Pacific Pearl data

Pacific Pearl data.

Built 1987, Italy, to suit conditions in the Med, not the South Pacific. According to a lady who knows these things, she was refurbished in March 2011.

Food venues: Plantation Buffet, deck 12 with access to outside seating;  Waterfront Restaurant, full service, fully enclosed; The Grill, deck 12 near the pool, charges apply after 6pm.

Bars: Charlie’s Bar – café; Players Casino – in the casino; Mix Bar, Orient Bar, Connexions Bar – prices vary for the same drink so check first before you order. Orient was up to $3 more per cocktail – dearest we’ve found on board – go to Connexions right next door.

There are bars in Marquee – entertainment area; The Dome – another entertainment area, directly under the Bridge, the only place you can get a view forward. Splash Bar up by the pool, aptly named with the amount of water being splashed out of the pool the first 2 days!  Then there’s The Café – ice cream, cookies, waffles etc. – charges apply here too. $1.95 for a waffle cone and one scoop - best value on the ship!

Laundry. It’s huge!! I counted 10 washers and dryers and 5 ironing boards and irons. Bring gold coins, $2 coin for the washer (not 2 x $1), and 3x $1 for the dryer. That’s the one on Deck 10, there’s another one on deck 6 but I didn’t go there.  Washing powder is available at reception for $1AU cash. Travel irons were removed by Security upon boarding, so don’t even think of bringing one. If your bag hasn’t arrived within a reasonable space of time, it’s probably with Security waiting for your explanation of whatever contraband they suspect is within. Front up near reception to claim.

Snorkel equipment. Hire: mask, snorkel and flippers for $49.95 for the duration of the cruise. Purchase: mask and snorkel $45, with flippers $89.  We bought mask and snorkel before we left for $45, soft silicone parts, comfortable to wear, didn't see what the Pearl's were made of.