Thanks for the terrific review. 100% accurate. We disembarked today from our Christmas cruise and were a bit disappointed. Yes,the ship certainly is shown its age and signs of flaking paint, rust, peeling wallpaper, cupboards tucked with paper towel to stop them spinning open and lots of other cosmetic things. Sadly, apart from a few terrific staff we found the majority (particularly bar staff) to seem a bit disinterested and not pro-active working their areas to serve drinks. Perhaps this is an instruction from up high to save some money. As an exercise we sat in the quiet Charlies Bar for 20 minutes one afternoon with 3 staff talking at the counter waiting for one to ask if we liked anything. We finally caved in and went and ordered ourselves. The carpets in high traffic areas and lifts were heavily stained. It’s certainly time to waive Pacific Explorer off into the sunset.
Thanks for watching. I’m glad you liked my review and found it accurate. I feel for the staff because I don’t know if they even know whether they have a job soon. I am literally back on the Explorer as we speak, it’s embarkation day. The entertainment staff have been terrific but the waiter we had at dinner honestly wasn’t the friendliest. Overall we generally love our time on this ship and find it great value for what it is. It may not be premium but the it’s a fun and affordable ship from Melbourne.
Did my first cruise on Pacific Explorer back in April 2023 to Exmouth absolutely loved it. had a balcony room was amazing, booked another comedy cruise for March 2025 but that was cancelled due to P&O getting moved over to Carnival. luckily we managed to get on to Exmouth again for her last cruise to Exmouth feb 2025 think she has one more to singapore when we get back. will be very sad to see her go as that will i believe no more cruises from Fremantle to Fremantle plus a lot of people can't afford to fly
Yeah, sadly all the untouched areas that Pacific Explorer covered (Perth, Adelaide, even Melbourne) will have soon lot our last option. I have 2 more booked on Explorer trying to squeeze it in before we lose our last affordable option in Melbourne. I’m hoping that one day Carnival replace her but unfortunately there is nothing in the foreseeable future.
We are back on her in November too but on the 80s cruise. I’m interested to see the condition of her since they are soon retiring her. We had a blast in February but keep in mind she is one of the oldest ships cruising in Australia. Go in with an open mind and I’m sure you’ll have a ball.
I was also on this cruise, unfortunately the weather wasn't very kind to us so we didn't get to K.I. I do agree that this Ship has seen better days, we had fun though.
Great review. We sailed on her last year (80s cruise), and this year we are taking our two grandsons so have booked the mini suite again. I don't think our boys will notice the rust (thank goodness) so it's a last hurrah for P&O from New Zealand for us :)
Thanks for watching! Mini suite would be ideal! I’m excited to do the 80s cruise. We booked it when we heard she was being scrapped because we new it would be our last chance without having to fly.
Thank you! ☺️ We’ll pass you at the port, we are on the cruise before you. New years is an incredible experience on a cruise and I hope to make it to NZ soon myself.
Great review, I agree with the extra charges for chips, hotdogs, pizza is a rip off, fine for adults but makes it hard when you have kids and they see other kids eating it.
Thank you. I’m glad you are enjoying my videos so far. Explorer will be missed but thankfully it sounds like the restaurants are staying after they transition to Carnival.
We're going on the 80's theme 3-night cruise in a few days (Sep 20) from Auckland, NZ which is our first since the end of 2019 when we did a Xmas cruise on Princess which was better than P&O. We have cruised on P&O before on the retired Pacific Jewel. We have bought a non-alcohol drinks package including coffee for this 3-day cruise. Looking forward to it. We do hope Carnival do some Auckland themed cruises once they absorb P&O or at least longer sailings from Auckland. Time will tell.
This ship started out as the Dawn Princess. I was one of the first crew staff on it in the dock yards in Italy, in 1997. She is being retired early 2025.
@@CruiseCrazedFam that would be awesome wish someone else would buy her and keep her in western australia i dont believe there are any other cruise ships that come to fremantle and back.
Awesome video, i know what you mean about the call center asking about the internet package, just a basic one they recited, basically what was online, lol😂 and one other time, they gave wrong information about some shore excursions I just ask my agent now
Thanks for watching Wendy! Haha, they are lovely but so bad all at once. 😂 I avoid calling them if I can. I actually enjoy calling Carnival, I always have a great chat with the ladies there.
My friends and I were pining for proper cake the whole time we were on the ship as we weren't fans of the airy fairy cake options in the Pantry. I'm cracking up at that footage of the café (I'm guessing Charlie's?)... right under our nose the whole time!
Went for a 3 day country cruise with Pacific Explorer last August 19, 2024..was a good experience 😊 just wondering if there's anyone here in that cruise who remembered the male singer who's got a really good voice😂
Thank you for watching! The one we did in February was a comedy cruise but it was so short we only made it to one show. The other one was also a comedy show but Allira got sick so we barely left the cabin at all. We have another one in December. Depending on the kids how many comedy shows we will make it to on that one.
Thanks for watching. Personally we love it and prefer longer cruises then shorter ones. 3 day cruises are a bit too chaotic with everyone trying to do everything where longer ones are more relaxed. It all comes down to personal opinions at the end of the day. We are yet to have a bad cruise on her. May be worth watching some vlogs from the cruise to get an idea of the onboard experience? You won’t know if you will like her til you try really.
She is aging but the experience is still the same. We look past the age and wear and tear and just enjoy the moment. We loved the food on our last explorer cruise and the cocktail making workshop was so good. It is what you make it at the end of the day. We have 2 more booked on her this before she is retired in March
Hi there, we will be on the PE in November. We're going in a large group of 34 women! I've paid for the room (twin share) but I'm unsure if it includes breakfast. Did your trip include breakfast and if yes , where is the best place for a good breakfast? Also, I do get seasick, do you find this ship to rock alot or is it quite smooth sailing? We'll be spending 4 nights on board. I appreciate any info or reply. Thanks!
Thank you for watching! Sounds like fun with so many of you! All food except for the upcharge restaurants is included. For Breakfast you will be able to go to the Pantry (buffet) or the Waterfront Restaurant. Personally we preferred a sit down breakfast at the waterfront but the Pantry is good for a quick bite to eat Whether the ship rocks or not is all dependent on the weather and seas at the time. Be prepared with sea sickness bands and medication and take it first thing in the morning before you get sick just incase. All my days at sea there have only been a 2-3 days that I have been queezy but everybody’s tolerance is different. You should be fine though.
Have been watching heaps of your videos lately as my wife and I are going on our first ever cruise on Explorer next week! A couple of questions, the cruise is fully booked so will the restaurants and bars be constantly crowded? Also, i'm a night owl so what time do the bars normally close? Hopefully they are less crowded in the later hours. Thanks for all the informative videos and do you have any other quick tips for a first time cruiser?
Thank you for watching and glad to hear you are finding them helpful. As soon as you get onboard, switch to the ship wifi, log in to the app and book your restaurants straight away. Unsure how busy they will be but on our cruise they weren’t too busy and we had incredible service. The Blue Room and the Explorer Hotel are great nighttime spots. They basically keep going as long as the crowd it there. I haven’t made it to close so not sure if/what cut off time is. All I can say is go there with an open mind and get involved. Enjoy every moment. Your first cruise will always be a special one. 🫶
hi ive just came across your channel and subscribed :) hi im deb from tasmania:) i think that maybe you will be on our next 2 cruises, thats so cool :) were on an 80s cruise on the pacific explorer leaving melbourne on the 15 nov, then a 90s cruise on the pacific adventure from sydney leaving i think its the 21st feb. if you are on either of those cruises we would love to meet you :)
Hi Deb, thank you for subscribing! I’m gonna check out your channel too and yes we are on both of those cruises!!! I look forward to meeting you in person! 😁
Why bother you making me depressed had 7 cruises since 2022 and this November the 22nd for 4 nites hope to meet you and family i did sign a pettition with adrian alsi donated hope sonething will get done Best part of the explorer is THE SUGAR BAR
Yeah I know, it’s sad and I had the brief ‘is it worth it?’ Moment but there is still 9 months of sailings and two more for cruises for us so that’s why I did it. The sugar bar looks amazing but I always skip it because of my dairy allergy. I do love that they always have at least one option I can have though. Thank you for signing, he has just had his federal petition pass today so I’m going to promote that one now. We are doing 15th of November so we just miss you.
Great review! 🫶🏻 Is there any chance you can provide more info on the 80's theme event? Is it a one night event? I still need to sort out my 80's clothes 🤦♂️😂 First time going on a cruise. I need to get prepared asap
Thanks for watching. I believe we have a neon sail away party on the first day, 80s icons the second day and the last night is classic 80s style. Check out my friend’s channels, ‘Rob & Ali’ and ‘Deb & Matt Chat’, they both recently vlogged an 80s cruise.
Thank you for watching. I think they are but not really like a land pool, it will still be cold. I haven’t actually got in myself yet but my son did and it was too cold for him but that was in June. Just keep in mind that your son MUST be potty trained to go into the pools too. They won’t let kids with swim nappies in any of the wet areas. If he can’t swim there will be plenty more to keep you both entertained and I’m sure you will have a great time.
Thanks for the terrific review. 100% accurate. We disembarked today from our Christmas cruise and were a bit disappointed. Yes,the ship certainly is shown its age and signs of flaking paint, rust, peeling wallpaper, cupboards tucked with paper towel to stop them spinning open and lots of other cosmetic things. Sadly, apart from a few terrific staff we found the majority (particularly bar staff) to seem a bit disinterested and not pro-active working their areas to serve drinks. Perhaps this is an instruction from up high to save some money. As an exercise we sat in the quiet Charlies Bar for 20 minutes one afternoon with 3 staff talking at the counter waiting for one to ask if we liked anything. We finally caved in and went and ordered ourselves. The carpets in high traffic areas and lifts were heavily stained. It’s certainly time to waive Pacific Explorer off into the sunset.
Thanks for watching. I’m glad you liked my review and found it accurate. I feel for the staff because I don’t know if they even know whether they have a job soon. I am literally back on the Explorer as we speak, it’s embarkation day. The entertainment staff have been terrific but the waiter we had at dinner honestly wasn’t the friendliest. Overall we generally love our time on this ship and find it great value for what it is. It may not be premium but the it’s a fun and affordable ship from Melbourne.
We found the Waterfront manager Christopher and our waiter Nathalie terrific. Say hi from us. Enjoy your cruise. Look forward to your review.
Did my first cruise on Pacific Explorer back in April 2023 to Exmouth absolutely loved it. had a balcony room was amazing, booked another comedy cruise for March 2025 but that was cancelled due to P&O getting moved over to Carnival. luckily we managed to get on to Exmouth again for her last cruise to Exmouth feb 2025 think she has one more to singapore when we get back. will be very sad to see her go as that will i believe no more cruises from Fremantle to Fremantle plus a lot of people can't afford to fly
Yeah, sadly all the untouched areas that Pacific Explorer covered (Perth, Adelaide, even Melbourne) will have soon lot our last option. I have 2 more booked on Explorer trying to squeeze it in before we lose our last affordable option in Melbourne. I’m hoping that one day Carnival replace her but unfortunately there is nothing in the foreseeable future.
Another great review! So glad I found your channel.
Thank you! I’m glad you are enjoying my channel. ☺️
Thanks for the insight as we are taking this ship to Kangaroo Island in November,our first go at cruising only a 4 nighter to see if we like it.
We are back on her in November too but on the 80s cruise. I’m interested to see the condition of her since they are soon retiring her. We had a blast in February but keep in mind she is one of the oldest ships cruising in Australia. Go in with an open mind and I’m sure you’ll have a ball.
I was also on this cruise, unfortunately the weather wasn't very kind to us so we didn't get to K.I. I do agree that this Ship has seen better days, we had fun though.
Great review. We sailed on her last year (80s cruise), and this year we are taking our two grandsons so have booked the mini suite again. I don't think our boys will notice the rust (thank goodness) so it's a last hurrah for P&O from New Zealand for us :)
Thanks for watching! Mini suite would be ideal! I’m excited to do the 80s cruise. We booked it when we heard she was being scrapped because we new it would be our last chance without having to fly.
Great review, my wife & myself are on this ship for the New Years cruise to New Zealand with another couple.
Thank you! ☺️ We’ll pass you at the port, we are on the cruise before you. New years is an incredible experience on a cruise and I hope to make it to NZ soon myself.
Great review, I agree with the extra charges for chips, hotdogs, pizza is a rip off, fine for adults but makes it hard when you have kids and they see other kids eating it.
Thanks for watching. Yeah it certainly adds up quick with kids! 😮💨
great review Ami. like your videos. Yes I would agree the food is nice in the waterfront . One of my favourites will be sadly missed.
Thank you. I’m glad you are enjoying my videos so far. Explorer will be missed but thankfully it sounds like the restaurants are staying after they transition to Carnival.
@@CruiseCrazedFam oh really so waterfront is staying. That’s good news.
As far as we know so far yes. I recently did a video on the changes or changes that won’t be happening.
@@CruiseCrazedFam oh ok I think I missed that video but I will have a look, thanks Ami for keeping us all cruise fans informed. Keep it up👍
@@Joanneklonarisplease do! 😁
We're going on the 80's theme 3-night cruise in a few days (Sep 20) from Auckland, NZ which is our first since the end of 2019 when we did a Xmas cruise on Princess which was better than P&O. We have cruised on P&O before on the retired Pacific Jewel. We have bought a non-alcohol drinks package including coffee for this 3-day cruise. Looking forward to it. We do hope Carnival do some Auckland themed cruises once they absorb P&O or at least longer sailings from Auckland. Time will tell.
Oh that’s so exciting! We are doing the 80s cruise on Explorer in November, it looks so much fun!
I’m sure you will have a ball! 🛳️💃🏻
This ship started out as the Dawn Princess. I was one of the first crew staff on it in the dock yards in Italy, in 1997.
She is being retired early 2025.
Oh wow, that’s cool! I believe she has been sold so she might have some life left in her still.
Nope 😢@@CruiseCrazedFam
@@CruiseCrazedFam that would be awesome wish someone else would buy her and keep her in western australia i dont believe there are any other cruise ships that come to fremantle and back.
@ yeah sadly outside of Brisbane and Sydney, the rest of us miss out now. 😔
Awesome video, i know what you mean about the call center asking about the internet package, just a basic one they recited, basically what was online, lol😂 and one other time, they gave wrong information about some shore excursions I just ask my agent now
Thanks for watching Wendy!
Haha, they are lovely but so bad all at once. 😂 I avoid calling them if I can. I actually enjoy calling Carnival, I always have a great chat with the ladies there.
My friends and I were pining for proper cake the whole time we were on the ship as we weren't fans of the airy fairy cake options in the Pantry. I'm cracking up at that footage of the café (I'm guessing Charlie's?)... right under our nose the whole time!
Thanks for watching. Haha, that’s so funny. Well I guess you know for next time? 😜😂🍰
You done a great review
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.
Went for a 3 day country cruise with Pacific Explorer last August 19, 2024..was a good experience 😊 just wondering if there's anyone here in that cruise who remembered the male singer who's got a really good voice😂
That sounds like a lot of fun 🤠
Were you on a Facebook group for that cruise? I’m sure someone there could tell you.
Thanks for the heads up. Have you ever done the Comedy themed cruise?
Thank you for watching! The one we did in February was a comedy cruise but it was so short we only made it to one show. The other one was also a comedy show but Allira got sick so we barely left the cabin at all. We have another one in December. Depending on the kids how many comedy shows we will make it to on that one.
@@CruiseCrazedFam Thanks for that .. looking forward to more reviews
thanks
You’re welcome. ☺️
mixed opinion on going for this cruise.. people have written such bad reviews of the ship.. would u say its worth going on a 3day cruise on this ship?
Thanks for watching.
Personally we love it and prefer longer cruises then shorter ones. 3 day cruises are a bit too chaotic with everyone trying to do everything where longer ones are more relaxed.
It all comes down to personal opinions at the end of the day. We are yet to have a bad cruise on her. May be worth watching some vlogs from the cruise to get an idea of the onboard experience?
You won’t know if you will like her til you try really.
@@CruiseCrazedFam thanks for your kind reply.. just was worried about the aging on the ship.. but of its maintained ill take a shot on it
She is aging but the experience is still the same. We look past the age and wear and tear and just enjoy the moment. We loved the food on our last explorer cruise and the cocktail making workshop was so good. It is what you make it at the end of the day. We have 2 more booked on her this before she is retired in March
Hi there, we will be on the PE in November. We're going in a large group of 34 women! I've paid for the room (twin share) but I'm unsure if it includes breakfast. Did your trip include breakfast and if yes , where is the best place for a good breakfast? Also, I do get seasick, do you find this ship to rock alot or is it quite smooth sailing? We'll be spending 4 nights on board. I appreciate any info or reply. Thanks!
Thank you for watching! Sounds like fun with so many of you! All food except for the upcharge restaurants is included. For Breakfast you will be able to go to the Pantry (buffet) or the Waterfront Restaurant. Personally we preferred a sit down breakfast at the waterfront but the Pantry is good for a quick bite to eat
Whether the ship rocks or not is all dependent on the weather and seas at the time. Be prepared with sea sickness bands and medication and take it first thing in the morning before you get sick just incase. All my days at sea there have only been a 2-3 days that I have been queezy but everybody’s tolerance is different. You should be fine though.
Have been watching heaps of your videos lately as my wife and I are going on our first ever cruise on Explorer next week! A couple of questions, the cruise is fully booked so will the restaurants and bars be constantly crowded? Also, i'm a night owl so what time do the bars normally close? Hopefully they are less crowded in the later hours. Thanks for all the informative videos and do you have any other quick tips for a first time cruiser?
Thank you for watching and glad to hear you are finding them helpful.
As soon as you get onboard, switch to the ship wifi, log in to the app and book your restaurants straight away. Unsure how busy they will be but on our cruise they weren’t too busy and we had incredible service.
The Blue Room and the Explorer Hotel are great nighttime spots. They basically keep going as long as the crowd it there. I haven’t made it to close so not sure if/what cut off time is.
All I can say is go there with an open mind and get involved. Enjoy every moment. Your first cruise will always be a special one. 🫶
hi ive just came across your channel and subscribed :) hi im deb from tasmania:) i think that maybe you will be on our next 2 cruises, thats so cool :) were on an 80s cruise on the pacific explorer leaving melbourne on the 15 nov, then a 90s cruise on the pacific adventure from sydney leaving i think its the 21st feb. if you are on either of those cruises we would love to meet you :)
Hi Deb, thank you for subscribing! I’m gonna check out your channel too and yes we are on both of those cruises!!! I look forward to meeting you in person! 😁
@@CruiseCrazedFam that would be awesome id love that :)
If you see me, make sure you come say hi! 👋
Why bother you making me depressed had 7 cruises since 2022 and this November the 22nd for 4 nites hope to meet you and family i did sign a pettition with adrian alsi donated hope sonething will get done
Best part of the explorer is THE SUGAR BAR
Yeah I know, it’s sad and I had the brief ‘is it worth it?’ Moment but there is still 9 months of sailings and two more for cruises for us so that’s why I did it.
The sugar bar looks amazing but I always skip it because of my dairy allergy. I do love that they always have at least one option I can have though. Thank you for signing, he has just had his federal petition pass today so I’m going to promote that one now. We are doing 15th of November so we just miss you.
🎉
Thanks girl. I forgot to mention how awesome the DJ was 😜
Great review! 🫶🏻 Is there any chance you can provide more info on the 80's theme event? Is it a one night event? I still need to sort out my 80's clothes 🤦♂️😂 First time going on a cruise. I need to get prepared asap
Thanks for watching. I believe we have a neon sail away party on the first day, 80s icons the second day and the last night is classic 80s style.
Check out my friend’s channels, ‘Rob & Ali’ and ‘Deb & Matt Chat’, they both recently vlogged an 80s cruise.
@CruiseCrazedFam Thank you so much for that info! Will definitely check out your friends channels now 😍🫶🏻
Was nice to meet you last night Ami. Really enjoyed the cruise 👋🏻🙂🫶🏻
@@samb2636 oh that was you! So great to meet you too Sam! 😁
@@CruiseCrazedFam 😊 I've subscribed. Keep up the great content 👌🏻🛳🏖
Great video for information 👍
My son and I (2-year-old) are going on the Melbourne to Adelaide cruise, in November ,
are the pools hated on the ship?
Thank you for watching. I think they are but not really like a land pool, it will still be cold. I haven’t actually got in myself yet but my son did and it was too cold for him but that was in June. Just keep in mind that your son MUST be potty trained to go into the pools too. They won’t let kids with swim nappies in any of the wet areas.
If he can’t swim there will be plenty more to keep you both entertained and I’m sure you will have a great time.