Last minute questions before I cruise...

[Aussie Aloha]

Hello everyone,

 

Sorry for bombarding you all with so many questions this week. This is my first cruise and I am excited but getting a bit nervous! I have been out all day and missed the chance to call P&O today. I thought who better to ask than you informative, helpful people! I am leaving next Saturday for 7 nights on the Pacific Dawn:

 

 

• Is there air-con in the eating areas and the bars and Dome nightclub?
  
• Do I need to worry about changing currency for the islands, or should I just take some small notes in $AU?
  
• Is there an iron in the laundry?
  
• Does anyone know what coins the washing machine and dryer take?
  
• Would anyone who has been on the Dawn recently know what nights the formal nights are and what theme nights there will be? Like island or country etc...
  

I think that's it for today LOL! Thanks in advance :)

AA

[Aus Traveller]

Hi,

To answer your questions -

1. The whole ship is air conditioned. Sometimes the main lounge can be a bit cool until it fills with people. If the temperature in your cabin doesn't suit you, look for the temperature control. It should be near the dressing table. Often the stewards seem to set the temperature at ultra cold.

 

2. Currency. With the ports you are going to you don't have to change currency. Noumea and Lifou both use French Pacific Francs and you can get these from the Purser's Desk (Reception desk) on board. The exchange rate isn't too bad because you would only be changing a fairly small amount of money and it is a flat rate with an extra fee of $8 that some banks charge. In Noumea if you plan to pay for a tour in the terminal on the dock or buy some souvenirs there, you don't have to have francs. Similarly, in Lifou they will accept AUD. Vila uses vatu, but most people don't bother changing currency. You can't get it on the ship. Taxi drivers and the markets price everything in AUD. Take a mixture of Aussie notes from $5 to $20. The locals can't bank Aussie coins, so it is easy to get change as they are eager to get rid of coins. You might find someone wanting to change Aussie coins for notes. They are not trying to con you, just change the Aussie currency to something they can bank.

 

3. Iron. There are irons in the laundry and use is free.

 

4. I think the washers and dryers cost $3 per load and you need Aussie coins. If you need change at any time, just go to the Purser's Desk.

 

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[barnsey1802]

Hello everyone,

 

Sorry for bombarding you all with so many questions this week. This is my first cruise and I am excited but getting a bit nervous! I have been out all day and missed the chance to call P&O today. I thought who better to ask than you informative, helpful people! I am leaving next Saturday for 7 nights on the Pacific Dawn:

 

 

• Is there air-con in the eating areas and the bars and Dome nightclub?
  
• Do I need to worry about changing currency for the islands, or should I just take some small notes in $AU?
  
• Is there an iron in the laundry?
  
• Does anyone know what coins the washing machine and dryer take?
  
• Would anyone who has been on the Dawn recently know what nights the formal nights are and what theme nights there will be? Like island or country etc...
  

I think that's it for today LOL! Thanks in advance :)

AA

 

Hi AA,

 

Yes, there is air conditioning in the eating areas and the dome.

 

All the island you are going to accept AUD.

 

There is an iron in the laundry.

 

The machines take one dollar coins. you can get change at the pursers desk, but sometimes they run out. So go up to the casino and change you notes in the poker machines.

 

On a 7 night cruise you will probably have 2 theme night. definately island night and maybe country & western or rock & roll.

 

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful cruise & when you come back you wil be hooked like the rest of us on here.;)

 

Deidre

[Aus Traveller]

I realise I didn't answer your question about formal/theme nights. Formal nights are now called "Cocktail dress" instead of "formal dress". I think this is because a lot of Aussies don't go the whole hog with formal dress, but some still do. It is totally up to you. The second night of the cruise and the second last night have always been formal night, so that is likely.

 

There is always an island night (usually after Vila where there is good 'stuff' to buy) and probably a country night. On Pacific Dawn they have a Pirate Show (don't miss it!!) and passengers are encouraged to dress in theme for the show. Most don't but it would be easy to take some bits and pieces. The show is audience participation, and if you are in costume and reasonably near the front, you would have a fair chance of being selected to take part in the show.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Aussie Aloha]

Thanks everyone!

 

So it will be wise to take some cash with me as well then? Is there anywhere to get cash from my EFTPOS card rather than carry it?

 

Aus Traveller - hehe that sounds like more reason for me to sit in the back and not dress in costume lol!

[Aus Traveller]

I suggest taking cash with you. You can keep it in the safe in your cabin. This can be used for spending ashore and little items on board like laundry. Your on-board account (drinks etc.) can be paid off your credit card, or if you wish you can take cash and put it on your account.

 

Re the Pirate show - I know how you feel about being picked to go on stage.:)

[Aussie Aloha]

Great advice thank you. I shall share with fellow cruise buddies :)