Seaspray8

So far almost 4 months and still counting for our isolation days on Coral. When we were disembarked by Princess in Brisbane (as we were still positive), half way through our B2B cruises, we were advised that the FCC would be in our account within 30 days.

Numerous phones later, and promises to sort it within 72 hours, still nothing. Last contact was last week with a promise that a member of the "Solutions Team" would phone back within 24 hours, and I should "leave the phone line open".  Still nothing!

Had such great hopes of the new terminal, so far transport is a real pain! 

You could try a taxi to Doomben Station (4.3km) - then catch the Clevelend train to Roma Street, a direct service. The Cleveland  train commence its journey at Doomben Station and leaves every half hour, journey time is 27 minutes.  If you need help with luggage the Station Attendant will place a ramp to allow roll up of bags - and will let Rome Street know to have another ramp available when you leave the train - the old stations have a sizable gap between platform and train level. Happy journey.

Thank you all so much for the helpful information - really appreciated your time in describing the varying flavors of the two cruises. It made it easy for us to decide that down stream is probably best for us as the ports are of great interest. Happy travelling to all.

Hi,  

Travelling from Australia to do our first USA river cruise. Not sure about the weather/wind conditions during December along the Mississippi.

Which direction would be the most prudent, starting Memphis or New Orleans?

COVID has us questioning lots that we would have never given a thought. Thanks

Hi,

Have the same problem with transport to the Brisbane Terminal. Good news, Andrews Parking Nundah are offering a shuttle to the Cruise Terminal and the booking may be done online. The options are Cruise in/out Brisbane, Cruise out Fly in, and Fly in Cruise out. For a 2 week car stay, drop off at the Cruise terminal and pick up at Bne Airport, cost $180.  Apart from the cost, only other disadvantage is that you cannot nominate the time you would like the Ship shuttle. Andrews will advise the shuttle times 48 hrs from sail date.

Thank you - that's a relief :)

Hi,

We will be on the Quest in July and plan to do the Flam Railway journey on our own. The ship is due to arrive at 7am and will be at Tender.

Does anyone know how long usually it will take to get ashore. The only available train in the morning is at 8.35am and I am concerned that we may not make it. Thanks in advance.

Normally gratuities are not included in the cruise fare - however some Australian TAs add it to the initial invoice and request prepayment, and some cruise lines occasionally include them as a sale perk.

Check your invoice and it should clearly detail whether gratuities have been included or paid. If not you should expect to find it on your account at the end of the cruise.

Australian TAs have recently won an industry decision to allow passengers leaving from Australian ports to decline automatic gratuities - although in effect most cruise lines will not add auto gratuities if the request is made at the beginning of the cruise.

Personally I prefer the automatic gratuity system and just budget accordingly -previously one had always to have cash handy which was a pain.

Baytraller - agree with you absolutely. We were considering a Baltic cruise in June this year but discovered the US price was 62% cheaper than that offered to Australians. As a point of principle we wont book with a company who discriminates against any particular sector and who also stipulate where passengers are permitted to book.

HAL seems to have only recently joined this Carnival "policy" - what a shame!

As the internet further entrenches one world- one pricing, some cruise companies need to join the rest of us in the 21st century.

any new Seabourn guest in OZ about to take your first cruise and seeking a referral coupon.... feel free to email me on the Sunshine Coast at calbocca@gmail.com

Thanks Bocca - I have sent you an email altho I not sure about the timing, our final payment is due In August for a November sailing.