Don't bother with Pacific Pearl

Pacific Pearl P620 April/May 2016

Ports: Noumea, Mare, Lifou, Port Vila, Mystery Island

We have cruised before, and on the Pacific Pearl before, very similar itinerary, except previously Isle of Pines (my favourite port), not LIfou. However, husband and I are working, and restricted when holidays can be taken.

So, we thought we knew what to expect on Pacific Pearl. We already knew the food was so-so, and the Marquee showroom an absolute disaster, with limited and uncomfortable seating, and poor visibility. Well, the ship being taken off in 2017, so I guess there is little incentive to improve.

However, the ‘little things’ that make a cruise, ice sculptures, margarine sculptures, the classic baked Alaska parade were obviously a thing of the past.

Entertainment was, in a work, dire. One night there was no show at all in the marquee, and of course there were ‘padding’ shows, such as the crew entertaining passengers.

The 3pm sea day shows also gone. Ok, we do know what to expect in ‘What’s in my bathroom cabinet?’ and as for the ‘Liar, liar’ show (any advances on farture, tittup, bipennis??), and the couples quiz from the passengers, but we were CERTAINLY expecting shows – just how hard would they have been to continue staging ?? The other entertainment traditionally put on by the dance troupe, learn to dance and zumba etc was also notably ABSENT. Finally, passengers stepped into the breach, someone called David from Auckland (employment includes being a marriage celebrant) did Ceroc and RocknRoll, and Magda did Zumba. Magda’s day job is in a supermarket, and apparently she is a volunteer Zumba instructor for Auckland based Public Fitness and Wellbeing Trust.

Well, what about the laser shows in the Atrium, or the Pacific Cirque shows out on deck? Nope, their CONTRACT WASN’T RENEWED. The show Runaway to the Circus is staged – except is now half the original show, no acrobatics/jumbling, or aerial acrobatics.

The bars – Orient had duelling pianos (well patronised), and sometimes a guy with ‘blues’ (well, you would be too, with an audience of 3), Charlies near the Atrium sometimes a classical music trio (soso).

Overall verdict, if you want entertainment, invite the family around for a game of cards, but don’t waste your money on Pacific Pearl