grozzy1

I'll be following with interest, I'm cruising to New Zealand in January.

A couple of questions come to mind

Is there any entertainment that needs to be booked? (like comedy club)

Are there any dark spots to do some star gazing?

Normally if you're booked A to C via B on the one ticket the airline will look after you if you miss the connection. If you were given seperate tickets on seperate airlines I would be worried about having a backup plan.

10 minutes ago, NSWP said:

Australia and NZ require vaccs, masks and pre testing and on board testing. Cruise lines who wish to operate here have to comply with our government protocols.

In recent weeks there has been a relaxation in a number of protocols for public transport and isolation for example. Who knows what will change before Spirit gets here?

Currently, the NCL Spirit alternates between Alaska and Australia/NZ with a bit of Pacific inbetween. I'm sailing on her in January. With the way other protocols are being loosened I wouldn't be surprised if they get relaxed before.

What at Starbucks beside hot coffee is included in premium plus? Are hot chocolate or iced drinks available?

25 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Another question:  I know this change goes into effect January 1, 2023, but if you booked a cruise before the price increase but sail after January 1st,  do you still get the water?

I'd like to know too. I'm sailing 15th January and have pre-booked 6 litres of water.

So the cards have a barcode, magnetic strip and RFID? Couldn't they just pick one?

And as a side question I'm guessing that they're not waterproof, and taking them for a swim is not a good idea?

There's actually 5 or 6 venues in the Opera House. So even if you're not interested in Opera, keep checking as there's a good chance you'll find something good.

You should be able to find out on your latest confirmation email . For example, I have 4 speciality dining for my 12 night cruise

The price for my 12 night Spirit Cruise is AUS$306. Though I believe there are less amenities than the newer ships.

Quick summary:

With the standard drinks package, you get unlimited drinks up to $15 value. More expensive drinks you pay the difference.

The $50 off excursions is per cabin. So for each excursion you get the $50 off the total regardless of the number of passengers.

Delete

Excuse me for asking a related question, do the public buses take cash/credit card, or do you need to purchase a tap card like in Sydney?

For my January cruise I'm also planning to take the bus into Christchurch.

The next question is will it be the corn syrup coke from USA, or the sugar Coke the rest of the world drinks?

The idea behind watching the horizon is that by keeping your ears steady in relation to the horizon you cut down on their motion. And if there's a discrepancy between what your eyes are telling you and what your inner ears are telling you that's a major cause of nausea.

On a decent day the walk from Watson's Bay to the lighthouse and fortifications at North Head are worth it.

2 hours ago, joejoe 59 said:

So does that mean cruising wasn't to your liking?

Good pics by the way😀

My plans got postponed a year for obvious reasons, but I'm cruising to NZ this January

In November 2017 I took a 5 night Tasmania cruise on Norwegian Jewel. It was my one and only cruise, so by default it's my favourite.

Sydney

Burnie

Hobart

Sydney

It was just the right length for a "taster" cruise

On my first cruise I learnt not to book speciality on first night. Inexperienced me booked a bit to early and had to rush down before we cleared Sydney heads. Next cruise I will aim for sea days and not consecutive nights.

The other question you need to ask yourself for each port is whether you want to do excursions in each port or DIY explore the town .

With my upcoming NZ cruise I've been to about half the ports so I'm comfortable doing a DIY wander.

As an example, here's a cruise I'm taking on Norwegian Spirit in January

It's a fairly typical itinerary, though some cruises may add another stop in Australia instead of NZ

2 hours ago, MMDown Under said:

Glad you didn't get any damage. Hope everyone is high and dry.   I don't think everyone realises an East Coast Low is a cold weather cyclone, with potential to have similar level damage.

 

Conditions are too bad to rescue 21 crew stranded on a cargo ship which lost power.  Two tugs are heading to the ship to try to drag it away from the Coast. It is being held by two anchors. 

 

Torrential rain is causing the dams to overflow which is compounding local flooding.  

 

.  

Portland Bay is just off the Royal National Park. Looks like 3 tugs are assisting.

I've received this email twice. Neither of my cruises are anywhere near the USA

I wasn't planning to fly into Brisbane today. Qantas are sending me the long way

A couple of things to consider

Currently NCL only cruises Australia  New Zealand  during our summer. So if you don't have time available that season choose Mediterranean.

Mediterranean cruises are mostly port days while down under you will have more sea days crossing the Tasman and south from Sydney. Your preference may be one or the other.