YoPhilly

We have tickets for Great Opera Hits.

We have tickets to the same show in February (2/25)!

I kept checking their website and they finally loaded some performances for my date (February). Booked tickets and can't wait!

I'm finding very few options for Nuku Hiva shore excursions. I've searched this forum for any reviews of Temarama Tours but found nothing. Does anyone have any experience with this operator?

Roscoe, is there public transit from CBD to Ponsonby?

I really wanted to try Viking and booked a cruise with them. I canceled it when Viking asked for final payment a year in advance. It’s too bad but that’s a dealbreaker for me.

Maybe O is getting more refugees from X than other lines? Taking that next step up.

We left Princess for Celebrity after about 15 cruises, then left Celebrity for Oceania after about 10 cruises. I would categorize Celebrity as a bridge from Princess to Oceania. We just got tired of being charged for specialty restaurants, bottled water and a decently-made cup of coffee. Oh, and those persistent photographers!!

Thanks to all of you for the helpful suggestions. I'll look for a sturdy carry-all box at the wine store.

Socks! That's pretty clever! 😁

For the first time ever, I'm planning to bring a few bottles of wine onboard with me, and I'm wondering how most people transport the bottles. I plan to buy them at my port of embarkation (Los Angeles). For those of you who have done this, what do you do with the bottles - wrap them well and put in your luggage, or do you just leave them in the store's bag or box? I don't have to hide the bottles...just wondering what people do with their wine. Thanks!

What lovely comments. Mauibabes! We feel the exact same way. We enjoy the low-key vibe on O ships. We are very content to read, to visit the library, to watch the ocean, to meet for coffee. I'll often sit in a deck chair with some knitting. We're very happy with O, after having made the switch from Princess to X to O. We've found our home at-sea.

X ships have hump cabins that jut out from the side of the ship, resulting in larger balconies.

Oh yeah! I'm using points for the Marriott that sits right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge - SCORE!!

Check deals on Hotwire. We got a great deal at the Intercontinental. Fabulous view of the port and just a $10 cab ride.

What hotel did you choose in Sydney?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my very novice questions. We're looking forward to our time there. I'd love to do a month of travel around your beautiful country, but we'll already have been away from home for 7 weeks! All good things must come to an end! Thanks again for your suggestions. 😀

Last night I found I can get tickets to a performance at Sydney Opera House while we're in town, and this "beach" day would be a shortened day. Here's my inexperienced thinking: Skip the crowds at Bondi; take the easy ferry to Manly for a relaxing few hours of swimming, walking and lunch. Back into Sydney by around 4PM for a nap, shower and light dinner before the opera. Is Manly "good enough" for a scenic ferry ride and experience?

My husband and I love trains, so I was wondering about the Scenic World train. Where does it go, and what would we see there?

Thanks for the link, which I just explored. It looks charming. For a beach experience, I'm leaning toward the ferry to Manly, which I understand has a relaxing vibe with cafes, beaches and a popular walking path. How would you compare Manly to Bundeena?

I've been researching the train to Katoomba, but reached a dead end when arriving in the town. Can you help with these questions? From the Katoomba train station, is it walkable to any of the lookout points (like Echo Point), and/or are the views of the Jamison Valley and Three Sisters seen from just about anywhere in Katoomba? We're not interested in taking the Scenic World cable car over the valley....if DIY by train to Katoomba, what would you recommend doing/seeing/eating, etc.? I've also read that Leura is a charming town; would you recommend spending an hour or two there as well? One last question, are taxis or Ubers readily available in Katoomba and Leura? Thanks so much for your assistance.😁

We'll be in Sydney for almost 5 full days after our cruise, and we'd like to see something of Australia's diverse scenery before flying home. I'm thinking day trips to Blue Mountains and/or the Southern Highlands. We're not comfortable driving on the left, and I only see expensive private tours to the Southern Highlands. A couple of questions...1) what would be your top sightseeing destinations outside of Sydney? 2) Is there a way to do Southern Highlands day trip by bus or rail - if so, recommended or not? If you have other thoughts/suggestions for things to see or do, please feel free to comment. We're both in our silver years so not into strenuous activities. I know 5 days is NOTHING to experience Australia, but we'd love to make the most of it. We'll definitely tour the Opera House, spend an afternoon/evening at The Rocks, 1/2 day at Manly or Bondi Beach. Maybe a DIY train trip to Blue Mountains. Then what? Please help!

Thanks very much for your help. I've made a note of your suggestion.

I admire your restraint!

Thanks for confirming.