My wife and I spent Christmas on the Pacific Eden as we have traveled P&O before and were disappointed that a new ship should offer such bad experience. Due to a virus on the prior cruise, our departure was delayed 4 hours so we missed Sydney Harbor in its splendor. The ship then docked early at the end of the cruise for cleaning so we missed sailing into port in the morning. Nora virus is hard to contain and the crew were cleaning tables in public area but the handrails on stairs and halls were constantly sticky. The restaurant staff did not wear gloves and the same menus were passed to all passengers every day so where they ever cleaned - I don't think so.

The state of the sea at Mooloolaba was dangerous with the tender boat rising and falling about 1 meter. We saw one lady fall and require medical attention while a small child was lucky not to be dropped when a crew member on the catamaran missed holding the child.

Ships Condition - As a former Shipwright and Naval Draughtsman I was aghast at the condition of a newly refitted ship. I was going down a public ladder near the bridge and nearly cut and broke by fingers which became trapped in a rusted hole on the underside of the railing. I asked to speak to the Chief Engineer to advise him of the defect but I was never contacted; the message was titled "Defective Guardrail". Rust holes are appearing in the funnel overhang. Pipes are rusting near flanges. Structural sections are showing rust through the newly painted surfaces. Vent ducting and pipes at the forward end of Deck 6 Promenade is growing algae and mold. Newly painted surfaces along the Promenade Deck are flaking because the old surface was not etched prior to painting. Sewage smells are present on several companionways throughout the ship. Read more