macntosh

Days 7 & 8 In Cairns

Hot & humid.

New breakfast menu in the Waterfront today. Quite good actually!

Finally got off the ship via deck 3 gangway.

Free wifi in the Cairns tourist areas. Great to send all the Christmas wishes and emails.

Visited the lagoon, tourist shops and had a great chocolate milkshake in the Orchid Plaza. I'm a man of simple pleasures.

City is very wheelchair friendly. Good footpaths and kerb ramps.

Great seafood lunch at the Boatshed. 500 metres from the ship. $22.50 incl. a glass of wine or beer. Facebook: boatshedcairns

Returning to the terminal, the Tourist Information desk had a nice fresh fruit tasting table. Nice touch from the local tourism authority. Lady there advised us that the ship would not be leaving port tonight for Cooktown due bad weather and we would be in Cairns another day.

We are pleased not to be faced with rough seas, and another day here in Cairns could be nice.

Now, today's problem is getting me in the wheelchair back onboard as deck 3 gangway was closed.

It's too steep to get me back up the main gangway that goes up to deck 5, so I had to wait 30 minutes for them to set up gangway again on level 3.

Very poor situation for elderly passengers and disabled to get up a dangerously steep gangway from ground level to deck 5. It's a 45degree angle up to the ship to deck 5.

Day 8 still in Cairns

Wet today, stayed onboard until lunchtime then decided to return to the same seafood restaurant from yesterday for another great seafood lunch.

Went to Reception to enquire about level 3 gangway. Full credit to Amile (Reception team) for his follow-up with Security regarding getting off the ship via level 5 with the assistance of 2 housekeeping staff members.

Disembarked from level 5 steep gangway with the assistance of 2 crew members and 1 from Security. Very dangerous for everyone in the rain, not just the elderly and disabled.

Took cab to the restaurant and back due rain, another fabulous lunch.

We return to the ship after lunch and again face the gangway to level 5. It's difficult for less mobile guests to get up the extremely steep gangway to deck 5, impossible for wheelchairs, but with the assistance of a team of 'sherpers' I was pushed up the notorious gangway.

Dinner in the Waterfront then to karaoke in the Ocean Bar where some fool behind me kept complaining that the guy in front of him in the wheelchair (me) was blocking his view. No consideration for anyone but themselves. We were there to "hear" them sing, not review their outfits. It is a bar, not a theatre and not everyone can see the singers in this bar anyway.

Days 5 & 6

Day 5 Hamilton Island

Smooth arrival before 7am.

Tenders started immediately and they were calling the last numbers before 9.30am.

Amen. Happy travellers at last.

Breakfast in the Waterfront. Finally the poached eggs are runny, just how I like them.

Everyone has now gone ashore and the ship is now peaceful and relaxing.

I can now say, I'm enjoying the ship. Just love the deck 6 promenade for sitting back and taking in the view. Comfy teak deck lounges, shade and a nice tropical breeze. Am I making you jealous yet? Ah! Why has it not all been like this since the start of the cruise?

Quick lunch in the Pantry, then sat back out on the promenade deck. So nice out there.

Early dinner at Waterfront. Soup was cold so sent it back twice. 3rd time it came steaming hot, how it should have been in the first place. Then we shared the slow cooked veal with extra veggies. They made sure that came to the table hot as we keep sending cold food back. Overall, the food is fine in the Waterfront, it just needs to be hot.

Drink at the Martini Bar, listened to the guitarist, then a late night coffee.

Arrived back to room and the Daily was in the mail slot. You have to laugh, tomorrow is Monday, but it is showing that at 8am tomorrow is the Catholic Mass. Even I know that it should have been on Sunday's edition. There does not seem to be a lot of attention to detail on this ship. The only explanation would be that Sunday was a port day and everyone was going ashore so Monday is better for religious services.

Day 6 at sea enroute to Cairns

Quiet day at sea. Warm and clear. Woke late, breakfast in the Pantry, coffee from the ice cream bar by the pool.

Did the morning quiz and then enjoyed lazing on deck 6 promenade.

Late lunch, afternoon coffee in the cool of the Ocean Bar. Really warm and humid outside now.

Dinner in the Waterfront.

Days 3 & 4

Day 3 Mooloolaba

Well we finally made it to breakfast in the Waterfront. So nice to have it served to you at the table. Finally we feel we are on a real ship.

Good news, the pools are open and the weather is warm. Perfect.

Update: the disabled toilet on deck 8 is fixed and clean.

Now for today's woes. This is the first of several tender ports of the itinerary. Dangerous ocean swell has delayed and slowed the entire tendering process. It is now 2pm and there are families around the pool and in the Pantry still awaiting for their tender number to be called. Certainly some frayed tempers with some now not expecting to get ashore as the scheduled departure time is 5pm. Yes, the joy of mother nature's hand to disrupt peoples holiday plans. Let's see if they can get everyone back on time.

Some very disappointed people, particularly young kids now running around the ship that did not get to go ashore today. Personally, I was hoping to have the ship to myself, but so many still awaiting to go ashore and with no chance to get back to the ship in time for departure. Another triumph P&O, no communication to those left waiting on board.

Have finally had dinner in the Waterfront tonight. Phoned the restaurant at about 4pm but got no answer, so I hit the "call back" button on the phone and it said "accepted". Lo and behold, someone actually phoned us back! Catch was, the only booking time available was 5pm. Way to early for us, so again we just turned up and got a table immediately. I did notice them turning people away shortly after we had been seated. Most of them had beepers in hand, so they were prepared to wait in the bar.

As for tonight's food in the Waterfront, it was ok, although I did send back the dish of stone cold fries that accompanied my main course. The plate was hot, but the chips were dead cold.

Tonight was white bianco dress night, so we strolled up to the pool area after dinner to soak up the vibe which was great. It was after 8pm and dark, but we were still awaiting for the tenders to get everyone back on board. Again, no communication from anyone in charge to update passengers. It is now 9pm and we have just left Mooloolaba, many hours behind schedule and some very disappointed people who did not get ashore.

The lesson for today, learn to laugh it off ! You are on holidays people, it's time to de-stress!

More from P&O's Faulty (with a "u") Towers Afloat tomorrow. Oh come on people, laugh with me, not at me! It's MY Christmas, not yours and it beats the usual Christmas fairy-tale. It's certainly funnier. Now, where's Basil? Mr. Fawlty...

Day 4 At sea

Breakfast in Waterfront

Mid-morning coffee in Ocean Bar. Great team working that area. Clearly they enjoy what they do and have a laugh with passengers.

Sat out on deck 6 promenade and watched the walkers. The promenade is such a nice feature of this ship. Really under utilised, but a nice place to sit quietly and enjoy the journey.

Lunch in the Pantry, listened to Yorkshire couple next to us complaining about yesterday's tendering problems. You just can't escape it.

Then out by the pool for sweets. Enjoyed a scoop of New Zealand ice cream. $5.00

Afternoon nap.

Trivia in Ocean Bar. Entertainment team need to understand they are now working almost exclusively with Aussies, why so many North American based questions. What would we know about Canadian ice hockey players, nor why would we care. P&O please learn to engage you audience, not isolate them.

Tried to get into Dragon Lady, but turned away as full. Then tried next door at Angelo's and shared a table with 2 fun couples where the conversation flowed freely. Sadly, the food was disappointing. Uncooked pasta, cold soup, cold sardines. Could not eat main course and had already returned the soup as it was cold, so ended up going upstairs and eating Indian in the Pantry just before they closed.

The late night R18+ rated Comedy show in the theatre was rude, but funny. Just what the people on this ship need at the moment. A good belly laugh.

Then late night karaoke at 11.30pm in the Ocean Bar. Only a man and his dog there as everyone had gone to bed for the early morning start for Hamilton Island at 7am.

The laugh for today. Over dinner tonight one of the couples we were seated with said they had been to Reception to ask for a feedback (complaint) form, only to be told they had run out of them. Seems to have been a rush for those forms on this cruise.

Keep on smiling people!

Hi all,

Please find following a number of posts from my blog notes regarding our Christmas Cruise aboard Pacific Eden that departed Sydney on 16 December and returned to Sydney on 28 December 2015.

Before I start, can I make it very clear, that these are my personal notes and honest observations only. Please DON'T flame me for my comments!

Thanks

Mark.

---------------------------------

Pacific Eden review - Days 1 & 2

Embarkation 10 out of 10

The ship encounted norovirus on its previous cruise and boarding was delayed be 3 hours, so we were arriving at ship at about 4pm for a scheduled 7pm sailaway.

On arrival at White Bay terminal in the taxi we were immediately met by the green shirted P&O representative, Robert. From that moment on embarkation was a dream.

Let me preface all of this. Clearly, Robert immediately spotted the wheelchair coming out of the rear of the taxi and my partner, who is an amputee and uses a walking stick, struggling with suitcases. As for me, I am temporarily restricted to the wheelchair prior to having surgery in January. Before I had even stepped out of the cab, the bags had been whisked away and Robert had the wheelchair opened and ready for me to step out of the taxi and sit straight down.

From cab to cabin, Robert pushed me, much to the relief of my partner who would have struggled to do this. From wheelchair registration, checkin, security check, over the backup gangway bypassing the lines having photos taken and finally delivering us to our cabin door all within 15 minutes of stepping out of the taxi. Simply amazing! P&O, please hire more just like Robert. He gets 10 / 10.

Initial observations

Day 1

Some very unhappy travellers

No pools open (day 1 or day 2) noro problems? No one is saying.

Restaurant reservations appear to be a major issue

Waterfront full even before we sailaway. We get directed to Dragon Lady for dinner. Nice meal, but not the best Asian we've ever had.

Glad we did not book starboard on deck 6. It is the smoking section and you would have people outside your window 24 hours a day. The windows on deck 6 do have reflective glazing, but there would be continual noise and chatter right outside you cabin window.

Cabins to avoid would be 6131 back to 6175.

Day 2 at sea

Very comfortable beds with nice soft and ample pillows.

Huge queue waiting to book up restaurants, we decided to just risk it tonight.

Good coffee in Ocean Bar from early morning. $3.50

Being in wheelchair I decided to use the only handicapped toilet on deck 8 near the Blue Room. Disgusting! Loo had backed up. I let staff know it needed immediate attention. Only other public handicapped toilet on board is on level 11 at the entry to the Pantry. I will go back tomorrow to see if the toilet on level 8 has been fixed. This should give us a better indication of how well their maintenance dept. is working.

Tried to phone Angelo's restaurant to make a booking for this evening, but the phone extension listed in the Welcome Onboard directory (page 8 - Communication Telephone Directory - Angelo's ext 3633) has been "BLOCKED" according to the screen on the phone in our cabin.

When I could not make a booking I tried to phone Reception, but it just went into a queue that never got answered, so I just hung up and decided to go join the physical queue whilst sitting in my wheelchair at the Reception counter. Boy, was that an experience! Lady behind me telling everyone about her flooded bathroom with coloured water, the bloke in front of me asking about free laundry to wash clothes affected by water from somewhere above. Oh, some very unhappy campers on their Christmas cruise.

Lots of people all asking what are the plans for Christmas Day, but not getting any clear signals. Tonight one lady mention that for Christmas all 3 restaurants (Waterfront, Angelo's & Blue Dragon) will all serve the same menu, but you have to book which restaurant you want to be seated in. Nice that there is no communication from P&O.

And on that front of no communication, we did not receive last nights, nor tonight's, edition of the Pacific Daily. Hence, we turned up for breakfast at the Waterfront this morning at 7.30am, along with at least 50 others to find it empty. None of us had received our Daily advising that clocks had gone back 1 hour overnight to Queensland time. Good work P&O.

This resulted in everyone heading to the Pantry. Great for some, but when you are in a wheelchair and your partner is a double amputee needing a walking stick, who and how do you carry food to a table? Oh yes I hear you say..."just use a tray". Sorry, but they went the way of the dodo bird years ago.

It was at this point my partner "lost it" and I could hear it from the other end of the Pantry. How embarrassing...

Staff to assist carrying food to the table for those less mobile? Sorry, try again. They seem to be far too busy looking at all the dirty dishes piling up on tables so those arriving have nowhere to sit. Yes, I know I'm being a tad 'sarcy' here but the frustration just kept building. All I wanted to do at this point was step out of the wheelchair and carry the plates back to the table.

So, lesson 1. When your in a wheelchair, your blood sugars are low and you need to eat in the Pantry, just stay in the line and eat it at the food counter. That's sure to get their attention that you require assistance.

Lesson 2. Passengers are not impressed by what they are seeing and experiencing on board Pacific Eden.

Come on P&O, we know you can do much better than this.

Have any of your senior management actually sailed on this ship to see and experience the problems first hand? Well as it turns out, the President and second in charge of P&O Aust., Sture Myrmell is on board with his family for Christmas. Clearly, incognito.

Tonight's dinner update. Yes we got into Angelo's for Italian. Great vibe in this restaurant, really quite upbeat. Sadly, the menu over promises and under delivers. Eg. the roast peppers entre only had a "garnish" of yellow pepper about the size of my finger nail. I would have expected more roast pepper when that's the name of the dish. Yes, I've got the pics of the dish to validate that statement.

If P&O ever think people will pay extra for either Angelo's or Blue Lady, then they need to rethink their marketing strategy to ensure they can meet customer expectation, which clearly they aren't currently.

more to come....

Ok, the consensus is that I should post my daily blog notes from the Pacific Eden Christmas cruise.

I willl start a new thread for it, but I may need some of you to defend me from the flames that I know will come my way. I simply want to give my honest personal feelings, but people get so angry and bitter.

Naturally, I will eventually submit a full review and get Louise to place that in the review section, but for the moment will share my blog notes.

Thanks everyone.

Hi all,

We returned to Sydney this morning from the Pacific Eden's Christmas cruise.

Reading this thread I am reluctant to post my daily blog reports from the trip as I fear I will be just 'flamed down" for expressing my thoughts.

Can I just say that we did take a big tube of disinfectant wipes and used the entire lot throughout the cruise wiping draw handles, tv remote, and basically everything that was in the cabin. Made it a habit to wash our hand upon entering and leaving the cabin.

Fortunately, we did not get sick, but a numberof people mention they had been ill.

Staffing onboard does seem to be a problem and it definitely needs more attention to ensure a crew member is stationed at the entry to all food outlets to ensure everyone sanitizes their hand. This is not currently happening.

I need to think about whether I post by blog notes. Not sure I want to be shot down for expressing an honest personal review of the trip. The good, the bad and the ugly. What are your thoughts?

Wow! What can I say...

I have never heard so many people complaining on one ship at the same time about so many different issues.

So many flooded cabins reported, code 'red' for noro virus throughout the cruise and P&O's communication onboard was pretty poor.

I will be posting a full daily blog report shortly. I can only say, I was pretty shocked by the sheer quantity of unhappy passengers .

More to come when I get organised. Lots of washing and unpacking to be done first.

Hi all,

Currently onboard Eden for the Christmas cruise.

Not sure I have ever experienced so many unhappy passenger on a ship.

Lack of communication and restaurant bookings seem to be the major issues. Yes, there have been all the usual flooded cabins and backed up toilets, but they seem to be managing the issues as they pop up.

I will do a full review when I get home.

Ps, have not really noticed any issues with the number of kids onboard. They all seem well supervised and having fun. (and this from a grumpy old man is saying something. ☺)

Have a great Christmas everyone.

Oh, by the way, some of you may be interested that they are planning to serve the same menu in all 3 restaurants for Christas dinner. Will tell you all about it in my review whenI get home.

Rest assured Mark, regardless of any issues we had on Eden, we certainly didn't go hungry. Quality varied from the various outlets and the very best dining is or will be in the to-pay eateries, but there was plenty of food. :) Oh and be careful of anyone's suggestions if they say they like the coffee from the Pantry machines. There is something wrong with their taste buds!! :eek:

 

Steve.

Thanks for that Steve.

Yes, I was joking about taking my own frozen TV roast meal for Christmas dinner (heaven knows I could lose a few kilos by starving :)), but I am seriously considering taking my own single cup coffee plunger and freshly ground coffee beans. Nothing worse that bad coffee from those automated coffee machines.

With just over a week to go before we board, I just hope they have got all the on-board issues sorted out. From what I have been reading on CC and viewing on youtube, I have not been filled with confidence about P&Os ability to resolve them in a short space of time.

I will try and report back about the on-board experience.

Thanks again.

Hi, Just baack from 9 nights south Pacific cruise. Hardly any vegeetables on this ship. A few were in the fat cow in the pantry but trying to get main dinner meal in Waterfront with vegetables was a no go. Was told by several staff members that they never arrived at the ship in time. NO EXCUSE for this the man in charge of all the food (who ever he was) is completely responsible for this. and should haqqvee got vegetables from another supplier.

In all of my18 cruises i never heard of thiis happening.

I would like your thoughts on this please.

Regards Zanny

Hi Zanny,

Your feedback, combined with all the poor reviews on CC, is making me very nervous that we have chosen the wrong cruise line for our Christmas cruise.

What line would leave port without sufficient food for its passengers? Particularly fresh veggies.

They are already offering future cruise credit to those on the inaugural cruises of both Aria & Eden for the poor experience, so what compensation are they offering for insufficient food on your Pacific itinerary?

Should we be packing frozen tv roast dinners for our Christmas dinner?

I am now very concerned about what to expect on-board.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions Steve.

Nothing like first hand knowledge.

I have just seen your other post regarding the future credit you received, so I am pleased that P&O are listening. My only concern is that they have all the issues smoothed out before we board for the Christmas Cruise on Eden.

Helen also mentioned the Blue Room, so it sounds like we might make our CC roll-call catch-up in the Blue Room.

Thanks again.

The pantry was the place on Eden for snacks and cakes. The coffee from the machines was woeful. A variety of tea bags were available there including herbal, decaf, english breakfast and others, along with hot water from the machines. These drinks were free.

The girls in the Blue Room provided great service and made really, really good coffees and hot chocolates. I believe they also had tea bags there too but it all costs. Coffees were $3.50 in smallish cups, hot chocs maybe a few cents cheaper in glasses. I got good coffee from the Ocean bar as well, but it usually had loud music happening there. The beer from the tap at Ocean bar was the best value on board too, looked like pint glasses and cost about the same as the bottled beer.

 

Steve.

Hi Gnomey,

Thanks for that.

So do they have an expresso machine in the Blue Room as well as the Ocean Bar?

Just that we were looking to have a CC Roll-call catch-up over morning tea, but I wanted to find where they had decent coffee (and some speciality teas) not the "woeful" stuff from the dispensers.

Also is there always loud music in the Ocean Bar during the day?

Basically, looking for somewhere quiet to have a nice coffee and good conversation for morning tea. As you know the ship, what would be your suggested location for a catch-up for the roll-call group. There are only a couple of us anyway, but need your guidance.

Thanks

Mark.

The Ocean Bar and Salt Grill Bar on deck 8 had specialty coffee machines ( espresso etc) . Think coffee was $3.50 with a Hillier choc thrown in. Bar on pool deck also had one. Or if you sit in the Red Room etc you will be served by staff who will get them for you. Not sure about tea as I only ordered cappuccinos. Someone who is on board now should answer soon with a more definitive answer. The Pantry had self serve coffee/tea machines with all sorts of tea bags available. Machine dispensed - hot water, black coffee, coffee with milk, hot water with milk, hot chocolate Maybe something else, plus those tiny long life milks were also available.

Hi Helen,

Thanks for the info.

Is the Ocean Bar where people would go for morning tea? And can Gut get specialty teas there?

Just out of curiosity, where is the Red Room. I can't find it marked anywhere on the deck plans.

Thanks again.

Can anyone who has already sailed on Eden or Aria tell me if there is somewhere to buy decent coffee.

I have searched the deck plans but can't find any mention of a cafe. Do I assume it is a "counter" in the Pantry?

Thanks,

Hi all

I have a friend who is severely disabled and would love to take a cruise.

He is quite a big person and will require mechanical assistance for personal issues and getting into bed etc, he would need to take his own chair. Is there a cruise line out of Sydney that would cater for his needs.

thanks

Hi Madfisher,

There is a wealth of information on the Cruise Critic web site.

Can I suggest you try the following links as a starting point.

One of these is my own review from Radiance of The Seas back in 2012.

Disabled Cruise Travel on Cruise Critic

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

Cruises for Disabled Passengers

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/cruisestyles/area.cfm?area=30

Cruise reviews

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/styles/cruises-for-disabled/

My own review from 2012 on Radiance Of The Seas

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=96655

Ultimately you will need to confirm final details with the cruise line directly. They often have specialised staff to manage disabled or special needs customers.

Hope this helps

Mark.

Does anyone know where to find images of this dual dry docking of Aria & Eden currently happening in Singapore?

I have googled but nothing showing.

Did P&O ever post images of the work going onboard for their other ships whilst undergoing refurb?

Thanks,

So does this mean the rooms may be slightly larger, or an I imagining a bigger ship and going o be let down when it's the same size as the Jewel?

 

I am booked on the Eden for the Comedy Cruise 4 Dec.

Hi Cinderkaos,

Can I suggest you visit halfacts.com to view the ship as it is currently. Ryndam.

I found pics of the cabin we have booked for Christmas.

The trick is to find the current deck plan with the HAL cabin numbers first so you can find the cabin pics of your cabin. Yes, P&O have re-numbered the ship to suit their system.

Hope this helps.

I agree with Dizziedi. The holiday sailings (Christmas/New year) seem to be generally much quieter. I'm currently on one and it's pretty dead - and not the first time either.

 

I can only agree that the Christmas rollcalls are certainly lifeless.

Our rollcall on Pacific Eden for Christmas (Syd to QLD) is very lonely when you are the only one that appears to be travelling... :)

Hi Issg,

As a Sydneysider, my first question to you would be: "what are you planning on doing in Sydney that makes you think you need to rent a car?".

Is there something special that you are planning in Sydney? If so, the locals on this thread may be able to provide you with some alternate options.

Who knows, if you are travelling outside of the Sydney area (eg. Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands etc.) then a car for a day would be a nice option.

Let us know your plans and we can guide you with more informed decisions.

Sydney has many options available so no matter what you choose you will enjoy your stay.

Take care,

Mark.

Hi Louise,

Can I suggest:

1. Dining in Newtown. Lots of Thai and Asian, plus so many other types of food.

Take bus from George Street (422, 423, 426 or 428), train to Newtown or taxi.

2. Fish Market for lunch. Take light rail (tram) from Central Station.

3. Marrickville. A bit further out (approx 30 mins on the bus or train) but great Vietnamese, Greek and Asian.

Take the train to Marrickville or the bus (423 or 426)

Hope that helps.

Booked: 11 March 2015 (72 hour sale)

Sail date: 27 May 2015

Ship: Spirit (ex Sydney)

Class of guarantee: BL (balcony guarantee)

Date assigned: 15 May 2015 (12 days prior to sailing)

Cabin assigned: 8C (deck 6 balcony) 6283

Very happy.

Do the words "fancy dress" mean anything to you? :)

Perhaps then, the word "bogan"? :D

I have a "clown" suit that you can borrow... You will have to supply your own red-nose for that outfit though...

As for the attached image, I can just hear "Herself" saying: "His knees look better than yours..."

Sorry, I just couldn't resist having a bit of fun with this thread...

Hi all,

I picked up a bargain today on Carnival Spirit in their 72 hour sale.

27 May - 9 nights Ex Syd Balcony Guarantee for under $800.00pp twin

Amazing value. Not travelled Carnival previously, but at that price I couldn't pass it up.

Well done Big_M ! (nearly typed your real name, but realised you don't use that here.)

Thanks for all the useful information and the assistance you have provided to all of us here on CC over the years.

If only we could bring back Century for another farewell cruise. :)

Best wishes,

Hi Deb,

Can't wait for the next instalment from Century.

Any differences from our 22 Oct departure? Other than you are in the Penthouse Suite this time. :)

Looking forward to reading your review.