South Pacific Cruise Reviews

I had a great time on the Dawn Princess.  Being a solo cruiser, I was in the minority, most others being couples or even large groups cruising together.  It didn't matter, I met many friendly people and was never lonely.  There were so many activities that my only problem was selecting what to do at a certain time.  Same with the menu at any eating venue.  I don't usually eat four or five courses but the cuisine was so delicious I couldn't help myself. I love seafood so I couldn't pass up lobster, mussels, prawns (shrimp), barramundi, all cooked to perfection. But everyone was catered for, mouth watering filet mignon, vegetarian dishes, you name it. The head waiter on my table, Daniel, was from Romania. He knew everything on the menu, suggested wines with all selections, and was a perfect and delightful host. I had a balcony room and sat out there with a glass of shiraz enjoying the view. Since I was by myself I could choose whether to have company or alone time. The Dawn is not a new ship and is showing it's age but the crew work nonstop maintaining it.  I will do another cruise before the year is out.

It was near the top of our bucket list - a cruise to French Polynesia. We thought the trip would be extra special because it spanned the holidays with an overnight on Oahu for Christmas and then Tahiti for New Years. Without exception the ports and islands we stopped at were all enjoyable but the days we spent on Fanning Island and Moorea will remain unforgettable as long as we live. It was unfortunate that what should have been a fulfilled fantasy was marred by events attributable to the condition of the ship. It was a bit disconcerting when the engines stopped not once but twice in the middle of the Pacific. Though both instances were short lived, it's an eerie feeling to hear the ship go silent and the ensuing darkness. Such events can generate a concern, especially so with so many sea days such a long way from land. Then midway through the cruise when leaving Papeete the ship was hit by a tropical downpour so intense that the scuppers were unable to handle the deluge. When the ship keeled to port during a tight turn to starboard the rainwater went down the forward elevator shaft and stairwell. Several of the suites were inundated for which the occupants were given minimal compensation according to a columnist featured in our local newspaper who was onboard in one of the affected suites. The forward elevators were temporarily out of service but heaters, fans and dehumidifier were operational all the way back to San Diego. But it was the lack of water hot enough for a shower in our cabin during the initial days out of San Diego that negatively impacted our  experience. For 3-1/2 days our complaints were listened to but not heard as no corrective action was taken. We were told that the ship was full so there was nowhere else to go. On the afternoon of the fourth day we were moved from our inside stateroom to an ocean view only six cabins forward of ours. In reality then, the ship was not full so why did it take so long to address our situation? We submitted the onboard survey and the post-cruise survey on line which stated our displeasure but neither brought an apology, much less any form of compensation. We could easily have insisted that the daily "hotel service charges" be removed from our bill (US$690) but we were not inclined to penalize the hardworking crew members as the deficiency was not their fault.

I really enjoyed this cruise. There were great staff and food. I would recommend this ship to all.     Great in all areas except for it is quite annoying how the on board activities like water slides and rock climbing were only open on sea days.

Okay the ship was okay, but at $8,000 a pop. Not again. The food was good. Service ehh coulda been better