Review By: Fiona Paino from cruisefinder.com.au 
Brisbane to Brisbane
September 2007 

Why this particular cruise?
I have always wanted to experience P&O first hand, I sell so much of it, I really wanted to experience it for myself. A Piece of advice, if you don’t have children, don’t go in school holidays, it was school holidays when I went and there were families and children everywhere.

Where did the cruise go?
This was a 7 night return Brisbane South Pacific cruise. I visited Noumea, Lifou and Vila. I have been to these places before and was extremely thrilled about going back to Vila as it’s a lively place with lots of things to see and do, especially for duty free shopping (alcohol & perfumes are extremely cheap here). 

Did the ship measure up to your expectations?
Yes it did, I was expecting a product middle of the range and that’s exactly what it was. Although the ship was built in the 80’s, it didn’t feel like it, the décor and condition of the ship inside and out was very well maintained.  I thought for what you pay, it was great value for money.

What were the cabins like?
I had an inside cabin on deck 5. It was what I expected in size, it had what you needed along with a dressing table and chair which came in handy. The bathroom size was again what I have experienced on other cruise lines however I felt the shower was bigger, I could wash my hair without my elbows hitting the wall. It was equiped with a hairdryer but from personal use I would recommend you take your own if it’s something you use all the time.

What was the food like?
Firstly I’m not a fan of Buffet and this cruise showed me why. It was very average, I had to wait in a queue each time and by the time you sat down the food was cold, I ate here once for breakfast and once for lunch, the rest of the time I was in the Bordeaux Dining Room which was 10 times better. You ordered off a menu, the quality of food was of a much higher standard, it was served hot and the service was excellent.  There was also a poolside pizzeria should you wish to purchase a snack between meals or the steakhouse for a $20 surcharge.

What were ships’ facilities like?
Everything was spread out which I liked, it never felt like 1300 passengers were on board, there was always some where to sit. I spent most of my time in the Casablanca lounge/bar, it was cozy, wonderful staff and a lot of one board activities were done here during the day, Karaoke was a favourite of mine (I didn’t sing, I enjoy watching).  The evening shows were a big hit and popular, the show lounge was always full, so you had to make sure you got there early if you wanted a good seat. One thing I was disappointed in with was the size of the gym, it was tiny, you could have fit about 3 people in it at one time, I walked in and walked straight back out again. It was always cramped with people at all hours of the day, even at 2am in the morning!

Who would a P&O cruise appeal to?
People who like to have a good time, so I would say It would appeal to the majority including families.

Advice
Keep at watch on specials, P&O are always releasing offers, especially last minute.

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