crochetcruise

They've put in these loud and garish machines for the Asian market, I believe. The themes are dragons and such. They make noise! The lights flash! Like any other machine, sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don't.

Sounds like several machines that are at my preferred Pokie venue. You have discreetly reminded me of a question I wanted to ask, many thanks, and here goes!

Please what is the minimum required to play, as in how much per credit, how many credits-eg range from 1, 5,10,20,25 credits per line and is there a variation on number of lines available-eg select 1 credit on each of 5 lines? Which-great big spender I am, is my usual bet :D: rolleyes:

I've personally noticed with the Dragon themed games, it's quite often a 2c or 5c minimum, which REALLY chews through my allocated amount! I don't have as much success with those machines, I meanly limit myself to just 1 line if I HAVE to play more than 1c a line! I've actually put $1 in another machine and walked out, after getting the bonus spins, with anything from $12-48 in winnings. Which were promptly turned into either lunch next day at a takeaway restaurant-the Fish And Chip Takeaway quite near me, or I head for the supermarket, and stock up on food.

At present, souvenirs and Cocktails/Mocktails are the major areas of planned spending. I have noted, from a suggestion made on Cruise Critic, to ask a bar tender for the details of the Mocktails, and I HAVE already budgeted to give him $5 per Mocktail for his trouble, as I will have the Soda and More Package. Am I being too stingy, remembering that I'm in Australia and tipping isn't usual. I do want to acknowledge all help I receive on the cruise-have a notepad and pen with me to note everyone's name down, and will do LOTS of Comment Cards-hope I've got the right term.

We're staying at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Seattle and decided to come here in style. Just as a FYI the cab ride from the airport to downtown Seattle is about $40 to $45 depending on traffic and where you're staying. However there's limos for hire right next to the airport taxi stand for a flat rate of $45 to downtown Seattle.

 

Limo to the Grand Hyatt

 

My wife and I

 

Our plane from PDX to SEA

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Note made re limo and pricing for my bucket list cruise when I turn 65! 7 day Inside Passage with Glacier Bay, then a couple of nights ashore, then another 7 day Inside Passage with Tracy Arm Fjord! And in a PENTHOUSE SUITE!

I'm sailing in a Window Suite on the Golden Princess and my former work colleague is in an Inside Stateroom on Plaza Deck. I know I can order canapés for myself, going to get the chocolate dipped strawberries, and would like to order a serve of cold shrimp and invite him to bring his Cocktail and enjoy some canapés with me. I am VERY happy to pay for the order of shrimp-do I just write on the order form I will pay for the extra order of shrimp please? I'll probably do it the Saturday and Sunday nights, and have already calculated to budget for the orders of shrimp in my On Board Spend costing.

We're just off the Crown last week and prior to this cruise (which was our first), I read everything I could get my hands on as far as what to pack. Some things I thought I needed ended up not being needed, others the opposite. I will also preface this with the fact that we had a mini suite. And this is just my experience and opinion. Take it as you will.

1. Over the door organizer--no, you don't need this. There is room on shelves in the tub for shampoo and such. They also provide shampoo and body wash.

[ATTACH]359155[/ATTACH]

 

More storage by the sink.

[ATTACH]359156[/ATTACH]

 

I used this organizer from Amazon for our toothbrushes, my hair products, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R9SV2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jJRZvbQ7TE0C3

 

2. First aid kit--didn't need it but I was glad I had it. I picked up a basic one for $5 at Walmart.

 

3. Clothes pins--good to have a few. We didn't have any trouble with the curtains, but there is a retractable clothes line in the tub:

[ATTACH]359157[/ATTACH]

The black dot on the left is the clothes line. It attaches to a hook on the opposite end of the tub.

 

4. New power strip--I read lots of posts that used something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0QEUCG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IURZvbAZF6WE1

You can just as easily use a regular power strip you probably already have. This was our setup:

[ATTACH]359158[/ATTACH]

We plugged the power strip into the outlet, then plugged our devices into the strip. There are also useable outlets behind each TV:

[ATTACH]359160[/ATTACH]

My phone charger is plugged in in this photo.

 

5. Flameless candles/electric tea lights--very useful! We put one near the couch (in case we needed some balcony time in the early morning hours), and one near the bathroom.

 

6. One of the most useful things I bought was this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXTJBP4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_b2RZvbDAQ9PP9

 

Perfect for around the ship, I put my cruise card, some Shout stain wipes, a few business cards, a pen, and Chapstick.

 

I'll add to this list as I think of things.

THANK YOU! I saw an RFID wallet in my local motoring shop-non drivers can become members and get the shop discount-so will DEINITELY put this on my shopping list for my cruise in November, 2016. I had been considering it, the recommendation from an experienced cruiser confirms my gut feeling it is an essential safety item!

The wallet and a rashie to wear over my swimsuit to protect my back from sunburn are the only things still left to buy for the suitcase. Still working on saving the money for On Board Spending and finalising payment for the cruise. My TA gave me the date she wanted my final payment by, so it would be transferred to Princess in good time. I'll do the On Board; Photography; Casino Credit Speciality Dining x 3 (every night of the 3 night cruise :D , MDR for lunch unless a Pub Lunch is offered; Culinary Delights; Beverage Package and Gifts for friends also then-have noted to have the money transferred from the savings account at my main bank to the account at the old bank, there's a difference between the accounts, the main bank pays 1.33 times what the old bank does, so of course I'm keeping the savings there. I DO need to factor in a cost of $5 per withdrawal, the daily limit means 2 withdrawals but more annoying than anything!

Must go and ask the question you've reminded me about a Suite perk on the appropriate thread. Again THANK YOU for your invaluable help. A former work colleague is sailing on the same cruise-I shall pass the information on the RFID wallet on to him-he works as a Security Guard so I might be teaching Grandma to sucks eggs, he already knows to do this! :D

For passengers in a suite, you will find a breakfast menu on your bed the evening before disembarkation. You will be able to order a full breakfast that morning. It is only for suite passengers.

 

Another nice thing to do, is to have the Balcony Dinner....

 

Cheryl

THANK YOU for verifying that information!

My TA couldn't mark the booking No Upgrade, but said as I'm in the highest level Handicapped accommodation-Window Suite on the Golden Princess-I will not be moved as it's noted I am Handicapped. A move for me, would be a definite downgrade in physical access to the bathroom, so I'm safe.

"Rueful laugh" it's about the ONLY time being Handicapped has been useful!

My TA confirmed with me the Final Payment date, and explained when the Cruise Documents would be prepared. I'll have them a calendar month before the cruise, 3 weeks before I leave home. She checked, and I seem to have an extra $13 of On Board Credit. I knew I would get AUD$55 On Board Credit for my earlier cancelled cruise, not sure if it's because I booked a Window Suite or not. It's nearly enough to buy me a Cocktail! :D

This is so true! The only titanium dioxide based stuff found on princess was a berry scented Hello Kitty brand. Worked but I smelled like a scratch and sniff. On Celebrity it was a 1.5 oz tube for 42$. The suitcase with the sunblock had been stolen so you do what you have to do. In the South American ports I could not find any that I can use.

THAT'S EXACTLY the reason a fresh roll-on (approx. 2 oz) or tube (approx. 5 oz) or both, usually both-paranoid about medical stuff now LOL-in my handbag, and carry on case. I'm particular about the products I use, and always take full bottles with me, even if I also have partly used products to finish off, I have adequate supplies!

Okay, I'm eating my words. Just got an email from Princess about their Australia-NZ 2016-2017 itineraries. :o Guess those Down Under can get their itineraries in advance at least. :)

YES! Went in to my TA to make a payment today, and found the CRUISING FROM AUSTRALIA & ASIA 2015-2017 brochure, of which I promptly grabbed 2 copies for myself. I also found 2016 ALASKA & CANADA May-October 2016 Cruise and Land & Sea Packages brochure, so I promptly grabbed a copy. Haven't seen a Europe brochure yet, and never seen a North & South American brochure, totally reliant on looking on the website, I do get AU$ pricing though.

My TA checked my booking, and I have more On Board Credit than I'd expected. I knew about the AUD$55 for the cancelled cruise, well there's another $13 something listed, don't know if that's due to currency conversion variation or booking the Window Suite. I couldn't clearly see that area, am going to try and log in to My Princess later tonight, I discussed with the TA how I wanted it set up, so should be able to get in.

The TA also gave me the last day I could make my final payment and it would be transferred to Princess in time, she's working with my Pension Dates. I was shown what I could book re Gifts, Culinary Delights, and something else which I've forgotten, had some trouble reading the screen! Will adjust the On Board Credit Savings Spreadsheet to the new finish date so I know how much needs to be put aside each fortnight!

Slightly off topic but perhaps of interest to some...I noticed that Princess has added the FCC form to the Personalizer so you can print it out and have it ready to drop off at the future cruise desk when you sail.

 

 

Just FYI for folks who are planners and like to fill out papers in advance. :D

THANK YOU! I have noted that to ask the TA-oh, find out when the original cruise was cancelled and ask for a printout of the email confirming I'm to get AUD$55 On Board Credit to take with me. I'd better check and do that today when I go in to make my Cruise Payment-the email should still be easily found.

Again THANK YOU for a discreet reminder about something I had overlooked. Well I AM a Blue Card Holder but thanks to Cruise Critic, I feel very confident. The friend who's also sailing on the same cruise is a nervous What-Do-I-Do? I just laugh, and tell him what might help and leave him to sort himself out.

Yes, the only difference is that if you charge it onboard, it goes on to your shipboard account. If you pre-order, you pay for it at the time you order it.

THANK YOU! I intend to put my costed Cocktail Spending into On Board Credit so could very easily add this to the calculation! I also have Specialty Dining x 3; Photography; Culinary Delights and Gifts fairly well costed. Internet I'm still debating about-as I'm hoping to wake early so I can watch the Golden Princess enter Sydney Harbour on the Web Cam. There's only 1 website that I would miss collecting points on, but the Internet is SO expensive!

Just an FYI,

Sun screen expires. When it does, you (could) get burned worse than wearing none at all (we have experienced this ouch!) . Also, I am told Noxema works well for sun burns. I have not tried it as I haven't been burned in many years (knock on wood).

http://www.ehow.com/how_5064384_treat-sunburn-noxzema.html

THANK YOU! The Noxema information is new to me. I do know to replace sunscreen each year-always buy Avon when it's on special, and wear it even in the wintertime! I carry a cooler bag in the summer time with sunscreen and medication supplies always with me, but for embarkation a stick weighing less than 2 oz (can't find the conversion table!) will be in my handbag and the tube will be in the cooler bag in the checked case,

I WAS young and stupid as a kid, and didn't take sun protection seriously. After a vicious fight with multiple breast cancer lumps, I now take ALL possible precautions-I value my life too much!

Oh, I thought you were on the cruise this coming Sunday. Okay, for the Roll Call for your cruise on 2 Aug, here's the link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2156875

 

Since she's in a cabin by herself, I'd suggest one of you check in with her so she'll have someone to be with while the rest of the group is getting through the process.

 

As to when to show up, if I were showing up at Pier 91 and I wanted to get on with as little hassle as possible and get onboard easily and quickly I would show up at the pier at about 1030. By that time almost all (if not all) of those disembarking should be off the ship and the embarking passengers may very well be already starting to be allowed into the building. The second best time, in my opinion, is to show up at the pier at around 2-2:30pm. By that time the vast majority of the passengers have already been processed and are on board already. The advantage of that is usually you have very short (if any) lines to get in the building, go through security or to go through check-in. The downside of arriving at this time is that there are usually lines at the buffet on the Lido deck and your bags will be some of the last ones delivered to your rooms so if you will need clothes to change into for dinner that may be a problem.

 

The hotel shuttle will let you off in the POV (privately owned vehicles) area. If you want to have a longshoreman take care of your baggage, have the luggage tags already stapled onto your bags and they can take your bags from you right there at the shuttle. The next time you'll see them will be when they arrive at your individual cabins. Again, I need to stress that you need to make sure that your travel docs are NOT in those bags. Each person should have their own docs with them. As to longshoremen, you will see two different types. One will have red vest-type shirts on and another will have bright yellowish-green ones with silver stripes. The ones wearing red handle Holland-America passenger bags only so you will be looking for one wearing the yellowish-green ones as they only handle Princess passengers.

 

Any other questions, let me know.

 

Tom

THANK YOU! I won't be sailing until 2022 but the information about the shirts has been noted down, and I will double-check that before I sail.

Tom,

 

Thanks for all the information.

 

We are sailing on August 2nd.

 

We will be arriving from the Hampton Inn Downtown by their shuttle. My mother has a cabin to herself but there are 10 of us to help her.

 

Is there a time that you would suggest is the best to arrive at the pier? Sometimes a little later is better than earlier.

 

Debbie

THANK YOU!I've started planning my Bucket List 65th Birthday cruise to Alaska in 2022 doing both Glacier Bay on the Crown, and Tracy Arm on the Ruby. I had considered the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, but as you have a Disabled Person travelling with you, will change my selection to your recommendation due to your local knowledge. I realise the schedules may be completely different, just wanting a baseline cost so I can start putting a small amount aside each fortnight so the savings start compounding!

Looking forward to your review of your cruise.

Nothing is reasonably priced on the ship! Bring your own sunscreen packed in your checked luggage. If over 3oz it may be confiscated in carry on.

THANK YOU! That's a good point to be aware of-it doesn't apply to my as I'm flying within Australia, but I've made a note on my Cruise Notepad to be careful should I ever sail internationally.

Personally, I'm taking fresh supplies of my preferred brand of sunscreen and Aloe Vera Gel moisturiser, with 1 bottle/tube of each in my hand luggage, and the rest, packed in a Ziploc bag for safety, in my checked in case. I'm very fair skinned, so treat sunscreen as a "Prescribed Medication" no questions asked, just pack those supplies!

I've also heard the sun in the Caribbean is stronger, don't personally know if that's true but I would take no chances on your holiday being spoilt by a bad sunburn.

Hey, I'm one of those looking at 2017 cruises too, and I disagree that it's too early. Princess told my travel agent that 2017 cruises (for Hawaii at least) would be released in May or June of this year. Here's hoping! I want to be prepared to jump on a cabin when they are ready to book.

Hoping the January cruise is same ship, around the same time in 2022, as it's the preferred itinerary for my 60th birthday cruise, and would be awesome if it departed a couple of days later so I was actually aboard for my birthday! THAT would be SOME Birthday Memories.

Emerald princess will also be at OPT as she will be to big to sail under the Harbour Bridge, the smaller sun class ships leave from White Bay.

THANK YOU! The airport hotel is less than half the price of the hotel near Circular Quay! I have Taxi Vouchers that halve the cost-up to $40 metered fare, over that I pay full price, so would be better flying in the day before, going straight to the hotel and having dinner there, then getting the taxi to the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

This 1st time on the Golden Princess, I'm arranging to stay with my cousins for 3 nights and they'll bring me down to the ship. Yes, in gratitude for them helping me save AUD$459 on the hotel price, and that was this year as haven't got next year's prices yet but expecting AUD$500 possibly, I will DEFINITELY make sure there's some treats for them and their gorgeous dogs, who I will FINALLY get to meet!

No need to already have a cruise identified. Just purchase the FCC and it will be waiting there for you to use for 4 years... My TA is notified when we purchase the FCC and applies them to our booking when we book our next cruise.

That's good to know. I've been eagerly scouring the website looking for cruises that fit my VERY specific requirements: in Australian waters; on either Golden or Emerald as I need the Handicapped Accessible Bathroom and also WANT the Suite Perks. There's a couple of possibilities with the Emerald, including 1 from Freemantle to Sydney. I'd need to look into getting down to Freemantle, don't drive, and struggle on a bus. That's a 7 day cruise. I'm hoping about 12-18 months between cruises. If I can get the Tasmanian 8 day itinerary on the Emerald at a time that suits me-would be MARVELLOUS to actually BE aboard for my 60th birthday, I'll take it! It does mean sailing out of Sydney, well I've found a good Airport hotel that is reasonable and could taxi to the port. Oh, must check Sydney Port timetable to see where the Emerald berths, I know the Golden is the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

I realize that HC cabins are built for wheelchairs and scooters but not every HC person is in a wheelchair or in need of a scooter. My husband has mobility issues but is not in a wheelchair at this time. He cannot walk long distances and needs the cabin to be all on one level. When he wakes at night he sometimes does not realize where he is and a step up or down could seriously hurt him.

 

We need the HC cabin for him also for showering. At home he uses grip bars in and out of the tub and we have them in the shower for him to hold onto if he finds himself becoming weak. This shower has a seat in it so he can sit down and not run the risk of falling in the shower.

 

We have had HC cabins for our last 3 cruises on Carnival. The have been a blessing to my husband and a relief for me.

 

Yes he will board the ship in a wheelchair because of the long walk and all the waiting but once on the ship and out at ports he will use his cane.

 

I want people to understand that if you do not see a person in a wheelchair in a HC cabin cut them some slack. Not all disabilities can be seen.

Hear, hear. I have been handicapped with Cerebral Palsy all my life, and it's only the last 20 years that I have been using a walking stick, then progressed to a Rollator-which made shopping SO much easier even if I couldn't carry as much home, I was more stable and safer! I also am Legally Blind, and the number of people who know me and STILL hold things at a distance and expect me to see them clearly! The worst offender now has Macular Degeneration and is terrified of losing her driving license, also has Cardiac issues. I laugh to myself every time she moans to me about other people ignoring her sight problems-well you've done that to ME many a time, now learn what it's like to be treated like an idiot!

* FCD's are for the holder of the FCD.

*$100 deposit amount, which is the amount paid for the FCD, rather than the normal amount.

* FCD's Expire two years after purchase and are fully refundable. They can be extended to book another cruise, but you have to call.

* OBC is based on the length of the cruise and your cabin category as follows:

Future Cruise Length Per Person Shipboard Credit*

17 + Days $125 Inside, $125 Outside, $150 Balcony, $150 Suite

11 - 16 Days $75 Inside, $75 Outside, $100 Balcony, $100 Suite

7 - 10 Days $25 Inside, $25 Outside, $50 Balcony, $50 Suite

3 - 6 Days $15 Inside, $15 Outside, $25 Balcony, $25 Suite

 

Special deposit requirements exist for world cruises.

So, based on this information, I need to check the Princess website for a future cruise BEFORE boarding so I know if I'll need to buy a Future Cruise Credit. Have just learned that the Emerald Princess DOES have a Disabled Accessible Penthouse Suite AND there's a four day cruise I'm interested in, so would be an option if available in 2017-2018 season depending on timing re my budget. Also checked and found several other ships so now have a wider choice of cruises available to me! :D

The Ruby in PH R415. One of us is in a wheelchair.

THANK YOU! I hadn't known that the Ruby had a Disabled Accessible Full Suite-I thought it was the Regal Princess. I know about the Window Suites- will be enjoying the one on the Golden Princess in exactly 66 weeks time. And yes, I AM eagerly counting down the days!

While it means a higher cost for me, a Penthouse Suite on the Ruby does open up more itineraries. I'm going to check them out on the Princess website, and get an idea of prices for a future Milestone Birthday Cruise!

Enjoy your cruise!

It's very hard to take extra meds along if you take meds that must be renewed monthly and can't be faxed or phoned in. The new laws mean I have to visit my doctor monthly and hand carry my prescription to the pharmacy. I'm going to have to ask for "extra" on my next refill as I will be at sea when my refill time comes around. I only hope it's granted.

Show them your cruise documentation verifying that you'll be away, and explain that you wish to organise that particular refill early so you have adequate supplies with you.

I'm lucky in that I can get 5 repeats on the original script, so I get them dispensed every 3 weeks, and store them in my "First Aid Cupboard" with the date I must start them written on each packet/bottle. I seem to have more trouble keeping an adequate supply of the Over-The-Counter stuff, been caught running out of vitamins taken under Dr's orders but purchased when on special to save a few $$$$. The Cancer Specialist told me to do that with Caltrate-we'd just found out I had Osteo-porosis, and needed to supplement Calcium, as that brand of supplement is regularly on special. Check the regular price, so you know when to buy up! My pain medication I get on prescription as 2 boxes for me are cheaper than buying 1 box over the counter!

I was on your same cruise last year. The one that was supposed to be 28 days and turned into 29 days.

 

So, in regards to that, I was glad I had things either printed or on my Kindle that didn't require internet access. I was also glad I printed out our roll call list with cabin numbers. It came in handy to call someone or leave something in their mailbox.

 

I had plenty of meds ready to go, but at the last minute, was rushed and missed packing a box of my insulin pens. So, I had to contact my Dr once we got to Hawaii and have them call them in. Enough meds and some extra is important. Especially since we ended up coming in a day late and then we had to stay over to get a flight out. Some of the Over-the-counter stuff, so you don't have to pay the high prices for them. Plenty of Bonine or ginger tablets, or whatever you use for sea-sickness.

 

Make sure you take enough toothpaste, deodarant, your makeup...you can always buy them in port if you have to.

 

A pair of water shoes, and extra flip flops...seems one was drying or full of sand, and I had another pair to use.

 

I always do a calendar to hang on one of my magnetic clips.

I hang it right by the door, along with friends cabin numbers.

Toothpaste and deodorant are brand new for the cruise; lipstick will be small Avon samples so I have a variety of shades to choose from and I have matching toiletries specially put aside for the cruise-new unopened set. Oh, that's jogged my memory so THANK YOU, hunt out the sets I was planning to give my cousins-will have 1 case full of gifts going over, so all cruise purchases will go in there for travelling home. I have enough concealer, foundation, blusher and eye shadow, and a good portable mirror-will overhaul the cosmetic bag holding samples of assorted toiletries, haircare, dental care and make up to identify any gaps-I may need to purchase a VERY few things if really not found in sample sizes. Thank Goodness the variety of products is getting bigger to choose from. Have already noted to purchase sunscreen August/September 2016 for the cruise.

Oh magnets-must add that to the Cruise Souvenir list, pricing at $5 each-such a PRACTICAL souvenir, also mugs and pens as who doesn't drink or have to sign their name at some stage?

Enjoy your cruise!

Enough medications.

Yep and for more conditions, for a week or two I may not take some medications for a month or more I will take a greater range as well as more of any I need regularly.

I'd personally bring the current set of medications and 2 extra sets so I was thoroughly covered. I'd also bring an extra bottle of my Calcium tablets (Osteoporosis prevention) and a big bottle of Fish Oil Capsules (Osteo-arthritis treatment). Also bring all your current prescriptions with you. I've always used a newly dispensed set of medications when travelling for a few days, so I had a few weeks grace if I got sick, but I ALWAYS bring the prescriptions which are usually stored at the chemist, with me. Paranoid? Yes, certainly, but familiar medications are safer when you're dealing with an unfamiliar environment.

THANK YOU for discreetly reminding me to write that reminder down on my Cruise Notepad-the pre-cruise stopovers in my Capital city and with my cousins, the cruise and the post-cruise overnight in another State Capital, mean I need to plan to have at least 14 days-I'm planning a partly used set and a full set as back up-of medication with me. I still have over 15 calendar months to be organised, but this is something I honestly hadn't thought about! Grateful for you asking the question.

Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen with you, and keep reapplying it sooner than recommended. Have heard that the Southern Hempisphere sun is different to the Northern, no personal experience of this, but have had several bad sunburns as a young and stupid kid! I've learnt-IT HURTS! You most definitely don't want your holiday spoilt through stupidly overlooking something, and if you use a specific brand, better to bring your own supplies.

I'm hoping the All-Inclusive-Beverage-Package will be available for all cruises in Australia when I sail. It would be EVER so much easier to just have it prepaid. Yes, I am costing on the mentioned price of AUD$14 per Cocktail, and will get a Soda and More Package for myself, and am allowing pre-and-post lunch drinks, and pre-and-post dinner drinks and a Nightcap, so 5 alcoholic drinks over 10-12 hours with Sodas and Mocktails added over the day and snacks eaten to absorb the alcohol, shouldn't be a problem. I haven't allowed for the Mimosa/s I can enjoy at Sabatini's while enjoying my breakfast, but I PROMISE to go back to Sodas and Mocktails until the pre-lunch drink, which will probably be finished over lunch and the after lunch started. I already know from varying posts that finding something yummy to eat on Princess is NEVER a problem. The REAL problem is the bewildering variety! :D

I am trying to cost ahead and get as many costs as possible pre-paid as On Board; Photography; Internet; and Casino Credit organised with a "safety net" built in to the calculations. Have found a good currency exchange site, and will be monitoring the exchange rate closely. The fortnightly saving is absolutely manageable, even easy, so I can establish the new routine of manually transferring the cash to a different bank account-1 I don't use frequently, and get let it accumulate, keeping an eye on the fortnightly savings.

Enjoying everyone's opinion-I'm often alerted to something I should "tweak" in my own planning! Great help! Thanks everyone! :D