P&O Pacific Pearl

Great – Everything was easy and we loved everything about our cruise. Staff were very friendly, food was varied and excellent. Cabin was small for four people though, we were stumbling over our cases

Traumatizing – As someone who didn't know which Cruises were good and which weren't - we booked through a travel agent Chinese who scammed our money. I was a child and my parent's disabled seniors. And they charged us full prices. And the boat was tiny and in bad condition. This caused alot of sickness on the boat and I was given the wrong medication which led… Read more

to a few days of feeling extremely sick - there are no medical drs or anyone on board who gives a damn. Also we stupid bought scam "excursions" that are excursions you go on when you leave the bought. We spent thousands scammed by these excursions when you go off the boat you can get these excursions for 10000 times cheaper!!! oh yea and we were on there for 14 nights/15days. There were multiple incidents of extreme rocking and water coming on board and people freaking out. OMG. And besides occasional good food - it was ghetto ratchet as hell. Vomiting/Diarrhea/Exhaustion. The only time I had to climb ladders and go into bunk beds was at my school's ghetto scam camps. We ain't doing P&O again. It was dirty and ratchet and I hate that we got scammed so many times.

Most stresed Cruise EVER – We have been on about ten cruises including an earlier one on the Pacific Pearl and this would have to have been the most expensive and the not unenjoyable and stressull due to the lack of sleep. We saved hard to be able to take our mobility impaired adult son on a nice holiday,it's been about 20 years for him. Cost about $12,000 for the two… Read more

mini suites for ten days. We need these so he could his mobility scooter through the doorway and so we could be next door should he need us.

By the third night we all wanted to go home due to lack of sleep and the associated stress that went with a creaking room 24/7 and wind whistling through our outside door. But the biggest problem was the non-stop racket from the pool deck above us of people walking and kids running, but also chairs constantly scraping across the grooved deck. We had a fair idea the staff new about this problem and it's probably been like that for many a cruise.

If we knew that we would never have booked these cabins on this ship. We feel we were seriously ripped off by them for not letting us know of this, other passengers on the same deck will also be contacting P and O about the fact they also paid a premium price for probably the worst cabins.

First time Cruise – My first cruise ever, I went with three mates and had an open mind. Booking in was easy and quick - although I have no idea why the Terminal was laid out so we had to walk the longest route, but that has nothing to do with the Cruise. I found nearly all the staff very helpful and happy, the only exception was the staff in the little café on… Read more

Level 12 near the open deck - they were so rude and unhelpful - We bought a coffee there on the first morning and the service was atrocious, they were put out that they had to serve us so early !! When I went in later to buy a coke they told me it would take 15min to get a coke !! and there was only about three people in the place - I put it down to basic bad attitude.

The food was good, although I did not try the Buffet in the Plantation Restaurant. We did eat in the Salt Grill, very nice and recommended, although you pay a bit extra - the service was exceptional. The cabin was fine, basic but clean and comfortable. But with only one shower and toilet for 4 blokes you need to be co-ordinated in your shower times - lucky for us our cabin was near the casino toilet so we could use that toilet.

We had a soft drink package - unlimited soft drinks - unless you want to buy two - then you need to go to the bar for every softy !! But if you want to buy alcohol you can buy as many as you like !!.

The entertainment was really good, lots of variety, lots we were not into - but well catered for all groups.

TIP: Take a lanyard with you to hang your cruise card from - you use it all the time and they sell them on the ship for $7 each.

Also, get to the venue for an activity or show early - like about 15min - as they are popular and you run a chance of missing out on a seat. We went early, grabbed a seat and a cocktail !!

Overall it was really good and a great short break that I can recommend, I will do it again but maybe on a different ship not because there is anything wrong with the pearl, just for a bit of variety in bar types and entertainment places.

You won't be disappointed !!! – Recently went on a 10 day cruise have been on 3 others before "Pearl". One on pacific Jewel and the other two on Royal Carribeen. I thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. The ship is an old ship - an oldie but a goodie. The smaller ship the smaller the queing for food, drinks, shows, resturants etc. The smaller the community too so you become just… Read more

one big family ( for ten days anyway). The waterfront resturant food is 10/10 and the service is impeccable especially if you get the waiters that we had Jay R and Jason. They both kept my daughters entertained at meal times with napkin folding and tricks ! so we could eat in peace. The shows every night were amazing (dancing, illusionist, comedy, Mr and Mrs ) etc. You must eat at salt grill at least once in this trip have the steak you will not be disappointed ! Rooms were cleaned spotless everyday and we never wanted for anything ! kids clubs are fantastic and will mind your little ones right up to 17 if need be. Oasis is a great place to relax at the back of the boat (adults only area) if you want to get away from your precious little ones for a break. Edge activities are great too make sure to buy your pass and book in early. I highly recommend this cruise it's so worth it and total value for money ! I will definately be booking with P & O in the near future.

no problems great cruise – My wife and I had cruised prior to this cruise on Queen Mary 2 The service and meals on Pacific Pearl were just as good as QM2 we would use P&O again with no hesitation the staff were great.

5 Star Service and Food without the price tag – 5 Stars in the areas of Food, Entertainment and housekeeping. A brilliant cruise line and most passengers were returning P&O passengers. Waterfront restaurant leaves a lot of land based 5 star restaurants to shame. We'll be back on P&O very soon!

First Time Cruiser – Had a great time on the Pacific Pearl. We booked on line through Clean Cruises,without a hassle,received all the information early.Getting on and off the ship was easy no hassles at all.All the staff were friendly and helpful,all the food was nice, we ate at the Plantation restaurant for breakfast and lunch and dinner at the Waterfront… Read more

restaurant,great variety at each place.There are plenty of things to do throughout the day from lectures on sore feet to flying foxes that go from one end of the ship to the other.You will never go thirsty on this ship as there are 9-10 bars on board,I found drink prices reasonable with beer prices around 6-7 dollars,and the cocktails around 12 dollars.The shows we seen where very entertaining.All and All had a great time,good value for money,very relaxing if that's what you want, will definitely do cruising again.Don't be put off by negative reviews just go and do it with an open mind and a holiday mood.

Worst experience ever ! – Worst cruise experience ever. Terrible rooms (we had to do 3 room moves in 5 days) the air conditioner broke and put black matter all on our faces and bedding during one night. Service at reception was appalling! It look hours to get anywhere and the empathy was nowhere to be seen. We were so upset we wanted to disembark 2 days into the cruise and… Read more

they laughed at us. Food was below average and upkeep of the ship looked to be forgotten about 10 years ago. The problems we had in our room was not short of a 2 star motel. Response from P&O is no existent so I warn anyone looking at this ship to run for the hills unless you want a holiday that makes you uncomfortable, unhealthy and left with a whole in your pocket. Highly disappointed.

Better food at your local RSL! VERY Disapointing – Steward service excellent - despite the slave labour & being paid a pittance! The standard of food at Plantation was uninspired, poor/cheap quality, boring & BLAND. There was no love whatsoever in the prep or presentation. Every night the same sloppy 'casserole' style Indian or Mexican food. Seriously dull. dry, uninteresting rubbish made on the… Read more

cheap. Insulting to say the least. Waterfront Restaurant was hit-and-miss. Tiny portions served Luke warm. Ship's entertainment tacky, stale and lame! Entertainment themes predictable and BORING. Actually embarrassing. Unimaginative. Yawn. Noisy cabin near stairwell with metal banging when walked on. 4.30am wake-up call from high pressure water hosing outside cabin!. First and last cruise forever!!!! Dreadful!

Please don't go with P&O Australia... ever!! – We have been on many cruises but this was our first time with P&O Australia. From the moment we checked in until the moment we checked out it was just bad! It was just a 4 day trip and thank goodness it was not longer, we could not get off soon enough. Why?... Incompetent, disorganised, rude (apart from the service staff). Better food could… Read more

be found at your local soup kitchen. The food was not just bad, it was disgusting slop, even in the dining room.

The dining/buffet area is shut down several times a day forcing people to all barge in to get something before it closes. It also closes completely at 9pm every day.

It is all aimed at forcing you to go to the areas where they sell food but even that is absolutely shocking.

Everywhere is so crowded and noisy... kids running amok fighting and swearing out loud... you would have thought you were in the shopping centre at your roughest local house area. No security staff to control them.

Kids were allowed to play with food on the buffet servery!! No staff bothered to stop them.

The music played in main areas was more suited to a rough pub on a Friday night... you had to try to get away from it.

The pools and 2 tiny hot tubs are ice cold and filthy. We would not venture into either and we usually love to have a swim on the ship.

You are requested to vacate your room very early on disembarkation day and take your carry off with you to the buffet at breakfast...!! There is not enough room in the buffet for the passengers to dine let alone with a heap of luggage!! Just typical of the organisation on this ship.

Entertainment was of a very poor standard also.

There was a lot more that was sub standard but this will do for now.

I feel sorry for the first timers who experienced this disgusting rip off and will be deterred from going on a cruise again. The other cruise lines are much better, a LOT better, so please do not use this disgusting company as an example. P&O Australia should be shut down or at least be made to declare that it is only suited for the most roughest type of person.

SAIL AWAY – We have been on seven different cruises, with various cruise lines and ships, and have always found the booking process fine without problems. Cruises that we have enjoyed were the South Pacific, Asia, Perth to Adelaide, Hawian Islands, Alaska, New Zealand and Tasmania. We have always had a good time, Cruises are what you make of them, if you have never had a cruising holiday, I strongly recommend you try one.  Show reply

Uncomfortable – Just completed a 4 day cruise but got a 10 day back ache as a memory. Changed beds after first night and second bed was even worse! If you can't get a decent sleep then the rest of what P&O might have to offer just doesn't matter.

Needs refocusing on meals and broken down lifts – This is my fourth cruise and I took my sister who was disabled. The lifts were constantly breaking down so I had to find alternative ways to reach the restaurants etc. Sometimes my only option was to bring meals back to the room, it was good exercise for me but sad for my sister. The food seemed to be quite off this time, lots of themes from Indian to Mexican but not a lot of choice for plain food. Breakfast was great!!.

Great Cruising on Pearl – Just returned from 10day cruise to the Pacific on board the Pearl, We had a mini suite with balcony and I must say it was very clean and comfortable our two cabin boys Demwell & Vincent deck 11 were so obliging and courtesy they couldn't do enough for use, entertainment was great the food in main and plantation restuarants could not be faulted

First time on cruise & memorable experience! – It was my first time on a cruise and I was very impressed with the great variety of food on board. I loved the Plantation buffet and waterfront restaurant! The service was wonderful and the staff were friendly, attentive and happy! Our room was cleaned everyday with fresh towels and came along with friendly staff! My experience matched my… Read more

expectations and I was overall very satisfied with the cruise!

The shows were spectacular and the theme parties were awesome!

For the price I paid for 10 days was worth it and I will most certainly plan my trip with the Pacific Pearl very soon!

I was very happy!! :-)

Mix bar – Recently went on a 10 day cruise on the Pacific pearl. Over all it was a great experience however a big thanks to tonino from mix bar. Not only was he happy and helpful and very professional he also went above and beyond and took us on a tour of port villa on his day off. T made the cruise go from Good to great.i also couldn't recommend the mix… Read more

bar and higher. Great service,great drinks and a great atmosphere. Thanks t and the rest of the staff at mix bar

Most Staff great, Shame about food & overcharging – Staff were awesome on the whole, However had a few issues. Being overcharged/ under delivered on water package we paid for before leaving for our cruise, food was poor, we were charged 50% for a cancelled "experience". Their rationale was it went ahead in a "modified mode". We had paid to go in water and hand feed dolphins. we ended up being… Read more

charged $75 per person to freeze to death on a jetty and struggle to see dolphins in the water below- this is not an experience we would have booked or paid for even at $10 per person. Was also stopped from leaving cruise as I had "not settled account"- they clearly had my credit card details, they had managed to charge all incidentals to it but apparently we owed $14!

Have tried contacting P&O on numerous occasions and through various methods, but they could not care less.

Where were Aussie staff – I enjoyed my cruise, food good, service great but I did not see any Aussie staff and to find out that the staff only get $20 a day put me right off. I will never cruise with p and o again and I will definitely not recommend it to anyone.

Terrible experience – Went on a food and wine cruise in August. Very disappointing overall. Food was terrible - how ironic. Staff were not very friendly. Have cruised many times and this was the worst ever. Trying to get to express my concerns to P & O has been almost impossible and very frustrating and time wasting.

Relaxing, fantastic, incredible, marvelous, spectacular and unbelievable holidays in P&O Pacific pea – The booking was very easy through internet and we booked through cruise sales finder. on 19th,August 2016 from Overseas passengers terminal at circular quay,Sydney, we embarked on our voyage. We went to our cabin room 6166 at deck no 6 and dumped our luggage. The room was well maintained and comfortable, looked like any other 5 star hotels.… Read more

The accommodation was very superior in standard and lovely.

Then we went to Deck no.14 to see my son and daughter in law waiting at observation deck for us to see from the ship. Then we had a view of Sydney skyscrapers, Opera house and Harbor bridge from the deck no.14 of the ship.

We had our snacks at Plantation buffet restaurant and then went to Deck no 14 to see the ship moving from the dockyard and to have glimpse of Opera house, Harbor Bridge in the evening lights at 7.00 pm. The view of breathtaking which words cannot describe as such. It is no doubt, once in a life time experience.

Then we attended the guests’ safety drill including as to how to wear lifesaving jackets at deck no.7. We went to welcome abroad laser show and feature show called off the charts at Marquee, a theater inside the ship which can easily accommodate more than 500 people. The musical dancing show was great experience and really entertaining.

We went for our dinner at Plantation restaurant. The vegetarian options were minimal. We just managed to have our dinner with green salads, boiled and stir fry vegetables, deserts, fruits and coffee.

The whole ship was well decorated with paintings and lighting. The facilities were great.

• Well maintained rooms with all amenities.

• 14 decks – you should see the sheer size of the ship to believe it.

• Shows were of top order and excellent.

• Plantation restaurant is huge, well maintained and spread is great but for vegetarian options.

• Ocean view room is worth booking just to see the sea in the day and night

• Sunrise from the ship is mind boggling.

• Fellow passengers were friendly.

• Staff and service were excellent. They were friendly, polite and pleasant too.

• We could not enjoy the themed parties every night and as spectators we enjoyed it.

• Many activities to do in the list given but we did not since they were western types like wine tasting, non-vegetarian culinary demos, cheese making, chocolates making etc.

We had wonderful time on board Pacific pearl. We were sad that we are leaving the ship but looking forward to go for more cruise holidays in future. The cruise was more than our expectations being a first timer

On the whole, the holidays gave me peace of mind and happiness. It was amazing. Can’t wait to go for one more cruise holidays! Value for money!

Once in the lifetime, have cruise holidays experience.

Terrible cruise ship – Went on this cruise with my husband and two very close friends on 25th july to 6th august ,what a terrible. Cruise ship.The food was so bad,the day we arrived there was no food available at 3pm what a joke. Our air conditioning in our room was faulty,the tiles in our bathroom came apart and had to be fixed,lights were broken in our room.Dear… Read more

people if you are considering going on a cruise please don't book this one as it's so bad. One other complaint food was always cold. To top it of we had no hot water on our last morning couldnt even have a bloody shower. My rating wouldn't even be one star shame on you.

Shocking for first time Cruise – Hi I just returned from this cruise and am not happy with the $2800 I spent. The first day we boarded the ship there was no direction if we had to book for dinner in a particular restaurant which was full when we went to book this basically meant we had to buy our food, there was no direction to register your cruise card for any expenses which we… Read more

found out the embarrassing way where a cashier claimed we had insufficient funds.

The food was appalling since after every meal my children were throwing up all night; unless you paid extra the food was sub standard and cold. The cabins were not clean to what my expectations were. Toilets kept blocking, the cabin assigned was so noisy since the engine was right underneath our floor. For a ship with 2000 passengers there were only 2 hot tubs, which accommodated 4 people in each. We also did organise a surprise birthday party for my daughter this was only to be ruined by all the staff since they forgot half of the requests we put in prior to the day and not being helpful at all, not helpful at all and not being consistent with their answers.

There was no Wi-Fi reception in any public places, the room that my kids were in the phone didn't work and wasn't looked into whilst our entire stay. There are many more faults, which I can list and am getting more depressed as I think about it. The beds & pillows were below standard, cabin bathroom very small, tissues given when asked for. Its not like a hotel where you get body lotion etc.

OK for the price – We booked through a travel agent, which was a waste of time. Better off booking through the cruise line. Price is pretty much the same, but seems to get you better service and a better chance of an upgrade. With the cruise, it was pretty much as expected. Very crowded and lots of kids, but it was school holidays, so it was expected. Kids really… Read more

were not a problem at all. ..Accommodation was ok, amenities not too bad. Dining room ordinary and hard to get into early, even though we tried to book early. Buffet was quite repetitive, and food not always hot. Having said all that, you get what you pay for. Enjoyed the cruise, and would go with P&O again, though we have found the jewel to be better.

If I hadn't cruised elsewhere - I wouldn't go again – Boarding the Comedy cruise on Pacific Pearl in Auckland was very easy. It went downhill from there. The weather was poor, but that's to be expected in the Tasman in Winter. However, the indifferent service, bad food, poor attitude left much to be desired. We ate at the Plantation buffet and were very disappointed. The plate warmers were not… Read more

used and therefore cold plates, sometimes freezing cold, were the norm for the entire cruise. No simple salad options, very limited salad dressing choices, no salad meat or seafood. Plenty of mixed salads such as beetroot and ham, but nothing to allow you to create your own. One evening meal choice of "bangers and mash" surprised with grey, spicy mashed potatoes and unidentified sausage chucks in gravy. Mashed potatoes were offered infused with horseradish - even though the condiment was provided separately. Roast beef was bleedingly rare - very near raw and profusely bleeding. Steamed garden vegetables consistently too hard to put a fork into. A lunchtime offering of a "ham sandwich" turned out to be 3 salami slices; spicy, unpalatable and of unknown origin. When staff were approached after an inability to get coffee from a machine as it was empty - the simple response was - ..go find another one... Meal placards were not always there, not of sufficient detail to ascertain what I was allergic to and if it was suitable. Queuing at the buffet was an ergonomic nightmare dodging other patrons, staff, staff pushing trolleys, staff carrying trays. Cabin steward was terrific; deck service not so much. $36 for two thickshakes and two, two scoop icecream cups. No Diet coke at the pool bar, but it was available at the Coffee Shop - go figure. Not much point having a smoking area on the lower deck and then placing it out of bounds for maintenance most of the non-stormy time. Overall a terrible waste of money. Was advised that I'd be sent a link to provide feedback - no-n-no.

What 4 star hotel cleans your room twice a day and changes towels, P&O does – We travelled on P&O Pacific Pearl, accommodation was superior on 14th March 2016, thanks so much to you all for a fantastic time, our experience more than matched our expectations, the dining was amazing, already looking at Fiji trip next year......you are fantastic...thanks so much  Show reply

Average Cruise – A friend and I cruised around New Zealand last week on the Pacific Pearl. Ont the whole, the shop was acceptable. The cabins were clean and the beds comfortable, with lots of drawer space. Our cabin steward was more than accommodating. The food was passable in the Plantation Restaurant, where we had breakfast each morning and a couple of… Read more

lunches when on board. The scrambled eggs were only average, and we wondered if they may have been powdered.

We ate dinner each night in the Waterfront Restaurant, where the food was of a better standard, but not quite up to that of a good restaurant. The waitstaff in this restaurant were very efficient and obliging, and the overall experience was good.

The area to be wary of is the Aqua Spa. I had been to the gym, which is in the same area, and decided to book a massage. When I went to book, I was advised that if I booked three massages, I would get a package discount. Why not, I thought, I was on holiday.

The masseur was more than competent. No complaints there. She found a some stiff muscles in my neck, and worked on them, which was wonderful. However, I found myself buying oils and bath salts that I probably won't use. Yes, my fault, but purchased under undue persuasion. However, worse was to come! I was offered a 'free' consultation for a rejuvenation program. In a word, it was a botox treatment. Free consultation, but pressure to partake. Later I decided to have an eyebrow tint. This is all I wanted. The pressure to have a full facial, get my broken capillaries treated (I din't know I had any!!), and the buy an expensive cream to continue treatment was gale force!!! I was on the verge of getting off the bed and telling the beautician/sales person to forget the whole thing! The eyebrow tint was not good. I get better in Auckland, so was not very happy, both about the high pressure sales pitch, and the end result of my treatment.

Shore tours are more expensive by booking on the ship. You can take the chance and book locally once off the ship.

Entertainment on board was very good, and lots of activities to keep the passengers amused.

The downside was that the lifts were temperamental, and we did choose the stairs as a quicker option. Okay for us, but did feel for those in wheelchairs and walkers. Any breakdown such as this should be fixed immediately. Likewise the coffee machines in the Plantation Restaurant. For about four days, these were out of order, and the coffee option was not nearly as good. This was my first cruise on a P & O ship, and little things like this made me compare it unfavorably with other companies.

On the whole, I would probably use this company again, but consider it a budget option.

wonderful relaxing holiday will be enjoying more in the future – my wife and i have just enjoyed a fantastic holiday aboard the pacific pearl Auckland to Tonga & Fiji.some reviewers complain the ship is old but it is not as old as the house we live in.Our holidays are normally camping or budget motels so really enjoyed our very nice cabin all the activities, shows and fabulous food which may not have been 5… Read more

star but in my opinion 4 star at 3 star prices.Very grateful to P&O for Auckland departures saves overseas flights.All P&O websites and publications show passengers aged below 40 years but i was happy to find there were many in their 60s like us.Teriffic idea to ring and book dinner at the Waterfont and say we would like to share, we dined and became friends with a lot of fellow passengers. lots to do on board or you can do nothing at all.

Worst cruise – WARNING for all families with young kids, do NOT cruise with this liner. Kids got gastro and by the end so did my husband and myself. Staff were not considerate of being confined to a tiny TINYYYYY cabin (to avoid contamination of other passengers). If you are the type that does not like small spaces, it is not for you. Ship was old and outdated. After three days you can't keep eating from the buffet. Will never board with P&O again.

Fantastic Holiday, something for everyone young and old – We had a wonderful experience (1st time cruisers), lovely cabin, (kids right next door), air conditioning, flat screen TV, Fridge. So much drawers and wardrobe space. room cleaned and replenished everyday, fresh beach towels, fresh bathroom towels, loved all the TOWEL animals, friendly staff. Kids joined P&O Edge, did Segway. Flying Fox, walk… Read more

the plank, Lasertag, Climb the Funnel, too many things to list. Plantation Rest, SOoooo much food to choose from, no cooking , no washing up, if you can't find something to eat !!!!!!!!!!!!! Water Front a bit more formal, A La Carte Menu, but very nice for family sit-down dinner. Entertainment, again so much to choose from, Themed Party Nights excellent, Music and shows fantastic (considering it all inclusive), Shore tours beautiful, we did Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare, Noumea nice and ok, other two unbelievably beautiful, untouched, pristine, did snorkelling, tours etc. Hair Braiding cheaper on Mare only AUS$15, on I OF P $20/$30 short/Long. Getting on and off the ship was a breeze will definitely do this again, Sydney Airport could learn a thing or two from WhiteBay Terminal

The Worst Cruise Ever – Where do I start, let's start with leaking ceilings in the corridors, restaurant and some of the rooms their solution is to put buckets everywhere. Next there are 2 sittings to Waterfront restaurant but yet they can not accommodate everyone if you do not have a booking your only option is the buffet. Don't be surprised if the… Read more

public toilet doesn't flush or they over flow. This ship needs to be docked and fixed from top to bottom. Also be prepared to pay for everything at not the cheapest prices. P&O should be ashamed.

Can't wait for the next 1 around New Zealand then up to Morton island – I had the best time can't speak enough about how I was treated by the staff I have never seen anyone work as hard and as long hours I cannot wait to do it again I booked as soon as I got home

Good Fun Cruise at The Right Price – Just returned from a 13 night cruise to New Zealand. The ship has just recently had refit, nothing spectacular but it looked nice with the new carpets throughout and the fit out in the Plantation Restaurant was good too. The Plantation restaurant is buffet style, we liked the food in there although it can be bland sometimes. The deserts were… Read more

very nice though. What annoyed us the most was the water dispensing machines broke down a lot. One time all 3 were not working but eventually they got one going. Plus if you go at the wrong times the queues are long and then once you got your food it was hard to find a table to sit at. Why they ever put those high bench style tables with stools a meter high in there is beyond me, no one wanted to really sit there and elderly people weren't able to mount those stools anyway. If they replaced those stools/tables with 6 x 2 seater tables they would have accommodated more guests much more comfortably.

The Waterfront restaurant was nice, sit down waiter/waitress style service. The food was very nice and so was the service views. We had every evening meal in there and enjoyed it a lot.

Our cabin was clean and comfortable, could not fault it and everything inside worked ok. The TV in your room does not have any other news program apart from BBC world news. Very little news was coming out of Australia so if you are going on a long cruise you may need to resort the 5 page daily newsletter on level 5. I think the TV programming can be improved.

The shows in the Marquee showroom were generally good but there were a couple of boring ones. One of the best shows was when they had a mixture of crew members performing, they were better than a couple of the professional productions. We went to every show they put on and it was pleasant and relaxing. The seating arrangements in the Marquee are not the best, by that I mean the rear rows have limited to zero views so you need to get there early in order to secure a good seat.

The tendering process at Akaroa was slow. It took us 2 hours + to get ashore from the moment I picked up our tender tickets. I think something has to be done to speed up this process. However in The Bay of Islands the tending process only took an hour or so and felt much more relaxed.

Now I will get on to the service and staff. This is where P & O stand out. Their staff and service is very very good. All staff members we encountered were good and friendly, they made our voyage even better.

In summary P & O Pacific Pearl is a good ship with good staff and I would definitely do another cruise with them again. We had some small problems but what ship doesn't? For the price we paid, the ports we called in on and the service we received I think it was value for money. Out of 5 I would rate our experience a total of 3.5 but I can't put 3.5 stars up there so settled for 3.

December 29th 2017 Update: A very enjoyable cruise

This was our 4th cruise with P & O and the first time on the Pacific Eden. The booking was all done online with P & O and it was easy, nothing to follow up and it all went well.

The ship itself was good. It was a bit smaller than the others but it was fun and enjoyable. I like the many small bars on deck 6, if you don't like the music in one just move on to the next.

The Waterfront restaurant was good as was the Dragon Lady Restaurant. The pantry was ok too, plenty to choose from but my wife said the food was not spicy enough and was bland. I found some dishes cold. But hey that's where everyone still went so it couldn't be that bad.

Our room was as good as the other ships so no complaints. The nightly shows were good but "The Velvet Rope" has been going on for a while, time to retire that show I think. Seen it 3 times.

The staff were excellent, everyone was great.

We loved the Pacific Eden and would definitely sail with her again.

Average Cruise, You Pay For What You Get – I found that everything was paid for on the ship - sauna, spa, rockclimbing, etc. There were hardly any good activities to do other than the odd show on at night. Food was SALTY. I drank so much water (which also tasted very chemically) trying to get rid of the salt. There were poor tendering options, huge queues to get off the boat and we… Read more

nearly drowned going snorkelling, there was minimal supervision or guidance to guests. Not only that, the snorkel area was around 2kms from the tender boat with no transfers. This should be accommodated for or provided as an option.

Service was average, the waiters seemed disinterested in helping out in Waterfront but I found our Cabinet Steward and the chefs/waiters at Plantation much better.

Sudokus and word puzzles were not refilled often either, book collection was sparse.

I don't think I'll be travelling P&O again.

Pacific pearl 5 ship extravagance – I had a wonderful time on this 3 day cruise am so glad I was there to see history in the making. I hadn't been on a P & O ship since 1967 when I traveled from Sydney to England. Thank you.