Pacific Pearl to Auckland 31st January

[windsor26]

We are booked with the package of 4 day cruise to NZ on 31st Jan on Pacific Pearl with a night in the hotel City Oaks Hobson Street and the flight home via LAN airways. I have confirmation from LAN that we only need to get to the airport 2 hours before the 7.35am flight and the travel time is 25 minutes If anyone else is on this package the hotel has a shuttle service to the airport for $70 for 4 people (taxi fair is $65) I do not know if the taxi would take 2 couples and luggage (we only have one case and 1 carry on) Either way we would love to share with someone and save a few dollars. Any takers?:D:D

[shireboi]

We are booked with the package of 4 day cruise to NZ on 31st Jan on Pacific Pearl with a night in the hotel City Oaks Hobson Street ......

 

Hi windsor26 - we're actually on that same cruise (and have posted some remarks on your other posts). Deck 11 / Balcony for us.

 

strangely enough - I was in Auckland only 6 or 7 weeks ago...- and stayed 4 nights at the Auckland City Oaks !! (it's a little bit out of the way - basic apartment hotel - not much that end of town)

 

 

I found that there was 'zero' accommodation at a reasonable price in Auckland upon arrival (damn those NRL Nines) - and have chosen to fly out on the same day (Emirates at 6.30pm - using some QFF points up). Your LAN flight is damned early - no sleep in that day !! Airport from there will be at least 30+ mins - it's still quite a distance from the city !

 

 

 

 

 

...only 30 days to go !!!

Edited January 1, 2016 by shireboi

[windsor26]

Hi windsor26 - we're actually on that same cruise (and have posted some remarks on your other posts). Deck 11 / Balcony for us.

 

strangely enough - I was in Auckland only 6 or 7 weeks ago...- and stayed 4 nights at the Auckland City Oaks !! (it's a little bit out of the way - basic apartment hotel - not much that end of town)

 

 

I found that there was 'zero' accommodation at a reasonable price in Auckland upon arrival (damn those NRL Nines) - and have chosen to fly out on the same day (Emirates at 6.30pm - using some QFF points up). Your LAN flight is damned early - no sleep in that day !! Airport from there will be at least 30+ mins - it's still quite a distance from the city !

 

 

 

 

 

...only 30 days to go !!!

 

Hi hope to meet up with you I tried a roll call but no joy We have to leave the hotel at 4.30 minimum to get to the airport for the flight which is a bummer! However we took the package so must not grumble As it is advertised as a Comedy cruise I am looking forward to some decent entertainment.

Was the duty free in the airport worth it or should I buy on the cruise ship

 

I do not have a cabin number yet

Edited January 13, 2016 by windsor26

[shireboi]

Hi hope to meet up with you I tried a roll call but no joy We have to leave the hotel at 4.30 minimum to get to the airport for the flight which is a bummer! However we took the package so must not grumble As it is advertised as a Comedy cruise I am looking forward to some decent entertainment.

Was the duty free in the airport worth it or should I buy on the cruise ship

 

I do not have a cabin number yet

 

Strange that you have not been assigned a cabin yet :confused: (is there nothing showing on your P&O Cruise Control check in - or your printed eTicket ?? )

 

I kinda 'love' that they called this the NRL Nines + Comedy Cruise after I booked it (I ended up finding out later that there was little to no accommodation in Auckland, or if there was, it was expensive).

 

 

Re duty free options :

 

1. Buy item in Sydney over $300, and claim TRS at White Bay Terminal (P&O advise that this is post check in). You can buy now at the best price anywhere, and just bring the item / receipt with you.

 

2. Buy in Auckland Airport (stores maybe open at that time of the morning) -however ensure that you KNOW your prices of the items you are after before purchasing !!!)

 

3. Buy some duty free upon arrival back in Sydney (eg alcohol / perfume - limited electricals).

 

4. Cruise - again, just need to know your prices. There is a Pandora on Pearl, and few stores - but not much

[windsor26]

Strange that you have not been assigned a cabin yet :confused: (is there nothing showing on your P&O Cruise Control check in - or your printed eTicket ?? )

 

I kinda 'love' that they called this the NRL Nines + Comedy Cruise after I booked it (I ended up finding out later that there was little to no accommodation in Auckland, or if there was, it was expensive).

 

 

Re duty free options :

 

1. Buy item in Sydney over $300, and claim TRS at White Bay Terminal (P&O advise that this is post check in). You can buy now at the best price anywhere, and just bring the item / receipt with you.

 

2. Buy in Auckland Airport (stores maybe open at that time of the morning) -however ensure that you KNOW your prices of the items you are after before purchasing !!!)

 

3. Buy some duty free upon arrival back in Sydney (eg alcohol / perfume - limited electricals).

 

4. Cruise - again, just need to know your prices. There is a Pandora on Pearl, and few stores - but not much

 

 

Thanks for that info I only buy booze as at my age I do not need jewellery or electronics

 

We are in the Auckland City Oaks hotel and they still have places on http://www.booking.com bed and breakfast $125 double room

 

See you on board

[windsor26]

Now I have a cabin number deck 5 at the end 5215

 

Dont know if it will be noisy as there is a large white space in front and below (staff quarters perhaps??)

[raroson]

We are a group of 10 sailing on the Pearl for this trip. P&O website is showing that this sailing is now sold out. It appears that the Nines have attracted a full house. Has anyone sailed on the Pearl before? Is Salt Grill worth it? Will the comedy be decent?

[windsor26]

We are a group of 10 sailing on the Pearl for this trip. P&O website is showing that this sailing is now sold out. It appears that the Nines have attracted a full house. Has anyone sailed on the Pearl before? Is Salt Grill worth it? Will the comedy be decent?

 

What are the 'nines' please I have never heard of this I am advised that the late night comedy is a little blue but hope it is not fu ll of the F word as they were on the Carnival Legend to Hawaii last year Hated them and left after 3/4 minutes

Edited January 22, 2016 by windsor26

[sweetp12]

The "nines" is a sports event - a spin off of rugby league it is a nine a side knock out tournament.

 

A great deal of fun, people get dressed up and come from all over the southern hemisphere to attend.

[windsor26]

The "nines" is a sports event - a spin off of rugby league it is a nine a side knock out tournament.

 

A great deal of fun, people get dressed up and come from all over the southern hemisphere to attend.

 

Thanks Sounds weird but fun How dressed up??

[sweetp12]

Some people / groups go over the top in the terms of costumes or themes. Others just wear normal clothes or colours to support their teams but the people that dress up seem to go all the way. There doesn't seem to be any rules however banned the borat mankini I think - they were very popular at the 7's in wellington but as it is a family event they became a no no.

 

Some groups plan their costumes all year. But if you don't dress up you won't be out of place.

[windsor26]

Some people / groups go over the top in the terms of costumes or themes. Others just wear normal clothes or colours to support their teams but the people that dress up seem to go all the way. There doesn't seem to be any rules however banned the borat mankini I think - they were very popular at the 7's in wellington but as it is a family event they became a no no.

 

Some groups plan their costumes all year. But if you don't dress up you won't be out of place.

 

Thank you good information to us as it is strange (we are UK people)

[bl262000]

Hi Windsor26,

 

As mentioned earlier, Auckland Nines is a short game form of rugby league. Heres some info I dug up here:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NRL_Auckland_Nines

 

http://nrlaucklandnines.com/

 

It is like a trial for the National Rugby League here in Oz.

 

cya

bl262000

[raroson]

Yes, our group of 10 are on this cruise for the sole purpose of getting to Auckland for the tournament. The cruise fare was cheaper than an economy flight to Auckland, so there may be a few rugby league supporters on board. In fact P&O and many sports tour groups were advertising this sailing as an 'Auckland Nines + Comedy' Cruise.

 

Windsor26, when I lived in London the Rugby 7s at Twickenham were incredibly popular and seeing 80,000 Londoners dressed in the most bizarre and humorous outfits was very entertaining. Sadly, we still have not sorted our costume for Auckland.

[windsor26]

Yes, our group of 10 are on this cruise for the sole purpose of getting to Auckland for the tournament. The cruise fare was cheaper than an economy flight to Auckland, so there may be a few rugby league supporters on board. In fact P&O and many sports tour groups were advertising this sailing as an 'Auckland Nines + Comedy' Cruise.

 

Windsor26, when I lived in London the Rugby 7s at Twickenham were incredibly popular and seeing 80,000 Londoners dressed in the most bizarre and humorous outfits was very entertaining. Sadly, we still have not sorted our costume for Auckland.

 

So strange I know we are not really sports people but living in South London for so many years I never heard of any of this My brother even played and then refereed Rugby for Old Wimbledonians for many years

[shireboi]

We are a group of 10 sailing on the Pearl for this trip. P&O website is showing that this sailing is now sold out. It appears that the Nines have attracted a full house. Has anyone sailed on the Pearl before? Is Salt Grill worth it? Will the comedy be decent?

 

 

sold out ?? !! :eek: which deck did you 10 get rooms on ?? :rolleyes: (we scored a balcony)

 

As for the Pearl, first time on a cruise for about 3 decades for me - before I hit the BIG boats off the Caribbean this year or next. My mum (who is tagging along) has been on the 'sister' ship, the Jewel and said that was OK.

 

Small differences in the boats : Jewel - gym on a high deck, views; Pearl, in the dungeon (I might give it one go). Jewel now has the Pantry buffet ('sectioned' / food style) Pearl has just the basic one.

 

Salt Grill - you will need to book early on the day (given that the place is small - dinner $50 lunch $30 - here's a few reviews for similar on the Jewel:

http://hungryaustralian.com/2014/06/3-day-cruise-on-the-pacific-jewel-salt-grill-by-luke-mangan-high-tea-waterfront-restaurant-and-the-chefs-table-experience/

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d3389745-Reviews-Salt_Grill_by_Luke_Magnam-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html#REVIEWS

 

and the 'comedy' - who knows what that will be like :confused:

Edited January 24, 2016 by shireboi

[windsor26]

I know this is not and we do not have a rollcall but if anyone would like to meet fora sail away drink perhaps Can you suggest a time and place (obviously after muster drill)

[windsor26]

Just completing the exit Australia forms and getting the final medication in the carry on Off tomorrow 8.30am train to Sydney the trying out the Captain Cooke ferry to White Bay as we do not have a lot of luggage to carry

 

See you all on board:D:D

[shireboi]

 

See you all on board:D:D

 

see you - if you see a stocky short hair, goatee 50yr old - probably wearing a red or black Tshirt - with a GoPro or camera - that will probably be me :D

 

otherwise - Monday night = around 9pm in said red Tshirt in the Marquee (if that's where/when the 'comedy' is on - or in the Orient.

 

first cruise in 30yrs for me - just to see what it's like - before hitting the bigger RC boats later on :o

[windsor26]

see you - if you see a stocky short hair, goatee 50yr old - probably wearing a red or black Tshirt - with a GoPro or camera - that will probably be me :D

 

otherwise - Monday night = around 9pm in said red Tshirt in the Marquee (if that's where/when the 'comedy' is on - or in the Orient.

 

first cruise in 30yrs for me - just to see what it's like - before hitting the bigger RC boats later on :o

 

We have late dining I think so may miss you in the bar but though we will be on deck (unless raining) after muster for the sailaway We look like our photo still Hope we catch up

[shireboi]

Well, this is a bit of kiwi cruise :)

 

Statesroom balcony - a bit smaller than I had pictured - a chair in the corner, and one at a desk.

 

And it looks like a full ship - a handful of kids - granted school started last week.

 

Just sitting with the iPad on the balcony overlooking Glebe island bridge - one hour before departure

[shireboi]

Sitting here in the Emirates lounge heading back to Syd - after the Queen St TPP protest stuffing up the Skybus

 

Will provide a report on this Pearl trip when I get back to Sydney - wet windy and comedy !

[shireboi]

Ok... a bit more detail now that I'm on a PC instead of the iPad.....

 

This had been my first cruise in several decades - and I thought I'd check out cruising on a short duration before considering others.

 

Unfortunately - the weather was out of P&O's hands on this cruise (so much for any summer !!) :(

 

Day 1 out at sea was wet, windy and kind of miserable. You would be crazy to be out on deck on that day. Day 2 - more of the same, cold and windy. Actually let's just state that it was windy for the whole time. Day 3 out - and we saw a little sun - but the wind caught the water cascading over the adult pool and sprayed that over the deck and chairs. We had a little bit of rocking on the 1st morning.

 

(this weather obviously 'killed' all many outdoor activities - yep, there goes your opportunity to watch something outside on the big screen (why bother ??) - it might be time for the Cruise Director and team to come up with back up plans !)

 

 

There were several NRL players on board :

 

http://www.aucklandnz.com/ateed/media-centre/listing/bronco-adam-blair-cruises-into-downer-nrl-auckland-nines-selection

 

 

And the comedy acts were in the main pretty good (* special mention to Jarred Fell whom provided (for me) the comedy highlight on the last night's 20:45 show !!)

 

Food : wow... (will have to provide a more detailed review elsewhere) but.... how could the Waterfront Restaurant get things so 'wrong' ??? Cold boring meals. It was a case of why bother !

 

Disembarkation in Auckland : 40mins over the scheduled departure time is pathetic on P&O's outdated system : having only two terminals to check people out is not enough. Waiting in one of the lounges for over 2 hours is poor on behalf of P&O.

 

 

 

(edit: oh... and 'who' checks the TV content at P&O ? The 'Kids' channel had an ABC show called SOUL MATES on it - it was quite 'hilarious' to find the 'F' word and sex on this channel at the early time (8.10 and 10.10) it was on .... hope the kids weren't watching :) ... and then some Wiggles and cuddly bear programs afterwards :) )

 

Just to give you an 'idea' of the show - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvMchsbpStkZj6z-3HKvZOQ/videos

- remember seeing this one a few times :)

- great show... but not for kids :)

Edited February 4, 2016 by shireboi

[windsor26]

I enjoyed my cruise - well you are on a cruise

 

Well we are home at last from our cruise and package on th Pacific Pearl.

 

We left home as usual but thought we would try the Captain Cooke ferry to White Bay for the first time. There were only 4 of us on the ferry which was a nice cruise across the harbour. Not many steps off the ship but then a 700m walk across to the road and along to the Pearl. We will not bother again.

 

We completed the health form and joined the line to checkin. We had number 2 so only had about a half hour wait before we went through customs and baggage search and joined the ship.

 

We took our own baggage on board so found our cabin and unpacked quickly. There were masses of drawers for us to put clothes and loads of hangers The room was larger than we normally have as we usually go inside but we had been upgraded to a square window room.

However the lighting was very low making reading etc difficult. There was only really one bedside lamp 20 watt bulb I think as the other lamp was positioned at the further end of the dressing table by the window No use for those in bed.

The beds were very comfortable and the pillows just as we like them. Although the seat on our toilet was loose this did not matter we were just careful.

We visited the buffet for lunch and were quite disappointed with the choice and flavour of this food so gave it a miss thereafter.

We went around the ship to discover the wearabouts of everything but did not find many smiling staff at this time of day.

We only saw our steward once in the while cruise (just to rearrange the beds which were in the incorrect formation)

The entertainment was good as we expected for a themed cruise and it was varied enough for most people to find something to suit them

The muster drill was the worst fiasco we have ever attended. We waited for over half an hour after the said time and eventually the staff from the stairways joined us. We had been warned that the announcement was difficult to hear (if this was known and it was important why had it not been mended) When the wearing of the life jacket was demonstrated no one could see the staff showing this. To top it all BEFORE the drill was finished the CD interrupted over the tannoy and started to give the daily entertainment times so the drill just petered out and as no one had taken the names of those attending it probably did not matter anyway.

 

The items we missed:

welcome speech by the captain and introduction of his chief staff.

Welcome by the CD Gemma and being told the names of her staff.

pillow chocolates (but not sure if this was due to our steward as we did have one on one evening)

toiletries in the bathroom (There is just wash jel in the shower.)

Bathrobes for use (there is one in a plastic bag left on the bed for you to buy at $35.)

Being able to have free breakfast in our room (every item was $5)

Free lemon squash with lunch (water was available ) and coffee afterwards which was quite palatable from a machine

Champagne waterfall

A library and book swap cupboard. It seems these have been discontinued although the maps and lift notices still show library

Daily crossword puzzle

The comfortable sunbed mattresses and blankets available for viewing a film by the pool at night.

The free popcorn while watching the film

Missed the milk and cookies trolley mid morning (not even available in the buffet which closed down sharply between every meal)

Missed afternoon tea as this was never offered.

A choice of more than orange or apple for breakfast juice (no tomato, pineapple, grapefruit etc that we are used to on other cruise lines)

We would have like to get a burger or chips from the grill by the pool but on this ship every item was $3 (free on other lines)

We missed the all day free pittza available on most ships ($9.50 with 4 choices on the Pearl)

I missed having the purchased duty free drink delivered to our cabin during the late afternoon of the final day so it could be packed carefully for flights. It had to be collected from the restaurant between 6am and 8am in the final morning but as most people had to put their luggage out the previous night this makes it difficult to get on a flight

I normally treat myself to a couple of cocktails but they were quite a bit more than I normally pay so went without.

Having bought wine I found it unusual to have to take the unfinished bottle with me for use the next day (usually kept by the waiters and we would just ask for it the next day even if we were going to a specialist restaurant or the buffet they would ask our table number and get it for us) This meant that whatever we were doing before dinner one of us had to go to the cabin to get the wine out of the frig to take to dinner.

We found that the arrangement for dinner were chaos. Neither fish nor fowl. There is not anytime dining you either dine at 6.30 or 8pm BUT there is not fixed traditional dining either. If you do not phone and book a table during the day you arrive at your time and take pot luck. We were unlucky in being given tables in the same area with an extremely poor wait staff. We tried asking to sit elsewhere but were told those areas were pre booked.

The food was cold for every dinner meal we had, even the soup. The white coffee was black and “they did not have milk as it as dispensed from a machine”

One evening there were 4 on our table The waiter took one man's order and left for 5 minutes then took another persons order and then left again after 8 minute more he came for our orders. The meal was a long time coming which was probably why it was cold again and my ordered cheese and biscuits which I Never got.

We had breakfast and lunch in the dining room and twice we had good waiters but were never able to get the omellete as “there is a waiting time of 25 minutes” This, even on the last morning when very few were in the dining room!!!

What can I say about disembarkation??? we were self disembarking and taking our own luggage and even then we were held in line for a while and then there were no taxis available we were 5th in the line and waited about 25 minutes before one came

We had a good flight home although it was early in the morning and we waited for ever for our luggage in Sydney

The hotel in NZ was excellent clean friendly everything you would want in a kitchen available should it be required and very comfortable bed.

[shireboi]

We would have like to get a burger or chips from the grill by the pool but on this ship every item was $3 (free on other lines)

 

 

THIS......

 

I've noted this in my detail review (to be uploaded soon) - but THIS stood out as one of the most confused, unexplained 'mysteries' on the Pearl.

 

 

What was the Grill ??

What purpose did it serve (or lack of service) ?

What the hell was the 'menu' on the board about ?? Was it $3 for all - or just the burger (and why differentiate) ??