ceeceeDee

We always take a good time with us!😁

It's usually when we first set foot on the actual ship. Our biggest OMG moment was boarding Symphony of the Seas and instead of an atrium, found ourselves in a shopping mall! Four Aussie tourists with their jaws simultaneously hitting the floor!

Our adult son (he was around 38 at the time) came with us on one cruise and had the cabin next to ours. We saw him at dinner on the first night and then no sign of him for days. We knew he was around somewhere because the cabin steward mentioned that things in the cabin were obviously moved on a regular basis and there were used towels in the bathroom. However the steward was a bit bemused and told us that our son must be sleeping in the bathroom as the bed was undisturbed!! 😉 We never did find out what he was up to. Ask no questions..................

Actual packing takes place the day before. However, I shop for whatever I need from about a month out as I think of it. Do a spot check on things like the expiry date of medications I have on hand such as travel sickness pills, gastric upset pills and the like and update if necessary. Also bug repellent, sunscreen, travel size hair spray, shampoo & conditioner, purse size hand sanitizer et al. We travel fairly light and so far I haven't had an 'oh darn' moment on a cruise. Except last cruise it didn't occur to me to take back up contact lenses as I had just changed them prior to leaving (they're 30 day leave ins) and wouldn't you know it, one of them dislodged. No biggie, just had to wear my glasses for the last couple of days but it was a bit of a pain.

8 days 2 hours to go and I'm wondering if I'll survive the wait!

All of the above, and spend inordinate amounts of time on the Cruise Critic forum!!!!! 😂

I'm not being insular, but if they are operating out of Australia their charges should be in Australian currency.

The cabin is a great layout. I like the idea of the bed near the balcony. At least you can get into the cabin without sidling around the bed.

We've stayed at Royal On the Park in Brisbane. Moderately priced, very comfortable and situated right opposite the Botanical Gardens. Short taxi ride (or a pleasant walk) to Southbank and an easy walk to Queen Street Mall.

Totally agree that tipping is not required Down Under. However, if we go to a nice restaurant for dinner and get outstanding service we will generally leave a tip (probably about $5). As an ex-hospitality worker, I can say that a small tip is very much appreciated if we go the extra mile. To illustrate how much we don't expect tips....... I once chased a couple down the street who had left a substantial amount on the table, thinking that they had forgotten their change. Turned out it was my tip!!!! Totally unexpected and I was quite embarrassed.😯🙂

Agreed. We did Florida to Brisbane. Punishing.

9 days 20 hours

I'm starting to feel vindicated!!!😁

Thanks, Suites. I enjoyed the tour. Just wondering about 9201 in regards to location and whether the room is in good condition. From the deck plan it looks like it might be a bit of a walk to the lifts/stairs. Also a bit of a hike to the MDR. Neither of these is a problem, however. Will help burn up some of the calories from the 3 course dinner😄

In our case we get two large complimentary bottles of water in our room (P&O Byron room). We also have a drinks package so we can just get bottled water over the bar. I'm more annoyed (well, mildly displeased) that barista coffee is not included on our drinks package. Am seriously considering taking my own ground coffee and a coffee press and getting hot water from the Pantry. Depends whether or not there is room in my luggage. Have to have a decent coffee every morning or don't bother (dare) to speak to me until I have. 😆

Hubby keeps his opinions to himself as far as technology is concerned since I use it a lot more than he does. I don't know how I get myself into these things, but I am the booking officer of our theatre group so I am constantly on line and on the phone helping people book for our shows through the on line booking system. I'm no expert, but boy can I tap dance when a problem arises and act as though it's all a piece of cake. Luckily we have a young IT guy that I can get to sort out what I can't or when the booking system decides to throw a wobbly.

Exactly right, Daz. I forgot to mention in my previous post that hubby caught covid about a month ago (at least his timing was impeccable and not right before our cruise!). From what I have heard, his was a mild case (he's vaccinated, but not to my extent) though being of the male persuasion intimated that he was very ill indeed (worse than the dreaded man flu). Anyway, the point is we had covid in the house and I escaped unscathed (and have the RAT tests to prove it!😄). So, I'm taking every precaution and just getting on with life and I am definitely not nervous about cruising.

Thanks, Daz. Useful information. The uses you listed for the app are precisely what I want to do. And like you, I'm not a big fan of technology but find myself using it more frequently simply because there is no other choice. I'm not exactly being dragged into it kicking and screaming, but it would be fair to say I am mildly wriggling and projecting a stage whisper.😬

Well, I'll give it a go on board and see what happens. I don't have any great expectations so I might be pleasantly surprised. It's not like the cruise will grind to a halt without it. I'll just have to do things the old fashioned, reliable way and sort out what I need in person.😂

I've had five covid shots and the flu shot a couple of weeks ago. Have all extremities crossed that I will remain virus free on my upcoming cruise. I've managed to get this far without ever catching covid (despite working in retail) so I guess I have a fair chance of remaining healthy. Time will tell.

Hey NSWP, Funnily enough I'm taking Sunlight soap on my next cruise but it is to wash my 'smalls' in the bathroom.😉😄

Thanks John and Hillary. Seems like a total waste of time to complete Verifly if the terminal staff want to gather the information all over again. As I said, I'm arriving armed with hard copies of everything. At least paper won't refuse to cooperate!

Thanks, Aus Traveller. According to the P&O website the app can be used to 'chat with friends and new friends whilst onboard'. We'll see .........

Absolutely right, Aus Traveller!! The apps are more of a time saver for staff than the punters! I'd like to think we will be able to messsage our friends (who will be one deck above us) with the P&O app, but I'm not betting the farm on it working. And again, I'm not trusting Verifly. I have ALL our documentation in hard copies in a folder which I will dump on the check in desk at the terminal if needed. I can do without getting stressed out trying to embark. I've advised our travelling companions to do the same. (As they are in their late 20s, they tend to rely heavily on technology but in this case I think they should have 'old school style' back up)😉.

No, pineapples haven't popped up yet, but then again I haven't ventured back into the app since I successfully logged in last night. What IS it with pineapples and cruise ships??!!😬 Knowing me, I'd get the rough end. I must say I preferred cruising in the pre-app days. These things are 'supposed' to save time, but so far I have lost a day and who knows if the darn thing is going to work properly on board. It's not as if I'm the only one feeling the pain, from what I've read. I have heard the Medallion App is far superior and, as you say, both cruise lines are under the Carnival umbrella so why not make use of it across the board? Maybe it is a cost thing? Enjoy your October cruise to FNQ. Will be starting to get a bit on the humid side up there then. Not unbearable, but definitely noticeable. I remember doing an experiment one Christmas in Cairns where I actually fried an egg on the super hot wrought iron patio table to disbelief of my kids! Yep, they thought Mum was off her trolley.😂