nickykat

Great Port guide Fletch. I would also add that hiring a car and driving to the dandenong ranges and doing a walk in the rainforests/gardens is worth considering. 1-1.5 hour drive from Port. Beautiful area- lots of tree ferns and cooler than Melbourne. I've lived in Olinda in the dandenong ranges for the past year and I still think every day that this is one of the most beautiful places I've been to the world.

Thank you all, based on what you've said I've decided it doesn't sound that hard to do it by myself so will book direct with carnival.

Looking to book a Carnival cruise in June, need 3 suites for 3 different families. Want travel insurance and visas etc. Is it better to book with a travel agent or directly with Carnival? I would need to talk to someone at Carnival about 2 of my kids with special needs/dietary issues, so am concerned if I go through an agent Carnival won't then speak to me? Conversely if I book with Carnival concerned I will stuff up what visas I need and I don't know how to get travel insurance by myself.

Thanks CB

Thanks Jacquie. There would be (unofficially) 5 people in the suite- 2 adults and 3 kids, so need the most floor space possible. Travelling with extended family and that's why one of the suites I want to book is for 3 people- would put one of my kids in with my parents on the booking to avoid having to get 2 adjoining rooms, but in reality I think he would spend most of the time in our suite including sleeping on the floor. Therefore a lot of floor space is a must, so I really wanted to book a Grand suite, but seems not able to with 4 people.

I've also posted this on the Aus/NZ forum so apologies for the duplication.

I am looking at the online booking options for a Carnival cruise. I want to book 3 suites- 2 for 4 people and one for 3 people. When I put in the details for the 4 people I only have the option of an Ocean Suite Quad, if I put it in for 3 it gives me the option of an ocean suite, a vista suite or a grand suite. Do Grand and Vista not have the capacity for 4 people?

Also has anyone stayed in any of these suites and pros or cons for each

I am looking at the online booking options for a Carnival cruise. I want to book 3 suites- 2 for 4 people and one for 3 people. When I put in the details for the 4 people I only have the option of an Ocean Suite Quad, if I put it in for 3 it gives me the option of an ocean suite, a vista suite or a grand suite. Do Grand and Vista not have the capacity for 4 people?

Also has anyone stayed in any of these suites and pros or cons for each?

Try Boost mobile. It runs on the Telstra network (3G not 4g) is well priced (max $40 for 30 days, shorter cheaper options available too) Google to find their website for further details. I live in country Australia with terrible reception so am limited to using the telstra network, I just switched to them and am happy.

We are considering driving rather than flying to Sydney from Melbourne and doing a bit of a holiday either side of a cruise. Is there anywhere in Sydney that does reasonably priced long term (13 days) parking that is accessible to the dock? All I could think of is airport parking but that's not really convenient if not going to the airport!

My main issue is the 4 per cabin max rule. With 3 kids it makes for a really expensive holiday, I would rather be squished a bit and have a child sleep on the floor or 3 share a queen bed than pay for 2 cabins but it's just not an option. 3 adults and 2 kids a bit different though, you'd need more privacy if it's just not the core family unit.

Thank you all. Since posting have found out the only months my brother can go is late may-June due to his job, so we've decided to go with Carnival in June ex Sydney. I completely agree with you both Sherri and kuldalai, if there was a princess cruise leaving from melb at the same time we would have booked it just for the convenience of not traveling to Sydney. Oh and Sherri, I live in the dandenong ranges, it's always freezing here!! Went to Adelaide last July, it was positively balmy!!

Thank you xxocruiser, I've just posted on the family forum.

I am going to travel with my husband and 3 children in June on a cruise with Carnival. To pacific islands, ex Sydney. 2 of my kids (now 5 and 9) have ASD (Asperger's). Any tips from people who have dealt with kids with special needs in Carnival's kids club? Or general advice re kids in this kids club? Also, my 5 year old will turn 6 mid way through the cruise- are they likely to put him in the 2-5 age group or the 6-8 one? Or will I have a choice?

Also we will be travelling with extended family, I am considering getting an ocean suite quad, and officially having one child sleeping with my parents but spending most of the time in our cabin and perhaps sleeping on the floor. Would rather be together in the same room, plus it's about $2-3,000 cheaper that way (and a nicer room!) Is this feasible? Will the staff know?

And other advice (it's our first cruise)?

I know I'm late, but just wanted to say THANK YOU for this wonderful review :)

Thank you so much Texas :)

Thank you for all your information. Celebrity definitely out then! Tara Jane, what did you think about the comparison between P and O and Princess specifically? And what is the dining like on Carnival in terms of waiting times- set times or more flexible? I must say the water slides look amazing on the spirit, my kids would have a ball!

I am a bit worried about the RCI not having the buffet open all the time, when my kids are hungry they kind of want to eat NOW!!!

I'm not fussed about not travelling in school holidays, in fact my kids come from a tiny country school (25 kids!!) so the less children around the better, and use of pools a priority, so that has helped me decide in terms of when to travel, thanks sherri and Big M.

:)

I am looking to travel with my 3 children, 2 of whom have Asperger's (Autism spectrum disorder). They generally cope pretty well, go to mainstream school, scouts etc, but can get a but overwhelmed by crowds, noise, long waiting, lines etc. and need a fair bit of down time in between activities. I am based in Australia. Out of Royal Carribean, P & O, Princess and Carnival any good or bad experiences with them in terms of inclusion policies, kids clubs, waits for dining etc.? Thanks.

I'm after some advice on a cruise I am planning with my extended family. Want to go to South Pacific, anywhere from May-Jan.

Travelling with my husband and our 3 kids, my brother, SIL and 2 kids and my parents. My parents have been on several cruises, all from overseas, the rest of us have never been on one.

I am based in Melbourne and would rather go ex Melb, but would travel to Sydney if needed. I think my options ex Melb are Princess (Golden Princess) or P&O (Pacific Jewel). Ex Sydney also Carnival (Spirit or Legend), Royal Carribean and Celebrity X.

Kids age from 3-10, a couple of them not great with masses of crowds or waiting too long in lines eg for eating, so quick seating and being able to eat when we want would be important I think. An absolute must is a really good kids club.

A few of the kids have food allergies/intolerances so would need this catered for.

Would like entertainment such as trivia nights, wine tastings, bands. Facilities- pools and spas most important.

Don't want to pay heaps of extras for food/drinks on board, a prepaid drinks package would be good.

Any advice on weather i.e season to travel? Looks like June/July best as dry season?, but very limited sailings then, and none ex melb.

Leaning towards Golden Princess ex Melb in late Oct, but really unsure!

Any advice greatly appreciated :)