bobhsv

Very true ....Thats what we have found in our travels ...research as much as you can to know what could be available and then just go with the flow.

We wasted an hour waiting for a bus on the south coats of France once , only to be told that the timetable had changed the week before.:D

Most annoying when you only have one day in a port:rolleyes:

 

That's funny! We are well aware of buses in Noumea. First time we went, we caught (tried to catch) the bus back from the aquarium. One would think the stop was on opposite side of road, but no, not at this stop. The bus we got on went way out into the countryside and terminated. Had to get a very expensive taxi back to port that day.

Re the Explorer.....we will wait until we get there and cross our fingers their timing is correct.

Thanks for quick responses. Explains why I couldn't find web site! Great to read it now stops outside the terminal (never used to). This will make our day very easy. I see on your link David, that it goes (or did in 2008) up to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. That's handy.

Again, thanks.

Can't seem to find a web site (in English) for the Noumea Explorer Hoho bus. Can anyone help out?

Wish to see the timetable and stops, plus closest stop to main terminal. Thanks.

Link?

 

Apologise, but hadn't posted link as was unsure at the time re contravening the cc rules of advertising. I see it is posted......but here it is again:)

 

Great publicity for Royal Caribbean. I am sure their bookings will jump. Has made us think we need to book another cruise with RCCL. I would have liked a longer look at the cabins and food areas though.

As i thought it has been geo blocked :(

 

The full show, minus ads, is now on you tube.:)

Also following this thread. Such a good question David. I am surprised that a TA hasn't posted, as it is obvious they frequent these boards. Perhaps one could offer some insight. We can book with some TA's in the states, so I really can't see any difference, unless we have laws restricting these sales.

 

I am thinking that it would be possible. However, in some instances their fees may outweigh any currency gains. Fees like their cancellations policies, fees for using a credit card etc. Many overseas people prebook their tours, so why can't they book a cruise?

Yes and no. Not general pets, but they do allow what are called "service animals" which sometimes causes some 'issues'.

 

Here is link to Southwest policy on carrying pets onboard.....simply for your interest:) The dogs we saw were small variety (lap dogs). They will allow a maximum of 6 per flight, and are 'meant' to be placed in a carry basket whilst in the air. We found this policy unusual/interesting.

 

https://www.southwest.com/pets/

Thank goodness I read this threat - I was worried that someone was suggesting that some real pet be taken on board when I saw the thread title.

 

I have read in the past where some cruisers in the USA would actually like to take there real pets when cruising - I hope that will never happen although I know that the QM2 had kennels when we sailed on her several years ago - still not sure if they are still on board.

 

Was thinking the same, like you. Also thinking, puts a new slant to the phrase 'poop deck'.:D So pleased to read they are stuffed animals.

In the USA, Southwest Airlines allow pets onboard their flights. We saw quite a few trotting down the aisle. I can't imagine it would ever be allowed on modern day cruises though, for hygiene reasons.

Yes. It was a nice surprise.

 

That's great news. Glad it worked out for the better.

Here is a link to pic of the cots Carnival use. I also read that some people purchase magnetic hooks and a cheap shower curtain....................They use this to hang the shower curtain from the ceiling to go around the cot, re privacy for baby. Kinda like their own little room.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2088500

 

Re reheating milk. Just take bottle up to the buffet area, dining room and ask. Milk is also available from there.

We were on the Millennium last year, cruising with friends from the States. We booked both rooms at the same time, next to eachother. At the terminal on embarkation, our friends were informed they had a different stateroom. Same category balcony, but totally different area. Worked out ok, but we were all surprised at the late change. This cruise was sold out months before we left home.

Another vote for the Panorama by Rhombus Kowloon. Stayed there 5 nights last year. Perfect position, large clean rooms (HK is notorious for their small hotel rooms), outstanding views across the harbour. We booked the Club Room, which comes with added benefits, such as free nibblies and drinks each night. Well worth the few extra bucks! Loads of cheap eating places nearby. A safe area 24/7.

Def sail out from Sydney. That is not to say that sailing from Auckland is not nice, it is (love all of NZ)....but Sydney is outstanding. You will be far happier seeing Sydney's majestic harbour during sailaway, than you would coming back in early morning. Have sailed many times from Sydney, and never tire of the views. I am positive others will agree.

Def the tram down to Glenelg, perhaps doing this in the morning. Then back into the city, and catch 'Popeye' for a cheap cruise getting off at the Zoo, and returning back to Elder Park via Popeye.

Here is some info on Popeye.........

http://www.thepopeye.com.au/index.html

Many thanks for replying I will contact Mike to see what he comes up with sounds good.

 

I tracked down our deposit and got details of cost. (Good old Paypal which this company uses). We paid deposit very early when our dollar was on parity with US. Deposit was US$52. We paid the balance on completion of tour again in US$ purchased when on parity (lucky). Total cost for the tour for all 6 people was US$522. Tad more than I had thought, but still a good price.

With our dollar being so low atm, perhaps see if Thai Bahts are a cheaper way to pay. ie get him to quote in Thai Bahts, then check on a currency conversion site.......unless you have some US$ stacked away:)

Many thanks for your reply we are definitely interested in doing the floating market, and I think there is a timber temple near Pattang, what did Bangkok asia charge you for the day please?

 

The timber temple near Pattaya is called The Sanctuary of Truth. Well worth seeing as mentioned before. You have to drive through Pattaya to get to this unique structure. There are a few floating markets. The one we went to was on the road back from Pattaya to ship, and also the one used by the cruiselines. I believe there is a larger one further afield. We did not purchase there, finding it far too commercial and not very cheap. Perhaps we are fussy! Suggest you rethink re the Nong Nooch Gardens. We actually did not want to go, but others in group did. Very pleasantly surprised, and a place I could revisit. Thought it was going to be 'tacky' but not so. You are placed onto an open air bus and driven around these amazing sculpted plants. Different themes everywhere. Lots of great pics. The show was what we expected, lasting a half hr, but it was not 'cruel'....more circus like, with some traditional dancing (nice) and some kick boxing (interesting).

Unfortunately I no longer have our Asian quotes....had a huge cruise paper clean up recently. I do remember that his prices were very reasonable, and cheaper than many others. There were 6 of us, and by memory the day cost $50/$60pp, but I can't be sure. Easy to email for a quote. Write your preferences, and am sure Mike will come up with a plan for the day.

As we can only do 1 day did you have a preference on which day you preferred and who did you go through please?

 

We used Bangkok Asia Travel. http://www.bangkokasiatravel.com/?lang=en

All correspondence was answered quickly. Mike is the operator. We did extensive research into this at the time, and we were not disappointed. He is easily able to alter his suggested cruise ship tours. eg we did not wish to see the Tiger Zoo, and he was very obliging to come up with a plan that suited us for the day. The floating markets are on the road between the port and Pattaya, which is why I assume most companies will add this to the itinerary, incl the cruise ship tours.

Hard to choose between the Bangkok day, which we did with Tours with Tong, or the Pattaya surrounds day with Bangkok Asia Travel....so very different, scenic wise Bangkok highlight was the Palace and the river cruise, which took a half day.....the rest was spent negotiating traffic and Buddhas. We were back late that day, after 8pm. Took longer to return than get into Bangkok. Other tours came back in later. My choice re just your one day would be to stay closer to the ship, and go for a tour in Pattaya area. I would NOT chance the heavy traffic coming back from Bangkok...not a chance in the world! Heavy traffic, lots of semis going to the port. Bit risky to be back onboard by 6pm.

Back to Mike, and Bangkok Asia Travel....clean, well mannered, extremely obliging to fullfil your needs on the day, informative and fully aware re the need to have you back well on time. Totally recommend him. He had the knack of missing other tour times too. eg. at the buffet at Nong Nooch Gardens, he made sure we were the first people to enter and eat. We had this huge eating area to ourselves, first dip at the yummy food. Impressed that this was so well planned.

Any other questions, happy to answer.

We were there a few months ago. First day went into Bangkok. Long day but totally worth it. Highlights were the Palace (camera overload) and the Canal ride, but enjoyed the rest. Perhaps too many Buddhas, but hey, we weren't to know. Hint pick 1 or 2, not 4 like us. Second day we did a tour with same company to Pattaya and surrounds. This entailed morning stop at the Nong Nooch Gardens with lunch, a quick drive through Pattaya without stopping, on to the Sanctuary of Truth, and then the floating markets. We are not 'garden' people, but the Nong Nooch Gardens were out of this world. The lunch was superb also. Could have stayed all day here. A place I could visit again easily. Pattaya was soso!! Sanctuary of Truth was awe inspiring, great views, requiring at least an hrs time there. The floating markets, to us, were slightly disappointing. Nice to see, but not quite what we expected ie too commercial. Glad we did see Pattaya, even though it was a drive by. I can imagine how it lives up to it's reputation at night time!!

 

Laem Chabang port is out of the way, a working port. At the terminal there is a large shop full of nicknacks. We bought lots here, at very reasonable prices. This shop will be open until the gangplank is pulled up.

To be honest, I do not know how much you need to put on your account at check in, I think it may be up to the individual, but I know they they do collect cash at check in,which is designed I guess, to save the crew on board from having to do it. Carnival Aust is the only cruiseline in Oz to do this.

 

Thanks for mentioning this. Will make sure son understands. I am assuming it may be just a couple of hundred. Will have to wait and see.

 

Jen if you register your CC at check in there's no need to put down cash just do it a later during the cruise, we like to pay cash and only a little bit goes on the CC

 

Hi Bob. Yes that's how we normally do it too. Son however is ticking the cash box, as he doesn't possess a cc, and I have steered him away from using the debit card details. A real pain if the debit card has a hold on it for a week or more after the cruise. Obviously he will have enough cash, but sensible just to place minimal cash on at beginning, then pay more at pursers desk like us. Time for him to get a cc:)

It would not matter if you register a credit or debit card or cash as this is purely the method of paying for whatever you spend, and that is up to you ( and your willpower:D ). With Carnival you have to pay cash up front when you check in.

You will not need a health form as they do not collect them as they just ask you at check in how you are feeling:confused::confused:

 

What do you mean by 'with Carnival you have to pay cash upfront when you check in'? Can you give an indication of how much for an 8 nighter?

 

We are used to topping up at pursers desk one or two days into the cruise, and then whenever we choose from then on.....not on check in. We do however register the credit card to cover for emergencies (like excess perfume:)). Asking cos son will prob be a cash only cruiser.

Les, we stayed at the Hotel Panorama by Rhombus in Kowloon a few months ago. Def a hotel we would book again. We opted for the Club Harbourview room. This was spectacular. Large room, clean and views to die for. The club rooms include a 'happy hour', which goes for quite a few hours, and the nibblies provided sufficed us well and truly for dinner each night. Also included the buffet breakfast which was above average. On the top floor of this hotel is a great open air viewing point for the light show, or to sit and relax and exjoy more views across the harbour. If you email them they will offer you a good/better price than anywhere on the net. We found this out after we had booked, but friends took up their offer. Plenty of eating places very close by, including Maccas which DH wanted after a few days. The underground train station is also just up on the next corner, say a 1 minute walk. Modern hotel, easy access, and just far enough away from the noise of Nathan Road.....but safe and lots of people around at all times of night.
Most cruisers will opt for the Salisbury, but we wanted a bit more luxury for same price. Rooms are larger than most HK hotels. Highly recommend.
Jen

Thanks for your comments.

Would like your opinions please re anytime dining on Carnival Spirit. We are a group of 10, 6 adults and 4 children (2,3,8 and 10). Just a couple of questions....

 

1. Are there enough tables for 10 within anytime, or would we most likely be split up?

 

2. Is there enough 'vision' from upstairs to see the staff entertainment downstairs?

 

3. What are the wait times like?

 

Thanks for any feedback:)

We prefer the port side for these ports, purely because this side coincides with the ranger tutorial whilst sailing through Milford Sound. Also going northbound from Dunedin up, you will catch glimpses of the coastline.