Pacific jewel norfolk cruise long review

[Frederick43]

Well this was the cruise that missed Norfolk Island due to the severe weather in the Tasman Sea. I have endeavoured to be objective in the review and hope that it may be of interest and even assistance to those considering cruising on Pacific Jewel.

 

Boarding at Wharf 5

Due to the intended redevelopment of the area the perfectly good terminal has been demolished and a temporary terminal installed further along the wharf. The terminal is quite adequate for the task and as usual P&O carry out the boarding of passengers in an efficient way. It is surprising how quickly almost 2000 passengers can be processed and boarded.

 

Cabin

This time we were in an obscured cabin on deck 8 (midship). The fact that we had a tender outside the window was no problem at all as far as light and yes we still had a view. The only small fault was that on tender days there was some noise as the tender was initially lowered. Room in the cabin was excellent for two even with the king-size bed. Cabin service was adequate but I would admit not to the same standard as we have had on previous cruises.

 

Departure from Sydney

This in my opinion is always one of the highlights of any cruise as it really is a wonderful harbour to sail out or in to. On this occasion we trailed Pacific Sun for some time before overtaking her.

 

On Board Entertainment

The entertainment on board was good and in many cases excellent. One has to bear in mind that you are not going to a Broadway Show Theatre, and that the entertainment staff have a limited area to work in and perform shows. There was as always plenty of entertainment and activities in all areas of the ship and to cater for virtually all tastes.

 

On Board Speakers/Lecturers

Again there was a good variety and on this cruise there was included a full set of lectures on Norfolk Island and the Bounty Mutiny. There were speakers on writing, along with dance lessons, craft lessons, and bridge lessons. The Destination speaker delivered a comprehensive presentation with photos and maps on the ports of call full of details needed to enjoy the days ashore. This was separate to the Tours Office presentation on what shore tours were available. All in all the presentations were good but my highlight was the History Speaker along with the Destination Speaker. These were excellent.

 

Food on Board

Okay so we all know that on a cruise you are sure to add a few kilos. This cruise was no different. Breakfast in the Plantation Buffett was great as you had plenty of time and a good variety to choose from. At times there seems to be confusion in the Plantation Room with averyone trying to get what they want to eat but a little patience and there is no problem.

The Waterfront Dining Room served a more sophisticated and leisurely breakfast for those that wanted restaurant style dining.

Lunch was again good with a great variety to choose from.

Afternoon Tea in the Waterfront was a wonderful experience where you had a chance to eat from a small selection of cakes, scones, sandwiches with waiter service.

Dinner is where the real choice has to be made. Plantation Buffett provided good food and a good selection.

The Waterfront was for fine dining although the standard of service depended on where you were seated. For anyone wanting to celebrate a special occasion with a few friends try to book the Wine Room in the Waterfront. It is a terrific section for a small private function.

The Salt Grill was another experience that I consider worth the $30 surcharge, but be careful some of the dishes have additional charges attached. Service excellent.

The La Luna Asian Restaurant is truly an experience not to be missed. The surcharge of $20 is worth every cent. Eight courses and approx 2 hours for this taste of Asia. Best service on board.

Of course there is the ‘Grill’ on the Lido Deck where you can purchase prawns, chips, wings, and Pizza. Also the Chocolate Cafe where again you can purchase light snacks, ice cream, juices, cookies etc: The coffee bar on Deck 5 in the Atrium has terrific coffee.

 

Bars

The ‘Lido Bar’ on Deck 12 caters for the pool area.

There is the ‘Casbah’ on Deck 7 for a quiet intimate drink.

‘Connexions’ also on Deck 7 is much larger and also the scene for many activities.

There is a bar in the ‘Marquee’ on decks 7 & 8 that provides drinks during shows.

There are also other smaller bars scattered about the ship.

 

Tea/Coffee

Plenty of outlets providing tea and coffee. If you just want plain coffee for free there are machines on the Lido Deck that run 24/7. We always take out thermos travel mugs so we can slip up and get a hot drink and take it to the cabin, or the open deck 7.

 

Extras

Ok so there are areas and facilities that are not included in the fare. The Oasis, with a nominal daily charge that makes it well worthwhile if you are seeking a little rest and relaxation. The Aqua has great gym equipment but if you are not a fitness junkie use the $20 day pass for the steam, sauna, relaxation, and aromatherapy rooms, I found this well worth while.

 

The Attic

So it is not the Dome, but we found it a terrific little spot.

 

The Ports

Noumea, One or two places in the town are well worth visiting. The Chocolate Shop, The Patisserie (both close to the terminal), and the Museum in the square has a wonderful WW1 exhibition along with a beautiful diorama scale model of old Noumea. For culture it is difficult to go past the Tjibaou Centre outside of Noumea.

Port Denarau, Always a favourite when on the itinerary. Plenty to see and do in the area, including Nadi, and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Then again you just browse around the shops or dine at the marina.

Dravuni Island, A great stop for relaxation. The climb to the hilltop is hard but the view makes the effort worth while. This climb should only be done if you are fit and do not have mobility problems. Otherwise just stroll around the village and relax on the beach.

Suva, The capital of Fiji and it has changed over the years. There is still plenty to do and see around the area and there can be some good buys in the shops, although prices have risen in the past couple of years. The market is an experience that stays with you. Nice to see the return of the greeting by the Police Band on the wharf. And the farewell from the band with the strains of Isa Lei drifting to the ship is something very special.

Nukualofa, It is a long walk from the wharf into town, but it is an interesting one and there are plenty of shady spots to rest along the waters edge. The town is small in terms of shopping but again there can be some good buys if you look.

Vavau, I always enjoy a visit to this Tongan Port. The town has grown even in twelve months and there are some great eating spots. Shopping here can be good, particularly in the Duty Free shop in the middle of town.

Port Villa, This was the unexpected stop in place of Norfolk Island. It was the first time I had visited Villa at night by ship. The shopping in Villa is well known; unfortunately the shops close early on Saturdays. Never the less there was shopping available and the markets opened up under torchlight.

I understand that in no small way this was the result of intense emails between the Destination Speaker on board and the Chairman of the Shop Owners Assn. Certainly it was a very successful visit for the shops that opened. As the ship arrived even earlier than expected it took awhile for shops to open but as the night wore on several opened up to the delight of the passengers.

 

Disembarkation

Again this is handled well. This time as in the past we opted for “Self-Assist” disembarkation that had us off the ship by 8am and on our way home shortly after. Beauty of this is that you still keep your bags with you on the final night for that last minute packing.

 

Summing-up

This was a most enjoyable cruise. The Jewel is a different ship to the Dawn. They may be the same to look at but they operate differently. It is unfair to compare one with the other. It is even more unfair to compare the Jewel with Princess Line, or the like as the fare cost is totally different and so is the style of cruise. After fifty years of cruising I would be more than happy to step on board Jewel at any time. Having travelled on some of the largest and most opulent liners in the world I consider that P&O offer great value for dollar on the fleet out of Australia. It is still the best value holiday you can get. We are counting the days till our next departure in February.:rolleyes:

:)

[cruisin-m]

Great review :)

The sum up of the review was really good as well, I think a lot of people are reluctant of what we are getting in Australia, when really we aren't any worse off the product is just adapted to the Australian lifestyle.

[rkmw]

Disembarkation

Again this is handled well. This time as in the past we opted for “Self-Assist” disembarkation that had us off the ship by 8am and on our way home shortly after. Beauty of this is that you still keep your bags with you on the final night for that last minute packing

 

good review but about the self disembarkation ... is this something new, we havent cruised with p&o for awhile and they dont do it on princess AU..they talk about it on the princess boards but that for the american passengers and they have to take their own bags off with no help from the staff

[Sandielle]

Don't know how long they've had it. We could have done it last Feb and June on the PD. It wasn't made a big deal of then - just that if you didn't want to put your cases out the night before, you'd have to take them off yourself in the morning. (I didn't pay much attention as we had enough hand luggage to deal with, without taking two big cases. :rolleyes: )

[livingstone]

very nice review, well set out and very positive. thanks for that it was a good read.

[EtheB]

At times there seems to be confusion in the Plantation Room with averyone trying to get what they want to eat but a little patience and there is no problem.

 

The Waterfront was for fine dining although the standard of service depended on where you were seated.

 

The Salt Grill was another experience that I consider worth the $30 surcharge, but be careful some of the dishes have additional charges attached. Service excellent.

The La Luna Asian Restaurant is truly an experience not to be missed. The surcharge of $20 is worth every cent. Eight courses and approx 2 hours for this taste of Asia. Best service on board.

 

Bars

There is the ‘Casbah’ on Deck 7 for a quiet intimate drink.

 

Summing-up

After fifty years of cruising I would be more than happy to step on board Jewel at any time. Having travelled on some of the largest and most opulent liners in the world I consider that P&O offer great value for dollar on the fleet out of Australia. It is still the best value holiday you can get.

:)

Thanks for a really positive review.

It was our first so I'm glad to see that even someone with many & varied cruises behind them would be happy to step back on board. Sums up my feelings for the cruise perfectly. :)

 

One small negative - I would say that some people didn't seem to "get" the idea of the Casbah being a quiet place. With so many bars on board, there always seemed to be at least one group (or couple) who'd obvioulsy been on the piss all day and didn't seem to know (or care) that no one else could even hear the piano. :(

[cazz0069]

Thanks for the read. Nothing like a really well written objectionable review. :)

[shortstuffy]

Thanks for the read. Nothing like a really well written objectionable review. :)

 

Jas

 

I think you mean "objective" review!!!!!:confused: "Objectionable" means Arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive and I'm sure Frederick 43's review is much more positive than that!

[thied]

self disembarkation has been around ON P&O for 2-3 years that we know of.:D

[rkmw]

self disembarkation has been around ON P&O for 2-3 years that we know of.:D

 

we havent cruised p&o for about 2 years and it wasnt available then

 

if you do self disembark do you go off first

 

on princess AU its not available

[Seadreams27]

Thanks for a well done objective review.

Puts my mind at rest regarding both the ship

and the cruise.. as we were hoping that it would

be not just a cruise but informative, and this

sounds like it was. :)

It is also nice to hear some positives about the Jewel.:)

[jpbtwo]

we havent cruised p&o for about 2 years and it wasnt available then

 

if you do self disembark do you go off first

 

on princess AU its not available

 

We have done 3 cruises out of Fremantle since 2008 on Sun Princess. Self disembark was available to the first 200 who could handle their own luggage on each of these cruises.

Gives time for the rest of the luggage to be unloaded and grouped before the rest of the passengers disembark.

[rkmw]

We have done 3 cruises out of Fremantle since 2008 on Sun Princess. Self disembark was available to the first 200 who could handle their own luggage on each of these cruises.

Gives time for the rest of the luggage to be unloaded and grouped before the rest of the passengers disembark.

 

i havent cruised out of Fremantle but they dont do it from Sydney

 

do they put a notice in the patter for the first 200

 

in Sydney the first ones off are the ones catching early flights

[Frederick43]

The self disembarkation is mainly there for those that have to make early connections with Air/Rial onward travel. It is limited in number and is allocated on a first in first serve basis. It is really important that when your Disembarkation form gets to your cabin if you want self assist fill it in right then and take it to reception. The self assist passengers on Jewel had to be in the Atrium on Deck 5 at 7am. Soon as the docking formalities were complete they left. We had two large cases as well as two small pull alongs but it was pretty easy going. In general it is also much less hassle going through immigration and customs and you don't have to scramble to find your bag in the customs area.

For us self assist is by far the easiest way of disembarkation and we have the advantage of keeping our bags till we get off thereby avoiding that performance of finding ...OOPS I packed the clothes for tomorrow and now they have gone. When your bag goes the night before you can bet you with inadvertently pack something you need the final night or the next morning.

;)

[thied]

The self disembarkation is mainly there for those that have to make early connections with Air/Rial onward travel. It is limited in number and is allocated on a first in first serve basis. It is really important that when your Disembarkation form gets to your cabin if you want self assist fill it in right then and take it to reception. The self assist passengers on Jewel had to be in the Atrium on Deck 5 at 7am. Soon as the docking formalities were complete they left. We had two large cases as well as two small pull alongs but it was pretty easy going. In general it is also much less hassle going through immigration and customs and you don't have to scramble to find your bag in the customs area.

For us self assist is by far the easiest way of disembarkation and we have the advantage of keeping our bags till we get off thereby avoiding that performance of finding ...OOPS I packed the clothes for tomorrow and now they have gone. When your bag goes the night before you can bet you with inadvertently pack something you need the final night or the next morning.

;)

 

we havent cruised p&o for about 2 years and it wasnt available then

 

if you do self disembark do you go off first

 

on princess AU its not available

what Frederick43 said is how it works

[Fairlea]

 

 

Extras

Ok so there are areas and facilities that are not included in the fare. The Oasis, with a nominal daily charge that makes it well worthwhile if you are seeking a little rest and relaxation. The Aqua has great gym equipment but if you are not a fitness junkie use the $20 day pass for the steam, sauna, relaxation, and aromatherapy rooms, I found this well worth while.

:)

 

Hi Frederick43, thanks for a great review, we will certainly follow up on your recommendations, and your helping build the excitement for my OH and I, we go on our first cruise Oct 19. Just one question from your review, is there a charge for using the standard gym equipment?? I had thought it was included.

 

If anyone has the price list for classes etc that would be great.

Thanks,

Fairlea

[cazz0069]

Jas

 

I think you mean "objective" review!!!!!:confused: "Objectionable" means Arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive and I'm sure Frederick 43's review is much more positive than that!

 

hehehe point taken ;)

[Frederick43]

I did not actually use the Gym....like at my age I am not into all that effort, running up and down the stairs does for me.

From memory you can get some form of pass but there must be some one out there with the exact info, if not I can get it for you.:)

[Forever dreaming]

Really great review Frederick43. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

When we came off the Pacific Dawn in July I didnt bother to fill in the disembarkation form at all as I wanted to carry my own bag off. We were issued with a coloured tag which was the second to last tag off. This was great as the only choice on the disembarkation form for carrying your own luggage off was at the beginning. I like to get off last so this suited me just fine:)

 

also Fairlea, There was no charge for the standard gym equipment on the Dawn and also no charge on the Pacific Sun in April. I cant comment on the Jewel but I would have thought it was free too.

 

 

Fiona

:)