Pacific Dawn Review - W824 - Summer Sessions

[VicGuy]

Day 1 (Sydney Sailaway)

Travelling solo was a bit daunting until i got on the ship.

 

Flight up from Melbourne in the morning on Virgin Blue (after flirting with the checkin woman and copped a exit row seat) to Sydney. Transfers to the wharf were well connected and the first thing i mouthed when the bus pulled into Wharf 8 was something like oh hell (but not as nice). I wasn't expecting the Dawn to be sooooooo big.

 

Quick Checkin through customs etc then on board to Plaza Deck. A bit lukcy i only had to go down one deck to the Fiesta Deck then onto F120. a bit strange looking out of the port holes and seeing the wharf crew loading stuff onto the ship. Then up to the Lido deck for Lunch in the Cafe Del Sol and the Sailaway Party with Elements rocking the pool stage with cocktail in hand. Got a bit patriotic listening to "I Still call Australia Home" going under the Harbour Bridge. When downstairs to get ready for dinner in the Palm Court. Can not fault the service in this Dining room. All staff make you feel welcome and cared for. After dinner up to the Showloung for the Welcome Aboard Showtime with Thomas and Moore (saw these guys on my last cruise and are still a crack up) and Simon Gillespie. After showtime down to the Bengal for a couple of cocktails.

 

More to come (Hope it isn't too boring)

[angelwingsflys]

Thankyou VicGuy,

Not boring , we all love reviews.

Tell us more about your cabin.

regards Deb

[Gratz]

Not boring at all!

I think I will also be shocked when I see Dawn up close......I know that I definately underestimate her size

 

Keep it coming

Grace

[VicGuy]

Some thoughts on the Cabin. Walking into the cabin it seems pretty standard size (I found out later it was only about one metre shorter from the door to the far wall than Plaza Deck). Walking in the hallway to the bathroom features a large open wardrobe and wall of drawers (three times what i actually used) with a cupboard on top feature this years fashionable life jackets and safe. The bathroom is just big enough to fit everything with some breathing room with a soap dispenser on the wall in the shower cubicle (which i managed to knock off the walk a couple of times:)).

 

The cabin has two single beds (in bunk formation with the upper bunk sliding up into the roof if not in use) with a three drawe bedside table and lamp. A small table and chair sit under the two portholes (under the portholes is a deep shelf-very handy for stuff which is hidden with the curtains closed) Having portholes has some advantage over a window in that you can close the pothole covers and block out the morning sun (great for sleeping in after a night out). The Flatscreen tv is on a small shelf opposite the beds and above the lond desk/dressing table with a large mirror above. In the hallway opposite the wardrobe/bathroom hallway is a huge floor to ceiling mirror. Am in the process of uploading photos to Webshots which will include photos of the cabin

 

Jase.

[VicGuy]

:) Day 2 (First Sea Day)

 

Up at a reasonable time (and just in time) for full service breakfast in the Palm Court. Still hadn't got used to about 10 waiters holding up one finger for signify one seat just to the whole dining room knew there was someone on their own (Just a little tooo obvious). Then up to the Showlounge for the Port Talk on Noumea/Ouvea which was good timing as they were two ports i hadn't been to yet.

After breakky and the port talk up to the Dome for Morning Trivia which set some standard as the questions were pretty hard for most people. That and the bar up there hadn't opened yet. Met up with a couple in the Dome who became good friends for the rest of the cruise and beyond. Ended up in a group of about eight of us with a standard booking in the Palm Court and Bingo buddies. But no winning.

Ended the afternoon off with some quality deck lounger time on the Promenade Deck, the CC meetup in the Bengal and a spot of Karaoke (Was a bit strange for a bloke to be singing 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton) followed by Bingo with Miss Caren (I think everyone remembers her cabin was Number 87) Found the Promenade Deck to be a bit quieter and calmer than the Lido Deck which made it easier to relax and sleep for a while.

 

Before Dinner made it down to the Lotus Spa for the first of two full body massages. I had only planned on having one when i booked it at the Spa Demo on the first night after after the first i had to book another for the return sea days. Marie was just spectacular and i came out feeling the best i had in a long time.

 

Dinner followed in the Palm Court with a visit to the Showlounge for the late show of Simon Gillespie after which came more Karaoke in the Bengal (This time Islands in the Stream). Then off for a well deserved nights sleep.

[Cruzer Nut]

Hi VicGuy

 

Thanks for the great review so far look forward to the rest of it.

 

Just have a question in regards to the "Soap Dispenser" that you mentioned, can you give us some more info about it please. Hated the small soap they had on the Pac Sun 2 years ago.

 

Also what other "complementaries" do they have in the Rooms.

[VicGuy]

Hey Cruzer Nut.

The soap dispenser (liquid soap) is on the wall of the shower near the shower curtain opening. Everytiime i reach next to it to grab the shampoo etc i managed to hit the bottom of it and it went flying. The other complementaries i got in the bathroom we the usual small soap, shampoo etc but took my own shower gel and shampoob (Just used to the same thing).

 

Two of the group i spent a lot of time with had one of the Suites on Aloha which had complementary launder, canapes, dvd player (with dvd hire) and some other extras. We went into the suite one night to have a squiz before heading to the Dome and i nearly dropped dead in awe. If only i could afford it just once

[Cruzer Nut]

Thanks for that Jase

 

Good to know that they now supply liquid soap to wash hands with etc in the rooms (find it a little more hygienic).

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

 

Fi

[Gratz]

Oh good to know that they have liquid soap, that was on my packing list! YAY! I can cross off one thing :D

 

Oh love what you said about the 1 finger thing through the restaurant....i can see you thinking "ok,......we get it.....ONE! ALONE!"

[karmac]

Oh love what you said about the 1 finger thing through the restaurant....i can see you thinking "ok,......we get it.....ONE! ALONE!"

 

If it's breakfast, you could just tell them everyone else is still in bed;) :p

 

Nothing wrong with travelling alone. Hey, if I could travel alone instead of with a hubby & 3 kids, I'd be able to do it more often:)

[Gratz]

Hope you held your head high when they were doing the one finger thing. My sister just did a solo thru canada / alaska

[VicGuy]

I did indeed walk through the Palm Court with my head held proudly to be a solo cruiser Gratz.

 

Day 3 (Still at Sea)

Usual wake up and down to the Holiday Deck for a workout before heading to the Palm Court for breakfast and the solo finger salute (and not the bad one).

Managed to get in some quality deck lounger time on Promenade with a bit of a nap, some reading and just watching the world go by in the middle of the Pacific.

After a sumptious lunch (Back in Palm Court) it was onto the Showlounge for Pacific Deal of No Deal which prizes ranged from a used bingo ticket, to meal for two in steakhouse, perfume and the compulsory P&O stubbie holder. Then came round 2 of Snowball Bingo with more of Caren reminding everyone of her room number (for those not in the know., Its 87) with colours of tickets resembling to the crowd everything from a yellow ticket to sky blue and blood (YUK but i got worse later on). It seemed with bingo that the majority of winners came from Adelaide (or did it just seem that way).

Some more relaxation time followed back in F120 then dinner in formal gear with the group in the Palm Court under the sophisicated guidance of Karl and Brian (Hope Brian has got the sleeves now). After a stop off in the Showloung for "Do you wanna Dance" up to the Dome for the obligatory round of Perfect Match with Caren and Charlotte standing in for Greg and Dexter (or Cameron and Tiffany). A usual crackup as can be found whenever the game gets played. A bit more of a Party then sleepytime to await the new dawn (strange choice of words) in Noumea.

 

Day 4 (Noumea - LAND AT LAST!!!!!)

 

We managed to dock on time (or it seemed on time) at Noumea and was still strange to be able to see what was happening on shore at eyelevel through the portholes. The usual trip to the Holiday Deck and Palm Court. First time in the great city that is Noumea and managed to get on a Shore Tour (but not the Yellow Tchou Tchou train which was booked out by the time i managed to make it to the short tours office) which was the City highlights and Aquarium. The tour went up to two of the hightes points - one right behind the CBD with the other a bit further out in the burbs with very different scenery. The aquarium looked smaller from the outside that it and was a great addition to the tour). Back on board for a bit of lunch after a trip to the "Casino:) " for some supplies (managed to cut the bit of skin between thumb and finger on the coing slot in the laundry - a of a habit as i managed to slice by finger on a broken shot glass in my suitcase on the last cruise). Then back out to hit the town. The City Museum is worth a visit with heaps of interactive displays showing the rich history of Noumea and New Caledonia from iss beginings. The some shopping with some buying thrown in (could'nt help myself) then back to the ship in time for departure and a mini-sailaway). Dinner then drinks in the Bengal (Became a frequent visitor to this elegant establishment)

 

Coming up next - The Visit to the Paradise that is OUVEA:)

[bentley girl]

G'day Jase,

Great review so far, My cruise only a little over 5mths away and each time I read any fellow ccr's review I start to get more and more excited

Regards, Julie

[Ricane]

Thanks for the review Jase, we were on the same cruise and just loved it! Ouvea was my favourite port and it will be great to hear your views too.

 

We had nearly all our meals in Palm Court and as we were only a couple we opted to sit at different tables each meal. We met quite a few single people and they had all cruised before. Love your solo finger salute, it's so funny. Have to admit I was a bit concerned before we cruised, thinking that we wouldn't meet any others but as you know that's impossible. It's great fun going to dinner - you never know who you'll be sitting with.

 

Look forward to the rest of the review.

 

Ella

[ausie]

Hi

Love the review, who is the cruise director now? I am going on the PD on 12th Oct

 

Bob

[VicGuy]

Day 5 (The Paradise that is Ouvea)

 

Woke up as usual and down to the Holiday Deck for a workout and Breakfast in the Palm Court (This will probably be the same sentence for each day - Pretty boring i know :) )

 

Up to the Promenade Bar for a Tender Ticket (I think i was red - Well part of me was by that night) then down to Fiesta Deck again (It would be easier if the could just drop off tender tickets to the guests on Fiesta - Would save having to climb up to deck 7 then back down) and onto the tender. From the first site of Ouvea i was shellshocked by the exquisite natural beauty of this amazing island. The walk down to Mouli beach wasnt to bad but needed to keep on getting out of the way of the Ouvean (I think that is right) drivers chaffeuring people around. Even the main road was great (I would love to swap their peak hours for Melbourne) with the signature New Caledonian electricity poles and the cemetary right near the beach. Met up with the rest of the gang, The sandals came off and into the clear blue water. Was a bit cold to begin with but after the first initial dunk got used to the water and just lazed around for an unknown amount of time. Managed to get out of the water for long enough to walk down to get a Coconut which was a bit painful as i didn't put shoes back and thought walking on the tarred road would be okay OUCH!!!. Then back in the water for a second swim then the walk back to the pontoon for the return journey. The Pac Dawn even from Ouvea looks massive!!!.

 

Managed to miss lunch so made it down to La Patisserie for a large hot chocolate and quiche. Service here is just as good as in the Palm Court.

 

Then copped some heavy duty deck lounger time on Promenade with some time thrown in for laundry duties on Plaza Deck before another dinner in the Palm Court. Then onto the Bengal for more Karaoke and Cocktails. It was then that i realised that although i had lathered sunscreen on my face, neck arms and legs i had managed to get sunburn in the front of my hair where you could see where the sunscreen application ended. Once found it was straight down to the Signature Collection for a cap to conceal the evidence. It killed for days after trying to wash my hair.

 

Day 6 (A difference kind of Paradise - Port Vila)

Priorities definetly came to the fore at Port Vila. Forget about the workout, Straight after breakfast it was off ship to head to the Vanuatu Jet. For anyone who hasn't done this, i would highly reccommend. It gives you a different slant on Port Vila at the same time giving you a glow from the exhilarating ride and turns. Plus you get a bit wet:) . Not to expensive and well worth the money. After a good shower it was off again to SHOP. Met up with the gang and headed to town in a bus. All the way from the dock i had a relaxed feeling (some might say zen) where all the cares of the world dropped away. Port Vila really is one of those great little towns with drivers who can be a bit scary. Made the obligatory visit to Fung Kweis for grog smokes (for a friend) and the impulse purchase of a big Toblerone. Back for a wander through town for some shopping for family (ever since my last trip-Hong Kong, my mother was bugging me for a Chloe bag which i couldn't find in Vila so she had to settle for a Louis Vuitton) and other assorted items. A quick rush back to port to drop shopping in cabin (the one time being on the Fiesta Deck is handy) then to meet up for the tour to Ekasup Village. The drive to the village showed another side of Port Vila heading more out into the country side. After arriving the walk to the village enterance was eventful (SPOILER-Guard hiding in the trees with spears) the rush of natives at the entrance (More Spoiler). Zero was excellent as a guide and totally had a slanted sense of humour. Ekasup was trully beautiful with the rainforest all around. Missed lunch back on the ship so grabbed a bite (a big bite) from the Grill (i soooo wasn't expecting all those chips).

Then for a change Dinner in the Steakhouse and after all the activity a quick drink in the Bengal then straight to bed

Next to Come - Wala - Warriors, Water and Wavering

[VicGuy]

Hey Bob,

 

Zoltina-J was still the cruise director on my latest but she did mention that she was getting off soon.

 

Hey Julie,

I got the same way. I was totally addicted to reading other peoples reviews and photos and that made it all the more exciting. I can't waiting until my next

 

Hey Ella,

 

I managed different tables for Breakfast and Lunch i the Palm Court but ate with the gang for most of the nights (after i joined) as Karl and Brian took such personal attention to all diners.

 

Glad everyone is enjoyed my adventure (or living recklessy through my adventure)

[karmac]

Hi Jase. Just noticed your Pacific Sun cruise in 2006 were exactly the same ports as we did. When exactly did you go?

[VicGuy]

Hey Karon,

The 2006 cruise was in March/April. It wa s bit more humid (especially in Vila) but still every enjoyable. If you going to the land diving on Pentecost. PLEASE take a hat as there isn't much shade to sit under.

[karmac]

Hey Karon,

The 2006 cruise was in March/April. It wa s bit more humid (especially in Vila) but still every enjoyable. If you going to the land diving on Pentecost. PLEASE take a hat as there isn't much shade to sit under.

 

We left on 2nd April & returned 13th (day before Good Friday). Was just wondering if we were on the same cruise.

[VicGuy]

Day 7 (Wala - Warriors, Water and Wavering)

 

Short day spend on the unspoit island of Wala (Only between approx 8:00 to 3:30). Usual Workout and Breakfast in Palm Court with a visit to the Promenade Bar for a tender ticket.

 

As it was the second time i'd been to Wala it was interesting to see if anything had changed. And a bit had. The Island tour was a bit longer last time (probably more than double the length) but was still worth doing.

 

The beach which i visited before the tour was the same and was still gorgeous to swim in (even though it was a bit rockier than Ouvea). The strange thing was that even though the Pac Dawn was anchored you could look back to the ship and it would be in a slightly different angle to the island:eek: .

 

Made it back to the board in time for Palm Court lunch then some quality deck lounger time before getting ready for Island Night. Island night just has to be experienced to be believed. Managed to scrounge up some tea from the Grill and made an appearance in the Showloung for Cameo Rascale (which was pretty good considering it was a bit rough - At one stage walking out of the showloung there was a big lunge of the ship which would have been bad if the show was still on)

 

But back to Island Night. Blokes wearing coconut bras and grass skirts and the first appearance (that i know) of the led light cocktail glass. For those who didn't see this innovative:) glass it is about 20cms tall with lights in the base which reflect up to the rim of the glass. The rest of the night was spent on deck until i was nearly falling asleep (which was just a bit after 12) then walked back down from Lido to Fiesta for a well deserved sleep.

 

Day 8 (At Sea. Blue Blue and more blue)

Woke up a bit later this morning after the full day and night before. Still managed a trip to the Holiday Deck and Palm Court which was followed by some more deck time and some study in my stateroom (i know i took uni work to a cruise:eek: ).

 

Lunch followed in the Palm Court then some more deck time and study before heading to the Liars Club in the Internation Showlounge. This is another event not to miss as the celebs (?) try to outdo each other with the most fanciful stories. Then the return of Snowball Bingo with simulcast to the Dome. Likewise to the balcony the 5 second rule should have been applied to winners in the Dome:p (Just Kidding) (For those who haven't experience this the five second rule applies giving 5 seconds for a bingo winner even if there one deck up in the balcony to get on the stage to claim the winnings)

 

After Bingo made my way back to F120 and found my highly prized invite to the Captains Club Cocktail Party the next day. The unfortunate thing was i had my second Full Body Massage booked for the same time:eek: . After considering asking Captain Paoletti to reschedule (like i would do that) i quickly (read sprinted) down to the Lotus Spa to beg for new appointment (which i managed to secure for the morning after-Last Sea Day). Dinner beckoned in the Palm Court with Karl and Brian and the gang then down to the Showloung for Motor City followed by cocktails in the Bengal. Was going to try to make it to the SitDown Comedy Club but didn't think anyone would want someone snoring in the middle of the act (I know - Lightweight)

 

To Follow - Two more sea days then back to Sydney

 

To the lovely Karmac - I think it was the same cruise back in 2006. Shame i wasnt a member of this fantastic site back then

[karmac]

To the lovely Karmac - I think it was the same cruise back in 2006. Shame i wasnt a member of this fantastic site back then

 

Awww, thanks Jase:) .

I found this site about 6 months before that cruise & we had a get together with 5 other CCers on our first sea day in the Gazebo. We met up with most of them on several other occassions throughout the cruise and one of them (kazza1) was also on our Dawn cruise in November & will be on our Dawn cruise in March.

Were you on the DVD at all?

[VicGuy]

Hey Karen,

I was only on the Reflections DVD for a split second in the Captains welcome cocktail party in Atlantis.

 

I have been watching the DVD from the latest cruise and keep on getting nostalgic about the great cruise it was :D

[VicGuy]

Day 9 (Still at Sea)

 

Tried to take it easy today but still managed the usual trip to the Holiday Deck and the Palm Court.

Then up to the Showlounge for the Animal Towel and Napkin Folding demo (the first time i saw a towel animal in person).

 

Then came the culinary demo with Fabio, Marc and Zoltina-J. The predicted chaos insured with both Marc and Fabio trying to take the reins and Zoltina-J eating the results. This iwas fine until they had finished the Prawns Adelaide which they must have knocked a stack of Chilli powder in as after the first bite, Zoltina bolted for the water. Then the usual disembarkation talk (which is pretty much the same each time you have to get off board).

Then lunch and a wander round the shops (not that this was the first time this happened).

After a bit of retail therapy (not that you need it on the Pac Dawn) it was time for Marriage Match. Anyone who has missed this on any P&O Cruise needs to make it a must see on their next.

The funniest event in Marriage Match was when they had the wives up on stage and Ms Zoltina asked what their husbands favourite condiment was. The newlywed wife of course came out with a normal answer - Smokey BBQ Sauce. When they brought the husbands back on stage. Newlywed Husband was asked and to the whole showloungers surprise is answer was "I have to go for the Durex". Once i came out the whole audience was wetting themselves with laughter until Newlywed Husband came to his senses. Even Zoltina looked like she was about to fall over crying with laughter:).The other embarassing question was to do with the shape of the husbands "bits" which had the multiple choice answers of Hummer, Tank, Ford Cortina or Pink VW Bugg with two flat tyres - Much to much information provided by the couples here.

Then it was on for Snowball Bingo again, The jackpot was getting bigger each time and still no winner in the gang.

Straight after bingo it was down to the Fiesta to gett geared up for Captains Club in the Dome. Cocktails (i think i had about 5 - They just kept on coming) and canapes galore. And the every attentive service of Miss Ramona (One of the best bar stewardesses on board). The part was most enjoyable with crew eager to chat to all passengers even Captain Paoletti.

 

Leaving the dome was it was down to the Bengal for another cocktail (and another Karaoke performance) before dinner in the Palm Court, and visit to the girls suite on Aloha (which was like heaven) before some partying in the Dome.

 

One more sea day and disembarkation to come.