Ever stopped to watch a cruise ship leave port? Gazed up at a towering hull? Squinted at its shape on a hazy horizon? Wondered what the attraction was or what was hidden inside?The cruise ship season is well underway in the Pacific, with several cruise li
Ever stopped to watch a cruise ship leave port? Gazed up at a towering hull? Squinted at its shape on a hazy horizon? Wondered what the attraction was or what was hidden inside?
The cruise ship season is well underway in the Pacific, with several cruise liners coasting around the country.
Yesterday, Private Bin slipped on to the Pacific Jewel superliner.
The Pacific Jewel is 95% the same as the Pearl – using Auckland as its base from December 2010.
Both ships have had a multi-million-dollar makeover. Formerly the Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two (respectively), they now carry the historic P&O Cruises’ livery.
So what’s inside?
A reception area and three-story atrium, where passengers were playing cards, meeting others or sipping cocktails.
It pays not to be late back from a day excursion into Auckland city – the ship does not tolerate tardiness, leaving on the dot, with or without all its passengers.
Lights and bungee-looking cords are a hint about the trapeze and laser light show at night. Columbian and Brazilian trapeze artists are part of the ship’s 712-strong crew.
Duty-free shopping includes perfume, electronics, handbags and shoes.
Further inside the ship’s bosom, eight bars and lounges offer varying degrees of decorum, from casual to cocktail.
A casino and 800-seat theatre provide entertainment – including a circus theme show apparently with elephants so real the audience gasps every time.
There are six dining options – from tuck-in buffets to Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan's Salt Grill, where featuring caviar and lobster. The ship carries a butcher and baker.
Hammam-like spas and a sauna with a view complete the health and beauty rooms, along with a gym with boxing, spin classes on the timetable as well as cardio machines and weights.
People laze around two spas and open-deck swimming pools, reading, drinking beers. At night, another trapeze show beside the pool includes fire.
Cheaper rooms have no windows (but curtains all the same), mid-range rooms include balconies and suites have dining areas, private balconies and bathrooms.
The 70,310-tonne ship has options – depending on how much you pay and the surcharges you are willing to spend on extra activities, finer dining or a ‘club’ room resembling an airport lounge.
P&O says one of the reasons guests enjoy the Pacific cruises because they experience the open water from New Zealand to the Norfolk Islands and on to the Pacific, rather than dotting around islands in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Private Bin’s verdict after a stationary visit: If you are a not-so-intrepid traveller, love hotels, casinos, drinks and lots of food, a cruise ship might be for you.
Most surprising fact: In 2008 P&O carried 40,000 New Zealanders on a cruise holiday.
