On board the Ship
Etiquette
Everyone at P&O Cruises wants you to have a great time on your cruise. So, to preserve a relaxed and friendly atmosphere on board, we ask that you observe a few guidelines.
Videotaping
Should you wish to record footage on board during your cruise, please feel free to do so, however, please be mindful of the privacy of other passengers on board. Recording footage of on board entertainment performances is not allowed for copyright reasons. Recording footage for commercial purposes is not permitted without prior consent.
Attire
We require passengers to use cover-ups over swim suits when entering the ship’s public rooms. During the day, casual clothes are suitable. After 5.30pm, smart casual attire is required in the public lounges and restaurants or as published in the Pacific Daily. Refer to Dress at sea section for additional details.
Passport to Savings
Enjoy great savings on products on board with our complimentary savings flyer which is included in your ticket wallet. It offers substantial discounts on duty and tax-free shopping including a 10% shopping voucher valid for your first two days on board (excludes photographic and electronic equipment):
- Great duty and tax-free savings – save up to 40% off watches, jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics compared to Australian recommended retail prices.
- P&O Cruises Price Guarantee* – if you find any product cheaper than we sell it on board, we will match the price! *Conditions apply.
- Minimum 12 month Australian and New Zealand guarantee on all products.
In-Cabin facilities
The little extras you find in the best hotels can be found in your cabin.
- Daily cleaning
- Private ensuite
- Hair dryer, complimentary body wash/shampoo
- Built-in wardrobe
- Safety deposit box
- Television for in-cabin entertainment
- Air conditioning with personal controls
- Writing desk and chair
- Telephone
- Ice bucket, tongs and glasses
- Cabin compendium, entertainment guide and the Pacific Daily newspaper
- Fridge (Pacific Dawn only)
- Balcony cabins have outdoor table and chairs (Pacific Dawn only)
Suites and Mini-suites include:
- Balcony with table and chairs
- Jacuzzi/Bath
- Fridge
- Walk-in wardrobe
TV programming
Getting away from it all doesn’t mean being out of touch. Every cabin on P&O Cruises ships has its own TV. We offer a wide range of television channels including news, ship safety information and movie channels, where satellite reception permits. We also feature a wide selection of first run films some of which have yet to be released locally in Australia.
Room service
You can call for personal room service at any time of the day or night. To have complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your cabin^, just fill out the breakfast card included in your cabin compendium and hang it outside your door before retiring. For a full room service menu, please see your cabin compendium and call the number listed.
^A nominal delivery charge applies to all in-cabin meals. The 24-hour room service menu is priced per item.
Laundry and dry cleaning
Take advantage of our on board laundry service for a fee. All laundry is returned within 48 hours, or on the same day with our express service. We also offer self-service coin-operated laundrettes and a dry cleaning service.
Passenger Services/Purser’s desk
The Passenger Services/Purser’s desk in the ship’s foyer is the place to cash traveller’s cheques, ask questions, settle your on board account and check for lost property. Postage stamps for letters and postcards are also available. Mail will be posted at the ship’s next port of call, and stamps will be sold accordingly. Letters and postcards can be dropped in the letterbox at the Purser’s desk for mailing; however, due to Customs regulations we are unable to accept parcels or packages.
Shore Tours desk
A Shore Tours desk with a Shore Excursion Manager is on board each ship, ready to assist you with your port and shore tour related questions and bookings.
Pacific Daily newspaper
Pacific Daily is your schedule of daily ship activities and entertainment events on board. It is also your guide to on board services with hours of operation. Pacific Daily is delivered nightly to your cabin. Keep it close at hand, so you’ll always know what’s happening and where.
Medical Centre (charges apply)
The on board Medical Centre is staffed by full-time internationally registered and qualified doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily consultation hours, medical staff are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. Charges for medical services will be added to your on board account, and you will be provided with an itemised account to submit to your insurance company. On board medical charges are outside the scope of the Australian Medicare system and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Therefore, treatment is charged at private rates, which are posted in the waiting room. We strongly recommend you take out international travel insurance or check with your private health insurer. All charges for consultations, treatments and medication, including those on Australian coastal cruises, cannot be claimed on Australian Medicare or New Zealand ACC. These charges may be able to be claimed independently with your travel insurance provider.
Florist (charges apply)
Make your cruise a memorable one! Our professional florist on board offers a wide range of fresh flowers for any occasion. Choose from corsages, rose arrangements and bouquets, exotic tropical arrangements, all occasion bouquets and more. Call P&O Cruises to pre-order your flowers or order them once on board. Please note, pre-ordering and payment needs to be made at least 21 days prior to sailing.
Bars and lounges (charges apply)
You will find many bars and lounges on board that cater to all tastes and moods. Our selection includes:
- Cocktail bars
- Themed lounges
- Piano bars
- Outdoor bars
- Nightclub
- Entertainment provided by guest performers, DJ’s or pianist.
Bar opening hours may vary. Please check your Pacific Daily newspaper for opening hours and special promotions.
Boutiques (charges apply)
Shop in our on board boutiques for the perfect gifts to remember your cruise holiday. On board, you’ll find duty and tax-free shops with something for every shopper, including:
- Great duty and tax-free savings – save up to 40% off watches, jewellery, liquor/tobacco, fragrances and cosmetics compared to Australian domestic recommended retail prices
- Electronics – Save 10% off domestic recommended retail prices
- Pacific Daily special offers
- Product seminars
- Minimum 12 month Australian and New Zealand guarantee on all products
- Expert advice and after-sales service whilst on board
- Exclusive ship’s clothing and souvenir items
- Designer brands
- Snacks, toiletries, film and batteries
- All your needs for going ashore
- Information on your duty and tax-free allowances
- Price Guarantee – if you find any product cheaper than we sell it for on board, we will match the price!*
* This must be the current advertised price and this guarantee is valid for 7 days from the end of your cruise. For electronic and photographic equipment the product must be identical. The Price Guarantee does not cover Internet or parallel import prices.
Art Auction Programme (charges apply)
Once on board, you’re invited to attend a Fine Arts Auction where you will be shown some of the most beautiful artwork produced in the last century along with some fun pieces such as animation art and sporting memorabilia. We’ve created an opportunity for you to bid on and acquire a special work of art that appeals to you. While enjoying your cruise, you will be able to bid on a wide variety of works of art by simply raising your hand. Unlike other art auctions, there is no registration necessary. All artwork will be insured, packaged, and shipped to your home or office from our fulfilment centre. Each ship has many special works of art to choose from and most ships have a gallery area where you can browse at your leisure. Art experts are available throughout the cruise to answer your questions about the on board art collection.
Hair and Beauty Salon (charges apply)
If you want to look your best or simply want a little pampering, visit our professional Hair and Beauty Salon for the following range of services:
- Hair styling for both ladies and gents
- Hair colouring
- Manicures and pedicures
- Spray tanning
- Teeth whitening
- Men’s barber service
Lotus Spa® (charges apply) and Fitness Centre
Whether you enjoy a brief respite, a bracing workout, or a full day of pampering, the Lotus Spa® is dedicated to renewing body, mind and spirit. You’ll find a full range of personalised spa treatments including facials, massages and sensuous wraps. The Lotus Spa® is open daily; however we suggest you make arrangements on embarkation day for an appointment time that works best for you. The fitness centre features professional staff, weight and aerobic conditioning equipment, sauna/steam rooms and classes ranging from aerobics to pilates. Charges apply at Lotus Spa® and some fitness classes. Or try out our jogging track which carries the best view on the ship. Passengers using the fitness centre must be 16 years or over.
Photography (charges apply)
Photographs taken throughout the cruise by our team of professional photographers are available for purchase in our on board photo gallery and shop. They also offer a range of services which include:
- Personal cruise photos
- Digital print processing service
- Digital cameras and accessories
- Reflections souvenir video and DVD
- Film and batteries
- Portrait service
- CD burning, photo albums and frames
- Photographic seminars
Please note, photography taken on board by the professional photographers cannot be reprinted or purchased once you have disembarked your cruise.
Internet and Email Access* (charges apply)
Internet access is available on all P&O Cruises ships through our on board Internet Café. Use our computer systems to access your web-based email account, or browse the Internet for world news and sports. Wireless network cards are also available for purchase on board. Passengers who subscribe to email services from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) are advised to verify that their ISP has a web-mail viewing site prior to sailing. Most major ISPs have websites that allow mail access via a web browser using an email address and password. Please contact the Passenger Services/Purser’s desk on board for information regarding the charges that apply to Internet and wireless services, the hours of operation and any other specific requirements.
*Ship internet access is not guaranteed at all times due to the nature of satellite communications, which are subject to disruption from weather and obstructions. Connection speed is also significantly slower than on shore.
Library
On board each of our ships, we’ve created a library that includes contemporary and classic titles, as well as books related to specific cruise itineraries. You’ll find subjects on art, history, sport, travel, health and wellness, natural history and reference materials. We also have a fine selection of fiction and biographies. P&O Cruises on board libraries have collections of up to 2,000 books. Check your Pacific Daily for library hours and other information.
Aqua Hut (charges apply)
Snorkel equipment is available for hire from the Aqua Hut. This can be taken with you ashore and on your snorkelling shore tour, where equipment is not provided. You will also receive a free hygienically sealed brand new snorkel, which is yours to keep. If you want to purchase your equipment outright, then there is also a wide range of Tabata high quality snorkel equipment available for purchase. In addition, to make your visit and shore tour more enjoyable, there is a wide range of sun products and essential items for sale. The Aqua Hut is open on both sea and port days, please check the Pacific Daily for scheduled opening times.
Dining
One of the many benefits and delights of cruising is that all main meals on board are included in your cruise fare. We cater for all tastes on board our ships with top quality dining from morning to night.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Breakfast and themed lunch options on all ships:
- Continental or hot English breakfast with all the trimmings
- Sumptuous buffet selections from 6.00am - 10.30am and 11.30am - 2.30pm
- À la carte in the main dining room from 7.30am - 9.30am and 12.00pm - 2.00pm
EVENING DINING OFFERS THE FOLLOWING CHOICE:
Continuing the best traditions of cruising, Pacific Sun and Pacific Dawn offers ‘Your Choice Dining’ where you can choose the time you dine, and with whom, in the main dining room.
Pacific Sun
- À la carte dining in the Bordeaux or Burgundy dining rooms anytime from 5:30pm - 10:00pm
- Specialty dining in the Steakhouse * from 5.30pm - 10:00pm
- Casual dining in the Pizzeria * from 5pm till late
Pacific Dawn
- À la carte dining in the Palm Court dining room anytime from 5.30pm - 10.00pm
- Dining in Café del Sol from 6.00pm
- Casual dining in Bravo Trattoria * and The Grill* from 5pm till late
- Specialty dining in the Steakhouse * from 5.30pm - 10:00pm
Your Choice Dining will be introduced on Pacific Sun as of cruise N906.
OTHER DINING OPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
- Afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes and pastries
- Hot snacks*
- Ice Cream Bar*
- 24-hour room service*
*Charges apply. Dining times may vary throughout the cruise and on each ship.
YOUR CHOICE DINING (Available on Pacific Dawn only)
There’s even more choice with new Your Choice Dining
Your Choice Dining on board Pacific Dawn means you can enjoy the flexibility of dining where you like, when you like and with whom you choose. With extended evening dining hours on Pacific Dawn there are meal options from 5.30pm right through the evening.
You can turn up when you choose at any of the dining venues or pre-book a time that suits you for the Palm Court dining room.
Palm Court Dining Room
The Palm Court offers full service à la carte dining. Come as a couple or a group. We have tables for 4 - 10 people and some just for 2. You can dine together or we’ll match you up with like-minded people. Just like the finest restaurants ashore, some times will inevitably be busier than others, but our friendly dining staff will endeavour to find a time that suits.
Our dining reservations hotline is open on board throughout the cruise to book your dinner times each evening.
Café del Sol
For breakfast and lunch the Café del Sol will offer the popular buffet selections. In the evening the menu will be similar to the à la carte menu in the Palm Court dining room, just self-service.
Bravo Trattoria, The Grill and the Steakhouse
In addition to the Palm Court dining room and Café del Sol, Pacific Dawn offers a further three fantastic evening dining venues: an Italian dining experience in Bravo Trattoria, casual dining on deck at The Grill or specialty dining at the Steakhouse. There is a nominal charge for the Trattoria, The Grill and the Steakhouse.
It’s your choice every evening
Dine with old friends at a time convenient for you. Dine with new friends you’ve met on the ship or a trip ashore. Take the kids for an early dinner and then Mum and Dad can dine at their leisure later in the evening. Dine early, dine late – just like your favourite restaurant ashore the choice is yours.
Note: If you require a specific dining time due to a medical reason, please request this at time of booking. You may be asked to send a medical certificate. Whilst we endeavour to meet all requests, we cannot guarantee your preferred dining sitting.
Children and Teens Programmes
Activities on board
Cruising with P&O Cruises is the perfect escape for all ages. There’s everything from arts and crafts, game tables and movies. The Children’s Centres on board cater to children 3 years of age through to teenagers. All centres are fully supervised by our staff of Youth and Teen Activities Coordinators. Children under 3 years of age may use the children’s centre facilities as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
The younger children are provided with toys, educational games and lots of fun activities, all under supervision. There are also pagers available for the convenience of parents. A deposit is required and will be refunded at the end of the cruise. You’ll find a full list of activities printed each day in the children’s own daily newspaper.
Our cruise staff also provide a large range of activities for teenagers, which is outlined in their own daily newspaper. They have their own facilities that are designed to give them the time of their lives.
The Children’s Centre is open from 9.00am to 10.00pm (hours may vary) for all children aged from 3 years to 12 years. Only children who have been toilet trained may participate without a parent. Group child-minding is available in the centre from 10.00pm to 1.00am at a nominal charge. We cannot guarantee your child’s participation in the children’s centres. Entry will be on a first come first served basis. Please note, private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any P&O Cruises ship.
Parent’s responsibilities
For your child’s comfort and enjoyment, please do not leave them in the Children’s Centre for extended periods as we have found this often unsettles them. If your child becomes upset or distressed, our staff will contact you.
Please note, our staff are not permitted to administer medication, change a nappy or bottle feed your child. You will be paged if your child requires assistance.
Children with special needs
P&O Cruises welcomes all children and teens aged 3 years to 17 years to participate in our programmes. P&O Cruises needs to be advised at least 60 days prior to sailing of any children with medical and/or special needs. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that P&O Cruises youth staff do not offer individual one-on-one supervision. If your child requires one-on-one supervision, they will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Entertainment
Sailaway Party
Join the sailaway party on deck as you sail from your home port. Enjoy the sounds of live music, sip cocktails and dance the night away whilst meeting your fellow passengers.
Activities all day and night
There is an endless choice of on board activities and entertainment both day and night. Take a galley tour, enjoy wine tasting*, experience our traditional Champagne Waterfall, or join in games by the pool. You can even take centre stage yourself at karaoke night. This is just a taste of the many activities and attractions available during your cruise. It’s best to check the Pacific Daily for specific locations and times.
Musical productions
Enjoy an exciting array of stage shows, which are produced, costumed and choreographed exclusively for P&O Cruises along with a variety of guest entertainers. Curtain times vary so please check your Pacific Daily for show times.
Theme nights
Passengers can also be stars – cruises of 7 nights or more usually feature theme nights for passengers to enjoy. These may vary from cruise to cruise; however, you can expect at least the following:
- Island Night – bring your tropical wear for our Island Night deck party on all warm weather sailings.
- Outback Country Night – kick up your heels at our Outback Country party, bring your cowboy hats and join the line dancing.
There will also be dance classes, trivia quizzes, game shows and great music for “Dancin’ in the Aisles.” And don’t be shy – audition for our Pacific Pop Star contests and share your vocal talents with the world.
Casino*
Our casinos offer the most popular table games*, including Blackjack, Roulette and Three Card Poker. We also feature a full range of exciting poker machines*, as well as regular Snowball Jackpot Bingo* sessions held throughout the cruise. Complimentary gaming lessons for poker machines and table games are held each cruise, along with exciting tournaments. Please check the Pacific Daily newspaper for our special promotions and opening hours. Please note, just like ashore, gambling activities such as poker machines, gaming tables, bingo and horse-racing are strictly restricted to passengers 18 years and over.
Feature movies
Recent release movies are shown on a big screen and a selection are available on your in-cabin television.
Your Crew
Officers
The Captain is in command of your ship and is your official host for the cruise. He is assisted by the ship’s Officers and crew, who are organised into departments. You can recognise an Officer’s department by the colour of epaulette worn on his or her shoulders.
Deck Department
The Deck Department, headed by the Staff Captain, is responsible for all the duties performed by the Officers manning the bridge. These seasoned professionals are distinguished by their black and gold epaulette. Safety and security fall under the jurisdiction of the Deck Department as does the maintenance of the ship’s appearance. Members of the Deck Department paint the ship and keep the decks and swimming pools clean. In short, the Staff Captain and his crew are the people in charge of keeping your vessel shipshape.
Engine Department
The Chief Technical Officer heads the Engine Department and is assisted by the Staff Engineer Officer and Staff Electro-Technical Officer. Departmental responsibilities include the ship’s propulsion system, climate control and power generation. The Staff Electro-Technical Officer deals with electrical distribution and the ship’s satellite and radio communications. Engineering Officers and Electro-Technical Officers wear a burgundy and gold epaulette.
Hotel Department
You’ll recognise members of the Hotel Department by the white and gold epaulette on their uniforms. The Hotel Director is in charge, along with the Food & Beverage Director and Administration & Revenue Director. The Hotel Department handles all of the hotel responsibilities for the entire ship – from cabin, public room and dining room services to providing all food and supplies for passengers and crew. This department also includes a number of Officers who don’t wear an epaulet, such as the Maitre d’Hotel, who maintains the excellent standards of service in all dining areas, and the Executive Chef, who supervises all food production on board.
Entertainment Department
The Cruise Director reports to the Passenger Services Director and is also a senior Officer on board the ship. The Cruise Director manages the entire Entertainment Department. Since the Cruise Director and cruise staff oversee so many different activities, from evening stage shows to leading daytime and evening activities, their uniforms change to fit the occasion. Entertainment staff always have a gold name badge on their uniform so you can get to know them right away.
Medical Department
The medical staff, headed by the Senior Doctor, are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide medical care for both passengers and crew. This team of highly qualified doctors and nurses may be identified by their red and gold epaulette.
C.R.U.I.S.E. with P&O Cruises
With service being such a high priority to P&O Cruises, we have developed and trained all personnel in a 10-point credo. Our C.R.U.I.S.E. program stands for Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing in Service Excellence and means smiling, caring people wherever you go on board.
Important information
Tipping/gratuities
During your cruise, many members of our on board staff will provide you with excellent service, and tipping is simply the traditional way of saying ‘Thank You’. Although tipping is voluntary, and at passengers’ discretion, we are frequently asked by passengers to recommend an appropriate daily amount. Our suggested tipping amount is AUD5.50 per passenger (aged 13 years and over) per day. This will increase to AUD7.50 effective from Pacific Dawn voyage W824 departing 19 August 08 and Pacific Sun voyage N830 departing 18 August 08.
For passengers’ convenience, P&O Cruises has introduced a method of tipping that makes it easier to reward staff for their excellent service. The suggested amount will be added to each passenger’s (aged 13 years and over) on board account on a daily basis. This allows for the collection of tips without the need for cash and helps to ensure all staff who have served you are rewarded. Of course the level of tipping remains a very personal matter and is very much dependent on the level of service provided. We offer passengers the option of adjusting the standard daily charge at any time during their cruise, or directing it to specific staff who have provided excellent service. Staff at our Purser’s desk will be delighted to assist passengers in relation to any queries they may have about their tipping amount.
Appropriate behaviour
Whilst we encourage you to enjoy your cruise, please try to avoid making excessive noise in your cabin or in the passenger corridors, to ensure the comfort of other passengers. If you seriously inconvenience or jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of any passengers on board, the Captain has the right to confine or disembark you in the next port of call. P&O Cruises accepts no liability for this serious action or for any loss incurred (including repatriation expenses) and no refunds are available. Please refer to your Passage Conditions for further details.
Lost or stolen Cruise Cards
If your Cruise Card is lost or stolen please report it immediately to the Purser’s desk. Your old card will be cancelled and we will issue a new one to you. Please note that until you notify us that your card is lost or stolen you are responsible for any transactions made on your card.
Lost Property
When you are on board, please report lost or stolen property to the Passenger Services/Purser’s desk as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep your valuables in the safety deposit box in your cabin. All lost property found on board or in the Embarkation Hall will be held by P&O Cruises or our representatives and it is the responsibility of the owner to contact P&O Cruises. Costs for the delivery will be at the owner’s expense.
Items will only be held for a limited time:
Up to 14 days: any baggage, jewellery, cameras and miscellaneous items.
After 14 days: items are given to charity for re-distribution.
For health reasons, P&O Cruises’ company policy is that individual items of clothing are not held and are destroyed at the end of each cruise.
