As first time cruisers we were excited yet filled with trepidation - what to take , what to wear, theme nights , how much to allow for spending money. The usual questions that newbies would ask - but the info we got back from people varied on which company you go with. So lets cut to the chase- This is P & O - Pacific Jewel - South Pacific cruise. Drinks package? $79 or $89 a day each - If you are on a long cruise with lots of stops maybe not worth it - Drinks cost $7.50 for Crown lagers and Blonde - $8 for a Peroni beer or a Gin and Tonic - Wine is $9 a glass Most cocktails are $11.50 but some are $16.50 each and not covered by the drinks package. Wine for the table or In Room service - from $39 (cheapest) to- $55 and above.

On embarkation we queued up for over an hour- only to get to the front of the queue and get sent to the back as we did not have 2 passenger Outgoing cards for immigration that a guide was handing out - - After getting them filled in we started embarkation - I found several of the P & O "guides":- all elderly citizens - offensive and rude. And thats before we started the cruise. Not a good sign . We got on board reasonably easy after that and went to our cabin where our cases were waiting. We unpacked then excitedly clambered to the main deck to do the "Sail Away" from Sydney - it was spectacular , if a bit chilly - as we would expect in August. The PUSHY overbearing photographers were eager to get shots of everyone - they were annoying to say the least.

DRESS CODE- Well you are advised each day whether it is Smart Casual or Formal - It did not stop those who insisted on wearing blue shorts singlet and thongs to dinner - Read more