ceeceeDee

Seriously, I feel very sorry for those people who had no option but to disembark. And I'll be very interested to know what compensation P&O offered/will offer. A full refund and a future cruise credit would be fair. Also transportation back to Brisbane. We'll see. Brace for a new wave of P&O haters on the review websites. You're probably right, Geoff. A blockage seems far more likely and seems to be a common occurrence mostly due to pax putting things down the toilet they shouldn't. People just seem to ignore the signage. I find it really difficult to get my head around that. Plumbers on land tell you that the only things that should go down any toilet are what nature intended and a modest amount of toilet paper! Why should a ship be any different?

That really sucks, Charlie

I must admit I have NEVER come across a cheerful/pleasant customs official. I get the impression that you're considered guilty until proven innocent!😂 I always try to be polite and pleasant regardless of circumstances but invariably feel like a recalcitrant sheep being herded by a team of sheep dogs who got out of the wrong side of the kennel. On our last embarkation from Brisbane Cruise Terminal the officials were literally 'barking' at everyone. I realise they are processing a couple of thousand people and I suppose the job can be stressful, but from my observations no passengers were causing any problems to warrant the attitude. I think there must be a training module dealing with the various degrees of surliness and the application of same.🙄

You'll be on board in no time, Mic. 469 for us, but 3 days to our next land based getaway.

Good question. Maybe call P&O and/or stick a couple in your carry on and see what happens?

The only bad experience I've had was at Houston airport. Felt very intimidated by the customs officer who queried in a highly suspicious tone absolutely everything I said. For example, he asked reason for visiting and I replied we were taking a cruise out of Miami. The words barely left my mouth when he jumped down my throat with "Who's WE?!!". I was somewhat taken aback and pointed to my husband and two friends who were in another line. Honestly, I was made to feel like a drug mule or terrorist. For the record, I obviously chose the wrong line, because hubby and friends had a totally different experience.

What a lovely way to celebrate your anniversary, John. October must be a good month, our anniversary is then also! Don't forget to let the crew know it's your anniversary. Who knows, you might get something. 😀

Off the P&O Australia website: To ensure the safety and security of all guests, and in line with Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines, the following beverage items cannot be brought onboard any P&O Cruises’ ship: Plastic and glass bottled drinks (opened or unopened), including water; Slab packs (cartons) of canned drinks; Tetra pack drinks (including fruit juice poppers). Each guest may bring onboard a maximum of 12 non-alcoholic canned drinks loosely packed in carry-on (hand) luggage. All luggage, including checked in luggage, will be x-rayed at embarkation. Hope this answers your question.

Hi Calicakes. Sinbad's comments are right on the money, particularly the weather. I lived in Cairns for 15 years and February is hot and humid. Think Miami in September and that will give you an idea. It also can be wet but should be tapering off in February. BTW, I never experienced a full blown cyclone (was on the fringes a couple of times) in those 15 years so 'occasional' is a fair comment.

Hi John and Hilary. We dined at Luke's late May. I had three courses (from memory crab pancake, barramundi and licorice parfait) for $58. Hubby had two courses (too busy inhaling mine to remember what he had) for $48. Amazing food, great service, relaxing ambience and well worth the price. I think those prices were average for the menu. Hope this helps. Cheers CeeCee

Even pre-covid, P&O was very big on using hand sanitizer before entering any of the restaurants and had staff stationed at all entrances sanitizer bottle at the ready. I have a small, travel size bottle of sanitizer which can be clipped to belt or handbag and used it regularly on our last cruise. Perhaps do likewise if your ship is not providing sanitizing stations on board. From memory, Big W sells them in their travel accessories section.

When we sail with P&O, I generally put the credit card details on Cruise Control a couple of days before sailing and then watch my credit card account on line like a hawk. Never had anything 'dodgy' happen. Same goes for the onboard account. Check it daily, so far have never had a problem. I agree, banks seem to be more vigilant with credit card fraud and it can sometimes take days after the completion of the cruise for the hold on debit cards to be released. If you keep your wits about you, the credit card option is fairly safe. Don't forget to inform your bank where you will be going so they don't freeze your account because the card is being used overseas. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

I do that when I hand wash items in the bathroom. Works a treat.

I'm a dry martini girl. Occasionally I'll opt for a 'dirty', but mostly just go for lots of olives😁

Well, P&O must have heard me......... Just this minute received an email with updated protocols and RATs are only necessary if symptoms are felt from 5 days prior to boarding.

Absolutely, cruiser! I got some great shots from our balcony when we were docking in Cairns. No elbowing for unobstructed view from the public decks AND I will still in my dressing gown.😂

Thanks for that Geoff and habitatnal. I actually accessed their Healthy Cruising button on cruise control moments before uploading my post. Maybe P&O haven't got all their digital ducks in a row yet. Can't rush into these things 😂🦆 Cheers Cee

If you are heading to Far North Queensland in March, sea breezes would probably be a bonus. Quite hot around that time of year. However, depending on how the wet season is behaving, you could also experience a bit of wet weather (won't be cold though). I have a personal preference for a balcony and didn't find it all that windy on our recent Great Barrier Reef cruise.

I've been monitoring P&O's cruise control and it would appear that at this stage they are still requiring pre-cruise RAT tests, though vaccinations are no longer mandatory. For cruises to or from Australia, and cruises that visit an Australian port (including Norfolk Island), guests are required to take a self-administered Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hrs of boarding or a PCR test within 48 hours before boarding and carry evidence of the negative RAT or PCR result. Click here for more details. Any guest who has tested positive to COVID-19 in the 5 days prior to the cruise departure will not be permitted to board.

Does anyone have photos/video they could upload? I've been googling but can't find anything on line. Thanks in advance.

I agree with all the above well wishers. Have a wonderful time!

Ye gods and little fishes! Guns drawn?!!!

Great time of the year to do the Great Barrier Reef. No too hot and humid

My adult son did that in Vila and reckoned it was the highlight of the cruise

Yes, P&O tends to get a bad rap, but we have had several cruises with them over the years (the latest in late May this year) and honestly we have never had a bad experience. The ships are older (Princess 'cast offs' 😁) but that has never bothered us. We have also sailed on the mega, 'floating resorts' but we are still more than happy with little ole P&O. We have already booked our next cruise on Encounter and can't wait to get on board. Haven't sailed in an aft facing room yet, but it is on our 'to do' list. Just love watching the wake.