Cruising - Part 1

How does it work exactly?

Let me preface this post by saying a cruise is whatever you make it. If you want an adventure you can make it adventurous. If you want to relax by the pool sipping cocktails all day, well, you can do that! Whether you want to do activities, swim, drink, eat there is something for everyone. It just might not be at the time you want it.

I went on a P & O cruise with my SO and some friends earlier this year (2018). We voyaged on the Pacific Explorer around the South Pacific Islands. This was only my second cruise so there were quite a few differences. The ship was a smaller ship than the previous cruise I went on with a length of 260m (853ft), 11 guest decks and a capacity for almost over 2000 guests. I could feel the boat move a lot more on this cruise so if you’re someone who is easily seasick I would suggest taking medication. I, however, enjoy the feeling of going over waves. Overall, it was okay, enjoyable even - I mean I went on a holiday!

Something to know about P & 0 is when you agree to the terms and conditions of the cruise you are agreeing to a $1 charity charge on your cruise card straight of the bat. Apparently once on board you can ask for a form to get the money back if you don’t want to pay this.   

Okay so how does it work? Basically you get to your Terminal (either Circular Quay or White Bay if departing from Sydney), drop your checked luggage and the checkpoint with a sign of the same name and then queue up when it’s your boarding time. You’ll reach some lovely people who will view your passport, take a photo of you, put it on your cruise card and ask if you want to link your cruise card to a credit or debit card (Be aware that there are always merchant fees with credit cards).

Making our way to the boat at Sydney Harbour

That cruise card that you were just given is your passport, your credit card and your room key for the remainder of your journey on the ship. Don’t lose it! This is why most people bring a lanyard that they can attach the card to.  After you will go through a security process similar to an airport and then you are free to board as someone scan your card when you enter the ship.

The layout of the ship can be a bit confusing at first. It certainly was to me when I first boarded as some floors stop halfway or if you want to go in the glass elevators they only go to deck 8 etc. The lifts are slow as they are linked together so you are better off taking the stairs when and if you can. Some of the restaurants you can eat at are on Deck 5, The Pantry (buffet) is on Deck 14 and most of your entertainment will be on Deck 7 at either end of the ship in either the Black Circus or the Marquee. On the positive side the Casino was positioned on a deck in such a way that you actually had to go and make an effort to find it. No, “I’ll just spend $5” here and there.

The huge poster in reception explaining how to use the app

If you are travelling with another person or a group of friends to find out where each other are it’s worth using the “app”.  In theory you can look at the days events, message friends (on the boat) and save the activities you would like to do each day. When you scroll through the activities, click on one to find out more information and then decide you want to go back it will always take you to the top of the day. Always. I couldn’t manage to find a way to save “my activities”. The only functions that worked for the entire cruise were the messaging and checking in. I would strongly recommend not relying on the app solely as it often has problems but can come in handy. Messaging seems okay but delayed and the “What’s On” part didn’t work for about 4 days. So face to face communication is the best especially if you’re organising where to eat.

In part 2 - food!

Until next time,

Create Live Seek