cruzky

Forgot to mention all the excursions with viator were less than 15 people and were all to nature and historical places. 

Just spent 5 nights in Tazzie. We did 2 cruises but nothing  going to Tazzie. Decided to fly over from Melbourne which is where we got off the last cruise. Flights were cheap. Absolutely loved it. I’m 66 and my husband is 70. We are from the states and decided we did not want to chance driving. We booked excursions with viator. We stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Port stop is not enough time there.

Try Zealandier  tours in Tauranga. Just went with them back on February 19th. They picked us up at the pier and guaranteed to get you back before the boat leaves. I think I also remember something about If boat does not make it into port they will refund your money. Take lots of money to spend in the gift shop if you go.

Roseanna

I asked for a paper copy to fill out on Grand Princess on Feb 11th when I boarded. I was told by staff at Station Pier in Melbourne, that it had to be done by either the camera square on my phone or it had to be filled out on line. My phone would not work, so I had to go to the computer cafe and pay for a day pass to complete the form. 

On the desk there was also  at least one 110 plug. They had a 110 hair dryer in the drawer of the desk.I can’t remember if there were other choices on always available entrees. I wish I would have taken a picture of the menus. 
 

A couple of other things:

Very few glasses in the buffet that are larger than small juice size. I went to one of the bars and asked for a large glass everyday. Then took it to the buffet and filled it. They do have water filing stations in the buffet for your personal bottles. 
 

Some of the machines in the laundromats were not working. $4 to wash and $4 to dry. I believe detergent was $2. 

If anyone is doing the Great Barrier Reef cruise out of Sydney, all ports but Brisbane are tender ports. It took forever for everyone to get off the ship. They only lowered 2 lifeboats to tender in way too many guests. One port ( I don’t  remember which, they did finally have a boat from shore to come out and help tender people off the ship). Their transportation and logistics need some work. 

We boarded the Grand Princess in Melbourne on Feb 11 and had to complete the New  Zealand traveler declaration. They handed out a piece of paper in regards to everyone completing it before arriving in New  Zealand. You had to do it on your phone or on line.  Takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Another reason people like Virgin is no kids. 

Just got off the Grand on Feb 25th. She is still in good shape.  She does have a lot of rust on the bow. I also noticed a lot of rust in different places on the ship.  A lot of the teak railings need to be sanded. I had never encountered this on any ship I have ever been on. It must be a Carnival group thing. We seen a P & O ship that looked just as bad. The  stateroom carpet and drapes look they were fairly new. The dust ruffles need to be replaced. 

The  problems I encountered had to do with the buffet and the main dining room and pool restaurants:

Dining room. Maximum of 5 entrees, most nights 4 entrees listed for dinner. Always available section of the menu no longer lists salmon or chicken breast. Still have shrimp cocktail and French onion soup. Lobster is no longer available unless you want to pay for it. Several nights at dinner it took a long time to get your food.
 

Buffet. Most of the drink machines were not working. Only water and ice seemed to be working. Coffee and lemonade were only available at wait staff stations. Same most days with coffee. Iced tea was available for about 5 days only, then it disappeared. When I asked for a glass of iced tea I was told they were out. When I voiced my concern to higher ups a glass would mysteriously appear. I do not drink soft drinks. Trying to get drinks sometime became a free for all. The wait staff wanted to bring them to you all the time which was not feasible with the amount of guests on the ship. Went up for breakfast one morning at 8 AM and could not find a coffee cup. The food that was supposed to be chilled or on ice, was not and was room temperature. This included salads and dishes with mayonnaise and salad dressings. The food that should have been hot was cold or lukewarm. There were no heating elements or warmers under the dishes. 

Pool area. Mayonnaise and ketchup were sitting on the counter all day in the sun. They were not chilled. 
 

I can see why gastro illnesses break out on cruise ships.

We also did the Majestic for a 10 day Great Barrier Reef cruise prior to this and encountered a lot of the same issues on it. 

Thanks

We are on a NZ cruise leaving out of Melbourne. When will we be required to show our visa?
 

Thx

Roseanna

We Americans are sick of the tipping issue too!  Want you to tip on everything. Most servers (waiters/ waitress) share their tips with busboys and other kitchen help.

If business owners paid a decent living wage then the tipping issue would not be so prevalent

In this country.
 

Taxes are a different issue. Some cities have their own sales tax in addition to the state sales tax. 

Thanks Sinbad

Are pre cruise negative Covid tests still required for boarding?
 

Thanks

Roseanna

Thanks everyone for your responses. 
 

Roseanna

Contact Zealandier tours. I’m booked for the Feb 19th 2024 tour with them to Hobbiton.

Roseanna

Love aft cabins. On the sailings I’m looking at, there are no aft cabins available on Caribe deck. Are the aft cabins on the other decks large or would I be better off with a premium balcony on Caribe deck?

Thanks for your input

Roseanna

I’m doing Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas with Princess. Looking for things to do in Airlie Beach. Is it better to do Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas or Airlie beach. Time in port is 7 to 4.

thx

Will be in Airlie Beach on Feb 3rd. Is it possible to pick up excursions when exiting the boat like you can in the Caribbean?

Thx

Roseanna

I am booked on the Grand Princess on Feb 19th. The Hobbiton tour has been removed from their excursions. I am confirmed on Zealandier Tours for Hobbiton tour that day.

From previous experience,  (also pre Covid), some cruise lines would hold some spots open on all tours for guests that did not have access to computers to pre-book. You were able to book these once guests were onboard. I had one tour I had my heart set on and it was sold out prior to sailing.  Once I boarded and the shore excursion desk opened, I was able to book onboard. I was told by the staff that they usually hold a few spots back. I have done this on Celebrity and Princess cruises. Also keep trying closer to your sail date in case  someone has to cancel.

Thanks for the info.

Thanks to all who responded. So room service is the only way to get a bottle of liquor to your stateroom. No advance ordering with set ups prior to arrival.
 

Roseanna

Thanks Leigh

Hello, 

Looking for Melbourne hotel help. Feb 10th for 1 night pre cruise. Also need 4 nights post cruise Feb 25th thru Mar 1st. 

Thanks for your help

Roseanna

I’m looking for Woodford on the room service liquor menu.

Thanks