted to do into each day. The dining was varied, well presented and always top class. The cabins were clean and functional and constantly maintained. The crew were always polite and eager to assist. The entertainment shows in the marquee were extremely enjoyable. I loved the Art Auctions, the Gym, the Spa, the Trivia events and much more. Some days I just grabbed my book and relaxed on a deck chair at the back of the ship.
The shore visits were amazing, well coordinated and a real eye opener (especially for the kids). We especially enjoyed the Off Road Buggys in Porft Vila and visiting the kids at the local school in Pentecost – was a real reality check for my kids!!
Our kids are still talking about how much they loved being on the Pacific Jewel and we all cannot wait to go on our next cruise …. maybe New Zealand in 2012. Thank you for all the fantastic memories P&O.

We’re on the 5th July cruise – do the islands all accept
Aussie dollars or do we need some francs. We’re going to Isle of Pines/ Mystery Island/ Vila/ Lifou/Noumea.
Love this blog – have got so much helpful info. from everyone.

Hey Maggie,

Most Islands should accept both, you can exchange Aussie $ to South Pacific Francs on Board and change them back again (they won’t take any coins when changing back to Aussie $)

Noumea – Prefers the South Pacifc Franc (XPF)
Isle of Pines – can use both (Aussie $ (Small currency $1, $2 , $5 , $10 & South Pacific Franc (XPF))
Mystery Island / Lifou – Aussie $ in small currency (Small currency $1, $2 , $5 , $10)
Vila – Should accept Aussie $ (all denominations)

Also spotted in Vila (Commonwealth / Westpac / ANZ Banks) on my last cruise there in 2009.

Hi All,
I’m going on the Jewel on the 10th October Its my boyfriend and my 2 year anniversary and it’s our little treat to ourselves I was on the Pacific Sun a couple of years ago when they still did the Schoolies cruises, But I CAN’T WAIT!! I remember the Staff are always wonderful and fun Now that I’m working full time and have the money, I plan on taking in EVERYTHING, the Spa, the Oasis, the Club Lounge. I’m going to have to book us in to the 20/20/20
We’re staying in a Balcony room, which I’m now regretting….Really wished we went for the suite ;P

will be on board the Jewell at sea the 3rd october 2010, the night of the grand final. Will I still be able to watch it?

Thanks Dave for all the “money” info re the different islands. Had a feeling we would be able to get some Francs on board but wasn’t sure and will make sure we have Aussie dollars in small denominations as well.

I AM GOING ON MY FIRST CRUISE ON THE 5TH MARCH. AS FAR AS PPL SAYING ABOUT THE PRICE OF DRINKS , IF YOU GO TO A PUB IT IS $8.00 FOR A BOURBON WHERE I LIVE , TO ME I DONT FIND IT EXPENSIVE AT ALL. MY REAL WORRY IS WHAT TIME IS CYCLONES,AS I WOULD BE TERRIFIED TO BE OUT AT SEA IF ONE WAS HANGING AROUND.
THANK YOU I FOUND THIS VERY INTERESTING . A FIRST TIME CRUISER.

I looove you Paul if you may not remember I was on the dawn in the 17-24th of July when there was the l
Liers game and I was the only one clapping for you xoxo hats