Gold Coast Cruisers

We were on Aria's first proper cruise 30 November for 7 nights from Brisbane to Hamilton Island, overnight in Cairns then out to Willis Island and back to Brisbane.

I've seen a couple of reviews and yes there were a few hiccups but it was the first cruise and the crew were doing their best to iron the wrinkles out.

Some of the reviews sounded as if they were on a completely different cruise to us.

People are quick to criticize but slow to praise aren't they.

Oh I hadn't seen this thread otherwise I would have shared this earlier.

We booked Pacific Aria on a last minute deal:

7 nights leaving tomorrow Monday 30 November

Itinerary: Depart Brisbane, Hamilton Island, overnight in Cairns, Willis island cruising and back to Brisbane.

from: $549 oceanview or $649 Oceanview, two different Oceanview categories.

I think all the cruiselines had very high pricing and people haven't booked, now they are selling them off because there are deals flying into my computer from everyone. :)

We're sailing on her in Feb. We always board a ship with an open mind and make the most of whatever the ship has to offer.

We're sailing on her in Feb. We always board a ship with an open mind and make the most of whatever the ship has to offer.

Those I know who are currently on board Hong Kong to Brisbane have all said the crew are excellent so that's good news.

For anyone who is interested, Channel 9 Today show tomorrow morning will be broadcasting the show from on board Pacific Aria.

:)

Don't think so ...She had a $50 million refit in 2013.

 

http://www.******************.com/2013/02/07/legend-seas-completes-50-million-refurbishment

I thought that too....so she must have had a hard couple of years since the refit. :eek:

Have just read a couple of reports from onboard Legend. Sadly it appears the ships appearance is reported as 'tired' inside.

Crew are reported to be 'amazing'.

Overall from 3 sources they are saying they wouldn't rave about her or rush to board her again. That's a shame to hear that.

Maybe as the cruise continues they may have more to report.

I don't understand why Cruiselines think we deserve less than the rest of the world when it comes to the cruise ships they send to our waters. We are like everyone else, pay the same and so expect the same.

Loved the photos of Eden. I have been searching everywhere to find photos of Aria but assume them to be the same/similar. There is very little information so far as they are only new to P & O Aus I suppose.

The decor is probably the best I've ever seen on any P & O Aus ship.

Looking forward to boarding Aria on Monday for a week....just booked and now happy. :)

I will report in if anyone is interested. It's up the coast so internet won't be a problem.

:)

Nice. Looking forward to boarding on Monday.

:)

Hi David,

It's been awhile.

Please add us, although just thinking it's probably too late. We have just booked a last minute on Pacific Aria out of Brisbane departing next Monday 30 November. Nice itinerary up to Hamilton Island then overnight in Cairns out to Willis Island then back down to Brisbane. A total of 7 nights. Looking forward to seeing the new P & O Australia.

Thanks as always.:)

Yes you are probably right. The crew were telling us that the shops are sold out by day 3 on Asia cruises. The casino is in full swing and plenty of money is turned over. Some just staying in the casino until dawn.

We're just off Voyager last Monday. Our friends had the package which is unlimited and I think they paid US$49.00 per person per day for the 11 days.

Currently on board Voyager of the Seas, AS$50.00 will give you US $35.00. We have been diverted from our destination to Suva and Lautoka due to cyclone Pam and are now going to spend 2 days in Hobart. As I look out we are just coming into the Derwent River. Definitely cold down here and nobody bought warm clothing so the Hobart shops will be busy when we all shiver in the door looking for something warm to buy.

Jill

Yes that's quite normal for the OBC not to show on your account until 24 hours later.

Yes that's quite normal for the OBC not to show on your account until 24 hours later.

Just thought I would give you a heads up in case some are unaware.

You can "beat your bank" by paying the balance of your cruise direct by cash transfer to Royal Caribbeans "Australian" bank account. Then email RCL to advise the transaction....all done, just like that.:) That way you won't be charged for the expensive bank currency exchange fees on your credit card.

One caution though, some get Travel Insurance through their credit card so check as to whether you have to pay the full amount of your cruise on your credit card to get the free Travel Insurance.

Some banks only require a portion to be paid by credit card to qualify for the Travel Insurance.

:)

Got mine this morning. :)

Hi David hope you are well. It's been a while since I've been on here. Haven't cruised for nearly a year. DH had both knees replaced at the same time....ouch so he has taken time to recover from that. All clear to cruise now.....yay.

Could you please add us to 05 March 2015 Voyager of the Seas Sydney to Fiji 11 nights.

Thank you,

Jill

I can only find cruises from Brisbane up the coast of Queensland which is not really what someone residing in Queensland really looks for in a cruise. I'd much rather do the islands including Fiji but can't find any with Legend going there. :(

I wish they utilised people from here to make the itineraries. I'm sure they're done in the USA and they don't really understand where everything is located.

Jill:)

We've cruised on Celebrity Century before. Nice ship, quite understated, not glitsy and colourful but elegant. Very intimate feeling about the ship. Dining is excellent on board on all Celebrity ships.

Go to the Celebrity website and you should be able to access your booking if you have your reservation number. You may have to sign up to Celebrity first if you haven't alread done so. There a huge amount of information about the ship and your cruise and cabin in your reservation.

Don't forget to join their Captains Club once you're on board, their sister company is Royal Caribbean and you can transfer your loyalty across when you book a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Jill :)

Yes I agree with Dennis. Don't you all worry about Botany, Brisbane or whatever. We'll have a cruise terminal on the Gold Coast before you can say.....Jack Robinson..... :rolleyes:

Jill:)

Thanks for sharing Karateman, I have now added Golden Princess to the 'to do' list. :)

Jill :)

What wonderful photos. You must have a good quality camera. :)

Nice to see photos of the two ships that will be cruising in our waters next season.

We would love to do that itinerary, such interesting ports of call. :)

Thanks for sharing your photos.

Jill :)

So pleased to see we will finally have another 'brand' ship sailing out of Brisbane.

Legend of the Seas is an older ship built in 1995, however it has recently undergone a massive refurbishment in 2013.

If anyone can find the repositioning itinerary to bring it to Brisbane can you share it with us. I've had no luck finding it, maybe a little too early.

Just found this info online:)

Legend of the Seas arrives in Brisbane in December 2015 for a five-month season. At 70,000 tons she is one of the largest superliners able to navigate the Brisbane River and dock at Brisbane Cruise Terminal at Portside Wharf. She offers guests a world class cruising experience from the cruise line responsible for the world’s largest megaliners Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas and the much anticipated Quantum of the Seas.

Following an extensive $50 million revitalisation in 2013, the ship boasts new “Wow” facilities that guests will not find onboard any other cruise ship sailing from Brisbane: a central Atrium with an acrobatic aerial show, a rock climbing wall, a mini golf course, an indoor swimming pool, a babies nursery and multiple speciality dining venues including a Sushi restaurant and a 12-seat private dining room. She also features a stunning two-deck grand dining room, an 800-seat theatre, the Vitality Spa & Fitness centre, a beauty salon a shopping arcade.

Gavin Smith, Regional Vice-President Asia Pacific said, “We are thrilled to announce our first program of cruises from Brisbane. Legend of the Seas will provide a new choice in local cruising – and is the logical next stage in Royal Caribbean’s growth in Australia. This move comes off the back of strong demand from both the local and international guests and represents another major investment by Royal Caribbean in the Australian cruise market.”

Jill:)

Does anyone have any information or itinerary details on the Explorer of the Seas when she departs the UK to make her way here?

Jill :confused: