New! Get our iPad App
We'll help find the right cabin - every year our team attends ship inspections, training courses and yes - CRUISES. All to help find your dream cruise faster!
Meet our award winning team
We're just a phone call away - booking a cruise is not like a hotel and our accredited Cruise Specialists are available to help at every step of the way!
Great deals, every day - as one of Australia's largest retail cruise operations, we bring you more deals from more cruiselines, every day.View our current specials.
Peace of mind for your holiday - for 20 years we've delivered exceptional service to our guests. Our awards speak for themselves!
One stop shop - as a full service agency we can help with all your travel needs, open 7 days a week. We can also help with Cruise Gift Cards & the Universal Travel Adapter, an essential for 2013!
Clean Cruising - read the story behind our name and our vision for sustainable cruise holidays - click here.
Meet our team!
Natalya grew up in tropical North Queensland and with 6 years in holiday planning, joined the Globenet team. She likes to delight her clients with exceptional knowledge to fulfil their holiday plans. Natalya loves to explore Europe and cruise at least once a year.
"Always pack a disposalble camera or extra battery, & always have a copy of your passport packed in the suitcase."Connect with Natalya today on
1800 121187 and get more from your next cruise!
Also, there are no fees or late charges, while payments are always flexible to suit your own budget. We recommend payments be made by direct deposit for your convenience and to further reduce your bank fees.
Most importantly, all your Layby payments are protected at all times by Australia's Travel Compensation Fund.
Your cruise specialist is an expert on layby plans and can answer all your questions! Australian cruise/travel agencies are required to display their physical office address which consumers can view and verify in Google Maps.
If you can't find it on their website and communications, then chances are they hiding something from you.
At best they are a backyard operation with limited resources, difficult to track down when things go wrong.
Consumers are warned to stay away from any booking agency that doesn't display their business address - it's just not worth the risk!
19 Mar 2011
Pacific Island Hopper Cruise
Pacific Dawn - 7 nights ex Brisbane, Australia
Past Sailing
Get away on the Pacific Dawn experiencing 7 relaxing nights on the Pacific Island Hopper Cruise exploring Pacific - South. The voyage starts out from Brisbane and visits 4 ports in 3 countries before returning to Brisbane. Your 4 star cruise from P&O Cruises has 60 forward departures, but is unfortunately sold out for this departure.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat 19 Mar 2011 | Brisbane, Australia | 2:00 PM | |
 Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal at Hamilton, up-river and 6 km from the CBD, is accessed by ships that clear the twin Gateway Bridges. Pacific Dawn sails year-round from here to the South Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and PNG, and in 2014 she will be joined by Pacific Jewel and Sea Princess. Larger vessels berth at the Port of Brisbane where the river enters Moreton Bay, 20 km from the CBD. In early 2014 Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, P&O’s Aurora, and Dawn Princess depart from here on World Cruises to the UK, with sectors to Asia, the Middle East, Mediterranean and South Africa. The semi-tropical city of Brisbane, situated on the Brisbane River, is the capital of the Sunshine State.
A day’s trip away are the Sunshine and Gold Coasts with their beautiful hinterlands, and the famous Australia Zoo. In the CBD take a free bus around past heritage landmarks, such as the historic Windmill and the Old Commissariat Store, some built by convicts in 1828. Do visit the newly-restored City Hall. Across the river from the CBD is South Bank, with its sandy beach and eateries, Gallery of Modern Art, Museum & Science Centre, Piazza and ferry terminal. Take a CityCat upstream to view river-side parklands, the University of Queensland, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (a world top-ten zoo). Feed and handle the animals, home to koalas, kangaroos, Australian birds, Tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes and reptiles. Be photographed cuddling a koala or a python. Climb the Story Bridge at dusk, it’s fantastic. Take a bus to Mount Coot-tha and take in a 300 degree view of the entire city, while visiting the interesting cafes. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a great vantage point to see the Brisbane River and city buildings, while those wanting ‘action’ can go rock climbing and abseiling with the Riverlife Adventure Centre. Meet with the local aboriginal tribe, Mirrabooka, and share in rich Aboriginal culture presented by the Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers in the natural bushland of Kangaroo Point. more/less... |
||||
| 2 | Sun 20 Mar 2011 | At Sea | ||
| 3 | Mon 21 Mar 2011 | Noumea, New Caledonia | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
 Noumea is the capital city of the French Territory of New Caledonia. It lies on the south of the country's main island Grande Terre. Noumea enjoys a sunny, moderate climate, similar to that of the south of France, and truly is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, where the South Pacific meets the Riviera.
The city maintains much of New Caledonia's unique mix of French and old Melanesian culture, while the U.S. wartime military influence lingers. This is evidenced both in the warmth that many New Caledonian people feel towards the U.S., as well as some of the very 'American' names of several of the quarters of the city. Noumea has excellent museums, restaurants, designer boutiques, markets and shopping areas, which you are sure to enjoy, here in the Paris of the Pacific. Hiring a yacht is very popular, as are windsurfing and scuba diving. There are numerous hiking possibilities, to enjoy the craggy mountainous beauty of the interior, and several well established ranches offer horseback riding. Visit the Jean-Marie Tjibau Cultural Centre, a world class site and Hienghene on the east coast, a place of remarkable natural beauty, with high mountains dropping dramatically into the sea. Enjoy this city which combines the ambience of a French provincial town with the excitement of a seaside resort. more/less... |
||||
| 4 | Tue 22 Mar 2011 | Lifou, New Caledonia | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
 Lifou is the largest of the Loyalty Islands, a north-eastern Province of New Caledonia (an overseas territory of France), in the Pacific Ocean. Many cruises leaving from Australia call into port at Easo (pronounced "e-show"), and anchor in Santal Bay from where they tender passengers ashore. Kanak culture is most present in Lifou, which has managed to preserve its own traditional authenticity. The delightful people receive visitors as favoured guests.
The island's natural wealth, consisting of long deserted beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, make snorkelling and scuba diving very popular. With multi-coloured sea life and coral fauna not found anywhere else in the world, this is not surprising! With rocks rising like legendary fortresses, invigorating walks, such as the 30 minute walk to the church on the headland, are also a great way to enjoy a wealth of glorious landscapes. Take the time to enjoy the very pleasant, generally tropical climate, the local marketplace, and learn a little about the residents' imaginary environment filled with myths and legends. Simply relax and enjoy the cultural vivacity, natural hospitality, and the tropical flavour of this fossil coral island, this ancient lagoon which was slowly raised by geological processes. more/less... |
||||
| 5 | Wed 23 Mar 2011 | Port Vila, Vanuatu | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
 Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, which means Land Eternal, is situated on the south coast of the island of Efate, in Shefa Province, and is Vanuatu's most important harbour as well as being the centre of the country's trade. The people of the country are predominately Melanesian but there are now more than 115 distinctly different cultures and languages that thrive here, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands. Clean and uncluttered, the waterfront area is so unpolluted, visitors are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish. The town also offers fantastic shopping, but we are encouraged to support the locally made products at such venues as the World of Wonders store, and the fascinating, outdoor markets. There are fantastic places to see, and a great option is to hire a taxi for the day by bargaining vigorously, and paying at the end of the day. Then visit some of the following - Cascade Waterfalls (just the lower parts of the falls are scenic enough), Hideaway Island (to snorkel directly off the beach and feed the fish), take a sea-plane ride and enjoy magnificent views, go horse riding in beautiful rainforests, learn sailing in a shallow lagoon, but above all else take the time to meet and mix with the delightful local people. more/less... |
||||
| 6 | Thu 24 Mar 2011 | At Sea | ||
| 7 | Fri 25 Mar 2011 | At Sea | ||
| 8 | Sat 26 Mar 2011 | Brisbane, Australia | 6:00 AM | |
| Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal at Hamilton, up-river and 6 km from the CBD, is accessed by ships that clear the twin Gateway Bridges. Pacific Dawn sails year-round from here to the South Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and PNG, and in 2014 she will be joined by Pacific Jewel and Sea Princess. Larger vessels berth at the Port of Brisbane where the river enters Moreton Bay, 20 km from the CBD. In early 2014 Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, P&O’s Aurora, and Dawn Princess depart from here on World Cruises to the UK, with sectors to Asia, the Middle East, Mediterranean and South Africa. The semi-tropical city of Brisbane, situated on the Brisbane River, is the capital of the Sunshine State.
A day’s trip away are the Sunshine and Gold Coasts with their beautiful hinterlands, and the famous Australia Zoo. In the CBD take a free bus around past heritage landmarks, such as the historic Windmill and the Old Commissariat Store, some built by convicts in 1828. Do visit the newly-restored City Hall. Across the river from the CBD is South Bank, with its sandy beach and eateries, Gallery of Modern Art, Museum & Science Centre, Piazza and ferry terminal. Take a CityCat upstream to view river-side parklands, the University of Queensland, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (a world top-ten zoo). Feed and handle the animals, home to koalas, kangaroos, Australian birds, Tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes and reptiles. Be photographed cuddling a koala or a python. Climb the Story Bridge at dusk, it’s fantastic. Take a bus to Mount Coot-tha and take in a 300 degree view of the entire city, while visiting the interesting cafes. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a great vantage point to see the Brisbane River and city buildings, while those wanting ‘action’ can go rock climbing and abseiling with the Riverlife Adventure Centre. Meet with the local aboriginal tribe, Mirrabooka, and share in rich Aboriginal culture presented by the Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers in the natural bushland of Kangaroo Point. more/less... |
||||
P&O Cruises Australia operates the Pacific Dawn out of Brisbane, Australia. Most of her cruises are 7- and 11-night sailings to the Pacific islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Seven night cruises to the Great Barrier Reef visit ports in Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island in the Coral Sea. In February or March each year she makes a classic circumnavigation of New Zealand over 14 nights. Consider one of the three cruises to Papua New Guinea (October and November 2013, and April 2014). These are new itineraries, and introduce you to remnants of WWII history and the present-day culture of PNG’s islands. If you’re unsure how you will handle sea life, try a three-day ‘Lifestyle Cruise’ cruise. Pacific Dawn entered service in 1991, was most recently refurbished in April 2012, and at 70,310 GT carries 2020 passengers.
Accommodation
Staterooms come in five categories – Suites, Mini-Suites, Outside with balcony, Outside and Inside – and 27 price levels (higher decks and extra space costing more). Many cabins have a third or even a fourth bed available. All cabins are spacious, with walk-in robes, and twin beds mostly convertible to queen size. Facilities include refrigerator, kettle, personal safe, bathrobes and toiletries, and an interactive video system. The décor is neat and attractive. About three-quarters of the cabins are outside cabins having a large window (or porthole in the case of a few). Thirteen cabins are wheelchair accessible. Cots are available for children under three years. Gratuities are included in the fare.
Food and Dining
Dining-wise, there are four eateries onboard Pacific Dawn. Dining is where and when you like: “Your Choice Dining” at the main à la carte restaurant or main buffet dining room. Expect big ship banquet catering. The décor is bright and extremely colourful and bright. Dress up for the formal dinner/s. There are two alternative (pay extra) restaurants. The line has recruited its first ever celebrity chef, Luke Mangan, who has added his touches to the menu in the Salt Grill restaurant, a steak and seafood venue. La Luna is a casual restaurant serving Asian-style cuisine. The crew have a name for friendliness and the food selection is plentiful and varied.
Entertainment
The main attraction is, of course, sailing to the South Pacific or the tropics of the Great Barrier Reef! You will have two to five sea days, and there’s plenty of activity day and night to keep you entertained. The International Show Lounge, two decks high, is the main venue for production shows and major cabaret acts. View all the action and latest movies on the Big Screen day and night on the pool deck. Other entertainment includes laser light shows in the Atrium, circus and acrobat performances, the Let Me Entertain You game show, adults-only Sit Down Comedy Club, and forward on the top deck is The Dome with dance floor. There are five bars and a casino, much live music and karaoke. The shopping arcade offers fine jewellery, crystal, perfumes and fashion apparel.
Welcome to our Roll Call forum for Pacific Dawn's "Pacific Island Hopper Cruise" departing 19 Mar 2011. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
blog comments powered by DisqusYou will then have the option to send us an enquiry or you can call us for FREE and speak to one of our Cruise Specialists who will check availability and find you the best possible price.
Prices are twin share per person in AUD, include all taxes and are subject to change.
View the current location for Pacific Dawn here!
Cruise summary
Cruise: Pacific Island Hopper Cruise
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Pacific Dawn
Star rating: 
Departs: Brisbane
Returns: Brisbane
Ports of call: 4
Forward departures: 60
What's onboard? ▼
- Stateroom, 24-h room service
- Shore Tours desk
- Atrium social centre
- Shops duty-free
- Connecting cabins
- Self-serve Shore Tours, view accounts
- DINING
- Main dining rooms (2)
- Dine anytime, or Reservations
- Specialty restaurants (2)
- The Café
- The Grill by the pool
- Lounges, bars, clubs (9)
- Ice cream bar
- ENTERTAINMENT
- Main Theatre shows
- Late night venues
- Theme, Cocktail nights
- Casino
- Circus & trapeze shows
- Laser Light Shows
- Game shows
- Voyage to the Stars
- ACTIVITIES
- Swimming pools (2)
- Whirlpools Spas (2)
- Health Spa Fitness (small)
- Deck & board games
- Fitness Centre, jogging track
- The Oasis adult retreat
- Fitness, dance, circus classes
- Classes for art, cooking
- ‘Ceremonies at Sea’ program
- ‘Events at Sea’ organised
- Photo shop, Art auctions
- Library
- UNDER 18
- Children’s Centre facilities(1-3y)
- Group child minding (late night, 3-13y, pay)
- Turtle Cove (3-6 years)
- Shark Shack (7-10 years)
- HQ+ (15-17 years)
- OTHER
- Internet, Wi-Fi access (pay)
- Mobile (International roaming, pay service provider)
- Laundrette
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Elevators (12)
- Medical emergency centre
- Smoking in selected outdoor areas
What's included? ▼
- Accommodation as booked
- Gratuities - tipping is neither expected nor required
- All main meals on-board
- Coffee, tea, milk & hot snacks
- Open/anytime seating & multi-venue dining
- Open/anytime or traditional/set time & multi-venue dining
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Activities - organised & individual
- Bridge director on select cruises
- Kids clubs & teen programs (3-17 yrs)
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Valet, laundry & concierge services (Suites, Mini-suites)
- Weddings, ceremonies, group events options
- Port maps and/or guide books
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
What's excluded? ▼
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Alternate specialty dining venues
- Room service menu items
- Workshops, classes & programs
- Casino gaming, bar expenses
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
- Customary land tour gratuities are welcome
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Wi-Fi, Internet, satellite/mobile phone & fax charges
- Childcare night services (3-12 yrs, 10pm-1am)
Recent testimonials
"The trip was just fantastic! We loved it and highly recommend the Pacific Sun to anyone who wants a fun time. Thanks for your help booking the cruise and we will be be back soon for our next cruise."
Ron H from NSW
"We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and have no hesitation in using you again and would most certainly recommend your company. So thank you for looking after us, have a great Xmas and a happy new year."
Brian & Margaret from Buderim
"We weren't really sure about which cabin was right for us, your advice turned out to be great. And thanks for organising all our flights and transport - so much easier than doing it ourselves!"
Bryan & Lara G from Brisbane