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Cruising with PO Explore out of Auckland in a couple of months. Is it worth getting an internet package? Is it better to buy before you go or do they discount it once you are on board? Thanks

UPDATE: I received an email from NSW Fair Trade regarding my complaint (impressive service). I decided to give PO one more shot and mentioned my official complaint. Finally, got it sorted. Initially, all available interior rooms in the 1A category were for three or four people. They suggested a 1B category room on Deck 8, which I declined. Then, they offered one on Deck 11 directly under the pool—not ideal. I suggested a room on Deck 10 meant for a couple, which surprisingly was available. The person I spoke to was helpful, though it's unfortunate that being persistent is what gets things done. Anyway, thanks everyone for your assistance!

Great idea. Thanks

I wish it was a glitch. They are not agreeing to refund anything. To get it resolved I am having to make a complaint to the NSW Fair Trade for false advertising.

Normally I would agree but when you have chatted online with four different people, spoken on the phone to another two and had 5 emails I think it's a deliberate strategy. They are not able to help but put me on hold to talk to the department that allocates rooms - they will not give me a contact number/email for this department so I've been going around in circles.

I have never experienced problems with room selection on cruises before and most companies in the travel industry have really good customer service. The experience with PO Cruises has been very poor. With a group of friends, we booked a Comedy cruise for later in the year which was then cancelled and now this issue. Making a formal complaint about false advertising might get them to sort out the issue. I have requested they refund the difference between the two packages and the extra cost for midship. Regardless of the outcome, we will enjoy our trip. All the best for getting your preferred rooms allocated.

I didn't get the GO Package it was the Value Package which cost more money. The only condition is subject to availability. They are available and they can't contract out by hiding T&C in the fine print.

My issue is the false advertising. People are getting duped into paying more money for a service they are not getting. Further, I was told that if I paid in full this feature would be available. I normally don't pay in full until the last minute to take advantage of any price drops. Again wasted money, I have filed a complaint with the NSW Fair Trade website. Below you will see the message I keep getting.

I have never had a problem before either. I read the T&C carefully and on my booking no mention of "they would allocate" just subject to availability and they are available. No option to do it in Cruise Control and as previously mentioned online chats, emails and phone conversations are going nowhere.

Conservatively I have spent 6 hours with online chats, phone conversations and emails. Probably more. I have now filed a complaint with the NSW Fair Trading.

Just making a complaint now. They are still selling tickets so they really are scamming people out of extra money with no intention of providing the service.

We booked months ago and they were still selling rooms.

We are cruising on the Pacific Explorer in October. Instead of opting for the more economical "Go Package," I chose the "Value Package," which promised "Room Selection." I even paid extra for a Midship room. Despite numerous emails, hours of online chats, and multiple phone calls, they are refusing to allow me to choose my room. They will allocate one closer to the sailing date. They are citing the good old Terms & Conditions stating "Subject to Availability," but it's clear that rooms are indeed available. My concern is their false advertising of room selection, with other customers also paying for this service. When I requested a partial refund for the unfulfilled service, they declined. I understand they have changed owners, and their indifferent attitude towards customer feedback is evident from their poor reviews. But given this is a clear breach of the fair trading laws, how are they able to get away with it? Can anyone provide contact information for the department responsible for room assignments? They have refused to disclose any contact details. Alternatively, does anyone know the escalation path to reach a manager with the authority to address this issue? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. PS I have paid in full and checked in.