Aussieflyer

QM2 is a special ship (or she was for the three times I have been on board). I just love her. The concerts and lectures were fabulous and were tailored for the region sailing through. Food in the MDR had improved from the first cruise and was generally excellent. We had a hosted table on one cruise which was wonderful; in hindsight my companion (Pushka) and I should probably asked for a different table on the third cruise as table mates were strange to say the least and one person had a real chip on her shoulder against Australians. There were always plenty of cultural activities for sea days and I would love to be on her again.

Please don't take my word as gospel. The weather made for many more people inside so maybe that's why it felt more crowded. And of course, a day on the ocean beats one stuck in your lounge room! The ship is very new and so things are 'nice' - no noticeable rusting and not the awful sewerage smell I remember from Dawn and Sea. MUTs seemed to be a much better screen and sound system which was good as well. We certainly enjoyed ourselves - don't get me wrong on that.

I too am just off the Majestic and agree with most of what was said above. We had a Penthouse suite close to the concierge lounge which was great, but: 1. I did not like the buffet - I thought food quality was pretty average and the layout was not particularly easy to navigate - agree on the plastic plates etc (similar to other ships though not just Majestic). 2. Lifts were very hit and miss - many times a long wait and then packed. 3. Conservatory was pleasant for the small amount of time could use it but I thought it was a child-free zone - there were several groups playing loudly. 4. Masks were noticeably absent at times (in the theatre especially). Good to see staff trying to enforce this but there were also a lot of chin breathers! 5. Crown was fine but Bistrot Sur La Mer was in a very open area with people walking past. 6. International Cafe was difficult to get a seat - too many activities in the Piazza meant that people staked a claim! 7. I felt staff were not as overall friendly as on Coral (August) or even Grand (early Nov). Weren't as proactive at seeing if you wanted a drink etc. 8. And I really missed Crooners - the bars (although more of them) had limited seating and no real ambience. 9. Suite breakfast at Harmony was quite poor (service slow) and not really warm to clients (we ended up having a light breakfast in the Concierge lounge which was much better). 10. Ship seemed crowded - weather was not good but still... My two cents worth - agree I won't be rushing back to Majestic.

The new international cruise terminal is basically in an industrial area with no facilities around . Hopefully at some point in the future the area will be redeveloped. For accommodation that is convenient for some siteseeing I would stay in the city though others prefer Hamilton area as suggested by Axcards above. If only wanting one night and not aiming to visit any sites, I woukd stay at the airport.

If you trawl through the ANZ site looking for TA, there will be a link to the information and a download to show it is valid. It can sometimes take a bit of digging though. EDIT - sorry didn't see that info had been posted above

I hope they do enforce it. There have been cases where those who have not followed the smoking rules have been removed or sanctioned. I don't see why people can't accept that cruising involves mask wearing for the foreseeable future. Masks should be seen as a part of 'living with COVID'. Frankly I don't care if people disagree with my view but if I am on a ship and about to get in the lift with a non-masked person I will make a comment and wait for another lift or where practicable take the stairs.

I agree Timtam - Grand P embarkation was a right debacle. There did not seem to be any proper priority line - I saw lots of Blue medallions in our queue and did wonder if Princess had given up. Like you I am boarding Majestic soon and was hoping for a more well organised approach. Coral P in BNE in August was super smooth.

Echoing all of the above. Hopefully the specialist renal people in Sydney will have answers. Son of a friend has had three transplants in Sydney over about 20 years. Although he has a specialist in CBR it is Sydney doctors who so the hard stuff. Glad to hear the you are feeling better.

According to ABC News, Carnival said there were about 800 infections on board. "The president of cruise operator Carnival Australia, Marguerite Fitzgerald, said there were about 800 people infected, who were mostly passengers." As the majority of infections were passengers, once they disembark, they are gone (assuming a few will be on B2B though). I am boarding next weekend so the news that most are passengers is reassuring.

As the requirement for isolation (on land) is no longer current, I can't see why positive cases wouldn't legally be allowed to fly. The advice is to isolate but if that is not possible then you should wear a mask and minimise time in the community. Airline requirements are set by states/territories now as well.

Thanks for the replies. It is all a bit muddy as last time I looked she was Tier 1 and I was happy - must have missed the move to Tier 2. I am boarding in a bit over a week so hoping things settle down a lot by then. 🙁

Majestic is showing on the NSW Health site as Tier 3 - any news from those on board about what the situation is?

Sorry to hear that Uncle Les - hopefully the surgeries can help. We are all hoping for the best. If you need to be in Canberra for anything and need help, let me know.

Which train do you refer to ? No public transport at all to BICT.

Yes - I should have clarified it was not the Ibis Budget! From all reports, that is not a good choice.

we stayed at the Ibis at the airport and it was perfectly fine - room was quite a good size and very clean. Didn't eat at the restaurant but menu looked ok. Was a toss up between it and the Pullman next door - toss of the coin really.

Was the RAT required for all passengers going ashore or just those who had been in iso? Interested to know as have a shore excursion in a couple of weeks in Tasmania as well. EDIT - Don't worry as have seen info on another thread.

That was my mistake (didn't engage the brain). Expedition cruises are expensive at all times. Have looked at Kimberley at times but not keen on $26+K for a cabin for the two of us for 8 days or so.

Most (all?) reef tours are full day. If you want to do both the reef and Mossman Gorge you would need to take a reef tour from one port (check carefully which ports you are going to stop at and what is offered) and Mossman from Port Douglas. Depending on the ship's itinerary you could be at either Yorky's Knob, Airlie Beach or Cairns with reef trips from each from memory. I was on the Coral Princess and went to the outer reef from Port Douglas. The one from Cairns did not go to a platform and so there were not glass bottomed boats or underwater viewing areas.The Cairns excursion seemed to be more geared for snorkelling. I know in the past passengers boarded the boat for the reef trip at Yorky's Knob directly from the ship.

Just came off a short Grand Princess cruise - SYD - MEL - not a lot of masks in evidence on board at all but fortunately only 2200 pax (can take 2600) and quite a bit of room around the ship, Two weeks till Majestic one to TAS. And a short land trip to Port Douglas before then (after next week at work).

If the lowest fare was around 6.5K that certainly is cheap for Antarctica - usually more than double that for 10 days. Unfortunately most leave from South America so a long (and $$) flight to get there in the first place. Antarctica and the Arctic are both particularly expensive for expedition cruises but for those who do go, unforgettable. I have been lucky to have done both.

And she's Tier 1 COVID which is great.

We have missed the western Sounds due to rough conditions but also delayed leaving from Dunedin. A friend missed Tauranga on their cruise though we never have.

It appears to be a hamster - note - no tail

Not what we wanted to hear Uncle Les. Take care and we will wait for the next results which might show a clear path of what is ahead. Knowing the treatment options and what to consider will help you decide what options to pursue.