We travelled on the Pacific Jewel from Melbourne to Eden and back. We did get a terrific deal and great cabin upgrades from a 4 berth inside deck 5 to a 4 berth window on deck 8 and from a 3 berth inside on deck 5 to the same on deck 11. Both cabins were AFT 8170 and 11205. There were 7 of us, my husband and I, our 4 children aged 11, 13, 18 and 20 and our daughters boyfriend also aged 20.

My husband and I have cruised with Princess and were quick to realise P&O is not of the same class. The Jewel does look a bit tired in a lot of areas and it was smaller than we expected - not a bad thing it just meant that areas got crowded easily if something was on.

Embarkation was fantastic - very impressed by how quick we moved through. Luggage took a little while to reach our room and if I cruise P&O again I'll make sure the kids bathers are in carry on for the sake of peace! Read more