First time cruiser...and of course some questions :)

[Aussie Aloha]

Hello everyone,

 

Can I just say that after reading through these forums, I have become addicted! You are all so lovely, helpful and knowledgeable.I am going on my first cruise in April 2010...cruise newbie :) I am going with four other friends on the Pacific Dawn departing Brisbane to the South Pacific.

 

Ok I have some burning questions. I know some have been answered in the forums but I thought it best to get some up-to-date info :)

 

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

 

2. How early should we be at the wharf to board the ship?

 

3. I am a little confused about the food. I thought the cruise costs included all meals at the pizzeria etc. I am led to believe from these forums that that's not the case? What food IS included and at which places on the ship?

 

4. Someone said that you can buy a drink card, that you pay upfront and can use to get unlimited softdrink, juice etc? And no I don't mean the cruise card :) Anyone know about this?

 

5. Are the tender boats hard to get in and out of? Odd question I know but I am not a fan of smaller boats...bad experience lol. Do you have to wear a life-jacket whilst on the tenders?

 

6. The formal nights...I am not one for dressing up. I have read in a few posts that a sparkly top and skirt might suffice? I don't own anything formal so any advice appreciated?

 

7. My friends and I are all around 30...will there be plenty of ppl our age on board? Not that I am ageist! I can't wait to meet ppl of all ages and locations!

 

I think that covers it for now lol...I am sure I will have more questions in the coming months.

 

Thanks in advance! :)

[Aussie Aloha]

Forgot to ask also about this:

 

An itemised statement will be delivered to

your cabin prior to disembarkation. Importantly, please note there are NO EFTPOS or ATM facilities available

on board.

 

I don't have a credit card. I thought that there would be an ATM or Eftpos facility on board. How do ppl get cash to shop at the islands etc if there is no ATM or Eftpos??

[matmar]

Hello everyone,

 

Can I just say that after reading through these forums, I have become addicted! You are all so lovely, helpful and knowledgeable.I am going on my first cruise in April 2010...cruise newbie :) I am going with four other friends on the Pacific Dawn departing Brisbane to the South Pacific.

 

Ok I have some burning questions. I know some have been answered in the forums but I thought it best to get some up-to-date info :)

 

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

 

2. How early should we be at the wharf to board the ship?

 

3. I am a little confused about the food. I thought the cruise costs included all meals at the pizzeria etc. I am led to believe from these forums that that's not the case? What food IS included and at which places on the ship?

 

4. Someone said that you can buy a drink card, that you pay upfront and can use to get unlimited softdrink, juice etc? And no I don't mean the cruise card :) Anyone know about this?

 

5. Are the tender boats hard to get in and out of? Odd question I know but I am not a fan of smaller boats...bad experience lol. Do you have to wear a life-jacket whilst on the tenders?

 

6. The formal nights...I am not one for dressing up. I have read in a few posts that a sparkly top and skirt might suffice? I don't own anything formal so any advice appreciated?

 

7. My friends and I are all around 30...will there be plenty of ppl our age on board? Not that I am ageist! I can't wait to meet ppl of all ages and locations!

 

I think that covers it for now lol...I am sure I will have more questions in the coming months.

 

Thanks in advance! :)

 

Welcome to the boards

 

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

This can take about 30-40 minutes where they explain to passengers the procedures in the event of an emergency. When they announces the drill you need to go to your cabin and collect your lifejacket and report to the muster area designated for your cabin. Always a good thing to do for your first cruise and avoid for your second cruise.

 

2. How early should we be at the wharf to board the ship?

Only arrive at the wharf when the cruise line tells you, no point getting there any earlier.

 

3. I am a little confused about the food. I thought the cruise costs included all meals at the pizzeria etc. I am led to believe from these forums that that's not the case? What food IS included and at which places on the ship?

Meals in the dining rooms and buffet are included but on P&O you have to pay for pizzeria and ice cream bars and room service. Steakhouse is usually a surcharge of about $20.

 

4. Someone said that you can buy a drink card, that you pay upfront and can use to get unlimited softdrink, juice etc? And no I don't mean the cruise card :) Anyone know about this?

Yes, you can buy soda cards to obtain softdrinks. Never used one but I know they are available.

 

5. Are the tender boats hard to get in and out of? Odd question I know but I am not a fan of smaller boats...bad experience lol. Do you have to wear a life-jacket whilst on the tenders?

Very easy to board, not required to wear life jackets.

 

6. The formal nights...I am not one for dressing up. I have read in a few posts that a sparkly top and skirt might suffice? I don't own anything formal so any advice appreciated?

The ladies can get away with anything that looks nice whereas the men are required to wear suit/dinner jacket and tie.

 

7. My friends and I are all around 30...will there be plenty of ppl our age on board? Not that I am ageist! I can't wait to meet ppl of all ages and locations!

You will find a huge mix of age groups, it tends to be the longer the cruise the older the passengers, so if on a short cruise say 7 nights you will find plenty of the younger crowds.

 

Hope this helps

 

Mark

[matmar]

Forgot to ask also about this:

 

An itemised statement will be delivered to

your cabin prior to disembarkation. Importantly, please note there are NO EFTPOS or ATM facilities available

on board.

 

I don't have a credit card. I thought that there would be an ATM or Eftpos facility on board. How do ppl get cash to shop at the islands etc if there is no ATM or Eftpos??

 

If you only have a ATM card, check with your bank to see if can change it to a Visa or Mastercard debit card, then you should be ok.

 

Its always best to get some cash before you go from either American Express Office or Aust Post. However, in places like Vila you will find most places and taxis etc will accept A$.

 

New caledonia (Noumea, Isle of Pines, Lifou) = South Pacific Francs

Vanuata (Vila) = Vatu

Fiji (Suva, Port Denarau, Dravuni Isl.) = Fijian Dollar

 

Mark

[Kiwi_cruiser]

Welcome to the forum Aussie Aloha :D

 

I have not been on the Pacific Dawn yet, so I won’t be able answer all your questions but I will try :)

 

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

 

All the lifeboat drill entail is that you listen to the crew, as they will explain what to do in emergencies, like if their was a fire etc...

 

All you have to do is put your life jacket on, the crew will show you what to do & will give you a hand.

 

3. I am a little confused about the food. I thought the cruise costs included all meals at the pizzeria etc. I am led to believe from these forums that that's not the case? What food IS included and at which places on the ship?

 

I am not too sure about the Pacific Dawn, but if you Eat in the dinning room / buffet then that’s included in your cruise costs, but if you Eat else where like the pizzeria / stake house etc.. Then you have to pay.

 

4. Someone said that you can buy a drink card, that you pay upfront and can use to get unlimited softdrink, juice etc? And no I don't mean the cruise card :) Anyone know about this?

 

As far as I am aware you can’t get drink cards with P&O Australia on any of their ships, but if you cruise with Princess / Holland America they offer drink cards.

 

5. Are the tender boats hard to get in and out of?

Odd question I know but I am not a fan of smaller boats...bad experience lol.

 

Not really, it depends on what ports you go to & if its high tide or low tide etc… on how hard it is to get in and out of them, The crew will be their to give a hand.

 

Do you have to wear a life-jacket whilst on the tenders?

 

Nope

 

7. My friends and I are all around 30...will there be plenty of ppl our age on board? Not that I am ageist! I can't wait to meet ppl of all ages and locations!

 

Hopefully they should be plenty of people your age :)

 

How do ppl get cash to shop at the islands etc if there is no ATM or Eftpos??

 

Bring cash with you ;)

 

Hope this helps :)

[Aussie Aloha]

Mark, Thanks so much for your awesome response :) Have settled some of those burning questions for me!

 

I am still a bit confused about the money thing. Where do you get cash on board if you need it, like for the islands etc? Or will I need that before I go?

[Kiwi_cruiser]

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

This can take about 30-40 minutes where they explain to passengers the procedures in the event of an emergency. When they announces the drill you need to go to your cabin and collect your lifejacket and report to the muster area designated for your cabin. Always a good thing to do for your first cruise and avoid for your second cruise.

 

You can’t avoid it on your second cruise or third cruise ;)

[Molly Doble]

Welcome Aussie Aloha

You will love crusing and you will fast become addicted like the rest of us. I am constantly in search of our next cruise.

 

Soda cards are only available on Princess cruises not P&O ships unfortunately.

 

If you have anymore questions don't be scared of asking

 

Tania :)

[MargnGrah]

Forgot to ask also about this:

 

An itemised statement will be delivered to

your cabin prior to disembarkation. Importantly, please note there are NO EFTPOS or ATM facilities available

on board.

 

I don't have a credit card. I thought that there would be an ATM or Eftpos facility on board. How do ppl get cash to shop at the islands etc if there is no ATM or Eftpos??

 

There are now 2 ATM's on board the Pacific Dawn, and they are both situated down by the pursers desk. On our last cruise I noticed quite a lot of people getting money out so I know they were working!!!!!:)

 

Hope this will help a little..... I think I would still take a lsome cash with you just in case....:o

[rugbypopsie]

I still go to the lifeboat drill...as should everybody. Apartment from anything else safety wise it is for your own good.

 

So used to it now it is part of my "goodie I am onboard again" feeling..and it only takes a short time.

[LuckiePuris]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!!

 

I will try and give you some answers to your questions.

 

1. What does the lifeboat drill entail...like what's the procedure? What do they get passengers to do during lifeboat drills?

 

The lifeboat drill is generally a meeting in your designated area of the ship for your cabin. This will be your meeting place in case of an emergency (dont worry!). They usually show you how to correctly put your lifejacket on, and how to use the whistle and torch on the life jacket. They will also give you different scenarios and tell you how you will need to react in the situation. It only goes for approx 20 minutes, so just enjoy it.

 

2. How early should we be at the wharf to board the ship?

 

It all depends on how quick you want to board. Whenever we have cruised, we usually arrive to the wharf at about 11.00am (an hour or two before check-in is scheduled to begin). We usually find that they do open check-in earlier than they say on documents. We like to be one of the first at the wharf so we get through check-in quicker and are one of the first onboard. Once onboard, if your room is ready you can leave your hand luggage there, start exploring the ship and have lunch in the buffet.

 

I think the later you arrive at the wharf, the longer the check-in process will take.

 

Are you flying from interstate on the day of the cruise? If yes, and you have booked your flights through P&O, nothing to worry about. But if you are flying from interstate on the day of the cruise with flights you have booked yourself, I would advise to book an early flight and leave as much time as possible between the time your flight arrives and the time the ship departs.

 

This way, if something happens and your flight is delayed or you miss your flight, you have plenty of time to get a new flight.

 

I have heard that the ship will wait for your if you are on delayed P&O flight, but not if you have booked your own flight.

 

3. I am a little confused about the food. I thought the cruise costs included all meals at the pizzeria etc. I am led to believe from these forums that that's not the case? What food IS included and at which places on the ship?

 

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the Dining Room or Buffet are included. As well as afternoon tea (scones, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, hot drinks) in the Dining Room.

 

There is a cost for the Pizzeria, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, The Grill, La Patisserie, and a $20 surcharge per adult for the Steakhouse.

 

Although most the charges for these foods are reasonable.

 

4. Someone said that you can buy a drink card, that you pay upfront and can use to get unlimited softdrink, juice etc? And no I don't mean the cruise card Anyone know about this?

I don't think P&O offer drink cards. There has been some mention of these cards on these forums, but I assume this is for other cruise lines.

 

Juice, Coffee & Tea is free in the dining room and buffet at breakfast. Water is free in the dining room and buffet at all times.

 

5. Are the tender boats hard to get in and out of? Odd question I know but I am not a fan of smaller boats...bad experience lol. Do you have to wear a life-jacket whilst on the tenders?

 

I've never been told that we needed to wear life jackets. The tenders are easy to get in and out of, and are actually quite big. As you go to step on / off the tender, there are staff all along either side of you, holding your hand and helping support you.

 

I have seen plenty of older passengers have no problem with the tenders.

 

6. The formal nights...I am not one for dressing up. I have read in a few posts that a sparkly top and skirt might suffice? I don't own anything formal so any advice appreciated?

 

Formal nights on P&O aren't too over the top. Black pants with a nice top, or a skirt, or a dress...that is what I would recommend for women. You don't need a formal gown etc.

 

7. My friends and I are all around 30...will there be plenty of ppl our age on board? Not that I am ageist! I can't wait to meet ppl of all ages and locations!

 

We have found that there is always a great variety of passengers of different ages.

 

There are more children and young adults on cruises in December / January as well as school holidays.

 

Either way, everyone onboard is in a holiday mood and make for a fantastic atmosphere.

 

 

In regards to your onboard account, I think I have heard that you must have a credit card to use as a "guarantee" on your onboard purchases, although you then have the choice at the end of the cruise to pay the onboard account with cash instead of having it charged to your credit card. (Can someone on this thread shed some light on this?)

 

For spending money for the ports, you will need to plan ahead and take cash with you onboard.

 

Be sure to take local currency as well as small Australia Notes.

 

If you did have a credit card, some major stores in the cities would accept credit card.

 

Or with a credit card onboard, I think you can withdraw cash onboard from your credit card.

 

You will need cash onboard if you want to go to the casino.

 

I have not been on Pacific Dawn since there has been the atms, but beware of the charges.

 

Currency exchange is also available at the Pursers Desk, but again, check the exchange rate.

 

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions!!

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[LuckiePuris]

I still go to the lifeboat drill...as should everybody. Apartment from anything else safety wise it is for your own good.

 

So used to it now it is part of my "goodie I am onboard again" feeling..and it only takes a short time.

 

Same here...the lifeboat drill is one of those things that makes you realise you're on a cruise.

[kaseyoz]

Same here...the lifeboat drill is one of those things that makes you realise you're on a cruise.

 

 

Great photo op too.:D

[lazy day]

When we went on the Dawn we took what we thought would be enough cash for the 10 night cruise. We worked this out by what day tours we wanted to do and approximately how much they would cost by looking on po web site shore tours and then allowed x amount for spending on the islands and duty free plus drinks on board. We put an amount on our cruise card and then put the rest in our cabin safe I think we had about $2500 for the two of us as we are not drinkers and didn't buy much duty free. Would check at the pursers desk every couple of days to see how much we have spent and top it up as necessary. I think the first cruise is always hard as you don't known what to expect.

[Aussie Aloha]

Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful advice. I am so excited, I don't know how I will contain myself until April :)

[LuckiePuris]

Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful advice. I am so excited, I don't know how I will contain myself until April :)

 

These forums are really good as it is all about cruising, and will help time go faster until your cruise in April!

 

You have plenty of time too to research the Ports, plan tours, learn about the ship / cruising etc.

 

Feel free to ask any questions about cruising or even if you are not sure what to do at each of your Ports.