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Someone told me we didn’t need a VISA. So thanks for posting. Apparently we don’t need a VISA, but we need an eTA approval. So thank you.

I didn’t think NZ required a VISA?

Do we need to upload a photo when applying?

I gather it should be done on cell phones instead of the computer?

Because our cruise ends in Sydney, Australia, when I looked at the website, we’re applying for the transit VISA with a stay no longer than 72 hours. Is this correct?

Thank you. I only have a passport and have never been to a destination that requires a VISA.

That’s exactly what I was looking for - a trusted website recommendation! Thank you so much! That certainly dropped my stress level. 😁

There are so many websites to choose from that hackers even make fake government websites official-looking. Do you have the URL link? We’re going on a South Pacific cruise in October that ends in Sydney. If I don’t find one in this thread I’ll be posting for website recommendations. Thank you.

Why can’t people in NY buy insurance from cruise lines?

Although they mentioned B2B allows 2 bottles pp when boarding the first sailing, I noticed there was no mention of longer cruises, e.g., an 18-night or 21-night cruise. So, it’s apparently 1 bottle pp per “sailing”. Correct?

I would use a TA if I were booking a cruise where I had to fly to another country to begin my cruise and to avoid staying at a hotel located in a bad area and then getting on time to board the ship. Otherwise, I would book directly with RCI.

Finding a good one is the tricky part.

There are two curry dishes I love - Shrimp Curry and Beef Curry Stew. I also add a couple of teaspoons of curry in my turkey stuffing ( I never tell anyone, and those who have had it love my stuffing). However, whenever I have guests for dinner, I always ask if they have any food allergies, just in case someone is allergic to curry or any ingredients I use. So, like you, I’m not into a lot of foreign and unusual spices and herbs. That’s why we have never gone to specialty dining restaurants.

I agree with you. I do not personally know anyone who even likes Indian food. Sorry - no offense to those from India who grew up with that type of cuisine. I also don’t care for Middle Eastern and most Filipino food. But people who do like these unusual dishes would probably pay for it.

I would want morning service. I would hate seeing an unmade bed all day and not have fresh, clean towels when we take our shower before dinner.

Our cruise is in May on Grandeur. Thought I was seeing things - like a scam.

It flashed for a second on my iPhone, then disappeared.

So very true. For the first time I tried to book flights via Air 2 Sea. It was so frustrating. I wound up making flight arrangements myself. I will NEVER book with A2S!

I decided to just call Air2Sea since I received no answers to my questions. They were of no help whatsoever. First of all, it appears the call center is outsourced to the Philippines. I checked itineraries and found flights before calling. I was told there were NO FLIGHTS leaving Hilo to Honolulu via Hawaiian Air on May 19. HA partners with United. I immediately went to the HA website and booked the flight for both my husband and I. I called A2S again to schedule a flight from HNL to get to Tampa via United. I was quoted $588 pp via SFO without a guarantee that the price won’t increase. I said never mind. I hung up and went online to United and booked a flight from HNL to Tampa via LAX for $445.80 pp. I won’t even waste your time with details of our conversation. I will NEVER book with A2S! I thought I’d give it a try - but NO WAY EVER!

Booking with RCI, everyone pays the same. Third-party insurance rates vary based on age. So it depends upon her age. After a certain age, many times third-party insurance will not cover cruisers, whereas, RCI never denies coverage based on age. Like everything else, rates have probably increased. I’m 76 and my husband is 78. I have, in the past, checked out third-party coverage vs RCI and didn’t find insurance to be cheaper than RCI. However, check out the insurance forum here on cruise critic. You’ll learn a lot and your sister can make a better-informed decision before she makes her trip insurance payment.

We’re scheduled for a cruise on Grandeur out of Tampa (B2B) May 20 & 27. Hopefully the issues will be resolved. 😳

Not to mention BIG BUCKS! 😂

1) Do you just give them your cruise reservation number? Does doing a B2B cruise create any issues? 2) Is it better to book your air travel plans on their website or would you recommend talking to an Air2Sea representative by phone? If you book by phone, can you ask for that specific representative, or do you have to talk to whomever answers the phone, if you have any questions? 3) Can you use a credit card or airline miles, or a combination, e.g., to upgrade your seat? Can you request a specific airline you would like to use? 4) Does RCI or Air2Sea arrange for pickup from the airport to the port and from the port to the airport? I have a foldable electrical wheelchair that I am bringing. Do I notify Air2Sea about this, or do I contact the Special Needs Department with RCI? Sorry for so many questions, but I’ve never used Air2Sea. I’ve always made my own flight arrangements and booked cruises direct with RCI. Thank you in advance. Judy

Thanks to all. Very much appreciated!

Thank you.