168G

Well, for this traveler, we will not use taxi to/from SYD.

Was going to use UBER XL for AU$70 range to Darling Harbor from the airport, freaked out not knowing what pick up point to use so we opt for taxi just outside of arrival hall.  Jet lagged and 11 hours of flight delay didn't help my judgement.  After 10~15 mins of driving, we can still see the runway on our left!  The driver took us on a scenic route that end up costing AU$97.  Maybe this is the going rate for night travel...

From the port we have 6 people and UBER XL also showed AU$60 range.  We were worry not knowing the size of the XL will hold our luggage and didn't want to split up.  So, we went to the taxi line instead.  At 8am, there was no one there but us.  They called a larger handicap van from the line up and I made a mistake of confirming that we are Americans when driver asked us.  Once all the bags are loaded and we took our seats, the driver told us it would be AU$25 per person to Int'l airport and not by meter.  At this price we could easily ordered 2 XLs and with money left over.  Just felt cheated and left a bad taste in our mouths.

1 hour ago, possum52 said:

Jinek Bay is not next to the tender pier/wharf.

?? Jinek Bay as in far north side of Santal Bay?  Walking distance from Lifou Pier (tender ferry?) if it is open for swimming.

Anyone recent visit experience?  Is this bay now closed?

Going there in March of 2024.  I read this bay (next to the pier) is now closed and also saw some older post with they limit 100 people access per day.  Does any one has any recent visit update?  Thank you!

49 minutes ago, Hogbay said:

 

Okye dokie , sorry did not think we were talking about soft drinks .🤷‍♂️Google is your friend..... 

I knew Carnival signed a contract and switched to Pepsi in N America.  YouTube Trip videos are showing Coke products for AU sailings.  Carnival AU is now listing Pepsi in their detail page…. https://www.carnival.com.au/drink-packages

Yes, I have a drinking problem.  Just can’t seem to function without starting my day holding a silver can.  Some countries dropped Diet Coke and only offer Coke Zero.  Some think they are the same, but I would just bring my own.

Thank you arxcards to put me in ease with your picture.

First cruise down under in March and I have been packing my own Diet Coke for the Caribbean cruises.  Is it true that Coke products are served for Splendor sailings?

I read somewhere we can drop off luggage starting at 8:30am.  Is this still the case?  Realistically, when can we start boarding?  Once boarded and drop off our hand carry luggage int the room, are we allow to leave the ship with our sailing card?  We were thinking maybe we will hit some museums near by, up the Argyle stairs to walk part of the bridge and maybe check out Pylons before coming back to the ship.  Is this doable?

Is there a passenger limit via taxi?  Any vans or just passenger cars?  We are a group of 6 adults.  Thanks!

It seems local dive trips leave at 7am and Carnival Splendor docked at 8am.  Other than charter the whole vessel for 2 diver$$$$, anyone had any luck of booking diving excursions at a normal rate?