ceeceeDee

And frankly I wouldn't travel without comprehensive international insurance. Have never had to make a claim, but it's just not worth the risk. Doesn't matter how healthy you are, accidents do happen. I do think $800 is a bit excessive, but I'd rather pay that then be in the position to have to pay for expensive medical care and/or repatriation back home.

Smoking in Australia is even more expensive. How about $45AUD for a pack of 25?!!! That could have a lot to do with the younger demographic not taking it up, which is a good thing.

We tend to prefer sailing on smaller ships (2600 odd pax - and some of them are decidedly odd!😆) so we do interact/see the CD quite a bit and enjoy the experience. When we sailed Symphony of the Seas I don't remember seeing the CD at all. Not that that was a problem, just interesting in that I haven't even thought about it until now.

The CD on our last cruise was an absolute gem. Always up for a chat if we encountered her around the ship and a fantastic sense of humour.

We used AUD when last in Vila and didn't have a problem.

Yes, I've read in other threads that Qantas insurance is reasonable. Might be worth checking out.

I always just factor in the cost of insurance with the overall cost of the cruise when I'm crunching the numbers prior to booking. I agree that for the over 70s, even those without pre-existing conditions, the cost of insurance is getting a bit ridiculous. But then again, so is everything else these days.

On our last cruise (domestic, Australia) hubby attended a Scotch tasting seminar (which he obviously enjoyed! 😉). We've come across the barman on previous cruises and he is extremely knowledgeable. The cost was $20 and hubby estimated he had about $60 worth of Scotch so it was something of a bargain and kept hubby out of my hair for a good hour!😂

Hubby goes to work after midnight, which means our large dog and I have much more room in the bed!🤣

Can you ask your yearly insurance provider to furnish a letter stating you are covered for both cruise and COVID? I've read other threads where people have been supplied with such a letter.

I have to wait an extra 500 days to you, Mic! 😬 Unless the planets align and we go on one sooner. Probably not as we have two land based getaways booked in the meantime

I agree gaffer is a better option. However, eucalyptus oil or coconut oil will remove gooey mess left by tape or stickers if you are left without a choice.

That's disappointing. ☹️

Great your embarkation was smooth. Please let us know how your cruise went when you get back. Happy Sailing.

Haven't done Christmas, but did do a New Years to South Pacific. From photos I have seen on facebook, cruise ships are usually beautifully decorated for Christmas and I believe Christmas food is on the menus. Our New Year cruise was a hoot. Because of various time differences we ended up celebrating the turn of the year about 4 times!!! Local time, ship time, EST and Daylight Saving.

So glad you managed to get a cabin. Explorer? Did you mean Encounter? We sailed on Encounter at the end of May and it didn't appear they were strictly adhering to the assigned boarding times. Because we don't trust the Highway from Gold Coast (traffic delays) we always leave with plenty of time up our sleeves and arrived about 50 minutes early (and prepared to wait). To our surprise, Staff at the Brisbane Terminal sent us straight through and it is not as though the terminal wasn't busy. Heaps of passengers waiting to be processed. So, if you are prepared to wait, take the chance and arrive early and see what happens.

Absolutely, Marion. Get well soon.

Believe me, that gazumps Willis Island any day! 😉

As a Gold Coast local I would take Broadbeach over Surfers Paradise any day.

I use micellar water and a cotton pad first then I finish the job with Dove soap (using my hands). Works well and even removes all traces of theatrical makeup

So far as Dragon Lady on Encounter goes, we were totally happy with our meals last month

You can also book your dining on the P&O app once on board. We sailed on Encounter last month and a three course meal (which was awesome btw) at Luke's Bar and Grill was $58 and worth every cent. The other specialty restaurant is 400 Gradi which is a pizza restaurant. We didn't dine there as I'm not a big fan of pizza.

And as I am not a cricket fan, I feel left out!🤣

It was back in 2016 on P&O Pacific Dawn, South Pacific cruise out of Brisbane, Australia.

Security were a bit more liberal when we went at the end of May. We arrived about 40 minutes early (not because we're pushy, just that travelling on the M1 is so unpredictable you are either very early or very late so we always allow plenty of time) and were processed more or less straight away. Quite surprised as we expected to have to wait (which we were quite prepared to do). And it's not as though it wasn't busy. There were heaps of people milling about.