pipparh63

Thanks for your take on it.......no, I am coming direct on the new Norse Airways LA-OSL flights starting May 17th for $300! Must be an opening special?! I have plans for after the cruise so hold a return from there. However, as it would be late pm, I had preferred to get rest, right at Gardemoen before the next morning on to Kirkenes. Thanks for your ideas though. I also went back and forth between the two lines, and found Havila waaay cheaper. I got the trip south to Bergen for $800 single! Quite a steal, even though I'd have preferred buffet style dining (Hurtegen) From experience, as a seafood lover of all things from the sea - including their seaweed and ways used, I'll be missing out. (after perusing Havila's menus)

Thanks....I was taking luggage with me, so head on out the terminal! Really hoping for a taxi right there......Google says 12 min drive..... I did see on both websites that as long as one is there 15min before departure? So, unless the plane is late, should be fine.......

Hello, You might be able to answer my question similar to the above. I have a 10.55am arrival to Kirkenes for a Havila 12.30pm cruise south. Is that enough time to board? Having difficulty finding this info on their site. Thanks, Pippa

Well Saturday late PM here.......Happy Easter to you!!

Hi, may I ask where you found the channels onboard? Would like to see lineup.....

If this helps - I noticed that weeks ago when I was booking my return flight. Who needs a return flight with the wrong date with change fees, etc I had never seen this where dates didn't match ships' schedule. Anyway, after a lot of calls, finally got an odd answer which I went with. Carnival doesn't have provision for that day? Issue with flights or staff? Then it put into question the shuttle buses which all have the 4th on website. I booked for the 4th and for the shuttle - if all else fails, will get an Uber to airport. I'd be careful with the 5th flights, unless you don't mind a night in Seattle!

California......ex-SAfrica

Hi Kay, Although you would remember (as an Antipodean) that they first appeared on (competitive) swimmers and lifeguards (as they did in the US) but lost favor in the US faster. Looking forward to meeting you as I am also a Southern Hemisphere colonist aka Commonwealther!

correction: post 275

Yes! See post : 278 above.......a quick procedure if you can get the fiiddly camera scan bit to work......

Hi, Seems like there will be a few of us scrambling to get on the 8.30am Jetstar flight! (after having overnighted in HNL) I am by the airport to use the shuttle. Then on to either SYD or BNE. I chose SYD for the rest. I think the BNE onward flight has a 3hr layover? Plus haven't been to SYD. Look forward to meeting you. (yes, I was surprised at the 44lbs, and less than average food choices! I guess at $300, you pay for "economy")

Hi, This is what is on the Australia Carnival Have Fun. Be Safe page TESTING ..........All guests aged two years and above, regardless of vaccination status, are required to take a self-administered Rapid-Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of boarding or a PCR test within 48 hours prior to boarding. Evidence of a negative result is required to cruise. If you receive a positive result, you will not be able to travel and can contact our customer service team on 13 31 94. Please note there may be voyages when mandatory onboard testing may be necessary. This is more likely to occur on longer voyages............... Makes it a lot easier.......I plan to travel with a couple self-tests anyway. Seems you just take a pic of it and add name/date............ - Pippa

OK, I was just reading your other reply - it was a bit oblique!

Hello Paul, I noted what you wrote above. Don't mean to be nosy, but have you checked your cabin on the deck plans? I don't see a 4429 on Carnival or CruiseDeckPlans which I use mostly. Just in case you need to correct? Great on getting the free trip! Are you in SoCal? - Pippa

We seem to be on the same page, re: getting there! I'm using Hawaiian points from LAX to HNL - also overnighting, then taking Jetstar for $300 a ticket! (last checked, price still the same) We may cross paths? Also, I wouldn't stress about insurance......as I posted further up, was able to get same $ amount coverage WITH Covid - better than Carnival offered.

True.......as it turns out I may fly from Sydney, as the arrival time on the 13th is very inconvenient " 4am!! Where do you shelter until boarding time??

Hi, If it's any consolation, I am also a "low-cost" cruiser, but take insurance as I do have "conditions" plus being a senior! However, I like to compare the line's offering to private insurance, which (if not accustomed to the method) requires you to enter your travel dates, then a whole list appears of what's on offer, from very basic to max coverage.....Try searching "low cost travel Ins with Covid" and you'll see many options. I got a very reasonable one with Nationwide for $70 for the whole trip. try this:

Hi Doribeans (is it Joanne?) I remember you from the Constellation - small cruise world! Yes, I took advantage of this "drop" I was actually going somewhere else, as I couldn't believe my eyes! I paid $1580 for a balcony yesterday - deck 8! Has changed on Carnival site now, but still available on the Expedia cruise site. To answer you, I have called cruise companies before and asked for a reduction/refund. It has worked, but doubt with Carnival somehow? At least try, or get an upgrade? Cheers, Pippa PS thanks for the shout out for train travel!

Yes, agreed! I can't believe I'm booking this cruise "blind" No pics on Carnival website, or Cruisedeckplans, under Carnival (not Costa) and still no pics of cabins, pool(s) common spaces, etc. Crazy! Hurry and post!!

Hi! Did you know the train from Syd to Brisbane is a nice way to break all the flying? I plan to do that coming directly from LAX.

Hi! Gee, thread seems to have gone quiet? Now December.......I have a deposit on this cruise, and I see my boarding time is 1pm, but that is from Abu Dhabi. Any updates from anyone about the visa for Saudi? I did want to go ashore in Jeddah, even if for the coach tour around the Corniche............... Thanks!