With Reuben Goossens

Cruise’n’Travel Journalist / Cruise Reviewer & Maritime Historian

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site. The author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future.

MV Pacific Sun

Cruise Review

Cruise N841 - 15 to 22/23 November 2008 - Brisbane, Noumea, Lifou, Vanuatu, Bellona Reef, Brisbane

Please Note: Photographs on this page are by the author Reuben Goossens and “Cruise-Australia’s” associate Mr Hun-Eng Tan. However, there are several from other sources and these are clearly credited.

Pacific Sun seen at the Noumea Cruise Terminal

In September 2008, I visited the Pacific Sun after it having come out of Brisbane’s “Forgacs Cairnscross Dockyard” dry dock after she had a multi million dollar refit. At the time I was suitably impressed with the lighter and brighter Pacific Sun, especially with the appointment of a new International Corporate Executive Chef, Uwe Stiefe who undertook a massive change in the ships kitchens. P&O have also introduced an exclusive all Australian wine list. As I said, I certainly liked what I saw, and I looked forward to the cruise I had booked on her departing November 15, being a seven night Pacific cruise to Noumea, Lifou and Vila. This report covers my and my Cruise-Australia associate, Mr. Hun-Eng Tan’s thoughts. This report includes details of an additional short adventure we encountered at sea towards the end of our voyage that extended our seven night cruise to an eight night one. Be assured the Pacific Sun was the happiest ship afloat and when the media met the ship on her arrival home to Brisbane, all passengers came home with massive smiles on their faces! The aforementioned statement could almost conclude the report, for it will have given you an insight that the review is rather positive and indeed it is! However, I will enlarge somewhat and cover service, food, entertainment, and other departments in some further detail.

NEWS UPDATE: In December 2009 Pacific Sun will head for Fremantle and operate a series of cruises of the Western Australian Coast as well as Indonesia. Taking her place in Brisbane is the fabulous MV Pacific Dawn! View our three Pacific Dawn Photo Pages. By cruise-australia’s Kosta Specis who has already enjoyed a cruise on her!

The author of cruise-australia.net, Reuben Goossens seen in Noumea

Photograph taken by Hun-Eng Tan

The Pacific Sun Cruise Review

By Reuben Goossens and Cruise-Australia associate, Mr. Hun-Eng Tan

Portside Terminal and Boarding:

Brisbane Portside Cruise Terminal is simply superb and well organised. Besides that it is a great place to visit for those who live in Brisbane as there are a multitude of shops, café’s and fine restaurants and a cinema.

The spotless Pacific Sun is seen at the Portside Cruise Terminal ready for boarding

Our car dropped us off at the Cruise Terminal’s new departure hall and our bags were taken by the porters and we joined the check in line. Every part of the boarding procedure was handled efficiently and with an ever friendly smile. After you provided your credit card (or cash) details, you were given your cruise card and a coloured card, which was your boarding card. Upon boarding you had to pass a simple immigration point and the usual strict security check, after which you have your photo taken with the ship behind you and you arrive at the ships main Lobby on Deck 5 (Main Deck). From there you are directed to your cabin. We were onboard and in our cabin in around 30 minutes. It was simple with no fuss and no bother, and considering as we soon discovered, that the ship was fully booked with some 200 plus children onboard, our boarding process was all a breeze!

Deck 7 - Empress Deck - passage to our cabin

Cabin:

Our twin bedded cabin was located on E Deck, cabin 138. The key card was in its slot, with spare ones being located inside. Our cabin stewardess was Claire and her assistant Rex. I can say right here and now that all the stewards and serving staff on Pacific Sun receive a top rating from both myself and Mr. Tan. They are super efficient and do their job to perfection, doing things at times beyond what they have to do. And all this comes with a genuinely happy smile.

Above and below: Cabin E-138 Port side

Our twin bedded Cabin E-138 on Empress Deck (7), also had two upper foldaway berths, thus there were four wardrobes, each having a small safe and ample space as well as sufficient hangers for your clothes. Every cabin has a LCD TV that offers a great variety of news, shipboard, and movie channels. During our short one week cruise there were some 40 recent release movies shown in the cabin.

All cabins onboard are quite spacious as they are around 17m², whilst most other ships average around 14m². Ten balcony Suites up on Deck 11 (Verandah Deck) are a massive 42.8m². All cabins are well equipped and spotless with everything perfectly in place. The bathroom is well laid out and a little larger than on some other ships. We found our cabin perfectly comfortable, with the absolute plus being a comfortable bed with excellent pillows with enough space to move and all backed up by superb service!

Dining: By Hun-Eng Tan - who happens to be a fully qualified “Sous Chef”.

I joined Reuben in September when we visited the Pacific Sun after her refit and P&O had onboard the newly appointed Corporate Executive Chef Uwe Stiefe who we had been told completely rejuvenated the galley’s onboard and he altered the cooking styles and the way that all dishes would be served, ensuring that all meals would arrive at the tables hot and fresh.

Executive Chef Uwe Stiefe

Burgundy Restaurant – looking forward

Particular attention was given to presentation with the new larger all white dishes and this new presentation was a delight during our cruise. The cuisine was sublime and far superior to what we experienced on a ship we sailed on earlier this year, which was by far more luxurious ship! Although the Pacific Sun is considered a less expensive ship to the one we sailed on last February from Australia to the UK. I can honestly say that the food onboard the Pacific Sun combined with the service provided was simply first class!

Continued by Reuben Goossens.

For many years my main complaint has been the fish and seafood on ships. What ever the cruise company, the fish is usually dry, but worse still, frequently the fish on the menu seldom is what it claims it to be, thus I seldom have it. However, on the Pacific Sun the fish and seafood was absolute perfection. Whether it was the succulent Northern Territory Barramundi, cooked to perfection Tasmanian Red Salmon, or the delicious Red Snapper, etc, and the fish was what it said it was on the menu! The fish was obviously fresh and cooked perfectly and served from the pan or grill to the table immediately! The same applied to all dishes as we went through the various theme nights; French, Italian, South Pacific and Australian, as well as the Captain’s Dinner and Farewell Dinner.

Bordeaux Restaurant – starboard – aft to forward

Desserts; Well they were simply to die for and little more needs to be said here! What I liked was that the size of the serve of sweets and all dishes for that matter were just the right size and not too large, meaning you could enjoy the evening meal, which was never rushed at any time, and you could go through all the courses without leaving the Restaurant with that feeling that you have eaten too much, yet, knowing, you could not eat any more, well until that late night snack - maybe?

Wines: New on the Pacific Sun is an excellent selection of Australian wines, and having sampled a few I can attest to the variety and quality! Prices start from $22.00 a bottle and a standard glass from $5.75. In the bars a beer starts at $3.75. A favourite of mine was a Barossa valley “E” Minor Shiraz. It has mouth filling apple and honey flavours with gentle green apple and citrus aromas. The bottle sells for $38.00 and is a wonderful drop, I highly recommend it! For a white I recommend the delightful Barwang café Series Semillon & Sauvignon. This has a light crisp palate with a lemon and mandarin, mango and herbal characters. This bottle of wine sells for $28.00.

Thank you: For Dinner we were seated in the Bordeaux Restaurant at table 109 and were served by two wonderful stewards who provided us with not just the friendliest, but also the most efficient service possible, thus, a special thank you to Dexter Santos and Allwyn Rodricuez.

Dexter our main steward carrying his tray in his serving station, Arson is seen in the background

Allyn posing for the diners after the Bomb Alaska Parade

For Breakfast and Lunch we dined in the Burgundy Restaurant at table 28 where we were served by Arson and the ever delightful Jerenette who is from Vanuatu. What a great pair of fun people, thank you both for not only being you, but the quality of the level of service provided!

Arson takes Hun-Eng’s order for Lunch

The beautiful and simply a superb stewardess Jerenette – P&O, we need more just like her!

Occasionally we were at Table 47 and we were very well looked after by Savio and Ahlee. As I stated earlier in the accommodation section, all staff on the Pacific Sun be it the serving or cabin staff, they are just the friendliest you will find anywhere. Once you board you will note that they are well trained and they do an excellent job ensuring you have a happy and a trouble free vacation! I highly commend them!

The two Formal nights are a great time to dress up, although not everyone does, but some make an attempt!

In addition I also commend the Executive Chef of the Pacific Sun who is currently in charge of the kitchen, Chef Vincent Haselton. From our dining experience he is obviously doing a superb job, and congratulations P&O for bringing a top class dining experience on board the Pacific Sun! The dining experience was far above our expectations!

Optional Dining Facilities: - Based on sea days, but also open on port days

“The Steak House & Seafood” (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm) is located on the starboard side just forward of the Burgundy Restaurant. During the day this venue is Churchill’s Library, but is transformed at night into a delightful restaurant, and it works well! Every passenger who had experienced a steak here just raved about it and no wonder why this venue was booked out every night well in advance. The surcharge is $25. However, there are some additional charges if you wish to add seafood such as lobster and oysters etc. This is a fine night out if you are having a special event during your cruise, please book your night out the day you board!

“Pizzeria” & “Trattoria” (Lido Buffet area). The Pizzeria is open from 11.00 am to 6:00 pm & 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. For those who feel like a very late breakfast, as obviously some do, there is always a good pizza available at a small charge. The Trattoria is a typical Italian style pasta restaurant. Tables beautifully set with flowers and candles glowing and it offers a good menu. Prices are reasonable and it is a good option if you do not feel like going to the main restaurant for a change.

In February the Pacific Sun will switch over to “Your choice dining,” meaning that you will be able to dine when, where and with whom you wish. You can dine in the restaurant which will have open sittings, but is a fully served venue, whilst the other option is to go to the Lido and enjoy the same menu, but it is self serve. For those who must dine early for medical or other specific reasons, you can pre book an early dining sitting 5:30/6:00 pm, but this must be done at the time of booking and may need a doctors certificate.

“Outback Coffee Bar.” P&O has trained many of its staff in the art of Barista coffee making and obviously this is proving to be a massive success! A great cup of coffee is just $2.50 and you can take my word for it I was a regular! In the Lido Buffet there are two coffee/tea stations for those just wishing a regular cup at no charge and there is nothing wrong with it, however for that extra special cup of strong coffee, just go for it!

The Outback “Barista Coffee” Café

Entertainment:

The multi level Atlantis Showroom

P&O is well known for providing some great entertainment and it has an excellent entertainment staff onboard that ensures that everything goes like clockwork! The Cruise Director on our cruise was Adam Goder who is a man of many talents and he has been in the business for a long time! As the Pacific Sun has that magnificent large Atlantis Showroom, I can tell you that this room provided us with some superb production shows presented by the “Pacific Sun Entertainers,” with lead singers “the Voice” Sarah Harlow and new comer Adam Stafford. Shows included, “Music, Music, Music” – “Love The Nightlife” – Cinamatastic” and “Starry, Starry Night.”

Guest artists included two “Comedy Club” comedians & TC stars, Demo and Peter Grose, and vocalist Janine Reed. All of these artist’s provided excellent shows and Cabarets! Bands onboard were the versatile and very talented Pilipino group “Kryptonite” who played in Terraces or out on deck. Then there is the “Pacific Sun Show Band” who accompanied in the Theatre, out on deck or in one of the lounges. In my favourite New Orleans inspired lounge, the Speakeasy you will find the resident pianist, Jeff Smith who twinkles the ivories!

Rock & Roll Deck Party up on Lido deck – band playing is Kryptonite

Another of the ever popular Lido Deck Parties

With the fine weather, we enjoyed frequent deck parties up on Lido Deck with Kryptonite playing late into the night. There were options galore, be it a “Big Screen Movie” in the Atlantis Lounge or Terraces during the day and occasionally at night. Then there are the daytime activities, sports, interactive games, as well as the ever popular Horse Racing and Bingo in the Atlantis Lounge. Not to forget the casino. There is also a large Video Arcade for the kids. There is so much to do you can either do it all, or, go to the library and get a good book from the large selection and find a seat in Park Lane, Tivoli or Trafalgar Square and enjoy some “me time.”

Whatever you are looking for, the entertainment staff on the Pacific Sun made sure that it was made available, and if you had an idea, all you had to do is ask. The guys are simply great. I have to mention one very special vivacious and vibrant cruise staff member, who I will list as the best I have met in the past ten years and that is Emma Livesey from Manchester England. This young lady, spoke, danced with and encouraged more passengers than any person I have seen during my countless cruising in the past ten years! Well done Emma!

Adults Only Oasis:

When the Pacific Sun was refitted in September, Sun Deck was transformed into this wonderful Adults Only Oasis. There is a charge for this facility, but when you consider what it includes it is quite inexpensive.

The Adult Only Oasis Retreat up on Sun Deck

A full day pass is $15, which includes your wicker bed/lounge and table under a shady sail. A complimentary bottle of spring water, unlimited New Zealand Ice Creams (WOW - just several of these and you have paid for your day!), unlimited hot non-alcoholic beverages, and there are magazines available for reading. For a half day pass it is $10. But remember there is only limited space available at this venue!

In Conclusion & the Rescue at Sea:

The seven night cruise of the Pacific, or the Queensland Coast for that matter, is simply great value for money, as the Pacific Sun offers a fine cruise vacation. Our cruise was fully booked and we had around 200 children onboard, yet the three children’s and youth Clubs took good care of them and I found that generally, with few exceptions, they were no problem. The exceptions were mostly due to stupid parents who allow their kids to do whatever they wish no matter who they annoy. But thankfully that was the exception rather than the norm. Overall the cruise went off without a hitch and passengers were happy and delighted with their cruise. I spoke with many first time cruisers and all said that they enjoyed it so much that they “would definitely do another, but next time a longer one”. They said that they had come on this short cruise to see how they would like it, and obviously they loved it!

Reuben Goossens with Captain Justin Lawes during the Captains Club cocktail party, Thu Nov 20

The photograph was presented to myself by P&O and was taken by the ships photographer

Early on Friday morning, November the 21st, came an announcement from Captain Justin Lawes stating that Pacific Sun was the closest ship to a yacht that had struck a reef and was sinking. A plane was on its way from Noumea and would soon drop a life raft for them. With the yacht being so far offshore a helicopter would not be able to reach them, thus with Pacific Sun being the nearest ship to them, we had to go to their rescue, in accordance with the International maritime Law, etc. Pacific Sun had already changed course in order to rescue these three men and one woman onboard the yacht stuck on what was claimed to be by the owner as an uncharted reef.

For the technically minded readers of Cruise-Australia & ssMaritime, here are the details: Captain Justin Lawes was first notified at 3:15 am that a yacht was in trouble, was not yet called upon until later as other options were being looked at by the Canberra rescue Squad. However, as we know, it had to be the Pacific Sun. The yacht, the M/Y Sambaluka ran aground in pos 21 22.5 S 159 22.2 E - Bellona Reef (region). Pacific Sun altered course to 030 at 0500 hours in position Lat 23 18.0 S Long 158 29.0 E.

Pacific Sun sailed at full speed towards Bellona Reef and reached it around 1400 hours (2:00 pm) we stopped around 1½ nautical miles away from the reef, yacht & and life raft, which we could just see in the haze dead ahead of the ship. One of our aft port side tenders was lowered and it sped to the scene. Amazingly, although the yacht had slowly filled with water, it only started to go under when the tender actually arrived, allowing the crew to save their computer and a few items. Speaking with her co-owners Canadian Mark Iagonetty and New Zealander Robert Cole they told me that the M/Y Sambaluka was only insured for around ¾ of its value, but they lost all their personal possessions. Possessions which they had collected during their six years of living onboard, CD’s & DVD’s and other valuable personal belongings. But, they were so thankful to have been saved, for life is so much greater than the material possessions. Also sailing with them were French nationals Maud Moussette and Paul Migno. As the tender returned to the ship, with almost all passengers hanging on the portside railings there was a spontaneous applause and a massive shout of joy knowing that our ship had been part of saving four lives from the sea, and to top it off, happily we all received an additional 24 hours vacation as we now returned to Brisbane on Sunday morning instead of Saturday. Passengers on the next cruise were also well taken care off as they all received special discounts on their cruise and a discount on a future cruise. Of course, P&O had no choice in the matter, for saving lives always comes first at sea and all passengers and the media upon our return applauded the Pacific Sun for it valiant effort.

The Tender departs the ships and heads towards the rescue scene

Captain Lawes is seen on the Bridge watching the rescue as are 99% of the passengers out on deck

Here is a dramatic photograph of the M/Y Sambaluka sinking

The moment of rescue

The tender returns to the ship to a massive applause

On Saturday, 22 November the four sailors of the M/Y Sambaluka agree to be interviewed in the Atlantis Lounge

From left to right: Maude Moussette, Paul Migno, Captain Justin Lawes, Cruise Director Adam Goder, Robert Cole and Mark Iagonetty

Left to Right: Robert, Mark with his valuable laptop, Maude and Paul

In conclusion: What a great bunch of passengers! A special bowl was placed down near the Information Desk where passengers could place a donation for the survivors. I was proud to see the Aussie spirit fill it! I am sure they are happy it was a P&O passenger ship that came to their aid and not some smelly Asian fishing boat!

Having returned home, we all know that the media had a field day with the rescue and the survivors and I would say that all passengers from cruise N841 felt quite privileged to have been part of this experience. In addition it was good to see the media to give P&O the good coverage they really deserve, for it is an outstanding shipping company that has provided Australians with cruise vacations for 75 years, and they are the most experienced company who currently have two ships stationed here, and in December 2009, the new Pacific Jewel, the sister ship to the Pacific Dawn will arrive on our shores and commence cruising out of Brisbane, whilst the delightful Pacific Sun heads West to Fremantle and commence a series of cruises to Indonesia and more!

After my cruise on the Pacific Sun I certainly agree with the P&O brochure – “This is the way to holiday” – For it is a great value for money vacation!

Please note: The author and Mr Hun-Eng Tan travelled at their own expense, thus this review is unlike those your may read by travel media in your local newspapers who usually travel as guests of the cruise company and their reports are always somewhat tainted. I have gone by our own experiences, and although the ship was busy in certain parts we knew where to avoid those places as there were sufficient quiet locations to relax! And for those who like a top quality bar where the ivories twinkle at night, remember the New Orleans inspired “Speak Easy Bar”, it is just perfect!

Comments received from other passengers - per email:

“Hi Reuben I have just come across your website, after having sailed on The Pacific Sun last week (which I believe you did also). I just wanted to congratulate you on your informative and accurate descriptions of the Sun, and also concur with most of the review published by Barry and Jackie Moore. We thought the cruise was wonderful, the facilities, service, activities, and dining exceeded our expectations.

Now that we have had our 'sampler' cruise and we enjoy that mode of holiday, we are looking to go a bit longer and further for our next one, perhaps from Australia up to Asia or vice versa for a couple of weeks.” Steve Grech.

“Reuben it was great finally meeting you on Pacific Sun, for I have been reading your site for many years and it was the reason we booked on the ship. She was everything you said she was and the service and food was just great. We have been on other cruises but it has been quite some time, but this was a great cruise with a bonus the rescue of the yachtsmen and woman from the reef. We’ll be doing another cruise on the Pacific Sun next year, but as I said a longer one, and then the year after try out the new Jewel. Keep up the good work!” John.

“I just want to thank you for your write up on the Pacific Sun. We booked on a cruise much on the last minute and have just come back. All I can say is thank you for we had just an unreal holiday, much better than we could have ever imagined! We had a cabin on a lower deck but it was near the stairs and it was bigger that we thought it was going to be. The service, it was just great, they cannot do enough for you. Food is like going to a top restaurant mate and yet considering we did not pay that much. We enjoyed the entertainment and the comedy cub was unbelievable. Again thanks for your site, for we were thinking of going to Hayman, but the cruise ended costing us so much less, yet it included everything!” David S.

Do you have a review to add, we love to hear from you. Email us.

Please Note: There is a photo page and several other Pacific Sun pages online

See the Index below

Pacific Sun seen at the Brisbane Portside Cruise Terminal:

On Sunday 23 November, after an extra day at sea our cruise finally came to an end

As can be seen, Pacific Sun is so well maintained that she looks perfect at all time, rust is never seen

Whilst away Brisbane endured many bad storms and the Brisbane River was showing its signs

Pacific Sun – INDEX

Pacific Sun: A ship review by the author – A photo page & review to complement all pages below.

This page was written after Reuben & Hun-Eng’s visit to the ship in Sept 2008 after her refit.

NEW Cruise Review – 1: Cruise review by Reuben Goossens & Hun-Eng Tan of Cruise-Australia

Cruise N 841 – Nov 15, 2008 – 7 (8) nights & rescuing a sinking yacht in the Coral Sea.

NEW Photo page: A photo page to complement the above review

NEW Cruise Review - 2: Cruise review by Barry & Jackie Moore.

Cruise N835 - Oct 4, 2008 – 7 nights.

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Contact the author

When sending an email please name the ship you are requesting information or speaking about!

However, if you are interested in a cruise, I am happy to refer you to a dedicated cruise agent in Australia, New Zealand or further afield on my recommended “cruise agents” page, for these are agents that specialise in cruising and they will be able offer excellent service you and the best fares available! Be assured, I do NOT receive any commissions or favours from these agents, and in the vast majority of cases these agents will not even be aware of my, or mu site’s involvement, as I provide the enquirer with the requested information of the agents (in their region) including their contact details. Reuben Goossens.

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Photographs on cruise-australia are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection. 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are photographs provided to me without details provided regarding the photographer concerned. I hereby invite if owners of these images would be so kind to make them-selves known to me, that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet they either refuse to give me credit and even refuse to remove them, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show the charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due! Note: I do not credit those who send me photos as they are not the owners of the photographs concerned, unless the image is part of their private collection.

This notice covers all pages, although, I have done my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

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