peter.kath@hotmail.com

We where on the Carnival Spirit Singapore to Sydney after it had been in dry dock and yes there where a few little problems, but is was still a great trip. I can't complain in any way about the food or service it was excellent.

When, where are you going and on what ship.

We cruise regularly and I still get excited. Researching has given me a fun new hobby. I also read the TripAdvisor forums for the ports we have visited so I can help others. Don't take the reviews to seriously.

My daughter has CP and is unable to walk.

We take a folding wheelchair and also a Pride Go Go Electric Chair.

They both fit in the door. You might be able to hire them.

We are in Australia and when we cruise we have an option to request wheelchair assistance in our Cruise control, we are lucky they wheel Chelsea on and get priority through security.

I have been looking at Dec 17 for us.

Where did you want to leave from and do you want see some of Australia or visit the South Pacific Islands.

One that might interest you is on the Pacific Jewel on the 16/12 leaving Melbourne, visiting Eden and Newcastle in NSW and Moreton Island, Mooloolaba and Gladstone in QLD. It is quite a diverse range of ports.

Are you travelling with children? Because we have done a Christmas cruise on the Jewel before and it is quite special.

MM Down Under,

We are on the Aria 10th February 2017.

We went on our first trip as my father in law had served at Milne Bay.

It was on the Dawn in November 2014. From memory on that cruise there were 1500 passengers over the age of 70.

We are also returning to Rabaul which is so fascinating.

I took the morning P & O tour which visited a local school then up to the volcano where I could not believe amongst the lava locals had set up some stalls. It was stifling hot and the landscape was like being on the moon.

We then visited the Rabaul Hotel for a drink and then a visit. to the top of the hill where they monitor the volcano.

The lady conducting the tour was chewing betel nut so the commentary got more animated the longer it went!

My husband did the afternoon tour and they did not get to see as much as I did so definately do the morning tour.

I did spend the afternoon walking around Rabaul on my own and did not feel unsafe.

We first visited in 2014 and are going again in 2017.

Last time at Alotua we walked into town along a newly constructed walkway there were a few markets stalls and the Milne Bay memorial to have a look at. We then watched the Canoe Festival for a while.

It was very hot so we went the the Alotau International Hotel for a drink and a swim. We then visited a few local shops we felt safe enough but the security staff in the shops are armed.

This time we are going to go to the Driftwood Resort they will pick you up and return you for $10.

Local tours were available at Kitava and at Kiriwini.

At Doini there was a local trip to a skull cave and my husband went fishing half a day for about $30.

I can't wait to go back this time we are going to Wewak, Madang and the Conflict Islands and I am having a great time researching what to do.

We recently cruised on the Pacific Aria on our 12th cruise over various lines and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We felt the food was of a good standard and there was plenty of choices.

On our previous P & O cruises we had eaten nearly every meal at The Waterfront, this time we didn't

For Dinner we alternated between Angelos the Italian (Think Antipasto Plates. Osso Bucco, Risotto, Chicken Parmigana, not Pizza) and Dragon Lady the Asian Fusion (Gyozmas, Chicken Satays, Soft Shell Crab, Braised Beef Cheeks not Sweet and Sour Prawns, Fried Rice).

Breakfast and Lunches we had at the Pantry. There was plenty of variety and we never had to line up.

There were a lot of different bars each one having it own theme or form of entertainment, the Blue Room and the Ocean Bar were our favorites.

The Oasis Pool and Bar were also great and not too crowded just for adults.

The cruise we were on was the Bounty Adventure and they had a very well spoken historian on board who gave 4 well informed talks on the area.

Just from talking to some other experienced cruisers this ship seem to be marketed more for middle aged cruisers, my daughter is 15 and not into Kids Club and she had a great time just being with us.

Our next cruise is again on the Aria our 2nd trip to PNG and we can't wait.

Dear Bob I can understand your disappointment.

I can't imagine the Assistant Manager keeping his job for too long if that his how he does his job or being silly enough to admit to doing it.

I am glad you still managed to enjoy your trip it really was a great.

We were on the Carnival Spirit last year visiting Lombok.

We planned on going to one of the Gilis for a look but from a time point of view it would not have been possible.

We were off the ship by 9 and found a nice young driver to take us to Senggigi beach and return for $60.

However a routine traffic stop meant a wait of over an hour for the officers to process there paper work which meant we didn't get there to after 11.

As we had to be back at the ship by 4.30 we did not want to risk it.

We did have a lovely day a nice meal and drinks at several restaurants.

There was a really interesting shop there called the Lombok Gallery which was fixed price with prices less then half what we had paid in Bali the day before without having to barter. Our paintings were all careful rolled up and our packaged all securely wrapped.

We ended the day by having massages and pedicures at a Thai massage place I think it was $15 each.

Our driver was there to take us back to the ship at 3 and the return journey only took about 30 mins.

Hi Melissa

We cruise regularly on P & O and on our last cruise last month they only sold Pacific Francs. We have done the exact same cruise as you the last 3 years.

As said it does depend on what you want to do and your budget.

We quite enjoy having and spending the local currency.

We normally change $100 on board to use at the Isle of Pines.

Any left over can be readily changed at other ports.

At Suva change $300 Aussie dollars at money exchange gives $400 FJD

that you can also use the next day at Port Denarau.

At Port Vila change any left over and change $200 for about 16000 Vatu.

You can also use this at Pentecost but you really don't spend much there.

Only a donation to watch the land diving, I did have a massage there last year.

I am happy to help if you have any more questions, Have a great cruise.

Thank you for the positive review we too travelled on the Aria last month and had a great time. We were lucky enough to go on the Bounty Adventure visiting Tonga Fiji Vanuatu and Noumea I can throughly recommend it. A highlight for us was the guest speaker an historian that gave 4 or 5 talks on the history of where we're going. The Macquee lounge was packed every session.

Thank you for the review we recently travelled on the Aria and really enjoyed it.

It was our 12th cruise over various lines and was our favorite.

We actually really enjoyed Angelos and Dragon Lady and alternated between them most nights. We ate food that we probably wouldnt normally order and had some really pleasant surprises.

We did book for 6pm each night and the staff were pleased that we enjoyed it so much and gave us excellent service.

We too loved the Pantry and went most days. The Mexican was a highlight for us. We could always get a seat on the back deck.

We ate at Salt for lunch and it was excellent as usual.

We had already booked to go the PNG on the same ship next year and can't wait.

My daughter has CP and is unable to walk so she is excused from attending muster. She tells me that the steward check the room and also that the life jackets have been taken.

Take the local tour to the amazing Natural Aquarium.

Lobster and fish kebab on the beach for lunch and then a couple of very expensive beers at the resort.

We were on the Pacific Aria in Suva 11th March and Port Denarau 13th March and both were operational. There was a bit of damage to trees and some of the buildings.

How old are children?

Passport photos have to be less then 6 months old.

We are taking our daughter somewhere special as a surprise for her 16th birthday so I know how hard it is.

Just back today off the Aria, we visited Suva and Port Denarau and although there was some damage both ports were operational.

Our theme nights were Back to School, Gatsby and Bianco (white).

Just back today off the Aria and even though we like to drink chose not to buy the drink package. Several people we spoke to who had said they were struggling to keep up the pace and had hangovers most days.

Port Denarau has a fairly classy looking duty free shop where the tender drops you. Sorry don't know about prices. Will be there next week so will have a look. Also Suva has Prouds.

Yes definitely not cheap $292 for 50 mins $ 396 for 75 mins. I haven't had one but others I know have found the upsell of other products and services make it far from relaxing. Where are you going you can probably have one at the ports.

From memory I think it was $39 to hire on ship so still cheaper to take your own. I must admit we just take reef shoes now flippers take up a lot of luggage room.

I haven't been on a short cruise but on the longer ones Deck 12 near the pool in front of Salt Grill.

Fantastic review thanks. We are on the Aria next month and can't wait.

Are you booking your tours on the ship or with the locals?