Boatharbour

The rules in Australia have eased considerably. Although there are guidelines in place, I’m not sure it’s that much different from many other parts of the world now. 

Given that  800 positive passengers on the Majestic Princess disembarked in Sydney yesterday, I can understand why Celebrity is requesting passengers to wear masks.
 

The mask guidelines change in response to the covid situation at the time, so what was relevant a week ago,  may not be the case today. 
 

Australia is at the beginning of a fourth wave with cases expected to peak before Christmas. 

Australian cruise guidelines for the state of NSW are here for anyone interested. 
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules/advice-for-the-cruise-industry

We loved it too, I booked it for our wedding anniversary.  DH having no prior knowledge of the concept. It was very entertaining and lots of fun. 
Perhaps that is the secret - think of it as a show or performance rather than just a dinner. 
I would agree that we don’t need to do it again now that the surprise element is over. Definitely worth doing once. 


 

10 hours ago, the penguins said:

I never used the word insult. I just recounted our experiences. There is clearly a difference between Australia and the USA/UK because as you said tipping in Australia is not the norm whereas it definitely is in the US and the UK. 

The word was used by you in post #78 in relation to tipping in Australia and NZ. I wrote the reaction of your waiter was not the norm. 

5 hours ago, the penguins said:

I never used the word insult. I just recounted our experiences. There is clearly a difference between Australia and the USA/UK because as you said tipping in Australia is not the norm whereas it definitely is in the US and the UK. 

5 hours ago, the penguins said:

In Sydney a waiter told us in no uncertain terms he was paid and not working for tips. We were dining with locals (relatives) so perhaps he thought we should have known better. Our relatives also told us not to tip taxi drivers. Similar thing happened on Hurtigruten in Norway where our cabin steward point blank refused our tips. Friends in the US tip but only on the meal part excluding the tax, again odd to us as our bills don't show the tax separtely. Our policy is to try to fit in with the locals.

The waiter’s response was unusual and should not be taken as the norm.  As I wrote before tipping while not expected, does occur in Australia / NZ particularly in restaurants. To say that tipping could be viewed as an insult is incorrect. Your waiter was a one off. 
 

On 8/22/2022 at 5:28 AM, the penguins said:

We are from the UK, always tip extra. All of our UK friends also tip extra.

X's cruises sold in Australia and New Zealand have the tips included (sold as not required) and you therefore can't have the tips removed. In both these countries tipping is not expected and indeed offering a tip is often taken as an insult. Onboard prices are increased to include the tips (again marketed as not required) which in reality increases prices as the figures are  rounded up to avoid odd amounts. These differences are just one of the joys of travelling.

You’re correct about gratuities being included in the cruise fare in Australia and NZ. However tipping (while not expected here), is common particularly when dining out. I’m yet to come across anyone who was insulted by being offered a tip though. 
 

3 hours ago, peanut head said:

This has to be one of the best reviews I have ever read on CC.  Your description, humor, overall writing style and details are unsurpassed.  Please don't ever hesitate to write another review in the future.  Thank you!

Totally agree that this has to be one of the reviews I’ve read on CC.  Not only entertaining, but filled with practical information. The summaries are particularly helpful. Thank you!

This is a wonderful review and I’m really enjoying reading along - especially the tips. Love your writing style.
 

I’m newly diagnosed with a wheat allergy so the GF information is particularly helpful. It’s a whole new world for someone in their mid 60’s. 

We have booked the Baltic cruise in July next year but are reconsidering now that St Petersburg has been removed from the itinerary ( for good reason). 
 

Looking forward to reading more and thank you for sharing. 

On 7/12/2022 at 2:44 AM, Arizona Wildcat said:

Guarantee while there will be a few that will overindulge; it will be no different than the cruise we took on Infinity with 1400 Aussies and 400 Kiwis where Celebrity ran out of beer 6 days into a 14 day cruise.  If someone was overserved someone assisted in getting them to their cabin.

Some 5 or 6 years ago there was a large group on a cruise during Spring Break.  Things got rowdy and there were numerous incidents on board.  At the next port a couple dozen passengers were thrown off and arrested.  Many others were packed up and left on the pier. 

Just wondering when did Infinity come to Australia / NZ? 

Definitely opt for the later flight. Due to staff shortages at Sydney Airport current recommendations are to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights. Even then there are stories of people missing their flights due to security and check in queues. 

No guarantees the situation will improve by Christmas when you’ll be traveling during the school holidays.

32 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

Thank you, but I assume when you say the temperatures are in the mid 20's you mean Celsius, here mid 20's Fahrenheit is below freezing. LOL Sounds like nice fall or spring weather here in Texas where I live.

We’re metric down here. The easiest way to convert is multiply by 1.8 and add 32. 
Easier still, is to tell you it’s a great time of year to visit!

7 hours ago, terrydtx said:

I am following this thread; we are booked on the same NZ itinerary in March 2024 on the Edge. We are also doing the B2B April 5th Australia wine cruise. We plan to book the Edge after the Australia cruise when she, hopefully, sails the South Pacific to Hawaii for another 18 days when the cruise is announced next year for a B2B2B. This is a huge bucket list for us and so excited to be on the Edge Retreat for a possible 39 days.

 

What can we expect the weather to be like in March and April?  If we do the 3rd leg, we will spend 4 or 5 days in Sydney pre cruise. If not, we will spend 4 days in Fiji before flying on to Sydney and then spend a few days after the second cruise in Sydney.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

I would be excited too. That sounds like an amazing trip.

March in Sydney is usually warm. Temperatures in mid to high 20’s, with the occasional very hot day. April will start to cool down. 

The past few summers have been exceptionally warm with days in the high thirties and some days in the forties. This year though we’re having  a La Niña summer in Sydney which means it’s wetter and slightly cooler than usual. 

2 hours ago, Redking said:

@LGW59not much help on this one. Having previously lived in Australia we've always found our own way around in Sydney l. Trains, ferries and buses are easy to use to get around. I love the walk from Bondi to Bronte. Good luck.

Agree with Redking that Sydney is very easy to find your way around. If you do want a private guide you could try Toursbylocals. We’ve used this company many times when traveling overseas and had good experiences.

However NSW is only just reopening to overseas visitors, so I’m not sure how many guides/ companies are operating at the moment. 

Activities you could easily do without a guide are the bridge climb, Opera House tour, ferry to Manly, Taronga Zoo or Watson’s Bay, visit Darling Harbour, the. NSW Art Gallery, various museums. There are  also guided walking tours of the city and The Rocks area. Great coastal walks at Bondi and La Perouse.  You could even fit in a day trip to the Blue Mountains or Port Stephens. There is plenty to do.

We had a sunset cabin on our Med cruise and loved the wake view. I can’t recall the cabin number but we were in the centre two decks down from the Oceanview bar area. I would opt for a lower deck with an overhang next time for protection from the weather.   The balcony lacked privacy ( if that’s an issue for you) as it was fully visible from the bar above. 

When we were on Millennium in late 2019, there were a number of tables for two along the wall on the right hand side as you entered the MDR. No window view, but no  close “neighbours”.

2 minutes ago, zitsky said:

Other than sky suites were there specific categories you checked?  I am looking at veranda, blu seeing some availability but not nearly as much as I expect.  I will wait a few days.

I only looked at sunset staterooms and sky suites and there was plenty of availability 24 hours ago. This is for March 2024. 
We were hoping to cruise earlier, but couldn’t get the desired itinerary / stateroom type in 2023 for NZ. We’re keeping a eye on the release of cruises in Scandinavia for 2023 instead. 

Eclipse sailings in Australia / NZ 2023 have been available for a while. 
Edge bookings for 2023/24 opened up here in Sydney yesterday. There was plenty of availability including sunset sky suites, which we booked. Only 842 days to go…

 Celebrity are opening bookings for Captain’s Club members in Australia on October 13. 

Circular Quay (where you would most likely board) is right in the centre of Sydney. Sandwiched between the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, it’s a stunning location. 
It is easily reached from the airport by taxi or limo. There is also an airport train that will take you into the city. There’s a station at Circular Quay. Personally, I would fly in at least the day before and stay in one of the many excellent hotels in the Rocks area or CBD.

Kangaroo Island is famous for a wide variety of wildlife, but wouldn’t be a deal breaker if it wasn’t on the itinerary. Kangaroos tend to doze under trees during the day and become more active at dusk. Almost half the island was devastated by bushfires in 2020. 
We live in Sydney, but are hoping to book one of the 2024 cruises to NZ. One way to or from Sydney and then self drive the north island of NZ before or after the cruise.

14 hours ago, minniegidget said:

Thanks everyone. I’m super excited. Yes we were in a window guarantee  but it came down to the price of what r paid months ago was what theses room are going for now so I called to see moved see if we could move up. The food the aqua class was he same price and would have done that but no handicap room was available and my sister need the handicap room. Now I think even if the aqua class does come available I won’t want to move. The balcony looks amazing. 

The balcony in the accessible cabin (located on the left hand side of this photo) is even wider than the one in the photo. I’d choose this cabin again in a heartbeat. As for the aft view…it’s so relaxing. 

You have hit the jackpot! We sailed in 7203 on the Millenium which is adjacent to the two staterooms you’re staying in. I’m assuming that Summit is identical. I think one of the rooms may be an accessible room. It was when we were on board. 
These rooms are centre of the aft and have very large long balconies. Big enough for two sun lounges, foot stools, a table and two chairs. Half the outside area was protected by a canvas sunshade. It’s a quiet location and the view is wonderful. Here are some photos of what you can expect.
 

Captain’s Club members in Australia received an email today promoting Edge NZ / Australia sailings in 2023-24. Another email will be sent on 13 October with the  itineraries and booking details before general release. 

Zitsky, here are some photos of the where the movie screen and seating is located on the Millenium.

Reading your posts is an absolute joy! Locked down in Sydney since June, I almost feel like I’m on the ship with you.