Cobeck1234

1 hour ago, drakes2 said:

I was just wondering if they have Prosecco onboard? I bought a bottle of Aperol when I was last on the Equinox and it's become my favourite cocktail.

We have had Prosecco with the classic package several times. 

Great, thank you!

Last November I posted about using Uber in Sydney.  Now curious about using it in Auckland.  Is it available there for transportation from the airport to hotels, cruise ports and back to airport at the end of the cruise?

We are staying at Quest Serviced apartment in Auckland both prior to and after our cruise in March, 2020.  We have a two bedroom and will be sharing it with another couple so the price is better.  Room will be serviced every other day but it depends on the length of your reservation.  We also booked the breakfast included option.  

Yes, for me the new drugs are not an option.  The home monitoring machine after my insurance was still quite expensive.  My local lab test costs under $2 per test.  The machine and all the supplies were almost $1000.  I will check again when I hit Medicare 👏🏼👏🏼

24 minutes ago, nunuc2000 said:

 I’m going from memory here… As I have now been on Eliquis for just over a year and no longer require INR testing on cruises... thank goodness!   If I recall, celebrity was one of the more expensive ones...  but only because they required that I have a doctor visit first and that ran about $120, and then the test itself I think was about 40. But I might be confusing that with other cruise lines as well.  

Thanks, just gives me an idea anyway.  I have travel insurance with medical so they might cover a little bit but at least I have an idea.  That darn drink package messes with my numbers 🤣🤣

I will be needing to check my INR while onboard the Solstice.  I know they can do this test but was wondering if anyone has had it checked and any idea of the cost.  My health insurance probably will not cover any of it.  Thanks

On 11/12/2019 at 8:15 AM, Goldconnection said:

I have Verizon and have used the $10 a day international plan. Loved it.

Thanks, just signed up for it yesterday.  Love the fact that no charge unless you use it! 

11 hours ago, kseattle said:

If you don’t want to rely on free WiFi hot spots for using your mobile apps, you could look into getting an International Day Pass from your US carrier for that first day. Last I used it, At&t charged $10 per day for that feature. I actually switched carriers to T-Mobile before my last international trip because international data roamIng and texting is included for free with most of their plans. Saved a lot of money and hassle, and the monthly charge was lower than AT&T’s, with more things included. 

Thanks, Verizon has $10 a day (24 hours) for international use.  I believe it includes calls and texts as well and is charged only if you use it.  I will be going to check with them soon.  T-Mobile is notorious for poor reception in our neighborhood.  My son (who lives in another state) has to lift his right leg, stick out his tongue and put tin foil on his head to get T-Mobile reception when they are visiting us. 

1 hour ago, The_Big_M said:

Uber relies on internet and ideally telephone, otherwise you create risk in contacting if issues arise.

 

If you're not wanting to sign up for a service, but absolutely must use uberx, that falls back to free internet with the limitations and risks that imposes. Your call.

1 hour ago, The_Big_M said:

Uber relies on internet and ideally telephone, otherwise you create risk in contacting if issues arise.

 

If you're not wanting to sign up for a service, but absolutely must use uberx, that falls back to free internet with the limitations and risks that imposes. Your call.

Thanks for the speedy answer.  Still looking at options  We have always just made the arrangements by phone so making them by internet will work just fine.  Thanks again

We frequently use Uber for transportation here in the US.  We would like to use them when we land in Sydney to get to our hotel.  We will not have mobile phone service when we first arrive.  What are some suggestions to arrange for transportation using an Uber?

Sailing into Charleston several years ago an caught this amazing sunrise!  

5 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

Cash advances with credit cards are not a good idea as you will lose your interest free period. The banks start charging interest not just for the cash advance but on the total credit amount on the card. Consider buying some OBC for on the cruise, this can usually be taken away from the Guest services as it is refundable OBC (just make sure you do take it all off the boat).

For sure don’t ever take a cash advance.  That’s why when my bank said it would be viewed as a cash advance when using a pin for ANY purchase, I started to worry.  We never carry a balance so never have to pay interest but when they start talking 27%.....yikes.   

Everyone has has been so helpful with thoughts and ideas.  Thank you all so much!

1 hour ago, The_Big_M said:

It shouldn't be much extra trouble. They don't need the old imprinters.

 

They'll just swipe the card as normal, then have to sign the bottom of the receipt. No big deal.

That’s basically what we do here in the US.  This may be nothing but didn’t want to get on vacay and not be able to pay for the things we need or want.  Thanks for all the input.

6 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

You might want to shop around for a new credit card, especially for international travel. 

 

We actually use different sets of credit and debit cards for home use and international travel. The international travel cards don't charge foreign transaction fees and have excellent exchange rate, very close to the current Forex rate at the time. Having a separate debit account for cash withdrawals reduces the risk of our main bank account being compromised if the card is skimmed or stolen. 

 

Our home credit card earns reward points but has really poor exchange rates and foreign transaction fee.

Our current card is great for international travel.  No foreign transaction fees, good exchange rates and not connected to our bank account but we just don’t have a pin.  Here most signatures are electronic or on the receipt and not every minor purchase requires a signature at all.  We have been all over Europe, Asia and Russia but never needed a PIN but, I will do whatever it takes.  Getting more excited the more plans we make!  

3 minutes ago, lyndarra said:

Some day I would love to do a cruise from Portland on American Empress.

We did a portion of this along the Columbia River (a day trip) and it was beautiful.  The Columbia River Gorge is stunning.  

2 minutes ago, lyndarra said:

Does anyone still have a cheque account these days? I had one about 10 years ago and only wrote one cheque a year to pay a club membership until I could do it electronically.

LOL.  Yes, lots of us in US still have them but only rarely write a check.  

Just now, icat2000 said:

Do they not have those travel cards where you can load money onto them that has a pin in the US?

 

 

We have Debit card that would draw funds directly from our checking account.  I am not sure about a travel card.  I will check with my bank tomorrow.

Thanks.  I will contact the bank.

I was reading a travel article and the author indicated that a signature would not be an accepted for charges

but that a PIN would be required.  Our US based credit card company said that PIN’s were only for cash advances 

and they would be charging 27% interest from the date of signature plus additional cash advance fees.  

What has has been your experience? We do not want to carry large amounts of cash to avoid those ridiculous charges.

There is a separate line.  We have sailed in a concierge room frequently and have rarely waited in line more than a few minutes to check in.  Off topic, but the concierge  lunch is nice, no fighting the buffet crowds.  Not a huge selection but certainly all we needed.

17 minutes ago, MicCanberra said:

The whale museum is very interesting and worth a look, easy walking distance from the marina.

A little further afield is Ben boyd national park, which is nice for a walk or check out the lighthouses.

Thanks, MicCanberra.  I will check into both of those.

We applied yesterday morning and before I could logout, I had the confirmation on my phone.  So quick!

I applied for and received our NZeTA within minutes yesterday.  Cost was around $30.00 .  There are lots of sites out there that will charge you to help with the application but it was very straight forward and simple on the government website.  Approval came before I could shut off the desktop computer.  I can post the link if anyone needs it.

We will be on the Celebrity Solstice in March 2020 and not finding much of interest to do in Eden.  DH not interested in Oysters, or doing an excursion that includes more time in the water.  Has anyone enjoyed just getting off and walking around port?  What is there to see and do on foot?  Thanks!