Our only other P&O cruise had been the last Pacific Sky sailing - Christmas 2006? The travel agent described Pacific Pearl as 'a lovely ship' - so we were quite excited. However, that was short lived. This trip was just a real 'budget' experience.
First impressions were excellent, cabin had a far better layout than Pacific Sky(PS) - one larger wardrobe instead of 3 tiny ones, option of having double bed or twin beds (PS only twin beds) - and the beds bases weren't solid, so being experienced cruisers who bring soft-sided bags, we could tuck them under - a small mini fridge, and a safe !
First disappointment - lunch. Meals not the same standards as before - not the 4-course meals anymore, and the wait staff seemed to be cramped at their stations (confirmed by our waiter, who used to be on Pacific Sun). 'Anytime' dining actually was de fact two sittings, anyway. Tried the Plantation buffet - food very attractively presented BUT two great lines, and not the 'separate islands' serving food outside as for PS. So, long queues for cold food. Also, where were the margarine and ice sculptures that made the PS trip a bit special ? One ice carving - and even then, they carved the ice out on the deck for everyone to see, instead of it being already a centrepiece.