MMDown Under

I stayed at that hotel to the right. They would have had a great view. I walked along the waterfront to see where my ship was departing the next day,

To me Sydney is Australia's NY, whilst Melbourne is Australia's London. I love both for different reasons and would love to spend nights before or after a cruise there, as part of the holiday.

Some people just want to cruise on an Ocean Liner and it is the only one left. I wanted to go on the Ocean Liner before which is now a hotel. I just researched Queen Mary 2 and the two cruises which meet my timeline went to USA and across the Bay of Biscay, which are both no nos for me. Hopefully one day before it turns in to a hotel! Wish it would cruise to Aus/NZ in lieu of Queen Elizabeth.

We mainly walk along the Broadwater, but go to the dog park in the afternoon, if dogs need a run. We should have a cruise critic meeting at the dog park (like the Canberra people do). We

You just click on quote under the particular comment you wish to comment on. I agree, unless you are very wealthy, spending money is always something else foregone. I have ancient cars which take me from A to B. The number one vehicle for wealthy Americans is a ute! Most wealthy people I know are frugal, which is why they are wealthy. We still talk about our visits at WDA as a family and continued when our children were adults. When it got too expensive with a weak Aussie dollar, we just stayed a couple of nights at WDW, then outside WDW in cheap motels.

I'm waiting to hear from a friend who lives in that part of Florida. We've driven through Florida and along the Panhandle after hurricanes and there was debris everywhere and no SES helping clean up all the rubbish. We are blessed with our volunteer SES here.

Oh I feel for you getting booted off line, after being on line, then site unavailable. Hope you're successful making a booking. I had to phone at 9am to making a once in a week only booking. Got straight through and told to hold. I was a nerve wreck waiting for a human voice. Relieved to be successful.

Agree using a Disney cruise TA would be good value. One time you were lucky your little one waking you up at 1.30 am crying!! You must have got a delightful surprise to book successfully.

Yes I knew a Steward who lived in Brisbane but was supposed to be based in Sydney. He would have to call in sick if there was a weather event.

Delighted to hear you have enjoyed your cruise. The Tasmanian cruise director must have enjoyed having you on board. Nice to have Cornwall to look Forward to. I am researching cruises from England to combine with a visit to England next year for the Coronation. So have been with you in the Baltics as well as Norway. Choices, choices.

Calm seas and sunshine just what you needed. Thanks for great photo. Did they have any Hawaiian activities to get you in the mood for Hawaii? Enjoy Hawaii!

Sounds wonderful. Our family made repeated visits to WDW in Orlando. It was a magical educational fun place.

Have you cruised with them before overseas ? What did you enjoy about Disney Cruises?

yes and we are Aussies. Some Aussies used to call you Yanks, but not sure if that is politically correct these days.

Land in NZ is definitely the best to see the country and to meet Kiwis. Distances are short for driving!

Ive never had the luxury of priority boarding, so happy to stroll on when the check in is empty.

I would book accommodation for the previous night as well. A shower to freshen up and a short sleep before you explore will be priceless. Plus ask for late check out on day after Good Friday when you book. If you are interested I'll find where we stay in a sc unit at Parnell, where you can watch your ship come in the next day,

Sorry to hear your embarkation was a nightmare. Were there chairs to sit on? Could you go away and come back. We did that once in Kiel Germany. Enjoyed a ice cream on way back to the ship. I'm not patient.

Close. Anglers Paradise, Runaway Bay. Hollywell is one of the places we walk the dogs.

I think you should take it higher! I would be more than annoyed. I'd be angry especially if I was on a long cruise, as I love fresh orange juice. $7.50 is not reasonable ? - I just bought 3 kilos of my favourite SA oranges for less than that. A total rip off! I'm currently researching overseas cruises. When ships come to Aus segments I noticed the cost is higher! (Some have no single supplement BTW) Have a look at Fred Olsen Cruise lines menu (Braemar was one I was looking it). (Basic high tea of tea and scones is included, but luxury high tea is 12 pounds from memory) That is the only thing I would pay extra for on a cruise as I pay much more than that for high tea celebration in London. I think Princess needs competition. Otherwise they will keep devaluing their cruises.

Yes I was tempted by HAL cruise but US$ cruises are poor value for Aussies. Ive even reassessed a Hawaii to Aust cruise for that reason. Sydney to Hawaii is not suitable because I want to bring shopping home on ship.

I guess it demonstrates that I'm a destination person rather than a ship person. I understand that ship people are excited to be on board.

Sorry I linked my response to yours. It was just a general response. Bon Voyage!

I've never understood why passengers want to be on board ASAP. Whilst I like to have the ship in my sights, I'm usually one of the last to board before boarding deadline. Then there are no queues, you just walk on as staff are just happy to tick you off their list.