New to cruising...a few questions :)

[tonystark0000]

Hi

Just booked our first cruise and really excited. Cant wait for our holiday to begin. We are going on the Pacific dawn, to the great barrier reef.

Its me my partner and our 5 year old son. As its our first cruise just had a few questions.

- our cabin is right at the front of the ship, is it going to be noisy? how is it going to be? shaky?

- Do you think we could get upgraded? do they usually upgrade people? do they charge for upgrades?

- would like to snorkle the great barrier reef, but noticed the shore tours from PnO are pretty dear, is there any other way we could do some tours?

- Do we have to do the tours or could we do other stuff when at port? is it a bit of a drive from the ports to different attraction?

- how much spending money you rekon we would need per day?

-what time should we get there to board?

-is there much to do at the brisbane port?

-any tips please free .

I know thats alot of question, but would appreciate if could get a few answers

 

Thanks:)

[Mr Jester]

I can help with a few of your questions:

- our cabin is right at the front of the ship, is it going to be noisy? how is it going to be? shaky?

We have been right at the front on deck 10 of the Dawn. We were lucky as we have fairly good seas. If it was rough you might hear a bit of noise from the ship breaking though the swell and the anchor makes a racket when it is being lowered or raised but that just gets you moving early to enjoy your day in port. Other than that we have felt more vibration when at the rear of the ship

- Do you think we could get upgraded? do they usually upgrade people? do they charge for upgrades?

There is always the possibility of an upgrade but don’t count on it. There is usually no charge but you may get lucky.

- would like to snorkle the great barrier reef, but noticed the shore tours from PnO are pretty dear, is there any other way we could do some tours?

There are usually tours offered by private operators in the various ports and we haven’t snorkelled up that way but from what I understand it is a fair way to the better sites and you must be aware of the time that you have in port so that you are not left behind if you are doing your own thing.

- Do we have to do the tours or could we do other stuff when at port? is it a bit of a drive from the ports to different attraction?

You can certainly do your own thing in the ports. At Airlie Beach you will hop off the tender fairly close to town and there is a great man made lagoon and park area that your five year old would probably enjoy and some usually some markets and bars nearby for the adults

- how much spending money you rekon we would need per day?

Somewhere between very little and a whole bunch. On board there is not a lot to spend your money on unless you are drinking a lot and dining at the specialty restaurants. I do recommend Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill at least once on the trip for about $50 per head. Drinks are roughly pub/club prices. Photos by the P&O staff are about $20/30 each for an 8”x10”. No obligation to buy any but often a great way to get a nice family shot.

-what time should we get there to board?

We usually drop the bags off at the port at about 9:00am, then take the car to the parking station, check in and wander up to look at the ship and have a coffee at the shops at Portside. We are usually on board by 11:00/11:30.

-is there much to do at the brisbane port?

A few shops, cafés, supermarket and a cinema. We usually go up to the viewing deck and watch the ship being loaded. It still amazes us how much food, booze and luggage is loaded and unloaded on turn around day.

-any tips please free .

Have a great time, meet lots of new friends (don’t be surprised if you come across someone you already know), ignore any whiners you come across and relax.

Breakfast in the dining room is a lot more relaxing than the sometimes chaotic buffet!

Cheers,

Mark

[horrie33]

Totally agree with Cool Cruiser.

We generally eat in the Dining Room (no extra cost) enjoy the service, after all you are on holidays. The breakfast Buffet can be good but at times it is like a Backpacker's Kitchen!

As for spending money - we find that about $100 per day usually shows up on our account at the end of cruise. We visit Salt at least once, and La Luna (the oriental restaurant) is good value and great food. A bottle of wine, about $30.00 does us for two nights and we usually have one or two coffees per day. Throw in the odd cocktail and a beer or two and you have it. You probably have a cabin credit of $100/$200 which helps out. A 5 y.o. will cost you nothing - the kids clubs are apparently great and free, so get you child booked in early.

And don't listen to the wingers - always a few and I always get a good laugh at their misconceptions.

One cruise and you will be hooked, so go ahead and enjoy the experience.

[Adidas4fun]

Hi Tony

 

We too will be doing this cruise soon. We have travelled to northern Queensland many times independently and done a number of other cruises.

 

You really need to give a bit more information about cabin number or even floor/location to make a comment about noise.

 

Upgrades generally speaking are given to repeat cruisers.

 

Tour wise you are not obligated to use the P&O shore tours, but as noted any tour you use runs the risk of not getting back to the ship on time. However, most tour operators in ports are familiar with your needs. So you can use the web to find possible tours and email the operator to check on this issue before selecting a tour.

 

Of note it is quite some distance from port out to the good snorkelling spots and back again, it will be a full day activity and not cheap.

 

You can also do anything you like whilst in port and this is part of the fun of cruising, you can arrive in port and just wander along finding your own activities.

 

Spending money - I'm the wrong person to comment as we will generally exceed $200 per day (ps and we usually have a suite)

 

Brisbane port, dont know it will be our first time boarding there. And as we have a suite we will have priority boarding. Otherwise P&O will advise you of your boarding time.

 

Other tips - relax and enjoy. You will have an awesome time.

[tonystark0000]

Thanks guys the info was really informative, and much appreciated. If any more tips please free to post... I just can't wait now ... Lol

[tonystark0000]

Hi guys... Just a few more 😁

-whats the best way to get to the terminal from the Gold Coast? Was thinking of getting the train? Or should we drive up and leave the car there?

Just thought it would be a nice experience getting the train up there but would it be a hassle changing train and then busses?

Would like to know you guy opinion

Thanks guys

[horrie33]

We now always go by car - leaving the car at Portside Parking Station. It costs about $10.00 per day and they take you to the terminal and pick you up when you come home (included). You can book on line and choose from uncovered or covered parking

We are also from Gold Coast and have tried the train (not again, very inconvenient

) and also the bus shuttles. The shuttles take so long as you travel around the suburbs to pick up other passengers who just may not be ready. Providing we get a good start using our own car we have been back home on the coast by 10.am as it is only a comfortable 1.00 hr drive to the north Gold Coast