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Cruise Blogs

Our cruise blogs are all written by consultants from the Cruise Republic. Get updated on cruising news, cruise reviews and the latest cruise deals with the blogs below.

  • Onboard cabin credit

    Posted 16 Feb 2012


    When there is onboard cabin credit there are no vouchers or coupons issued for the credit. Once you get onboard the ship the credit will automatically be loaded onto your cruise card. You will receive you cruise card once you arrive onboard.

    Your onboard credit can be used towards any purchases made onboard, and when we say anything we mean anything. You can use it towards your cocktails, a spa treatment or even a shore excursion.

    It is money that Cruise Republic are giving you to spend onboard to your hearts delight!
  • Poised Pool Tables

    Posted 12 Feb 2012



    A video showing the amazing self-leveling pool tables aboard Radiance of the Seas- the floor is moving, but those balls are staying perfectly still!
  • The Love Boat!

    Posted 10 Feb 2012

    It's the great divide when it comes to cruising- (usually older) couples enjoying a sedate holiday, or crazy young singles out for a good time and a party. For Erin Picard and Todd O'Neill of Peabody, Massachussets, their cruise was somewhere in the middle.

    In 2010, Erin was having a hard time working several jobs and looking after her sick grandmother when she took a cruise to Bermuda with a girlfriend- and met Todd. The two spent the whole cruise together, and now are engaged.  Erin's mother remembered receiving an overjoyed phone call from her daughter, telling her how amazing the ship, food and staff were, and that she had met the love of her life.

    After they got engaged, Erin's mom emailed the cruise line just to share with them the happy story and it's great ending- and the line got in contact with them. After learning they weren't planning a honeymoon, Norwegian Cruise Lines offered Erin and Todd a 12-night Mediterranean cruise as a wedding gift. The cruise will take place onboard the Norwegian Spirit, the very ship where they first met.

    A real story of love on a cruise ship! Great stuff, Norwegian Cruise Lines.

     Norwegian Spirit
    by Purple Slog Flickr Creative Commons
  • Rhapsody Refurbishment

    Posted 8 Feb 2012

    Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas is due to be fitted out in March as part of the line's Royal Advantage program, which will bring the mid-sized ships more in line with the Oasis and Allure, their newest and largest ships.

    The refurbishment will give the Rhapsody many of the dining options mentioned in an earlier post about the Radiance of the Seas- Izumi, a Japanese restaurant, Giovanni's Table for Italian, the Chop's Grille and the fine-dining Chef's Table, as well as the complimentary Park Cafe deli.

    Wifi will be made available throughout the ship, and flat-screen televisions put in all rooms and a big screen by the pool. A very cool tech feature that Royal Caribbean is also bringing to guest cabins is iPads- they can be used to access timetables, onboard accounts (only your own of course!) and make restaurant reservations. Is this the future of cruising?

    The centrum atrium will get a make-over, with the hanging sculpture being taken down to make room for aerial acrobatics, and several of the public space and bars will be changed.

    Rhapsody of the Seas
    by Rennett Stowe Flickr Creative Commons
  • Disney's Fantasy Arrives

    Posted 8 Feb 2012

    Disney Cruise Lines is set to become a 4-ship line very soon with the handover of their latest ship tomorrow- the Disney Fantasy.

    The ship has been undergoing sea trials in the North Sea after construction in Papenberg, Germany, and will be officially handed over to Disney on Thursday the 9th Feb in Bremerhaven. It will leave the Continent on the 16th and, after a transatlantic crossing stopping in several places, will arrive in New York on the 1st of March for it's christening, starting cruises from Florida on the 31st of March.

    The ship will be a sister to Disney Dream, and will provide the amazing Disney experience that is so good for families. Interactive entertainment will include a new concept dinner called 'Animation Magic,' during which diners can draw their own characters on placemats and 'Imagineers' will draw a cartoon in which the character interacts with traditional Disney characters. A movie theatre will show first-run 3D Disney movies, and there will be a wide range of shows in the Walt Disney Theatre. Disney is of course known for its entertainment, and its cruise line doesn't disappoint. A Disney Cruise will be a magical experience for the young ones- and the older ones too, due to the great Adult-Only areas of which Disney ships often have plenty!

    by pop culture geek Flickr Creative Commons
  • Aboard the Radiance of the Seas

    Posted 8 Feb 2012

    Some Cruise Republicans got onboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas this week while she was in port at Auckland, for a good look around and lunch! The Radiance is not one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, but she sure appears large and looming in our modest Waitemata Harbour. The original of the Radiance class, like Dr Who's Tardis she seems bigger on the inside too- due to her famed glass walls illuminating the interior. Nothing seems tucked away in the bowels of the ship, and even on the lifts you are in natural light- they are located near the outside glass walls and made of glass. Quite an experience it is dropping down 8 or more floors with a view of the ocean!

    The atrium is a sight to see, soaring eight levels high and with an impressive sculpture suspended from the top. In the Crown and Anchor booking office near the top of the ship, there is a glass floor which allows you to stand over the atrium and look down on the many metres to the bottom- very cool! Around the outside of the atrium you can find various bars, library, duty free shops, the main restaurant, the casino, and the photo centre and tours desk.



    There are a lot of specialty restaurants on this ship- although you certainly wouldn't go hungry or lack any variety by eating at the complimentary dining venues, which include the Windjammer buffet restaurant, the Cascades restaurant which is the main dining area with 6:15pm and 8:30pm dining times, (with the option of My Time Dining, where you can dine at any time, preferably with prior notice), the Boardwalk Dog House for very casual hot dogs and such, and the Park cafe in the adults-only Solarium which offers healthy options. We ate lunch in the Cascades Restaurant and I was very pleased with my beef stroganoff and apple pie, as well as with the surroundings- a nice-looking restaurant on two levels with a grand staircase and cascading waterfall, which does not feel at all like a dining hall.

    Lunch in the Cascades:




    The buffet looked extensive, and the Dog House was conveniently located near the pools and outdoor activities for a quick bite.

    Windjammer:
    Dog House:



    The specialty restaurants are dotted all around the ship, so it would be necessary to note which places are complimentary and which have a cover charge before wandering in to the wrong one! The Chops Grille is a good one, with a USD$40 charge, or Giovanni's if you would like to dine Italian at USD$25. There are several more casual ethnic restaurants around, which are generally cheaper- a la carte Japanese at Izumi, tapas at Rita's Cantina or Brazilian BBQ at Samba Grill. The epitome of fine dining comes at the Chef's Table, where only 16 people per night can enjoy a 3-4 hour degustation experience with fine wine pairings at USD$95 a head. These will add up if you want to try them all- and this is where the amazing Chef's Dining Package comes in. I was impressed with this- for just USD$120 you can dine at the Chef's Tavle, Chops Grille, Giovanni's, the Samba Grill and Izumi. This is a great deal, and would pay for itself with just the Chef's Table and Giovanni's. Room service is free but incurs a small delivery charge between midnight and 5am.

    Chops Grille:

    Giovanni's Table:
    Chef's Table:
    Samba Grill:

    Rita's Cantina:
    Izumi:


    We could only see the public areas of the ship as it was on a port visit and all cabins were occupied, so unfortunately couldn't get in to a cabin. However what struck me about the public areas was the light- a ship can easily become poky and dark, but the huge glass windows in the center of the ship sorted that problem for most areas. Often tucked away in the middle of the ship, the gym had large windows looking over the stern for views as you sweat, and the spa also had natural light in the thermal suite and elsewhere.

    Thermal Suite:


    Bars and clubs are scattered everywhere- there is the Quill and Compass, an English pub with live sports playing, the Star Quest nightclub with a rotating bar, and many other areas where you can purchase drinks and chill lout before dinner or a show. These are used as venues for quizzes and games during the day, and often have live music in the evenings- There are even self-levelling pool tables so you can enjoy a game even when there's a bit of motion. To help you figure out what's going on there are interactive info screens outside the lifts on all levels. I thought these were great- they have a touch screen and you can get directions, find out what's on at various venues and even get menus for the restaurants.

    Quill and Compass:
    Star Quest:

    On the outside decks you will find the requisite pool, which is quite small as in most cruise ships. If you are over 16, you can use the pool in the Solarium, a great climate-controlled area with a retractable roof. Also outside there is a half basketball court, a rock-climbing wall, 9-hole mini golf, a kids area with pool and waterslide and a jogging track. Also, of course, the many sun loungers!


    Solarium:


    Entertainment inside the ship is just as extensive. The main theatre is called the Aurora theatre adn shows a variety of things- musicals, circus-type acts, comedy and music. Shows play twice each night to accommodate early and late diners. We could not take photos in the theatre as rehearsals were in progress but it was a good size and looked as though it would be easy to get a seat. There was a bar in the theatre and you can order drinks from your seat.


    There is also a small movie theatre with movies playing on board, and these are screened on the in-cabin televisions a few days later. The casino is open when the ship is in international waters, and there are duty-free shops for those who can't wait for port stops to do their shopping. The aforementioned self-levelling pool tables are a very popular option. When we were there, we walked past a pub quiz in progress, which looked like a lot of fun and quite intimate and friendly as most people were off the ship visiting Auckland.

    The kid's programmes include all ages up to the teens, who have a well-equipped hangout area with many games- both electronic and not! A new addition from the recent upgrade to the ship is a nursery for "Royal Babies and Tots."


    Overall, the Radiance is a great mid-sized ship. I particularly liked the big windows and glass lifts, and the variety of outdoor entertainment available- mini golf and rock-climbing would be right up my alley! The Chef's Dining Package struck me as a great deal for specialty restaurant dining, and I was impressed with the extremely useful 'Cruise Compass' information touch screens. For antipodean customers, be aware that everything is priced in USD- but the upside of the US-focused ships is the extravagance. Royal Caribbean ships are a lot fancier and usually larger than the more modest tastes of the south pacific, making them a treat to travel on.


  • Cruising with Comedy

    Posted 6 Feb 2012

    Cruise comedians have often been the laughing-stock of the comedy industry- and not in the way they might hope. 'Boat Acts' have been billed as the end of a comedian's career- but the cruise industry is looking to change this, notably P&O and Carnival with their latest comedy initiatives.

    Carnival has hired George Lopez to be their new Director of Comedy. Part of the 500 million dollar Fun Ship 2.0 initiative which will overhaul the guest experience on Carnival ships, the Punchliner Comedy Clubs will become Punchliner Comedy Clubs presented by George Lopez. One of his routines will be offered on in-cabin televisions, and pre-recorded introductions by George will precede acts in the Comedy Club shows. He will also play an active role in finding and securing the acts which will perform onboard, which is expected to raise the calibre of comedy.

    P&O in Australia also has a focus on comedy this year, but is aiming at specific cruises- it is offering several short-break comedy cruises in 2012. As these are focused on having a laugh, they feature top-notch Australian and international comedians. These include Tom Gleeson, Fiona McGary, Mad Mike Bennett,  Mick Meredith and many, many more.

  • Seabourn Tops Conde Nast Again

    Posted 6 Feb 2012

    Seabourn's luxury ships have once again topped the list for the prestigious luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. They publish each year a list of the top 100 cruise ships- the top 20 small ships, top 20 medium ships, top 20 large cruise ships and the top 40 river ships. In the most recent one Seabourn Odyssey was rated highest of the small ships, with Seabourn Pride coming in second, Seabourn Sojourn fourth and 2 other Seabourn Ships giving the company five out of the top seven.

    This is an impressive result for the company, and Richard Meadows, Seabourn's president, says the credit lies with the staff and crew that make Seabourn an amazing experience. The ships' spacious suites, superb dining venues and open bars help the cause too, surely! The ships are also smaller than the numerous mega-ships we see today, meaning they have a wider range of ports available to them.

    Other ships that featured high in the list included the Lindblad, the National Geographic Explorer ship, at number three and the Paul Gauguin at number five, a small ship which does luxury cruises to the smaller islands of Tahiti.

    Give Seabourn a try if you want true luxury.

    Seabourn Odyssey
    by Sean MacEntee Flickr Creative Commons
  • Private Islands

    Posted 3 Feb 2012

    Several cruise lines have private islands in the Caribbean which are reserved exclusively for the ships and their passengers. These are designed to be small paradises catering to every tropical fantasy, and they often succeed. Everything is arranged and prepared for the passengers to step off and into the perfect island visit.

    Private islands can cause a bit of a rift in the cruising community, with some salivating at the idea of a private paradise and others labelling it fake and staged. Both valid opinions, and whether or not you will enjoy a private island depends on what your tastes are and what you want to get out of your holiday. A private island does not have the cultural authenticity of a real city or town, that much is true. While they are often staffed by native islanders, and there may be cultural performances and handmade souvenirs, it is not real life. If you are not a beach-lover and more of a sightseer, a private island is likely not the place for you, and if you love to get off the ship, get amongst the locals, wander the side streets and get a real taste of the destination, it definitely won't be your favourite stop.

    However, don't write off a private island completely- they have their perks. After all, if you were looking for an action packed adventure of local culture and little-known sights, wouldn't you be backpacking in Africa rather than cruising the Caribbean? A cruise is a holiday, and a private island delivers an incredible opportunity to relax that many other ports don't. The beaches are raked in preparation for passengers arriving, lounge chairs are provided, and the island is staffed with people whose intention, like the staff on the ship, is to look after the passengers and make sure they have a good time.  The islands are always beautiful too, with white sand and turquoise water- the very best of the Caribbean. The island is set up to be the perfect beach port, where you can relax in the sun if you want to or experience the natural wonders with watersports.

    There are no hawkers forcing their wares upon you, no traffic and no need to bring wallet with you if you don't want to or pay extra to eat- the food onshore (usually a BBQ banquet) is free- an extension of the ship's dining area- and most rentals of snorkelling equipment or the like can be put on your cruise card. Be aware however that at a lot of private island souvenirs must be paid for in cash. Another big plus is that a lot of the islands run kid's programmes onshore- so your kids can be looked after and have fun whilst still getting off the ship!

    Here are some of the cruise lines' islands:

    Royal Caribbean's CocoCay

    This white-sand beauty is located in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas. Hammocks and lounge chairs are scattered all over for some serious relaxing, and if you want to get moving, the nature trails have recently been updated and there is Caylanas Aqua Park, a floating playground. Parasailing is also available, as well as the usual watersports- snorkelling, diving and the like. Very minimal souvenirs are on sale- wallets not required! An island-style seaside BBQ is complimentary, and sodas and alcohol can be purchased with your cruise card as aboard the ship.

    CocoCay
    by DJ Speiss Flickr Creative Commons

    Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay

    Disney's private island is an extension of the magical Disney experience. The line is aimed at kids, and Castaway Cay is no exception. There are 2 water play areas which will delight the young ones, and a teens-only activity area onshore. There is a supervised 3-12 yrs youth program, so parents can enjoy one of the island's highlights- Serenity Bay, and adults-only beach with open-air massages, a bar and yoga classes. Paradise! There is swimming, snorkelling and kayaking to be done, glass-bottom boat, stingray encounter and parasailing adventures available, bikes for hire, a shipwreck and Disney characters around. Cook's BBQ is free on the island from 11am-2pm, with non-alcoholic drinks free. Castaway Cay also has a pier, so it is not a tender port, making it easy to get on and off the ship.

    Castaway Cay
    by Anthony Flickr Creative Commons

    Shipwreck at Castaway Cay
    by Mike Miley Flickr Creative Commons

    Princess Cruises' Princess Cays

    Located on the tiny island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays is a resort exclusive to Princess passengers. here you can relax in a hammock, enjoy the beach BBQ or get up and take a wild banana-boat ride. There is ana rea for children's activities, a BBQ lunch, sports and of course a white-sand beach. You can enjoy the beautiful water by renting a foating mattress or take a closer look at what's underneath with snorkelling over the coral reef. As Princess Cays occupies only part of the island, it is possible to venture further to the "real world!"

    Princess Cays
    by Derek Hatfield Flickr Creative Commons

    Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay

    The first of the cruise line private islands, Great Stirrup Cay. Here there are the usual beach BBQs, coconut palms and pristine water which you can enjoy with a multitude of watersports. Recently upgraded, with features still being added, it has a water slide and kid's play area, a straw market, a new bar and dining facilities. Should you want to get out and about a bit, you can try parasailing, a waverunner tour circling the island, Eco-Adventure boat tours, kayaking or snorkeling. There are also nature trails where you can work off your BBQ lunch and see some of the tropical island.

    Great Stirrup Cay
    by jenn Flickr Creative Commons
  • Preventing the Dreaded Cruise Weight Gain

    Posted 2 Feb 2012


    It's a well known fact that most cruisers will return home from their cruise carrying a few extra kilos than what they left home with, and this is not necessarily of the shopping kind in your luggage.

    However all is not lost before you start, here are a few simple tips about things you can do on-board to prevent too many of those pesky kilos sneaking on

    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  By far the easiest option without having to even think about it.  And when you consider that its only going to be in short bursts each time you are hardly going to end up exhausting yourself.
    • Find the gym and use it (it's not there to just look pretty).  Almost all ships now have fully equipped gyms on-board, and some with fantastic views, so jumping on the walking machine for 15-20 mins a day is worth the effort.  For the more enthusiastic, or those needing abit more motivation there are often group classes and personal trainers available as well
    • Don't want to be couped up inside?  Then hit the decks for a few laps around the ship, normally the Promenade deck level will allow you to do a complete circuit.  Its a great way to meet people, most ships will even have organised walking/jogging groups each day, or just head of on your own if you'd prefer some solitude
    • Select land tours with a physical component to them, such as walking, cycling, swimming or kayaking.  Most locations will offer these alternatives to sitting on a coach all day, and you'll find you end up seeing a different angle of the scenery and totally forget the fact that you are exercising as well
    • And the most simple one of all, Watch how much you eat and drink!  It's very easy to get carried away trying everything in sight when there is a never ending supply of food and drink available on-board a ship, but the trick is to try and keep your habits similar to those you have at home.  Eat at your normal meal times, try to restrict the amount of between meal snacking you do and don't have dessert with every lunch and dinner sitting.  It also pays watch the amount of alcohol you consume, not only will your waistline and head appreciate this, but your on-board bill won't be so bad at the end either.
    Have you cruised before and managed to keep to weight gain to a minimum?  
    Let me know if you have any other tips and tricks that have worked for you.
  • What is the Promo code on our website

    Posted 30 Jan 2012



    When Cruisesalefinder are running promotions which include any further discounts we will provide you with a Promo code. The promo code will be sent in our weekly Newsletters, so if you are not signed up to this, then please have a look at our website at http://www.cruisesalefinder.com.au/win for Australian residents or http://www.cruisesalefinder.co.nz/win for NZ residents and sign up to receive any extra specials.

    Otherwise just submit your enquiry as is, and leave the promo code box blank.

    There are no promo codes running at the moment, however we do have our Australia Cruise Sale Week on at the moment, so book now to get your onboard credit and reduced deposit for selected cruises.


  • How safe is Cruising?

    Posted 25 Jan 2012



    Well since the terrible disaster of the Costa Concordia I think a lot of people are asking this question. After any disaster it is just human nature to ask just how safe is flying, trains, even bungee jumping ( also latest happening with the tourist in Africa).

    I did some research on the safety aspects of cruising and found out the following:
    1. Cruise ships are like hotels, just a lot more safe and secure. It is basically a enclosed secured environment. There are heaps of security and cameras onboard.
    2. In foreign Countries where you have never been before it is much safer to be on a cruise coming into Port and not just on your own and not knowing where it is alright to go or not (safety in numbers).
    Some information taken directly from the International Council of Cruise Lines

    The safest way to Travel -- Cruise Ship Security:
    "A cruise ship is comparable to a secure building with a 24-hour security guard. Since vessels operate in a controlled environment, access can be strictly enforced. Every person on board, from passengers to crew members, is placed on an official manifest and may embark or disembark only after passing through strict security. Operating within a strict legal framework, both federal and state authorities have the right to investigate."
    "The cruise industry is committed to providing a secure and safe environment for its passengers and crew. We will continue to work with all appropriate federal and state agencies to ensure the security of all passengers, crew and vessels."
    Sections of the treaty -- The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
    (Taken directly from Wikipedia:)

    Surveying the various types of ships and certifying that they meet the requirements of the convention.
    The subdivision of passenger ships into watertight compartments so that after damage to its hull, a vessel will remain afloat and stable.
    Fire safety provisions for all ships with detailed measures for passenger ships, cargo ships and tankers.
    Life-saving appliances and arrangements, including requirements for life boats, rescue boats and life jackets according to type of ship.
    The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) requires passenger and cargo ships on international voyages to carry radio equipment, including satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs).
    Requires every shipowner and any person or company that has assumed responsibility for a ship to comply with the International Safety Management Code (ISM).
    Requirements relating to organisations responsible for carrying out surveys and inspections, enhanced surveys, the ship identification number scheme, and operational requirements.
    The only place anyone is 100% safe is in the grave, we cannot let this change our minds about cruising because what is living if we continuously worrying about what might or never even happen.
  • Disney comes to Miami

    Posted 24 Jan 2012


    Disney Cruise Line has rolled out itineraries for 2013, and there is one surprise for Disney Cruise enthusiasts- the Disney Wonder will reposition at the end of 2012 to be based in Miami until May rather than L.A, where it usually sails to Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. The move is being made due to a downturn in popularity of these cruise destinations, in favour of the Caribbean.

    This is great news for Miami, and those who love the Caribbean- from PortMiami, the Disney Wonder is scheduled for a series of 4 and 5 night sailings to the western Caribbean and Bahamas. The increased tourism that cruises bring will be a lift for Miami, and make it an even more desirable spot- with its own floating Disney resort!

    The Disney ships provide a magical Disney world for kids- the most child-friendly line, they will be able to visit their private custom-set up island in the Caribbean whilst sailing from Miami, adding to the Disney experience.

    Disney Wonder
    by Christopher Flickr Creative Commons
  • Cruise Pricing for Kids

    Posted 24 Jan 2012

    One of the most common questions I get relate to how kids and infants prices are worked out on a cruise.


    This is not a straightforward question to answer, however one of the simplest explanations is:


    Child/Infant travelling with two adults paying the standard twin fare:
    The child/infant will be charged at the applicable upper child fare when travelling with two adults who are paying the standard twin fare.
    Child/Infant travelling as the second passenger in a twin room:
    An child/infant travelling in a twin cabin as passenger two will be charged the full adult rate.


    As most people know cruise pricing is already a confusing beast, and child pricing is no different.
    It is impossible for anyone to to say that a child is charged at a specific percentage of the adult fare as every sailing and special is calculated differently.
    To make it even more interesting some cruise lines even offer free fares for children from time to time, although applicable taxes still need to be paid.

    Child prices are generally valid for those up to, and including 11 years of age.
    Once they reach 12 years a child pays an adult fare.

    Many people seem to believe that infants should not be charged anything. Unfortunately this is not correct.  
    An infant is still a person, and as such still occupies a berth on the ship, therefore is required to pay a fare.
    An infant pays the same fare as a child, however it is important to check what the minimum age requirements are for the cruise line you are sailing with. Whilst a minimum of 6 months applies to some lines, others require a minimum of 12 months and this is all to do with the safety protocols of their particular line.
    This detail can be found in the cruise lines terms and conditions under 'minimum age to travel' and there are no exceptions to those rules.

    When using our website to price up your cruise, ensure you set your room configuration right first (under step one, above the category pricing), otherwise the pricing may not be correct and we will need to amend it when we receive your request.
    The first screen of the sailing, where all the different categories are listed, will show an average price per person for the cabin based on the occupancy numbers.  
    When you proceed to the enquiry page it will break down the individual passengers costings so you can then see exactly what you are paying for your childs berth.







  • P&O Pacific Pearl

    Posted 19 Jan 2012


    P&O Australia is already well known as a family friendly, budget conscious cruise line for our Australian and Kiwi customers and I've recently had the opportunity to check out the Pacific Pearl for myself.

    The Pearl joined the ranks of the P&O family on December 2010, after previous incarnations as Star Princess (1989-1996), as Arcadia (1997-2003) for P&O UK and as Ocean Village (2003-2008).

    The technical details:

    • Capacity: 1800 passengers
    • Decks: 11
    • Length: 811ft/247mtrs
    • Weight: 63,500 tonnes
    • Built: 1987
    • Max speed: 21.5 knots

    Onboard you can expect to see all the usual P&O facilities, such as the Waterfront (al la carte) and Plantation (buffet) restaurants, the Salt Grill by Luke Mangan, Turtle Cove/Shark Shack/HQ & HQ+ for the kids, the adults only Oasis area, The Cafe, Mix Cocktail bar & Aqua Health Spa.  In addition she has a couple of new features that are unique to her currently including the swim up bar in the adults only pool, The Grill, and outdoor BBQ dining area on Deck 12 by the pool and the outdoor acrobatic platform also on Deck 12 which is the location for their Pacific Cirque shows and famous sailaway parties.

    Above: Oasis Area - Pacific Pearl

    What I personally found appealing with the Pearl is that because her refit was so recent, her interior design is more modern and fresh than alot of other ships I've seen so far.
    Take the Waterfront Restaurant for example.  This can seat up to 800 people, however with savvy design this large area does not feel overwhelming and is cleverly sectioned off to create smaller zones.  As with all P&O Australia ships they operate this restaurant on the Anytime Dining concept, so no need to stress about pre-requesting a specific table size, or whether you are going to get along with your table mates.  You can choose a different time to dine every night if you wish, just turn up at the restaurant and the Maitre'd will seat you at an appropriate table.
    Above: Treatment Room in Aqua Health Spa - Pacific Pearl

    The kids clubs can sometimes be abit ho hum, but the ones onboard Pearl were fantastic areas, and trust me, even you teens are going to want to hang out in their own customized area equipped with Nintendo Wii's, Playstations and private courtyards.  Whilst you pre-teens will need to be signed in and out of their clubs for each session, once onboard you can arrange a waiver with the staff for your teens to allow them to come and go as they please.

    Cabins types on offer are the standard interior, obstructed view, full ocean-view, balcony and mini-suites.  There are no suites on this ship, mini-suite is the top category available.
    One tip I would give is to not rule out balcony cabins from your choice purely on price factor.  Those who book balcony cabins or mini-suites are entitled to additional privileges once onboard, such as priority embarkation and disembarkation which can be a big bonus if you don't like standing in queues.

    Left: Balcony Cabin - Pacific Pearl
      

    My lasting impression of this ship was one of light and space, but without feeling like a huge ship.


    Have you traveled on Pacific Pearl?  What did you enjoy the most?





  • Pacific Pearl Tour

    Posted 19 Jan 2012

    Two of us at Cruise Republic were lucky to have a tour of, and lunch on, the Pacific Pearl when she was docked in Auckland this week. As it was a disembarkation/embarkation day, during the middle hours of the day the ship was reasonably empty and we had a good look around the place, including into a few different categories of cabins.

    The Atrium of the ship, where we entered, is a colourful, spacious and fun-looking area with a ground floor and 2 mezzanine levels, surrounded by duty-free shops, bars and with tables to sit at and watch the world go by. With many of the ship's facilities close by, it is a good place to meet friends and family. On the ceiling there is a bar where acrobatics can be performed if weather does not permit them to happen outside by the pool. With the 2 mezzanines and plenty of space on the ground floor, it is easy to imagine the Atrium being a great place for this, as a lot of people would fit in to see the show.




    Nearby is the casino, which like the rest of the ship is primarily a cashless place- you use your cruise card to get credit to play with, and winnings can be put back on your card or given in cash if you prefer. It is up-to-date with digital poker tables and the like- a very cool place for gambling (in moderation of course).


    On Deck 2, in the cool depths of the ship is Aqua, the spa and gym. Spa treatments are a little expensive, but from what we saw would be a great treat and addition to your cruise- Some examples include acupuncture- $164 for 50 mins, facials- from around $130 for 50 mins, a 75 min Seaweed wrap and massage for $215, and almost any other spa treatment you could ask for, including teeth whitening and 'The Shave of all Shaves' for men. There are also waxes, hair styling and treatments, pedicures and manicures, and an exclusive Thermal Suite with hot stone benches for back pain, a variety of showers and more. Access to this is limited and must be booked, at around $200 for a couple for a week-long cruise.The spa appeared to be very clean and fresh- a nice environment to be in, which is ideal if you have come to relax. Also, there are sparkly pillows everywhere- nice!

     One of the treatment rooms:


    The gym is free for all to use and well-stocked with treadmills, exercycles, weights and other machines. Although the idea of working out on holiday may not appeal, the food we had was honestly great- so I can see how you'd feel the need for  bit of exercise!


    There are several bars on the ship- the Mix Cocktail Bar, the Orient, the Dome (also a nightclub), a swim-up bar, Connexions and a bar in the adults-only Oasis. These are used for different things during the day- some just to chill out, Connexions is often used for karaoke, the Dome hosts the overflow from Bingo tournaments, and there are various live music shows. One feature that I thought particularly excellent was that there are english pub meals served at lunchtimes in the Orient- mushy peas and pie, bangers and mash and the like. What a cool idea- and it is complimentary with your cruise fare. In  the evening, the bars are venues for drinking, meeting people and having fun, often with live music. The Dome is the nightclub, and has a dance floor and great ocean views. P&O employs a lot of bartenders from the UK as they are the most skilled at the job. How's that for attention to detail!






    In other entertainment news, at the forward end of Deck 7 is the Marquee Theatre, where musical productions take place- there appeared to be a good selection of shows on offer when we looked in there, and the theatre is on two levels but not huge- I could see you would be very close to the onstage action, but it would be necessary to arrive early for popular shows to get a seat. There is a mezzanine level with more seating, and a bar in case you should become dehydrated whilst taking in a show. Decorated dramatically in red and yellow, it feels like any theatre you might find on shore.



    Children and teens are well catered for on the Pearl- there are fully staffed kids clubs and an area called HQ for teens. The programmes operate from 9am until 10pm with breaks where parents are required to take their children to meals, and are named Turtle Cove for 3-6 year olds and Shark Shack for 7-10 year olds. Babysitting is available for a small fee from the end of the programmes until 1am. Teen HQ and HQ+ are based in a cool hangout at the back of the ship, with great views over the wake.

    The kids and teens areas looked to me like fun- they are surprisingly technology-orientated, which the young ones will love. As well as crafts, games, sports, movies and competitions, there are video games for all ages- the Teen HQ has numerous PS3s and a wii sports area, as well as a big screen for movies.The foosball table would also be a hit, I would say!

    Kids:
    Teens:





    The pool deck is where you go for sunbathing, swimming and generally enjoying being outside. There are a LOT of sun loungers by the pool and on the mezzanine level above, and other decks overlooking the stern, and I was assured that there are enough that no-one needs to fight to get a spot! The pools look inviting, if a little smaller than i expected, and there is a swim-up bar in one of them. The sailaway party was being prepared for when we were there- drink stations, entertainers, acrobatics on the outdoor stage- it looked to be a good evening! Also available for peaceful sunbathing is adults-only Oasis, with more upmarket sun loungers, a bar and spa pools. This area, on deck 8, was very nice, right on the back of the ship so it would offer amazing views.

     Pool Deck:

    Oasis:


    Food- this is one of the more important parts of the cruise, and there are several options on the Pearl. First, the options which need to be paid for. Salt Grill is a top-notch restaurant by celebrity chef Luke Mangan, and requires bookings (you can only book onboard) and a $40pp cover charge. If you are a foodie, this would be worth it- a 5-course meal of this calibre would cost hundreds elsewhere. If you aren't a lover of gourmet, eat elsewhere- it is still good, and is covered in your cruise fare. The chocolate cafe on the pool deck also costs, but not too much- and it sells icecream! Room service is priced per item for the 24-hour menu, and if you want a normal meal delivered there is a delivery fee. Delivered continental breakfasts can be ordered free of charge.



    There is a lot of variety should you wish to only eat what you paid for before your cruise. The main dining room on Deck 7 is called the Waterfront, and is a very nice sit-down restaurant with 3 courses. Although a big place, it does not feel like a dining hall, as it is partitioned off to form smaller, intimate areas- i found it to be a very nice place to eat. The food was very good, our waiter extremely friendly and funny, and there is a regular menu with a lot of choice, and a daily specials menu with yet more. There is a buffet restaurant called the Plantation cafe opening on to the pool area- I can't comment on the food but it looked great and the cafe was nicely decorated- nothing like a cafeteria! Also on the pool deck, in case you don't want to walk the few metres to the buffet, is the Grill which serves usual poolside fare- burgers, chips, hot dogs etc. As mentioned before, pub lunches are available at the Orient. You won't need to go too far to eat!

    Waterfront:
    Plantation:


    We were able to look at a window double/twin cabin- these have beds which can be joined or seperated depending whether you like to sleep with your roommate. These are basically the same as hotel rooms- bed/beds, a window, a desk, tv, a/c with remote control, safety deposit box, fridge, sink, shower and toilet. If you were going to be spending a lot of time in your cabin, you may want a balcony or mini-suite, but otherwise they are nice rooms, clean and sufficient for your accommodation needs! They can have beds pull out to fit four people. We did see a balcony room- the same, but with a small balcony which would be nice to sit out on in the morning or evening for a bit of privacy. There are also extra privileges that come with booking a balcony- including fresh fruit delivered daily to your cabin, priority embarkation and the goodies you find in the minibar are free (only the first lot though- not any restocking!). The largest rooms available on the Pearl are minisuites, which have extra room to spread out- a living area, bigger wardrobe area and bathroom, and of course these have the same privileges. The one we saw was lovely and would be great for a couple who wanted to splash out and have some time to chill out in their cabin.

    Double with window:
    Minisuite:

    Overall, I thought the Pacific pearl was a great ship: she is not a big one, however didn't feel small and poky but felt light and welcoming (apart from the hallways where the cabins are, but that is to be expected with any hotel!). She has been recently refurbished, and it shows- especially in the Teen HQ and the Waterfront restaurant, which were the two areas i was most impressed with.

  • Cruising after Concordia

    Posted 18 Jan 2012

    The incident of the Costa Concordia running onto rocks on the 13th of January was a tragedy, and our sympathy is with the victims, who number 11 at the latest count with 23 missing, and their families and friends. Let us also spare a thought for rescue workers and ordinary workers who worked tirelessly to pull people to safety and care for them onshore.

    The question for many cruise lovers or those considering a first cruise after this tragedy is, "is it safe?" A valid question, and the answer is yes- as safe as it has ever been , which is often significantly safer than land based holidays. The closed community of a ship, with security in many places, is generally a secure environment. The industry is well-regulated, and crime aboard ship is usually publicised out of proportion to crime on shore. Walking around in a city is more dangerous than walking around a cruise ship! That doesn't mean to say that it is ok to throw all thought of personal safety out of the window. Do not invite strangers to your cabin, do not get blind drunk, do not linger in deserted corridors/decks at night alone, do not jump or lean over the railings. Apply common sense on a ship as you would on land. Also, be safe with your self and your belongings when on a port visit- you are more likely to be a victim there than on the ship.

    by Ali West Flickr Creative Commons


    As for damage to the ship- yes, this does occur, as has been evidenced in previous years and with the terrible events of this month in Italy. However, the days of not enough lifeboats for the amount of passengers are long gone. A disaster on the scale of the Titanic is very unlikely to be repeated! Statistically, ships are safer than hotels when it comes to fire and are much, much safer than driving as a way to travel- they are, as a rule and recent events aside, commanded by professionals who have done many years of study to captain a ship. Ship safety records are very good when the huge amount of sailings and passengers each year are taken into consideration. Be prepared: your responsibility as a passenger is to pay attention during the lifeboat drill and know your muster station to be prepared for the very rare eventuality of an accident.
  • Comfort food Chinese-Style on Crystal Serenity

    Posted 17 Jan 2012

    Crystal Serenity is set to add dumplings, noodles and other chinese titbits to the menu.To be served in the casual Tastes Cafe, the food will include options that you might see on any table in China.

    Although the food is simple, the menu has been extensively researched, with the food and beverage team visiting dumpling and noodle restaurants across Asia and planning the sourcing of ingredients and equipment for 18 months. Although not typically gourmet, it is designed as an alternative to Crystal's trademark fine dining and will strive for authenticity under the direction of Jennifer Pei Vun Lee, a Malaysian chef.

    So if you have a 'chinese takeaway' moment next time you're on a Crystal cruise- there are options available!

    by avlxyz Flickr Creative Commons
  • November Cruises

    Posted 16 Jan 2012

    Experience a Week Fantastique with P&O in November. This 7-night cruise departs from Brisbane and takes in several spots in French Polynesia.

    Leaving on the 3rd of November, the Week Fantastique cruise stops first in Noumea, the capital city of New Caledonia. Enjoy french boulangeries, cafes and restaurants whilst soaking in the tropical sun. Lifou is next and is a beautiful and diverse island, with limestone caves and white sand, and teeming coral reefs beneath the waves- give snorkeling a go! In Vanuatu, the cruise visits Port Vila, a city set on a natural harbour. Here you can sit and watch the fishing boats come and go in the busy harbour or peruse the local handicraft markets.

    Lifou
    by eGuide Travel Flickr Creative Commons

    The cruise is on the Pacific Dawn, a well-loved P&O ship which is scheduled for an upgrade in April 2012 with new bars, artwork and interconnected cabins.She has all the great entertainment, dining and service as all of P&O Australia's ships, and is a favourite with her distinctive curved 'dolphin-like' profile.

    For this and other great cruises in November, have a look at www.cruiseinnovember.com.
  • December Cruises

    Posted 16 Jan 2012

    This short cruise to the Bahamas in December 2012 would be great for a quick break, or as part of a longer land-based trip to get a taste of the Caribbean. It is aboard the Monarch of the Seas and departs from Port Canaveral on the 3rd of December 2012 for 4 nights at sea.

    The first stop is CocoCay, an island reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests. It is an oasis, with white sand and translucent waters, geared specifically towards relaxation and fun for cruisers. The other stop on this short but sweet Caribbean cruise is Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas and often recognisable by the famous Atlantic Resort. It is a pretty and colourful city, with an interesting piratical past.

    Cococay
    by DJ Spiess Flickr Creative Commons


    Nassau- Atlantis Resort
    by Derek Key Flickr Creative Commons

    The Monarch of the Seas offers great spa and fitness facilities, rock climbing, basketball, a video game arcade, kid's club, broadway shows, bars and lounges and much more. Along with it's 2 main dining rooms and complimentary casual restaurants, it has several specialty restaurants such as Jade, an Asian Fusion eatery.

    For this and other great cruises in December, have a look at www.cruisesindecember.com.