Pacific Aria Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Awesome ship, great cruise

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Pacific Aria
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simjabo72
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2019

We'd previously done the Pacific Islands Cruise on Pacific Dawn with P&O and wanted a cruise departure from Brisbane. Papua New Guinea wasn't even on our radar but the dates aligned and we thought 'why not'? We booked our first balcony cabin and we wont go back to ocean view again. With school holiday pricing it was not a budget cruise like our first one but it was nice to treat ourselves. It's so nice to have extra space in the room as well as the deck which had 2 chairs, sunlounge and small coffee table. Our room (9070) had a great queen sized bed while our daughter slept on the converted sofa. She loved having her own space. There's loads of hanging and drawer storage too, though large suitcases wont fit in cupboards (tip..they will fit under the bed if left opened which is great for shoe storage) Our room had a bar fridge (other rooms don't). We were able to take our own soft drinks which was great given we didn't opt for a drinks package this time and saved a heap of money.

The bathroom was fitted with spa bath which we loved. The toilet looked new and the shower pressure and temperature control were great. Our room stewards were brilliant as always and it was great coming back after lunch to an immaculately presented room.

Aria is an excellent ship. Just the right size with good facilities and heaps of restaurants and bars to choose from. The decor is great and beautifully fitted out. The lounge are in the Atrium on level 6 is great for playing games or reading. There's always organised games here too and some cool prizes to win.

Cabin Review

Cabin Balcony

Great room, great balcony. Lots of area to sleep and relax in for 3 people. Great spa bath in bathroom and awesome shower. Heaps of storage. Very comfy beds

Port Reviews

Alotau

Muddy and literally nothing to look at other than a war memorial. Centre of town is just a run of bars and supermarkets all selling the same stuff.

Kiriwina (Papua New Guinea)

Kiriwina was nice enough. Very friendly locals but an oversupply of markets..hundreds of stalls all selling the same kind of thing. Beautiful hand crafted timber carvings and baskets/ bags. Great prices. The beaches are beautiful with reefs not far from shore for snorkelling. Find a local kid to take you on an outrigger canoe for 5 Kina ($2.50 Aus) Well worth it. Remember to take some money for donations to worthy causes and some basic school supplies (exercise books/ pencils etc)

Conflict Islands

Stunning private tourist island (no permanent residents) with some of the finest beaches and snorkelling in the Pacific. Tip: take your own snorkelling gear and head to the south east corner of the island (a 10 minute walk) and make your way out on the sandy point. This a waist deep family safe beach on one side ideal for swimming and snorkelling with the reef not too far from the shore. You'll only be 100 meters away from those who forked out $100 to do the same thing. This island uses vouchers instead of currency so you have to buy them at the kiosk before using them at any of the other shops/ bars and restaurant. Food is okay. Bar is well stocked. Prices are good considering this is a resort style island.

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