Pacific Aria Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are experienced cruisers, this was our 14th cruise holiday. Having sailed on HAL twice previously we embarked on this beautiful ship, Pacific Aria, with so much hope and the ship itself did not disappoint. Lovely cabins, wonderful beds (thanks HAL for leaving them on board!) and the fit out overall was lovely. Oodles of public spaces to relax.
And then we went to dinner ..... the main dining room service and food is very average. The Pantry (bistro) is much better for main meals, however sweets is another story, they looked good but had no taste at all. And Ice cream - you can have it if you pay for it!!!! No Morning and afternoon tea - not a biscuit or scone or little cake to be seen but you can have a big sandwich or burger from the Kettle and Bun. Then again, you can PAY for something suitable.
Internet charges were reasonable but the coverage was mostly poor.
Cabin Review
Loved our cabin, beautiful bed and linen, all left on board by HAL.
Generous hanging space and good size bathroom with great shelf storage.
Very comfortable.
Port Reviews
Alotau
We did a half day tour and visited a little school where the children danced for us. The school itself was very poor with little Govt assistance, we gave them books etc to help out The children were wonderful. The we visited a village where a lady cooked for us and wer saw some of their native craft.
Rabaul
Full day tour in a comfortable air conditioned bus, so many stops and we saw everything from Yamamoto's Bunker to the War Cemetery, which was stunning, and the volcanic tour. 13 highlights. Thanks!