fairywren

2 hours ago, arxcards said:

To say this as if it is Sydney's fault they can't embark a cruise till Sunday.

 

They could embark via Captain Cook cruises boats from White Bay on just about any day. A crap embarkation for sure, but better than waiting 3 days, especially for anyone who has already travelled to Sydney to board. They could provision the ship by loading-up prior to departing Newcastle - Channel Berth was set-up for cruise ship turnarounds, but just lacks an embarkation facility and staff.

 

Alternately, they could also board on any evening at OPT. I get the feeling the truth is she won't be shipshape for another couple of days.

Since there is no 100% guarantee she will sail on Sunday we have cancelled and are flying home today. At least we got to visit with family. A few claims coming up.

55 minutes ago, MicCanberra said:

That is good news, especially for those on that cruise.

Even though our 30/3 cruise was cancelled, we have had a lovely week with family in Nelson Bay and are ready to jump on board on Thursday. We saw Brilliance in Newcastle too.

Yes we just got the email from RC. 100% refund and 50% FCC.          Not sure what we will do yet, as we are on the next cruise too. 

Rumour has it we may be taking a harbour cruise for the 5 days.

Well I hope they can fix it before we get on her next Saturday.....😟

So if I book with a TA and get the same price or lower than if I booked direct, then how does the TA make a profit if there is no commission. I always book direct so have no knowledge of TA systems.

3 hours ago, Chiliburn said:

I called Royal Caribbean and it sounded like he was overseas somewhere. He said they still have price protection. I asked ,is that in Australia and he got a bit vague and said yes.

I had a bit of a scratch around on the internet and this what I found. 
It looks to me it’s within a couple of days of booking only,a cooling off period.

 

I found this in the Aus terms and conditions, looks like it doesn’t include TA rates. I can understand that as it would reduce their commission.

22 hours ago, Chiliburn said:

I just asked my agent about the cruise with confidence program in Australia.

Thats where ,if the price drops Royal will match the lower price.

Unfortunately it’s no longer in Australia,the closest is the refundable deposit.

 

Back to the bad old days.

You might want to check that again. I've just spoken to someone who got a $1300 reduction on their cruise. Booked directly with RCI.

You can use usd in the casino but all other charges are on your seapass card which is paid on final night either automatically by your registered cc or cash. Not a good rate of exchange unless you already have usd loaded.

We will be on Brilliance the week the 25/26 comes out (if it’s on time). Are there any real benefits to booking onboard any more?

We're also on that cruise, booked a Virgin 12.30 flight back to Perth. 

First time using the new Brissie terminal, so hope we are OK.

3 hours ago, Bizziecruzer said:

Check out Furama City Hotel for club room rate. We're staying there in June.

Thanks for the info. I have booked a Premier Club with no pre payment.

Perhaps you would be able to post here after your stay with your thoughts.🙏

I'm also looking at Jen Tanglin as I want to re-visit the National Orchid Centre.

We’ve been there a few times pre covid but I don’t remember the prices being so high.

I’m currently researching hotels for our 3 night pre-cruise stay in November. We usually like to book club rooms but the prices are pretty steep. The exchange rate and SG taxes don’t help either.

13 minutes ago, Sparky74 said:

I think I’d prefer Brillance OTS in Brisbane but I'll take Voyager. 😁

Voyager’s a nice ship but we need some different itineraries too.

It made our Perth ABC news this morning. 🙄

1 hour ago, ceeceeDee said:

Sounds delish

They are, the time consuming bit is making the hot water pastry and getting it into the tins.

The spices give them a distinctive flavour.

5 hours ago, NSWP said:

Only pork pies cold, rest warm to hot. English style pork pies, available here, woolies and coles, around $3.70.

They look delicious, we have not been able to get them here in coles for a while now. I have looked into making them myself but as my other half says ‘too much stuffing around’  I still make Scotch pies, that involves a fair bit of stuffing around.😉

Heads up for anyone booked on Brilliance, check if your price has dropped. I just scored a reduction of $411 by phoning this morning.😁

1 hour ago, resordanis said:

 Chili you are correct on this one!😁

I stand to be corrected but have you checked recently on the post final payment conditions?

16 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

I don’t know sparky ,it’s Royal Caribbean speaks with fork tongue.

 I believe it’s up to final payment you get a price adjustment and after final (90 days) you get a onboard credit as the difference.

 I’m pretty confident that their terms 

No longer any adjustment or OBC after the final payment date. You can still get a price drop up until then.

2 hours ago, little britain said:

Yes, we are on Brilliance in Jan. 
lifou

mystery island

Isle of pines

vila, Vanuatu 

mare

 

we hope! 

 

 

You should have had an email from RCI or your TA with the changed itinerary, because you won't be stopping at IOP and perhaps Mare.

As expected, Isle of Pines has been cancelled for Brilliance next April - we’re now going to Mystery Island instead.

Not fussed either way having been to both multiple times.

Would you believe the same DAY we became diamond plus was the day they chucked us out of CLounge ☹️

I would be interested in those, I’m not a fan of the Grand Suites on Ovation/Quantum, but I like having CK and the Suites lounge.