This was my first "real" Cruise. My only other experience of onboard life was a rhine river cruise with Avalon Cruises in Germany . My Partner is a previous "Fairstar" Cruiser ... and so our review begins...

Occupying a Mini-Suite on deck 11, gave us priority boarding which commenced at 10am.We found our cabin reasonably sized with a good bed, small fridge and adequate bathroom, though small. On first attempt the toilet failed to function but a quick call to our Steward ,Peter, soon had it sucking its little heart out. From the outset you notice that P&O Australia, has an Italian captain ( As an Italian build boat, maybe the drivers manual is in Italian?)and a mix of Italian/Brit officers. Stewards , waiters and deck staff are of various darker persuasions and a good command of English is often not present. Not a good start for an Australian ported flagship line.

I had previously commented to my partner that PD appears more like a floating Butlin's holiday camp ( seems another critic has formed the same opinion also) Meals taken in the Plantation saw long queues, not so overly hot "hot food" but a good selection overall. It was most interesting to see how many ways the cook could recycle pork over a number of meals.. No icecream with your desert, but you can buy one... Often there was insufficient seating available which was also caused by the herd occupying tables and "saving" seats when they had not yet obtained their meal.... Think chowing down in Cole's Cafeteria, no classy buffet here folks !. Read more