OzKiwiJJ

We're having problems sending emails using our Optusnet accounts at the moment. We are still receiving emails, thank goodness, and can send outgoing mail via our Gmail accounts. 

Just now, Blackduck59 said:

The difference is if I choose the wrong side for the indicators I turn the wipers on. If the shift pattern is different for me and I'm using my non dominant hand to shift chances are I end up grinding a pound.

Although both of us grew up driving manual cars we've always booked automatics when travelling overseas. It's so much easier. 

Just now, MicCanberra said:

Just wait till you have to use the indicators and wipers, if you think the gears will be tricky.

A while back when we had two cars we had a Mercedes A-class and a Toyota. Switching between the two was a pain the indicators and wipers were on different sides.

18 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

Perhaps that means you will catch up for Brunch?

Brunch? Is that going to be on our embarkation day? If so, yes, that's a great idea.

Just now, Tranquility Base said:

Great, many thanks for the detailed info.

Enjoy the cruise.

Thanks, Duncan.

It's definitely an adventure especially this first part where the itinerary changed. We loved Cape Town as a port stop.

Just now, ilikeanswers said:

 

Actually Springbok are Bovidaes so technically it is just like eating a lamb or beef pie 🐄😁

 

It had a different taste to either of those but not quite like deer venison. 

Just now, beatleman said:

Did you squirt a bit of Tomato Sauce on the Bambi Pie?😁

No way! You don't ruin good venison with tomato sauce! It was part of an African Dinner of 14 different dishes. There were some very interesting dishes but the venison pie was one of the best.

We had a very nice venison (springbok) pie as part of the African dinner excursion we went to last night. 

Just now, Blackduck59 said:

Cool, hopefully we can sort out a get together. Where is Diamond Princess repositioning to?

I guess we will have to find something to do on the turn around day. They are going to make us get off and back on, Probably get lunch ashore because it will be a gong show on the ship.

Diamond is going up to Japan. We switched because we ended up with heaps of FCC from the world cruise itinerary change.

Yes, easier to have a nice lunch ashore on turnaround day.

On arrival in Port yesterday the hull of our ship was given a rigorous inspection by a local marine expert who we spotted relaxing after its efforts.

Just now, ilikeanswers said:

 

I wouldn't get too set on the model and make of the cars. A lot of the times they are just suggested similar or example types. I have rented a lot of cars in many countries including here in Oz and only twice did I get the exact make and model that was suggested. 

We ended up with a Mercedes C  class in Melbourne once. That was fun! 

Just now, Blackduck59 said:

hopefully we can get together with Julie and Rolf @OzKiwiJJ because we will have missed them on our first stop in Sydney, because they will just be finishing their cruise (on the ship Mic & Rosie will be boarding). Now that we know where we are going in Oz, I guess we think of some things to do while we are in these places.

We cancelled that cruise and are now joining Mic & Rosie on the Diamond repositioning cruise so will be in Sydney during your first stop there. 

3 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Was Cape Town an embarking port ?

If so, I would be interested in knowing if there were any logistical issues regarding the actual arriving at ship side for boarding.

 

Thanks.

It was an embarkation port - I noticed a number of people waiting with suitcases. However our late docking probably skewed the situation. We all had to go through immigration when leaving the ship so I imagine the ship had to reach zero count before check-ins were allowed. We were on an excursion originally due to leave the ship around 8am but with the docking delay and a very long immigration queue we boarded our bus just before noon. 

It appears to be very easy to get to the terminal and there were plenty of people there to guide us, both departing for tours and arriving back again. 

Unfortunately I can't comment about the actual check-in process but getting from the terminal to the ship was a quick walk down steps or ramps and across the wharf -see below.

Just now, ekka49 said:

We have that tour tomorrow 

It was amazing. The views are incredible. Look out for the rock rabbits - they will be below the viewing areas.

Just now, Cbtours said:

Shame for the delays into capetown but enjoy the time now

We will. We're currently sitting in the Explorer's Lounge waiting to do the Table Mountain excursion. 

The weather has been conspiring against us for our arrival in Cape Town. 

First there were some very nasty seas two nights ago. The captain moved the ship closer to shore so we avoided the worst of them but, even so, we were rocked to sleep by 5-6 metre seas. We lost a bit of time with this so all the ship's excursions have been rescheduled. Ah well, at least we didn't have to get up so early!

However there was thick fog this morning - so thick the pilot couldn't get out to the ship - so our arrival has been delayed a bit more. 

The fog started to lift just as we got back to our cabin after breakfast, giving us gorgeous views of Table Mountain while the city was still swathed in fog.

Just now, kmyers57 said:

Thanks for all the comments. We are looking at a northern route, Sydney to Perth perhaps or reverse and in Feb to July time frame. Would be nice to do a side to side Australia & NZ cruises if possible. 

Looking at Princess, NCL. Have any of you done same and any advice would be welcome?

Thanks

On the Northern route you'll see some of the coast if the ship goes along the Queensland coast inside the GBR, and there will probably be some scenic cruising on the Western Australia side (Kimberleys and sometimes some other areas), but other than that the ship will usually be further out to sea. Still, it's a very nice cruise - we did it Perth to Sydney, and also as part of a full Round Australia cruise, both on Princess. 

We've also done a number of NZ cruises. 

I would suggest looking at doing an NZ cruise first, in March, which may make it possible to do the Northern Australia route after that or even the full Round Australia cruise. Be aware that the Princess Round Australia cruises, full or sectors, sell out very quickly. 

On 5/12/2024 at 7:30 PM, Reina del Mar said:

Shower curtain, small bathroom. Covered irritating night light on bedside tables with plasters…..and just remembered we forgot to remove them !! Whoops !

I now carry some masking tape (painters tape) in our bits and pieces kit to mask off those annoying sensors. Hopefully I'll remember to remove them in another 93 days! 😄

Healing thoughts coming to you from somewhere off the east coast of Africa, Les. 

12 hours ago, possum52 said:

I agree Julie. A forty five minute trip each way sounds over the top too. It is only 21.7 km from the East Arm Wharf to the CBD. Must have been very slow shuttles.

Distance and time to travel that distance aren't always equitable. Melbourne airport to the apartment hotel we like is around 23kms and usually takes about half an hour but one time it took close to an hour and it wasn't even rush hour. It was crazy!

Just now, arxcards said:

Do you get to take the cask back to your cabin after dinner? 😉

🙄🙄🙄

Actually some of the wines by the bottle are quite decent. Over-priced, of course, but the 25% Plus discount helps. 

6 hours ago, elaine5 said:

We have cabin E324 (for the fairly unobstructed view) directly above the "band" area of the Wheelhouse bar. We'll change it if there are typically rock bands playing, etc. But, it think it's usually just a single musician/guitar or 2 person Irish group, etc. That's what it was on the Royal last month. Can anyone report on Wheelhouse music or that cabin? Thanks, Elaine

When we were on Diamond last November it varied - sometimes a single musician, sometimes 2-3 musicians, and once some of the show band members played jazz.

Note: the Wheelhouse Bar on Diamond is much larger than on Royal and is often used for dancing later in the evening. 

Just now, MicCanberra said:

Excellent, all you need now is a good wine in them.

Since we're paying extra for wine by the bottle that isn't an issue. 😊

Staying within budget is though. 🫢😒

3 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

Good luck.

We got the good wine glasses last night! 😊