MMDown Under

Ruby - No we weren't booked on any of these ships. I just thought this thread would be interested.

Donald - Yes, one does wonder what the near future of the cruise and airline industry will be.

Qantas, a profitable airline, has just announced that they will be putting off 1500, as well as squeezing industrially their engineers refusing to consider a small wage claim.

I think the industries most heavily effected by the high fuel costs are already make adjustments to tide things out.

Trouble is they are letting the bean counters run the show, thinking of shareholders, but not listening to their customers.

Travel is a perishable product. They may find their market has moved on and may not return after this downturn.

Donald - Not you. They should be listening to cruisers like you big time. Your recognition as a loyal customer of Celebrity is one good example of what the industry needs to do more of.

Princess Daphne season axed

Michael Bruce

Spiralling fuel costs have forced Classic International Cruises to cancel Princess Daphne’s maiden season in Sydney.

The cruise line has also announced that it will transfer the 16 cruises planned for the Funchal over to the flagship Athena vessel.

The Funchal was scheduled to operate out of Fremantle and Adelaide this Summer, while the Princess Daphne was slated to operate seven cruises out of Sydney.

Classic International Cruises managing director Grant Hunter said rising fuel prices had made it “financially impossible” for the company to bring two ships from Europe to Australia. “If the four long line voyages had proceeded, we would have been forced to impose hefty levies on passengers on these voyages to cover the massive cost of fuel, which we felt would have been unfair and untenable,” Hunter said.

Passengers who were booked on the Funchal will be transferred to a similar cabin category on Athena, at no additional cost. Those who were booked on Princess Daphne’s maiden season have been offered free flights to Perth and a comparable cruise duration on the Athena.

“If the fuel issue subsides, we are hopeful we can introduce the 500-passenger Princess Daphne to the Australia east coast in a subsequent season,” Hunter said. “Passengers have not needed to make final payments yet so we anticipate the process of rebooking passengers to be a smooth one,” Hunter said.

Enjoyed your review of your cruise on the Mercury. At one stage, we considered doing a cruise on her through the Panama Canal in December.

I like ships about her size.

Ruby - I was seeking information on Orlova for my daughter who is booked in January.

I know she was keen on the longer journey, which includes Falkland and South Georgia Islands.

Further re flight times from Australia.

Following research, found direct flights to Milan from Singapore, which met our requirements of not travelling via Sydney or London/European ports, so we've booked -

Singapore Airlines

Brisbane to Milan - 24 hrs 1 min - yeh!!

Milan to Brisbane - 35 hrs 1 min :( with a day in Singapore and a late night departure.

Plus check in times, of course!!

We forgoed the direct flight home, as it was $400 pp extra. Depending how we shape up, we can either enjoy a day in Singapore or get a hotel room to recover :).

Once, I would just buy a ticket from A to B, then discover later we were on a Cook's Tour en route - not anymore!

Yes, atw is around the world.

I agree you can't beat the price of the YMCA in its superb location. We had a peak into the Peninsula and Sheraton (?) nearby. How lovely for your friends to be able to join you for afternoon tea at the Peninsula.

In London, we love splashing out on a lingering afternoon tea and touring in the front row upstairs of the double decker buses.

Haven't tasted shark fin soup.

There have been reports here of Japanese long line fishermen throwing sharks back in to the sea, after cutting the fins off.

How cruel and such a waste. Shark, sold here as flake, is a popular inexpensive fish, for many people.

My daughter has just sent me the following itinerary, part of an atw ticket -

Brisbane to Bangkok, Thailand - 9 hours 11 mins.

Bangkok to Zurich, Switzerland - 12 hours 30 mins.

Zurich to London - 1 hr 55 mins

plus connection times - ugh!!

Did your flight from LAX to Sydney come via Cairns in North Queensland or direct to Sydney? Sorry, I don't know how many hours it would take to fly from the Top End of Queensland to Sydney.

We have flown from Brisbane to Horn Island, ferry to Thursday Island, then ferry to the Top End of Queensland. Can't remember how long it took.

I just looked at return flights to Genoa, Italy from Brisbane, via Dubai, and it was 31 hrs 2 mins over and 28 hrs 0 mins back. The aim is to find the least flying time.

Did I mention that we can buy Combination Fares here, where you fly the short leg to Asia in economy, then the long leg to Europe, on a European carrier in business class. There are also Combination Business/First Class fares. I have enjoyed the former, but the latter is just a dream!

Your experiences of staying at the Peninsula Hotel sound just wonderful. We stayed at the YMCA for its waterfront location (and price).

Our hotel highlight was the former Railway Hotel (Thailand's Raffles, now a Sofitel) at Hua Hin in Bangkok.

Yes, Australians are great long distance travellers.

When my daughter and I went to London for a wedding a couple of years ago, my daughter bought the cheapest economy fare with Qatar/Singapore Airlines, which went via Singapore (6 hour stopover) and Doha (4 hour stopover). During the latter, it was so crowded, she had to sit on the floor, as they were modernising their airport. I'm way past that, so flew Royal Brunei business class.

We think of Brisbane to HK or Singapore as a short leg, and wonderful places to break the long journey to Europe.

Lots of Australians travel overseas to ski, including our younger daughter, who skied in NZ last year and northern Japan this year in February. She is now planning to ski in France at the end of the year. Takes her own ski gear, so doesn't get much luggage entitlement.

I agree international flights are becoming almost too tiresome to bear for us older folk. I wonder if it will go full circle and we'll return to overseas travel by ship, as my generation did on their first big overseas trip?

Thank you for your enjoyable review and tips. Galapagos Islands are on my wish list.

Re your question about how we plan to travel to Genoa, from Australia, to join our cruise.

We haven't booked yet, but it is low season and there are lots of options, via Asia or the Middle East. We prefer routes which fly from Brisbane and don't go via Sydney or London.

With European airlines, such as Air France, you fly with Qantas to Hong Kong or Singapore, then Air France to Genoa/Milan. Thai, you fly via Singapore or Bangkok. We usually break our journey one way at least.

In the good old days, we used to fly both ways via the States to get the 2 suitcases 70 lbs each entitlement, versus 1 suitcase 20 kilos, via Asia.

BTW Our elder daughter has booked an Antarctica/Falkland Islands/South Georgia cruise for January 2009.

today I have signed up for Corinthian II on expedition to Antarctica in January 2010. It suddenly occurred to me that, on an Antarctica cruise, there will be no shore guides, taxi drivers, heat, foreign currencies, or air pollution to be dealt with. My sole responsibility will be to compare Far South icebergs to Far North icebergs and penguins to polar bears.

What a wonderful adventure to look forward to, Ruby. Enjoy the anticipation. No doubt you'll be well read on the Antarctica prior to your departure.

That's great news, Ruby.

An interesting Qantas history link -

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/history/details20

How could I forget Australian Airlines (formerly TAA).

You will notice that in 2002 Qantas launched a new international Australian Airlines, but it wasn't a financial success and ceased in 2006.

No winter yet, Ruby, as I'm still in shorts and thongs. This is a beautiful time of the year here, with clear bright blue skies, and cool evenings.

You are no doubt enjoying Spring. We really only have summer and winter in the sub tropics.

I hadn't heard that one, however they do have the best stewards.

No, we don't have many Australian domestic or international airlines.

Domestic airlines in Australia are Qantas, Jetstar (Qantas budget airline) and Virgin Blue. Qantas absorbed a number of small regional airlines, which fly under the QantasLink banner.

International are Qantas, Jetstar (Asia and Pacific Routes) and VAustralia from the end of the year.

Did you enjoy your Greenland/Iceland voyage last year, despite the rough seas?

Sounds like a most interesting book, which you have ordered. I agree knowing some history in advance certainly adds to the enjoyment of travels. I hope you enjoy the book.

We once did an Elderhostel cruise on the Rivers of Holland. The experience was greatly enhanced by the wide variety of books available on board on the three themes - water, art and the war. Trouble was I'd have been quite happy to stay on board just reading the books, instead of exploring all the ports of call en route.

Speaking of acronyms, did you know Qantas stands for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (hence no "u" after "q")?

Kapricorn,

Another world cruise round trip from Sydney on Dawn Princess, 104 nights departing on 5th July, 2009.

Franu,

Yes, Gallipoli means a lot to Australians and New Zealanders.

Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Australia and New Zealand take turns in presenting the Gallipoli dawn service, in which both countries take part, as well as representatives from Turkey and other countries which took part.

In addition, a dawn service was held in the Somme Valley, France, on Anzac Day this year for the first time ninety years after the diggers fell.

Druke 1

I agree the Canadian Rockies are spectacular. I was so enchanted on my first visit in my youth, I did the route from Calgary to Vancouver, back to Calgary, back to Vancouver, on a US/Canada Greyhound bus pass, so I would see it all.

Franu

I also enjoy the social aspects of long distance train travel, as well as the convenience of a fast, efficient service.

It is a pity the US let the once great Amtrak run down. I still prefer it over air for short trips from say NY to Boston. However, our family once made the mistake of taking a return train trip from Orlando to Montreal, Canada. The train wasn't clean, the toilets got blocked and the airconditioning didn't work, in winter.

Saga Rose

Looking forward to hearing about your cruise to the Black Sea.

Re NZ, driving does give you wonderful independence to go where and when you choose.

Some places subconsciously remind you of home. When I break the long flight home in Hawaii, the smells and flora of Hawaii automatically remind me of tropical north Queensland, which I love.

It is Anzac Day here, so I must go and watch the Dawn Service.

Your cruise to Alaska next May sounds interesting. Finishing in Vancouver has to be a big attraction. Anything which eliminates air travel is a bonus.

Yes, I know about your transcontinental railway, as I love long distance train travel.

Last time we were in Canada, we caught the train from Victoria half way up Vancouver Island, then a bus the other half. Then a ferry, then the train from Prince Rupert to Jasper, with two stopovers en route. Then a bus from Jasper to Calgary - a wonderful train/bus/ferry trip. After which, we picked up a hire car.

Didn't see the Nymph of Nullabor, but heard of her, and saw the postcards. :)

Kapricorn,

Bon Voyage. Must be a lovely finale to a cruise to end in your home port, and such a beautiful port at that.

Saga Ruby

What a lovely time you had in Tasmania. No wonder, you like to return to relax and recharge your batteries. I agree, Tasmania is an easy State to visit, with its short distances and small population. In addition to its spectacular scenery, it has delicious food and wonderful handicrafts.

I find most Aussies are warm and hospitable, especially in the bush. I think it is due to the isolation, where people have to help each other to survive in a country, which can be rather harsh.

Geckos - We have them in our home and yes, they are wonderful bug catchers. We also have the large lizards in our backyard. Last week, my husband saw a snake cross the front drive, but that is rare.

The Indian-Pacific is one of the world's longest train journeys. It takes 3 nights to cover the 4352 klm from Sydney to Perth. Yes, it crosses the Nullabor Plains, which is a highlight of "nothingness"! I loved that train journey and would like to repeat it one day.

http://www.gsr.com.au

We have since driven the same route, which is also enjoyable, because you can spend much longer enjoying the unique beauty of the Nullabor Plains.

Part of the road through the Nullabor Plains is the longest straight stretch of road in the world. One section is marked for the Flying Doctor to land. Driving the Nullabor, you know you are in the Outback.

There is another long train journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin, NT, on The Ghan. I wish I had done it on the old Ghan, from Adelaide to Alice Springs, which was quite an adventure, I believe. Friends have enjoyed their trip on the modern Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs, but it doesn't appeal to me, because the passenger train was built for tourists (high cost), whilst the line was built for freight (has priority).

We enjoyed a similiar cruise from Sydney to Darwin in 2003, however we spent time in NT, in lieu of continuing on to Asia.

Sounds like you had quite an adventure flying to Kakadu by light aircraft.

You have certainly seen some beautiful parts of Australia. We plan to travel north only as far as Cairns this year, then back inland, via the Atherton Tableland and Charters Towers, to Townsville, to rejoin the beautiful coastal route.

We love Tasmania also - food for the soul. I agree, Tasmania is a great place to relax and recharge your batteries. It is many Queenslander's favourite tourist place, as it is so different. To us, it is more "English", with its small size, history and changeable weather to match.

Sounds like you've had some wonderful adventures, both land and sea, in Australia, so were able to get a real feel for the country.

I must admit I hadn't thought of small plane flight excursions from a cruise ship, as it circumnavigated Australia. That opportunity would open up a whole new world of the Outback.

So pleased you were able to enjoy Kakadu National Park, Ruby. When we were on a similiar boat tour, we stopped close to shore to admire a beautiful big bird. None of us saw the crocodile slide up between boat and shore until it grabbed the bird, did a death roll, and was gone. The boat driver said there was a photographer on the river, who had been waiting a fortnight for such a photo opportunity.

You were fortunate to share the aborigines unique infinity with the bush. The use of the term "Abo" is definitely derogatory and an insult.

Yes, we have some great coastal drives around Australia. We love getting off the highway to explore the beaches, along the Queensland coast, many with not a sole in sight. Palm Cove is one of our favourite stopovers. On our trip up north last year, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the waterfront Reef House.

I like your choice, as late January is a good time to visit down south and NZ, weatherwise. In addition, most of the long summer school holidays will be finished by then.

Bon Voyage!

Kapricorn, Your prior trip would have given you a nice taste of the east coast.

It depends, but probably not. Distances are large in this country so they'd need to spend longer in port.

However, it is really a personal choice and there would certainly be lots of sea days.

I can see why they are introducing these cruises, as it is common in Australia for grey nomads to do a big trip around the block in a caravan or motor home. For people who have already travelled this route by road, a relaxing cruise could be attractive. Also it would be attractive for those now too old to attempt such a big road trip, which is an Australian dream.

Unfortunately, many of the cruises are in the northern winter, which is our summer, which is not the time to travel north (too hot, too wet, cylone season, etc.).

The best time to travel north is our winter (your summer), however our summer is an excellent time to visit the south, including Tasmania and NZ.

When I cruised from Sydney to Freemantle, nothing was open until the ship left Australian waters after Freemantle, which was a huge disappointment. That might not be the case now. In addition, the Great Australian Bight was up there with the Bay of Biscay for rough seas, and most on the ship were seasick. The return trip across the Nullabor by train Perth to Sydney, however, was one of life's highlights and a great introduction to the Outback.

However, we did a repositioning cruise from Sydney to Darwin, which I would highly recommend. It was wonderful to travel through the Great Barrier Reef, around Thursday Island, across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Darwin. We were fortunate to have an excellent pilot on board, who made the cruise an informative educational one. His services were only required for the passage through the Great Barrier Reef, but he stayed the whole cruise.

For those short of time, I would recommend what we did one time "an around Australia by air tour" - Cairns, Thursday Island (Punsand Bay), Cairns, Alice Springs (Ayres Rock), Broome (Lombadina and Cape Leveque), Perth (Southern WA), with a week's car hire at each. We have also driven across southern Australia, across the Nullabor, which was a wonderful trip, but this takes time.

WA is famous for its wildflowers around September (our Spring), which a beautiful time to travel.

Hope this is not too much information.

Kapricorn

They are repositioning a lot more ships to Australia now. Some will be circumnativing Australia, others will be cruising the popular Aus-NZ route, as well as the Pacific.

Sun Princess is marketing their cruise as "Grand Pacific World Cruise" - 75 nights departing Sydney 14th July 2008.

Saga Ruby

I wonder if Delta/NW will fly to Australia, under the new Open Skies Agreement between US and Australia. There used to be a lot of US Carriers which flew to Australia, but United is the only one remaining.

Unless they increase capacity, I suspect US passengers are going to have difficulty getting seats to fly from US to Australia/NZ to cruise on the increasing number of ships being repositioned to Australia. Even though VAustralia commences flying the US-Aus route later in the year.

BTW Delta and North West were my favourite US airlines. Our family once flew Sydney to London direct with North West for double ff points, then used the points to fly to Japan, when we learnt that North West was no longer flying from Australia.

Conte Di Savoia

Re ticket pricing, I suspect pricing depends on what the market will bear. In Australia, being an island, we have always paid higher for flights and cruises.

Because of competition from the Asia/Middle Eastern Carriers, we can fly cheaper to UK, via Asia/Middle East, than to US. In additon, European carriers offer attractive combination fares (economy to Asian gateways, where you can break the long journey, and business to Europe), which beat the new Premium Economy fares being offered by a long shot.

My daughter flew through American Airlines on a return Qantas flight from Australia to UK, because of their more generous ff awards, which she later used to fly around US/Canada off season.