Mr and Mrs A

QE436 Sydney to Tasmania to Sydney 16 Dec to 23rd Dec 2024 17th Dec: Black and White 21st Dec: Masquerade All other nights: Smart Attire Thanks Blue Marble for doing this.

I've just noticed that on Queen Elizabeth our Jan 25th Gala theme has changed from Masquerade to Burn's Night (hooray!) What does Burn's Night in MDR on QE usually look like? Piping in the haggis? Poetry while we eat? Do many passengers engage with the theme?

Thanks all - useful replies. What about an umbrella? Are there ship's umbrellas we can borrow for excursions?

Meant to say we're on Queen Elizabeth.

We are off this weekend for our first cruise. I won't take my Chromebook unless it's absolutely necessary, as I presume there are on-board computers to use if I need to book some internet time? There are Gideon's Bibles in each room? I could ask for a used pack of casino cards at the casino or purser's desk?

Is afternoon tea served on embarkation day?

I believe balcony cabins are larger than oceanview.

We'll be cruising up the coast from Sydney to Port Douglas (and back) in the last two weeks of January 2024. I'm really hoping to try lots of fresh yummy Australian fruit - particularly tropical fruits. What can I expect to be available at that time of year? Do the supermarkets have a good range available? Lastly, can we take store bought fruit back on-board?

Yes, helpful thanks - and it seems that it although we could get by with our debit cards only - it's just not worth the stress. I've applied for a credit card from our bank. We'll only use it for pre-authorisations and emergencies. Really like the sound of the Wise account, it'll be useful for sticking to our holiday cash budget - I think that we'll get one of those too. Mrs A

Thanks Lissie - very helpful answer!

We have always tried to avoid consumer debt and we don't own any credit cards. We do have Mastercard debit cards attached to our everyday bank accounts. Debit cards have always been sufficient for us, ours have all the facilities of a Mastercard, Visa or Amex - we just prefer spending our own money rather than borrowing from the bank. My understanding is that we will have to give our card details to be linked to our room account, so is it a practical option to use our debit cards? Has anyone had experience of doing this? Or should I bite the bullet and apply for a credit card? Thanks all, Mrs A

Silent Disco - is that the weird thing with the glow-in-the-dark headphones? Does everyone listen to the same music?

Premium Economy does sound nice - enjoy your trip

10kgs - lucky you! It's 7kgs on Air New Zealand.

I absolutely agree