sandydownunder

Jared I know how annoyed you are. It is not just cruises. Rocky Mountaineer is playing the same games. We didn't cancel they did. The word cancel is not part of their vocabulary. Our rail trip was "postponed".

Best of luck fighting for a refund.

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post. I have discovered that the ship is stopping in Anchorage not Seward but we haven't been advised officially. It suits me because as I said I've been to Seward twice and have always wanted to see Anchorage. The ship is the only one missing out because we will visit the Alaska Zoo, Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Centre on our own.

Thanks wolfie 11. You are absolutely correct. It is the only way it could work. We are just beginning to find out that our itinerary has been changed with out us being told. Ours says Anchorage (Seward) 9am - 5 pm.

If you don't mind me asking another question. Is it easy to do your own sight seeing in Anchorage seeing we'll be docking in Anchorage?

Thanks mapleleaves for your reply. Wow! I didn't factor in road repairs or traffic jams. This is just a port visit from 9am to 5 pm. The cruise doesn't finish until Vancouver. The one we'd like to do Anchorage & Museum is leaving at 10.30 am. The other two are leaving at 12.30 pm. Looks like they couldn't possibly be fitted in for a 5pm departure. Weird!

I have been to Seward twice before but not to Anchorage. I'd like to visit. My research indicates Anchorage is 120 miles from Seward. This would probably be a two hour journey each way. The ship offers three excursions but two don't seem to fit time wise. Anchorage with Museum is a 5 hour trip. The other two Anchorage Highlights and Alaskan Zoo, and Anchorage Highlights and Native Culture are both 3.5 hour excursions. Has anyone done these trips with Cunard? I'll be on the QE2 in May. I will call Cunard Australia on Monday but they don't seem to know what is going on from my previous conversations with them.

No I haven't. Just the one leaving May 15th -19 nights. Perhaps we should start one. I'll give it a go.

Hi LittleFish.

That's good news. I like the "free" part. Are you on the Roll Call? I must come over and sign up. My friend Fiona & I are also staying on to Vancouver.

Fulfilling my dream. Going on the circumnavigation of Japan next May. Researching one of the ports (Kanazawa) I found out the QE2 berths in an industrial area. Other lines offer a shuttle to the down town area either free or for a small payment. Does Cunard generally do this in out-of-the-way ports? I'd appreciate a general account or even better if you have been to Kanazawa a more detailed account of what to expect.

Thanks

Thanks PCWalton1. It makes sense. A visa it is for me.;)

Good on Royal Caribbean. I've been reading the same articles. I have an Australian passport and we are one of the countries included in the 144 hour free visa entry.. Like other posters I am scared Holland America won't let us on the ship in Yokahama without a visa. I called HAL in Australia and was told I must have a Visa for China.We are going from a port in Japan prior to Shanghai where we stay overnight then our next port is back in Japan. We have no other ports in China.Do you think the cruise lines take some time to catch up with the latest requirements? I'd rather pay for a HAL shore excursion in Shanghai than an expensive stamp in my passport if it is not required.

Anyone go to Peace Park from the Hiroshima Cruise Terminal by public transport?

Advice gratefully received.

Can anyone who has been to Busan recently tell me if there is a money changing facility in the cruise terminal to get some South Korean Won?

There was when I went quite a few years ago. Several persons operating like a mobile bank. You could change your money back at the end of your visit. Probably replaced with ATM's these days.

Will be in Busan from 7am - 4pm April 20th. Would love to visit this temple. Could any previous cruiser to Busan advise if there are people around the port gates offering tours? Anyone done this temple independently?

Thanks:)

Thanks for the three replies. Roberts tours was a gem. We are going to book 5 tours with them (all islands) with a discount. Great for us seeing our $ is not doing so well.

Sandra

Does anyone know if private tour operators offer tours from the Kahului port? Are they standing outside the port gates when you disembark?

NCL offers a transfer to Lahaina for AUS$57.50, I think that would be US$40. We could do that as there would be more to see at Lahaina.

Most recommendations on Cruise Critic suggest hiring a car but we don't want to do that(seniors who are apprehensive driving on the right hand side of the road).

If anyone knows private tour companies offering tours from this port we'd be grateful for the information.

Thankyou.

I did what several posters recommended and contacted the Mariner Society. What a great response! I have been told to go to the Front Desk (they even worked out the date for me). My status will be checked with Head Office and I will have my upgrade for the second segment. Below is a quote from the email I received.

Quote

Guests sailing on multiple segmented voyages who cross over to a higher Star level during one of their segments will receive the upgraded Star level on the next segment.

I am impressed with the efficient way the Mariner Society has responded and delighted with the outcome.

Thankyou to everyone who took the time to respond to this thread and offer advice.

Thanks Everyone. Lots of good advice. Another advantage may be that my friend and I have booked a guarantee cabin. Don't know if they will require us to change cabins after the first leg. That would mean a new key card and the perfect time to change my status (in my opinion).

Hi Everyone. I will contact the Mariners Society and ask. They may come to the party on the way back from Rotterdam (where the second cruise begins).

Thanks for the advice. I'm not in luck. It is booked as one cruise.

Going on Voyage of the Vikings (35 nights) next year. It will be almost 10 years since I've sailed on HAL. I'm sure there will be lots of changes.

I have 191 days. After 9 days on board will they upgrade me to 4 star mariner? On a 35 night cruise I would like the free laundry perk. Do you think they'll make me wait until my next cruise with HAL?

Many thanks to you both. Appreciate the help.

Sandra

Hi ekkc10753,

Noticed you didn't get any help with your questions. Now that you have been to Eidjford could you share what you did? I'll be there in August next year 2016.

Many thanks.

Sandra

Thanks. I just tried again and it is working now. Don't know why it wasn't.

I'm having the same problem with his web site. I got in about a week ago but can't now.

Sandra

Thanks every one. We have chosen 6126 unobstructed for $150 each per cruise.

6190 obstructed was going to be $100 each per cruise. A no brainer really $50 extra for unobstructed.

One of the cruises is 16 nights so it works out at $9.37 a day. The other in the B2B is 12 nights.

We are thrilled. Great bargains out there.