The Great Tim Tam Debate

By Cruising With Honey - 11:54

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Love Riot pre-show dinner

Cruise Food

It was the last night of my Melbourne Cup cruise and I was feeling rather melancholy. I hadn’t packed and I had a deadline due. However, the promise of another great dinner with great company and even graper wine was enough to cheer me up. So, instead of packing, I got dolled up and headed down to the Waterfront.

Tonight’s meal was billed as a five-course, pre-show meal. The show, Love Riot, came with a warning, (read more here) but the meal itself sounded enticing.

The separate dining room in the Waterfront was beautifully styled, and there were a number of other tables of diners who would also be escorted after the meal to the show.

Anyway, more about the food.

Usually I read every menu quite thoroughly, however for this meal, I decided to be pleasantly surprised - you know, get in the mood of the evening. Everything I had been served over the course of the cruise was delicious, and so I wasn’t worried.

But I feel I have to preface this review before you read on. You all know I love my food - and I love cruise food - but I have to be completely honest; this meal was my least favourite, and here’s why:

Appetiser: Never, ever again do I ever want to put an alcohol-laced, frozen zucchini ball in my mouth. Ever again. Ever. The alcohol ( I think was vodka) combined with the icy, squishy texture and the overpowering herbaceousness was not at all pleasant.

First course: Smoked duck breast with a cucumber and radish pickle, agave syrup and black vinegar dressing. I am not the biggest duck fan, but when it’s cooked well, it is delicious. This dish however was cold and unappetising. Sorry.

Second course: Veal and porcini pate. This looked delightful, shaped in a heart. However, I don’t eat veal for ethical reasons and I don’t eat pate. So the dish went back to the kitchen untouched. Sorry chefs. However, some of my companions did try the pate and raved about the flavour.

Third course: Crab bisque with prawn nuggets. Unfortunately another miss for me. The prawn ‘nuggets’ were small and the bisque itself was very strong in flavour and lukewarm. The theatre of the broth poured into each individual’s bowl was a nice touch.

Fourth course: Slow cooked beef short rib. The texture was extremely tender, and reminded me of slow-cooked beef cheeks. The red wine reduction was full-bodied and matched the sweet pumpkin puree well.

Fifth course: Salted dark chocolate sphere with mascarpone and pomegranate mousse and hot Baileys caramel. Dark chocolate, pomegranate and baileys are among my favourite flavours of all time. This dessert looked spectacular, and once again, keeping in the mood of the evening, there was a theatrical flourish of hot caramel poured onto the sphere. Alas, the flavour was disappointing, and I was truly rooting for the meal to end on a high note. It was just super-duper-sweet, so much so that that any other flavour was completely lost.

I’m not really sure how this meal, which was technically executed well, didn't quite work. To be fair, the service was impeccable, even though at times I had the feeling the waitstaff were rushed to clear plates (which is understandable as there was deadline to be met).

But, the general flow of the meal was askew. Duck, seafood, beef and veal, plus an odd starter and a saccharine dessert, in my opinion, are not complementary. Every dish was made up of very strong flavours, with no pause for the palate to savour any delicate nuances.

While this might sound like a ‘whingeing’ post, it really is only my opinion and my experience. Everyone has different tastes, and others might thoroughly enjoy the same dishes.

And, at the end of the day, being served five courses, plus an appetiser, plus a cocktail, PLUS a show for $29 is really an incredible bargain.

First-world problems, Honey.

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entertainment

Could This Be the Sexiest Show At Sea?

By Cruising With Honey - 16:00

Love Riot

P&O Cruises Pacific Explorer

Weeks after watching Love Riot, I’m still gagging just thinking about the moment I saw a beautiful woman swallow a metre-long sausage-shaped balloon.

Where did it go? Did it re-emerge via another orifice? How did she do it? Is latex digestible?

These thoughts and many more have gyrated around my mind since watching the risque show aboard P&O’s Pacific Explorer.

Whether you decide to attend the show is entirely your decision, but what I can promise is that it will definitely make a lasting impression.

Firstly: Love Riot is adults only. Seriously.

Secondly: It comes with a warning, so don’t complain post-show you weren’t warned.

Thirdly: There is nudity, sexual themes, ‘toys’, explicit language and lots of latex.

And, NO FILMING whatsoever.

If you choose the dinner and show experience, (five course meal and mini-cocktail) it’ll cost you $29. For just the show, tickets are $10.

Read the dinner review here

After our dinner concluded, latex-costumed women with loudspeakers ‘escorted’ us (the media group I was cruising with on the Melbourne Cup cruise) to Black Circus theatre (Deck 7, aft) There’s lots of noise, colour and the feeling that you’re not quite ready for the onslaught your senses are about to be subjected to.

I entered the dark theatre with my dinner companions and led to the front row (another perk of doing the package). However, ‘perk’ might not be the best word to use as you might be targeted and become part of the show.

A few months ago, I was given a preview of the show and also interviewed the creator and director Scott Maidment, who has worked with Madonna. Love Riot is Scott’s first show at sea and he thinks it’s ‘super cool’ and is currently in talks with P&O to create another one.

“We wanted to do something that wasn’t like any other cruise ship show. We wanted it to be crazy, out there, sexy, fun - they say it’s the sexiest show on the seas,” Scott said.

“The cast come from all around the world - Brazil, Germany, Paris - and are not only dancers and comedians, but also amazing acrobats and aerialists.”

As the show is quite physical, involving aerial and acrobatic stunts, I asked Scott if creating a show like this at sea had many obstacles.

“I came on and looked at Black Circus, and then we rehearsed in here. So, Love Riot is kind of made for this space.

“It’s been fun and the show’s been a big success and the audiences have such a great time.”

Despite, having talked to the creator of the show and thinking I was prepared, there were many moments I was left with my mouth agape - from both utter shock to amazement. The hula hoop skills were remarkable, the contortion deliciously uncomfortable and the aerialists exhilarating.

I don’t want to spoil the experience by divulging all the nitty-gritty details, but if I can describe Love Riot in a few words it’s a bit like Cirque du Soleil meets burlesque meets an adult comedy show. It's a bit cheeky, a little seedy and comes with a sprinkling of heart-shaped confetti.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, put on the 3D glasses.

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P&O

Happy New Year! Here's to more cruising in 2019

By Cruising With Honey - 14:08

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Carnival

The 2018 Cruise Wrap-Up

By Cruising With Honey - 17:54

2018 Australian cruise wrap-up

As we head towards Cruise-mas, a ship load of memories flood my thoughts. Not only has 2018 been my most-cruised year so far, but like the hungry caterpillar, I have eaten my way through 10 pizzas, 9 chocolate melting cakes, 8 jugs of mojitos, 7 dozen pancakes, 6 chef's tables (and so on) and emerged as the glorious whale I am today.

You’ve seen me #HoneyJump in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, surprise my parentals with a South Pacific cruise, livestream at dawn and midnight, interview crew, swoon over captains, struggle with opening sliding balcony doors, cry, laugh and dream, lose a job and share my countdown to my next cruise. There have been a few sad moments, but many more thrilling ones, including the inaugural #HoneyCruise2018 (where I was joined by over 80 Cruising With Honey readers for my birthday), asked to be a ‘celebrity’ coffee judge, and let’s not forget the Melbourne Cup behind the scenes tour at Flemington. Thank you for joining my journey - I am beyond blessed.

But, you’ve read enough of my words over the year, and so I thought I’d ask the bosses of the five most popular cruise lines in Australia three questions:

What went well this year for your brand?
What are you looking forward to in 2019?
Why should Australians choose a cruise holiday?

I hope you enjoy reading their responses.

(N.B I contacted Royal Caribbean, however did not receive a response).

Carnival Cruise Line

Jennifer Vandekreeke - Vice President Australia for Carnival Cruise Line

What went well this year for your brand?

It was a big year for Carnival. Both of our Australia-based ships went into Dry Dock in May to get even more fun added. We have a completely new concept for the brand with SoulPlay opening on Carnival Spirit, which has been a real success. And then we announced two big firsts for Carnival with Carnival Splendor arriving in 2019 and Carnival Spirit moving to Brisbane in 2020.

What are you looking forward to in 2019?

THE ARRIVAL OF CARNIVAL SPLENDOR!
We can’t wait to welcome Carnival Splendor into her new home. Upon her arrival into Sydney Harbour in December of 2019, Carnival Splendor will be the newest and largest ship homeported year-round in Australia. The extensive Dry Dock prior to her arrival will ensure she is perfectly designed for our Australian guests. She’ll be getting a ground-breaking waterpark including a ‘taking it to the next level’ green thrill slide, a bigger, badder Serenity and RedFrog Pub plus all the bells and whistles that our guests have come to love like Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar and so much more. With Carnival Splendor, all that’s missing…is U!

Why should Australians choose a cruise holiday?

We’re called the Lucky Country for good reason! On a cruise holiday, we discover some of the most beautiful places in the world, with stunning natural beauty and rich, authentic cultures - just a few days by ship from our hometown. Destinations such as Bay of Islands in New Zealand, Isle of Pines in New Caledonia and Port Arthur in Tasmania are world renowned treasures that are just a hop, skip and a jump away. And during that ‘hop, skip and jump’ to these stunning destinations, everyone in your group can indulge in their own brand of fun, whether that is flying down waterslides and tackling the mini golf course, or perhaps relaxing in Serenity and enjoying spa treatments. For others it’s a sumptuous and exclusive Chef’s Table dinner followed by a live show. The one thing that everyone can agree on is that there’s no better way to travel from one stunning destination to another than aboard a cruise ship!

Norwegian Cruise Line

Nicole Costantin - Vice President Sales Australia and New Zealand at Norwegian Cruise Line

What went well this year for your brand?

2018 has been a monumental year for Norwegian Cruise Line - both locally and internationally - with the launch earlier this year of our newest ship cruising Alaska, Norwegian Bliss, breaking booking records for Norwegian. This was followed by some of our most exciting new itinerary and ship build announcements to-date, which sees us adding seven new vessels to our 16-strong fleet. Norwegian Jewel has returned to local waters fresh from a bow-to-stern refurbishment this month for her 18/19 Australasia sailing season. With bookings since her inaugural sailing season exceeding all expectations, we are excited to that Norwegian Jewel has already been confirmed for a third sailing season in 2019/20. The completion of Norwegian Jewel’s refurbishment as part of our Norwegian Edge® program makes her a wonderful local showcase for our international product offering, including ships sailing popular destinations for Aussie travellers such as Europe and Hawaii.

What are you looking forward to in 2019?

It’s a really exciting time from the brand, with Norwegian introducing Norwegian Encore, the final vessel to join our Breakaway Plus Class in November 2019. Norwegian also has six additional ships on order for delivery beginning 2022 that will comprise our Leonardo Class Fleet, each of which will house exciting and innovative offerings for our guests. We are also thrilled to have Norwegian Jewel returning to local waters next year for her third Australasian season, reflecting Norwegian’s long-term commitment to strengthening our presence locally.

Why should Australians choose a cruise holiday?

With the equivalent of almost 1 in every 18 Australians cruising, travellers are turning to cruise as a stress-free holiday option that offers amenities and entertainment appealing across a range of ages and interests, while also being a way to experience numerous destinations. Cruising in particular is a fantastic travel option for multi-generational groups, with families seeking holiday experiences that suit all ages. Norwegian offers a number of great accommodation options for families, including family villas and interconnecting staterooms, plus plenty of dining, entertainment and activity options, from award winning shows to the largest go-cart race track at sea, which appeal to adults and kids alike. Cruise is a stress-free way to visit multiple destinations, with guests only needing to unpack once when travelling from location to location. Overall, cruising is a great holiday option for those keen to enjoy experiences together in an environment that’s fuss-free, fun and unforgettable.“

P&O Australia

Sture Myrmell - President of P&O Cruises Australia

What went well this year for your brand?

The last 12 months saw P&O Cruises Australia celebrate two major milestones – the 85th anniversary of P&O’s first cruise from Australia and Pacific Explorer’s first birthday. Pacific Explorer’s introduction was a major step in the brand’s evolution, building on our very popular modern Australian holiday offering with some exciting new features. In August 2018 we revealed P&O would welcome a second Grand Class ship to the fleet in late 2020, which is in line with our strategy of refreshing the fleet.

We’ve always valued our long and harmonious relationship with the Pacific, its people and its communities and looked to share the value of a successful cruising industry. We were particularly proud to receive a prestigious national award for our part in supporting indigenous entrepreneurs in the Pacific to develop new shore tour businesses.Called “YuMi”, which means “together” in Bislama, the project is a collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as well as business accelerator, The Difference Incubator (TDi). It is all about sharing the benefits of cruising and identifies, develops and accelerates the development of emerging indigenous tourism operators in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. It also means our guests experience authentic shore tours run by local people.

What are you looking forward to in 2019 ?

In 2019 we're looking forward to offering our guests 98 Short Breaks including our new 1980s and country music themed cruises. P&O’s inaugural Country Music Festival at Sea will set sail in December, celebrating all genres of country music. Our 1980’s cruise will draw from all the aspects of what was an incredibly rich decade for music and film. We will also feature our second Big Laugh Comedy Festival at Sea following its tremendous success this year.

In 2019 we will also launch our new ‘Voyages’ product on cruises of 13-nights and longer. With more destinations to visit and more days at sea, P&O Voyages includes all of your P&O favourites plus some amazing extras, providing an opportunity to see more, to learn the things you wanted to learn and to indulge yourself to the fullest. The first ‘Voyage’ will be Pacific Jewel’s final cruise, a one-way Southeast Asia Explorer itinerary from Melbourne to Singapore in February. On the 16-night adventure, guests will experience the best of local gems Busselton and Fremantle, and numerous exotic international destinations including Bali, Penang, Langkawi, Port Kelang and Singapore.

Why should Australians choose a cruise holiday?

Cruise holidays are a fantastic option for all Australians - from families and couples to groups. You only need to unpack once, visit fabulous destinations while enjoying the facilities of a floating resort, and the value is excellent, with meals, entertainment and on-board activities included. A P&O Cruise is all about offering a great value cruise holiday that celebrates modern Australia across food, entertainment, activities and service delivered in a contemporary setting. Our ships offer more than 60 on board activities to do every day and a variety of public spaces for guests to get together and enjoy all the action or lie back and soak up the atmosphere.

Princess Cruises

Stuart Allison - Vice President Princess Cruises Australia and New Zealand

What went well this year for your brand?

What a huge twelve months it’s been!
2018 was a historic year for Princess Cruises in Australia.

We started the year by revealing that 2019/2020 season would be our largest ever Australian deployment, with the return of Majestic Princess and the maiden arrival of Ruby Princess. The historic deployment will feature five ships sailing from six homeports on over 125 departures across more than 60 itineraries to over 100 destinations in 30 countries.

We revealed that we have five new ships arriving in the next six years. We have three new Royal-Class ships on order in addition to two new (LNG) ships, which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, the next generation ships will accommodate approximately 4,300 guests with delivery in 2023 and 2025. We're excited to welcome the next Royal-Class ship, Sky Princess in October 2019. We also announced the name of our newest ship, Enhanced Princess which will debut in 2020.

We strengthened our leadership in New Zealand, transporting guests to places less travelled with the launch of two industry-first overland excursions in New Zealand’s North Island and over twenty exclusive shore tours. Launching across the fleet as part of Princess’ expanded Across the Ditch program, guests will be guided by experts in culture, art, and cuisine in each port on Princess’ new Local Connections tours. We also launched Local Connections tours in Australia to drive tourism to regions across the country. Princess will continue to invest in local experts who will deliver meaningful and bespoke, boutique experiences to our guests.

We launched cruise season this year with the spectacular maiden arrival of the international superliner Majestic Princess in Sydney on the world’s first floating “runway”. The largest Princess Cruises’ ship ever to visit Australia, Majestic Princess was only launched last year and is the flagship of our fleet, so it’s an incredible vote of confidence in both the Australian cruise market and the appeal of Australia as a cruise destination for such a spectacular ship to be based here.

We’ve wrapped up the year by announcing our biggest ever deployment for Sydney. Further to the incredible response to Majestic Princess’ maiden season in Australia, Regal Princess will also call Sydney home in the Summer of 2020. Not only will this be the first time in history that Princess Cruises has deployed two Royal-Class ships from the same homeport outside the Caribbean, but it will be the biggest deployment we’ve ever had in Sydney.

What are you looking forward to in 2019?

2019/2020 will be our biggest Australian season in history. I’m excited for the second season return of Majestic Princess and the maiden arrival of Ruby Princess to Australia. Ruby Princess will arrive in Australia with a host of new features that guests will love, including new menu items from Chef Curtis Stone’s hugely popular onboard restaurant, SHARE.

Anticipation is building for the announcement of our 2020/21 Australia season itineraries – spearheaded by the arrival of Regal Princess in Australia.

We're looking forward to welcoming Sky Princess to our fleet where she will make her debut in the Mediterranean in October 2019, the 143,700-tonne ship will include the best of the stunning features found on its three sister ships - Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess - as well as new offerings that represent an evolution of the current ships’ designs

We’re also celebrating 50 years of cruising Alaska in 2019

Why should Australians choose a cruise holiday?

Cruising is one of the easiest ways to travel and your holiday begins as soon as you step onboard. You unpack once then sit back and relax as all your destinations come to you, so it’s the perfect environment to unwind. You can also do as much or as little as you like with an array on onboard activities and immersive shore excursions in each destination. Princess Cruises’ high guest repeat rates shows that more than ever Australian’s are taking advantage of exploring the globe from their doorstep.

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P&O

My Dream to Cruise the South Pacific has Come True

By Cruising With Honey - 11:11

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Coffee

P&O's Barista Competition - Creating Great Coffee Under Pressure

By Cruising With Honey - 12:21

Baristas at Sea

Nestle partnership

P&O Australia

The only thing I’ve ever had to judge in my life, was the distance to propel my stumpy legs forward to make it safely over a puddle. So when the opportunity to be a guest coffee judge aboard P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Explorer, I jumped at the chance. (read more about the P&O Barista Competition here)

Stepping aboard Pacific Explorer is always a thrilling experience, and it was extra-special seeing the ship decked out in all the Christmas trimmings. However, I digress.

As I was escorted down to Charlie’s, there stood six baristas - Domingo Caday Jr, Howard Cos, Gusti Ngurah Sumariata, Roydin Bhaskar, Reynalyn Genetia and Salam Sonia Deyi - all with a slight air of nervousness, but beaming and slightly jittery.

Could this be the caffeine I wondered? I was soon to find out these passionate, hard-working individuals were all very proud to participate and thoroughly excited about showing off their skills.

Christopher James - Nestle Master Barista

Joining the contestants was Nestle Master Barista and Beverage Development Manager Christopher James (who despite his youthful 25 years, has been a barista for 10 years), guiding and patiently supporting each of the baristas. Guiding me was Nestle National Business Development Manager Katherine Edwards, an absolute coffee connoisseur in the true sense of the word.

Foolishly, I thought, “how hard can tasting coffee be and deciding if you like it or not?” But as the lovely, and very knowledgeable Katherine educated me, there is a lot more to it than just gulping down the brown elixir.

The judges!

The other two judges, Director of Supply Chain for Carnival Australia Jeremy Goodman and Director, Guest Experience, Food and Beverage for P&O Simon Blacoe were old hats at this having judged many of these competitions, so the baristas were in very safe hands.The rules were pretty straightforward; each of the six entrants was to make an espresso, a latte and a cappuccino. Each coffee is judged for different elements such as colour of crema, taste balance, coffee art and temperature.

Despite having consumed litres and litres of coffee in my life, when the first espresso was put before me, I felt rather nervous. These baristas were so passionate about their craft, I was afraid to dash their dreams. However, with some sound tips from Katherine, I was able to navigate my way through each coffee, gaining confidence with each slurp.

While the coffee was delicious, and of a very high standard, (I had to start handing out half points it was that close), what I enjoyed the most was witnessing the baristas revel in their craft. Each of them introduced themselves, revealing a little about their experiences, hopes and aspirations. Without sounding corny, I always find it such a privilege being let into another person’s life.

With each coffee presented, my confidence for picking out the nuances became better, and by the time I had sampled 18 coffees - yes EIGHTEEN - not only was I positively buzzing, but had gained a whole new respect for these individuals.

Now for the prizes. There were five, $150 crew vouchers to be won, and the overall winner would receive a whopping $1000. Scores were tallied and, for the first time in 17 years there was a tie! Reynalyn Gentia and Gusti Ngurah Sumariata!

Patting myself on the back and taking full credit for this results, it was announced that both winners would receive $1000 each! What a fabulous result!

As hugs were exchanged and photos taken, I was a little sad it was all over. However, my mind was going full-steam ahead, and I had the sudden urge to run up and down stairs. Maybe they’ll invite me back next year... or maybe I want a career change and be a barista... or maybe I should start roasting my own beans... or maybe I need to buy a new coffee machine... or maybe I should go in search for the closest ladies bathroom…..

Addendum

Despite having consumed my last coffee over 12 hours ago, I’m still wide awake. While I would not recommend drinking 18 coffees in one day, I’d encourage you all to enjoy your favourite coffee from the many outlets across the P&O fleet. And make sure you compliment your barista, you just might make their day as their mission is to make yours.

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P&O

HoneyCruise2019

By Cruising With Honey - 20:07

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P&O

I am now offically a 'celebrity'

By Cruising With Honey - 19:32

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P&O

A Burger With A View

By Cruising With Honey - 00:04

Luke Mangan

P&O Australia

Luke's on Pacific Explorer

I have absolutely no recollection of eating the Wagon Wheel Ice-Cream Sandwich at Luke’s, but there’s photo evidence, so it must have happened! But sometimes, when something is good, I mean eyes-squeezed-shut-good, you’re not entirely sure if it was just a dream.

Well, it wasn’t a dream, and now that I really think about it, the memory of the creamy, chocolate-y, jam-y, marshmallow-y concoction is making my mouth water. Stop, Honey.

Trust me, you MUST try one, and if you don’t like it, I will personally refund you the six bucks.

Wagon Wheel Ice-Cream Sandwich $6

For those of you who haven’t cruised on Pacific Explorer, Luke’s is an alfresco dining area on Deck 14 and offers cruisers some seriously delicious meals, with the main focus on burgers. (You can read my interview with Luke Mangan here). It’s open for lunch and dinner, but there is a breakfast burger. There is a charge (prices range from $3 to $12) but judging by the queues, this did not seem to deter diners. In fact, during the six nights I was aboard, I never saw the eatery less than jam-packed.

Credit: P&O

After our Bridge tour, and because I was being treated like Lady Muck, we were escorted to our reserved table at Luke’s. As I had already memorised the menu, and was told by Luke himself what to order, I promptly exclaimed, “One Chicken Confidential Gangnam Style Burger and parmesan chips, please.” My lunching companions all ordered their selections, thankfully all different to mine so I could sticky-beak. In a jiffy, our meals arrived, and by the relative quiet, except for the thoughtful ‘mmmms’, everyone seemed perfectly satisfied.

The burgers were large and bursting with fillings. I’d heard so much about this Gangnam Style Korean fried chicken burger, and finally I was about to try it! Just as I was about to take a bite, an announcement came over the PA: WHALES WERE SPOTTED!

With no thought of table etiquette, I galloped over to side, throwing my napkin on the floor and knocking over a glass of water along the way.

Pushing my way through the crowd, I managed to find a little spot to see these majestic creatures. People were pointing and “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing”, and all I could see was some churning water. Frustrated, I turned to get back to my burger, but then a guy next to me shouted, pointing to my left, “LOOK, there!” and lo and behold A WHALE, then another, then another. It was truly magical and a moment I’ll never forget.

Soon, enough these beauties were out of sight. With tears streaming down my mascara-streaked face, I returned to Luke’s. Breathless and still crying, I shouted, “I SAW WHALES”. By the reaction of my lovely new friends, I’m sure they thought I’d lost my mind.

Chicken Confidential Gangnam Style

Back to the burger. By now it had been sitting on the table for way too long, and I expected it to be stone cold and dry. How wrong I was. The crispy fried chicken was juicy and succulent, and the burger was very yummy. I particularly liked the mayo, however kimchi is not my favourite, so the next time I order one, I’ll ask to have the burger without the pickled veg. However, this is a personal preference, so don’t be put off. PS I still ate it all.

Prawn Caesar

Others on our table enjoyed the prawn caesar salad, hot dog, barramundi burger and cheese burger, with all declaring that each dish was delicious. Unfortunately I didn’t sample the wings everyone raves about, but a few days later I tucked into the mushroom and buffalo mozzarella burger, which I also enjoyed (although I think it needs a bit of a kick just to lift it to the next level as buffalo mozzarella has such a mild flavour).

Mushroom and Buffalo Mozzarella burger

Despite devouring the huge burger and some parmesan and truffle chips, our lovely waiter could barely get the words out before my greedy mouth jumped in, “yes please, one Wagon Wheel Ice-Cream Sandwich.” I was the only one to order dessert. Please refer to first paragraph of this review to re-live my gluttonous moment.

In my humble opinion, Luke’s is a fabulous addition to Explorer. For a very small amount of money, you get to not only experience some truly delicious food, but the setting is relaxing, contemporary and classy, and overlooking the main pool deck. The table settings and furnishings are tasteful and trendy, and the service is impeccable. I know a lot of people don't like paying extra for food aboard a cruise, and that's a personal choice. But for me, this small charge is extremely good value for money. For the quality and the ingredients, it's a downright bargain.

If truth be told, I can’t wait to jump back aboard so I can eat my way through the whole menu. And if you think I can’t, just watch me!

1 Comments

Tim Tam

Gratuities

*Disclaimer: This statement is not an official comment from P&O Australia.

Love Riot pre-show dinner

Cruise Food

Love Riot

P&O Cruises Pacific Explorer

Happy New Year 2019

New Caledonia here I come!

2018 Australian cruise wrap-up

Carnival Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

P&O Australia

Princess Cruises

South Pacific Cruise

Noumea, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines

P&O Cruise Australia, Pacific Explorer

The CRUISING WITH HONEY FAMILY IS CRUISING THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Baristas at Sea

Nestle partnership

P&O Australia

HoneyCruise2019

P&O Australia - Pacific Explorer - Sydney to Moreton Island

Cruising With Honey group cruise, July 6 -10, 2019

Coffee on Cruises

P&O Australia

‘Celebrity’ Guest Judge for P&O’s Barista Competition.

Luke Mangan

P&O Australia

Luke's on Pacific Explorer

Wagon Wheel Ice-Cream Sandwich $6

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