Sallyandtex

Thanks that is one I looked at. 2.5 Gb and unlimited calls and texts $29 pretty good. I am mainly wanting it ashore to make minimal texts, and logistical reasons, quickly check bookings/emails and searching timetable perhaps maps.

Yes thanks, I should've said my plan doesn't include it 😄, rates are quite expensive

Hi, My Aldi doesn't include international roaming, so I have 2 SIM phone and want to order a prepaid SIM for NZ. I would just be checking some websites for planning and perhaps booking trips, emails and weather radar occasionally. Messenger service for sending messages home. One provider has an option for $25 for 2Gb. Do you think this is enough for the 2 week cruise (minus the days over and back from Sydney)? For comparison I never get through my 2GB allowed each month although e, but I do have WiFi at home as well.

Thanks I have booked it in, fingers crossed for good weather! How long would you think we need to factor in time wise to get to the whale watch meeting place? It's a tender port , but I am unsure on how far everything is from the boat.

Hi, Coming in November, 2 of us. Do you think we need to pre book the whale watch? Or is it fine to look and book once we arrive? Only our ship scheduled in port on the day (Westerdam). Suggestions for Gisbourne too if you have any! Thanks (;

We drink the ships water all good, usually have more than 1 bottle so we can chill one for excursions in the fridge the night before. If you were really concerned, you could get one of those bottles with the filter in the top from a camping store?

(Just to add, my near sight isn't that great. ) Have the bathrooms got those magnifying mirrors?

You are very kind! Reading below looks like the one in the drawer should ok 😃😃. Thanks so much everyone, especially crystalspin!

Oh that's good news! Thanks I have tried to search about the drawer hairdryers, as I would rather not bring one, but there are mixed responses and some years ago. Hopefully a recent passenger on Westerdam will pip in.

thanks so much for the images. I note there is a 220v and a 115v. Are these USA and Euro plugs? Just another question, are the hairdryers in the cabins OK for thick hair, or should I bring my Australian Hairdryer and plug into the Euro 220v with a Au/EU converter plug?

Anyone know if the Westerdam has any USB charging ports in addition to the USA power? We are Australians and will bring the US adaptor, but be handy to have the USB options as well for additional changing ports.

I am wondering if it is possible to have it cleared prior to boarding? Its always a nuisance having to take everything out when we never use the items.

Hi, We are going to NZ in November. We have been to Port Chalmers 3 times. So we have done the rail trip, city tour, Lanarch Castle etc. We are hoping to do something with nature, like the cruises to see the albatross and seals. Open to suggestions please and prefer to be meeting at the Port Chalmers to start the tour. There is a company that we can go with for a 2 hr wildlife cruise (about $100AUD), that has good reviews, but their "Main time" is 12.30pm and the other times might not run. Is there something else we can do in Post Chalmers that can fill the rest of day? HAL has a full combo day that takes in a wildlife cruise and Natures Wonders but The cruise ships combo day is $309 USD! ($445 each) Thanks (:

Yes, sadly I contacted them too and they said they don't run the service, and it is not known if they will resume by November (when we go on Westerdam). Does anyone know if HAL run a shuttle from Central station? IF no, approx taxi fare is it better to go from Central or one of the stations less busy towards Circular Quay?

Ok thanks for that. I know close contacts used to be able to get a PCR as well, but good to know the proper options that will be proof of negative. Do you know if NZ readily accepts our vaccination certificate, or do we need an international one?

Aren't PCR free? They text the result, wouldn't that be enough.

For our Holland America cruise it says to provide a medically authenticated test prior to boarding , I asked agent what that meant, but she said as the cruise not until November she can't say as it might change.

I never watch ACA as it is absolute rubbish, but given that the reported cases in the general population are vastly underestimated due to people not declaring or even testing( so they can carry on as usual) ...I would guess that the % cases on the ship are way less than the average in the local shopping centre. International visitors coming via plane no need for testing either , so reporting "cases" on cruise ships is just media hype. At least it might make the enforcement of mask rules and hygiene better on the ships for a while at least.

Thanks that is great!

In the past we have put a hole in the card away from the magnetic strip so we can pull out the card on a retractable clip on attachment from our pocket. I'm not a fan of having the lanyard hanging from my neck Does anyone know if these cards are on the Westerdam, or are they the new cards that we won't be able to punch a hole? Thanks

Thanks everyone, I will ask to be changed to the flexible option.

Our HAL agent booked us into early dinner. Just wondering if we are ashore and want to go to dinner "as you wish" if we are back late that day, can we cancel our set booking on the app or by phoning them, and attend the line up for the flexible dinner? Thanks

Hi, Travelling in November to NZ. Does anyone on Westerdam know what time slots the main show is and if it fits in with either the early or late dinner setting please? Thanks

Oh dear the plot thickens! Finally heard back from Ship Services, and they told me different to the HAL agent in Sydney. Might have to print this off if we take them up on the offer. Both of us would have to get it, then I add my glasses of wine to my bill. Ship Service email as follows: Good day, The Quench Beverage Package includes the following: mocktails, juices, bottle water (sparkling 330ml or still 500ml), Exploration’s Café beverages, sodas, and non-alcoholic beer. Price: $21.18 USD per person per day ($17.95 USD + 18% service charge). Details: · Limit 15 drinks per day. · Must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise. · Excludes Mini Bar, Room Services, & on Half Moon Cay. · Available for purchase on Day1 & 2 of the voyage. · All guests in the stateroom must purchase the package. The Quench Beverage Package includes non-alcoholic beverages including non-alcoholic beer.

Wish I was wrong! I was pretty shocked at the change. Seems pretty mean of them and excessive fee, but I guess they trying to make a profit after all the losses. Have a great cruise!