‘I just went on my first cruise, and 5 things really surprised me.’

In 2022, Jessiika Wilson – founder of keepsakes brand Bloom and mum of three – wasn't quite sure what she could expect when she jumped on a 10-day cruise. 

"I was under the impression a cruise would be boring," Wilson laughed while speaking with Mamamia. "Because growing up, everyone who is going on a cruise is much older – and with three kids, I wasn't sure it would be good for families."

But from the moment the ship sailed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, she knew it was going to be an "iconic" trip. 

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Jessiika's family sailed on P&O's Pacific Explorer. The cruise company are renowned for feeling like a home away from home, except only better... Because there is really no need to lift a finger. 

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After having the chance to try something different by going on a family cruise, Wilson admits there were a lot of surprising learnings she had in their five days onboard before disembarking in Cairns and flying back to Brisbane.

Here's what she had to say. 

1. The food is, without a doubt, top-tier.

What surprised Wilson the most when she stepped onboard was just how many food options there would be. With up to 21 dining experiences available across the P&O fleet – from speciality restaurants designed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan and Johnny di Francesco, to all-you-can-eat dining in The Pantry. 

"They really thought of everything," shares Wilson. "I had been told about the food-court style dining experience, but was really impressed with the huge variety available from all different parts of the world, and it's free for everyone. The food was also amazing. I was thinking, "How is this not extra?"

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Even with five days to peruse through the dining options available to Jessiika and her family, there was only so much they could fit in, but her favourite by far was the P&O's Italian restaurant onboard, Angelos. 

"For dinner, we went to the nicer restaurants and I won't lie, I was a bit nervous to go with my kids – because I have three of them. And that's a lot sometimes," Wilson shares. "But I never felt once that we shouldn't have been there. The staff catered to my children and were so friendly... Since then, my kids have been desperate to get on a cruise and go again – I can't think of a thing they didn't enjoy."

2. The staff become like family.

When jumping on any cruise, it can be unsettling with little ones. Wilson was admittedly nervous for how her kids (Levi, seven, Bowie, six, and Goldie, three) first cruise experience would go. 

But from the moment they stepped onboard their cruise, Jessiika says they were comforted by the crew's genuine kindness and intentions on making her whole family feel comfortable, straight away. 

"They loved the people and the staff were beyond lovely – especially towards the kids," she explains "Sometimes you just don't get that personable care at hotels. Even when we would come back to our room, there'd be little elephants and giraffes made out of towels for the kids. And there'd be colouring pens for them."

She adds, "They were just so accommodating. They remembered all of our names and they were great with helping the kids settle in."

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And when Wilson's oldest son, Levi, turned seven onboard, she says the crew went all-out to make sure his day was celebrated appropriately. 

"When we came back to our room, there was a big 'Happy Birthday' sign and they had a little present for him," she recalls fondly. "And then at dinner, we went to one of the restaurants and they brought out a cake and all the crew sung Happy Birthday. They all put spoons in a jug and were shaking them and it was so loud. And so fun. They made a really big deal for him."

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3. There's much less to pre-organise.

Before Wilson tried out a P&O Cruise for herself, she wasn't so sure how much of the onboard experience needed to be pre-organised to entertain the kids. However, she was pleasantly surprised to find it's actually a smooth option for parents, with a lot of that taken care for you. Much less mental load.

There are endless options for kids' entertainment zones and clubs for little ones to go to if parents want to try out the adults-only areas. 

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There are even babysitting options if adults want a romantic "sneaky dinner" to themselves Wilson says, or a boogie at the nightclub located onboard.

"I assumed kids club or babysitting would be a 'school-hours thing' but it was open whenever I needed it and came in handy," Wilson explains. "There was so much for them to do, even if they only wanted to go into the kids clubs for a little bit."

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4. There's always something to do.

Not only are the activities entertaining onboard, the adventures extend when you're on land at the scheduled stops, too.

Wilson and family went to Tangalooma - Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns and one of the first things they did through P&O Cruises was a helicopter tour around the island. 

"It was the coolest thing," she shares. "And the kids were able to join too which I thought was really awesome."

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From zip lining on the actual ship to "walking the plank" and several beaches to visit when you disembark, Wilson says there was never a boring moment for her family. 

What filled the evenings and the "in-between moments" when they weren't so sure where to go next were the trivia nights, stage shows and themed parties.

"There was a White Night where everyone got to dress in white," she recalls. "And a school night, which we got dressed up for and then missed because we were going non-stop all day and all fell asleep!" 

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When the kids were off to bed, Wilson took advantage of the quality productions put on by the talented entertainers onboard. They had a range of shows to choose from including the Marquee-like Musicology and Rock Anthem of the Ages and the adults-only shows in Black Circus. 

5. The community becomes one of your favourite aspects.

What surprised her the most though was the fact there were 3,000 people onboard, including guests, crew and entertainment, there was plenty of space to make it feel like it wasn't a bustling city. 

"It doesn't feel like there are that many people onboard," Wilson shares. "But there was a good mix of different ages and families and we didn't even go during school holiday time. We got to have so many fun chats with a just-retired couple who are spending the rest of their lives having the time of their life on a cruise. It's awesome!"

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What struck Wilson in particular though, was the fondness she carried for all those who travelled with her. In five days, she says the feeling of coming together to holiday gave her an overwhelming sense of joy.

"One night, we went to a show where the crowd came on stage. I just thought it was so nice. Everyone was laughing and everyone came together," she recalls fondly. "I got teary thinking about this unique sense of community. It was so good. A normal holiday situation would usually mean people stick to themselves, but cruising isn't like that at all. 

She adds, "I'm not the most social person but I've walked away knowing different groups of people and we all follow each other on Instagram now!"

"We weren't ready to go," she laughs. "We just didn't want to get off. But now I know what it's like and I've got my bearings after being a first-timer and I'm going again, this time to New Zealand. And it will be two weeks long, so the perfect amount of time to experience cruising all over again."

Explore your next family cruise onboard P&O Cruises.

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