Bubbeh

Us too.

That's not stingy, that's smart.

A cruise simply cannot be too long for me. The longest we've taken so far has been 47 days from Fremantle around the Indian Ocean to South Africa and return. Could have easily stayed on board twice as long. In terms of the boring necessary admin: We usually get a town car from home to the Port and pre-arrange for something similar to pick us up at the conclusion of our trip, whether that be to the same port of a return via air. If we're in a situation where we leave and return via air in order to reach our embarkation Port, we'd drive to the airport and leave our car in the long term parking which costs $99 for each 30 days. Our mail is picked up and by a neighbour and our bills are paid via direct debit. We live in a secure apartment block with any maintenance arranged via the Strata therefore, no impost on individual owners. We don't have pets so that's not something which we need to make arrangements for. Voila, stress free long term travel!

Wishing all here a safe and peaceful Festive Season. May 2024 be filled with joyous adventures for you and yours. Dee & Tony (aka Grumpy Guts)

Or a new vineyard. 'Hello girls we're off to Testicular Fortitude for lunch on Sunday. I hear they do a brilliant Ploughman's Platter'.

Just what I've been searching for, testicular fortitude! 🤣

We're looking at mid 30's for Xmas Day and then a rapid slip down to mid 20's for Boxing Day. No rain in sight but plenty of wine, water and whoopsie daisies.

You should definitely visit Darwin then, amongst the most interesting of cities. Try either a top end cruise or a circumnavigation? Probably not gonna get either of those in winter but spring or autumn could work for you.

Good to hear, presumably your mind is not at ease.

The Kimberley is great very different and picturesque as is the Pilbara. But, Broome? God that must be about the world's most overrated place. Terrific destination if you've an aching need to be separated from your cash! Yeah Cable Beach is pretty and riding a camel at sunset is a novel experience. Matso's Brewery is also a pleasant way to spend an afternoon but, you can buy the local product at heaps of places these days. There's also an awful lot of social issues affecting the Town and to some extent (real or perceived) personal safety. The Govt is talking about liquor restrictions (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-06/blanket-regional-wa-liquor-restrictions-police-letter-reaction/103192014) but nobody really seems to have the answer. Basically, after having made a few visits, I'd give it a big miss for anything other than a quick excursion while cruising up/down the coast.

Next time why not stay over a couple of days before heading east? Maybe even come down to Mandurah for the day (https://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/)? Play your cards right and I might even put a snag on the barbie for you. ☺️

My criteria; domestic = economy / international < 5 hours = premium economy or economy / international > 5 hours = business. I don't care too much about how much extra it is, it's my kids inheritance and I'll waste it any way I damn well like! Besides, by the time I pay for my extra luggage, I might as well book BC, it may very well work out cheaper 😉.

I'd be happy to have a cruise that went nowhere just kept cruising, never enough sea days in my book.

That really sucks!

Not by the people who have died though. Or is CC a media that crosses the great divide?

Absolutely! If the recent few years have taught us anything, it's how easily viruses will spread. I sort of want to say some other stuff but I don't want to be hurtful or offensive so I'll just shut my gob now.

To paraphrase the words of Mandy Rice Davies; they would say that wouldn't they?

I'm a bloody worry wart not to mention a very nervous flyer. With this in mind I never book connections but rather arrive at least 24 hours before the next leg. This might cost me a night's accommodation but, that's a price I'm more than willing to pay for peace of mind.

Crikey! I pay around that for a car to take me to the airport/port. There's now a train and bus but, as anyone who's seen my various posts may remember, I struggle to get my luggage below 2 cases and carry on (absolutely my own choice) so public transport is not exactly an option, nor is a shared ride like Con-x-ion. In addition, we're usually on a very early morning flight needing to be at the airport before the buses/trains start running. When going east for a cruise we normally drive to the airport and leave our car in the 'long term' parking area - $99 for 30 days, can't go past that.

I'm not unsympathetic to the disappointment of those affected. It's certainly preferable to be able to board and disembark in your own City both from a convenience and financial point of view.

Every silver lining has a dark cloud. 😉

And flights too. Where necessary, I was pay a little extra for specific seats when flying to ensure our place on the plane, as much as to get the seats we prefer.

Travel Insurance? We once made a claim on our complimentary TI for something and then claimed the Excess back also via VISA as we'd booked using our CC. I think we were out of pocket about $5 which was the fee to use our CC.

What's the cost of a flight from Melbourne to Sydney etc and how long does it take? We're very used to having to fly for 5 hours and spend $$$ including at least one nights accommodation in order to take the majority of cruises. Very few cruises begin and / or end in Fremantle. For all those claiming they'll shift allegiances as a result of this decision by Carnival, I think that's a shame as you're shutting out a large section of the market but, obviously, it's your choice. I'm sure they'll be many others who will fill your place and the Line will not even register your protest. Just saying..............

I must have gotten the earlier model, doesn't have all the same features. Great at snoring on the couch though.