ozscot01

May I suggest that you email RCI and ask them to send you the correct paperwork to be completed? Then print a copy of the email and keep it along with the completed form they send you. Actually take several copies of each once the form has been notarised. We had my daughters friend and they "misplaced" the original form and until I provided another she was unable to take part in Rockclimbing, ice skating or anything else which required a waiver. Luckily I had about 5 copies with me. I'm a little OCD that way [emoji849]

I would recommend against setting up a CC account if you plan on paying with the cash. The holds will be in your account, sometimes for a couple of weeks after you have closed out the account with cash. If you have the cash, deposit it as required. Even if you end up paying with a credit card at the end, you can still do so on a cash account without the regular holds happening.

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. One of the larger ships is on our " to do" list, hopefully soon and both of these are contenders.

Of course it would be sooner still if they'd just bring one of the big ladies Downunder for us. We can dream [emoji57]

I watched that documentary and was astonished at how little room for error they had in the float out. The biggest ship that company is ever likely to build I would think.

In terms of keeping in touch, we used sticky notes and pre-set non negotiable meet ups. It served as family time, we'd arrange a 2pm mini- golf tournament, losers buy the ice cream. The misses 16 were happy to comply with those arrangements and it gave us all the free time we wanted to do as we pleased.

Following! Just FYI my morning cuppa went cold while I waited to see if your parents made the flight!

Does anyone else take exception to the fact his age is being considered a factor here? Pushing 90 or 100 yes, there would be cause for her to use that angle. Pushing 60 (or 58 depending on the part you read) is hardly senile!

It's not pretty up on the Gold Coast today but we'll survive.

I read a lot of very negative reviews on Noumea before our trip. Perhaps some regular cruisers are just jaded as its a fairly standard port on all Pacific Island cruises.

We took the Tchou Tchou train tour from the terminal. Booked on arrival rather than through the ship. The cost was around $45 pp and significantly cheaper than onboard. The ship's Tchou Tchou collects you from the ship at the container wharf, by booking yourself you will at least get the shuttle in to town to make up your own mind.

While it was not our favourite port of call, we really didn't venture too far out of town to make a fair judgement. And the locals were exceptionally friendly, tooting and waving to the train as we passed.

A natural repellent for Mosquitos is as follows mix a quality organic expressed coconut oil with a few drops of oil of peppermint, place in fridge in small, couple ounces container, rub on skin as it is in gel form. Healthy, keep out of eyes, natural spf factor and can repel bugs including mosquito. I take it on cruises keep in fridge in room and apply when going out. I would avoid the areas with the virus if you are with child, or elderly.

Please be very cautious of natural remedies, especially when pregnant. Peppermint oil and pregnant women are not a good mix

September would fit nicely with a repositioning back to Aus via French Polynesia. Not sure if that's the type of "special" you are after but for mine, Tahiti and Bora Bora scream romance.

Even better, look at a Paul Gaugain for that area. Now that would be special[emoji4]

In room babysitting is available to children 12 months and older. There is no nursery on Explorer of the Seas I'm afraid.

You know I was thinking about this overnight...

 

 

 

If you can take full advantage of what's on offer

 

 

 

41 Ports with shore excursions must be about $15

 

 

 

137 days drink package $8 at $59 a day,like Princess but higher range if drinks must be $10 at least

 

 

 

First class flights $15

 

 

 

Take all these off the fare and your looking high 30s or low 40s.

 

 

 

Princess want about $20 for 105 nights, so for 135 that's about $27

 

 

 

BUT will you get full benefit from all those includes, I know I wouldn't, but if you can it actually compares favourably.

I actually did the sums on a Regent vs RCI in Alaska. I chose a comparable cabin, priced the included shore tours, added top line drink packages, cost of wifi, surcharges on speciality dining etc.. Almost identical itinerary and Regent was less expensive!

Other than the first and last night, men were turned away from the MDR if wearing shorts to dinner. Dress pants were not necessary, so long as they were long, khakis and jeans were fine.

You'll find the cruises originating in Sydney fairly relaxed. Formal nights my husband wore a suit and tie, many did not. However, they do enforce the "no shorts in the MDR at dinner" rule so long pants are a must every night[emoji4]

If you put the younger ones in kids club, that is where they stay until you go get them. Only you know if the older two are reliable enough to "do their own thing". Personally at that age I would allow them some freedom with a pre-arranged meet up time. Miss the meet-up, lose the privilege.

You may find they choose to stay with you, this is a big ship and they may just find it a little intimidating to go it alone.

It is actually fairly easy to get value from a drinks package without being in need of urgent treatment for an alcohol problem[emoji849]

Remember that some of these packages cover bottled water (great for shore days) soft drinks and mocktails. As another poster stated, 2 cocktails and 3 glasses of wine and you're ahead. Add in the water etc and it's really not an excessive amount to drink while on holiday.

Loving the review so far Jack, you've not just made it across the pond but Downunder too [emoji1037]

I would be very careful in choosing both the ship and the itinerary. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the rules regarding the number of sea days. If there are more than 3 consecutive, then a child must be 12 months old on day of boarding. This is firm. Make very sure that you are comfortable with the facilities on board, look at the activities and consider what you'd be able to enjoy and what you might resent missing out on, and then make a decision that is comfortable for you. If baby can't swim, then you may not either, that type of thing.

There will be other passengers who frown upon you and there will be passengers and crew who make a lovely fuss of your daughter.

Do your research, and if the planning seems too stressful then I think you have your answer [emoji4]

If you have a package just pick up the odd bottle when you pass the bars. Keep it in your cabin and its ready to go..

I'm going to throw in a suggestion here. Have you thought about focussing on just one island? It would save such a lot of the travel time and let you explore the area in a more detailed and relaxed manner. We spent more than 2 weeks in the South Island and could have easily spent another 3.

Definitely take your deposit back now. I know it's disappointing but if you won't be able to get insurance at this point that's too risky for my liking. If your health improves, you'll be in a fabulous position to take advantage of the last minute offers, maybe even get a bigger cabin or longer cruise for your money. Incentive to look after yourself [emoji4]

Another reason to go with the March trip is the choices you will have. Most of the larger family oriented ships reposition to the Northern Hemisphere during our winter leaving your options much more limited. Perhaps try for a whale watching trip in Alaska down the track. You will be able to do a good deal of seal, penguin and even Albatros spotting in Dunedin, Dolphins in various areas too. If you are in Brisbane then Lone Pine and Australia Zoo are both good options as suggested. Perhaps Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast may be possible depending on your time in port.

I really do believe the choice of Ship will

make for a better trip for your boys,, and therefore yourselves, which is why I'd push the March option. But have a look at Royal Caribbean rather than the ones you have selected so far. Voyager and Explorer would be perfect for them.

Enjoy planning[emoji4]

Whatever remedy you decide on, try it at home first. As someone said, Phenergan can make them hyperactive, others can knock them out cold. Better if you know the reactions beforehand[emoji4]

Sorry I made a mistake in the last post and CC wont let me change it.

 

 

 

James said we were too old for this sort of holiday."

 

 

 

It should have read...

 

James said we were too young for this sort of holiday.

 

 

 

Sorry

I finally finished reading your review and thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks so much for the time you have put in.

About half way through I had decided on our next cruise; Golden Princess to NZ. Then I read James' feelings on the demographic! I liked that so many of the areas looked peaceful and not crowded, and we don't mind sedate. But not comatose. What were your own views on this? Perhaps it was the itinerary?

Do you by chance have any photos of your cabin? I'd love to see those.

Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy your cruise to Asia just as much.