Nelie

The Jewel and Dawn both go to Yorkey's Knob, not Cairns port, so it is a tender port.

 

I don't know why, since the Sun Princess fits into Cairns. I assume that both the P&O ships must have a deeper draught.

Mmm yeah that is sounding familiar. Any idea exactly where at yorkeys knob. Or how long tender takes approx

Anytime at all. I wish I could be of more help

 

I couldn't say regarding the ship sizes. I do however know that the P&O Pacific Aria and the Pacific Explorer were at Cairns at the exact same time on the 26th of August 2018 and we both fit in the wharf.

Oh awesome.

I tried to find where I had seen "big ships" can't use it. I think it was due to harbour depth. Anyway if it's based on length, then the Jewel was between Explorer and Aria. Starting to get some better feelings about the trip now. Hopefully I'll get off the ship in cairns now. I was looking at maybe getting some transport to flecker gardens. My mum is into flowers so I thought she would like that. I might be a bit bored but I figure she is going to miss out on some stuff if my anxiety plays up. Plus I do like taking photos. I use all the flower photos to make calender for her for Xmas :p

Thanks for the reply Nelie

 

I am leaning towards the Big W brand as they seam like the best quality without a huge price tag.

My mum hasn't used them but was asking me questions about mine on the last trip. The big w ones I saw were purple, her favourite colour so I might get her a set to see if she finds them useful.:D

Thanks for the advice.

I had read somewhere that Cairns can't handle some of this bigger ships . I'm on the Pacific Jewel and have no idea whether it was classified as big or not.I m 162cm tall. They are all big lol

List looks good.

If you want to save space you could get away with reducing the tops down. Wearing them more then once. I always pack more underwear as i find ill often shower in the morning and again just before dinner especially if its been a hot sweaty day or ive been in the pool. Maybe 1 less pair of jeans. My first trip to new caledonia and i was in cargo pants a thin jumper and a jacket as it was raining. It was also colder on the ship than i expected and i was grateful for my extra pants

I have packing cubes from Kathmandu although I did just lookup the big w ones and they do look nice would need to compare quality in person.

Packing cubes vs not is just like roll vs flat packing. Everyonehas their preference.

I’ve used packing cubes on several short trips an am lookingforward to using them on a longer trip next month.

Why I like them

They stop things flying around in suitcase if its not packedto the brim. Also good for softer bags like duffles. I find I can pack more inless space. Group things together like only formal wear or all warm weatherclothes if travelling with two different climates. Or sharing a suitcase with a partner or halfpacking in each if you worried about losing your case. Ive got a bunch ofdifferent sizes and colours. The ones I don’t end up using I often throw in oneor two empty one to separate my dirty clothes but also for anything extra I buy :)

Hey all.

So i have decided i'd like tohire a car after my upcoming cruise in October. We arrive back toportside wharf on a Sunday and then are heading down to Broadbeach for a fewdays. Originally we were going to do the shuttle but circumstances have changedand I think a car would be more convenient . I don’t normally do much drivingand my Mum , my travel companion wont drive but I’ve been to the gold coastseveral times when my husband has driven so I think I’ll be okay. Ive been lookingat a map to find a nearby car hire place. Looks like there is budget and Avis.Has anyone walked to either of these after a cruise with all your luggage andstuff. Are their footpaths, wouldn’t be the first time google map steered mewrong. Streetview looks like it takes you down a road that’s not a road ormaybe wasn’t when the image was taken lol.

Any other suggestions

So I was after some information and couldn’t seem to find iton the P&O website but I figured everyone on here is more knowledgeable anyway.

My mum and I are booked on the Pacific jewel in October takingin North Queensland . Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas and I have a few questions.

1. Are these all tender ports I got the impression theywere but just wanted verification either way.

2. Whereexactly do the tenders actually come in.

3. Approx. how long do they take.

4. Any bathroom facilities once off then tender

5. Can you walk around and explore from where theydock or is there a need to catch a taxi or public transport.

I’m asking because after some health issues earlier in theyear which have now been resolved I’ve been left with anxiety over certain situations.Basically I get anxiety if there is not a bathroom nearby. I was often unwellwhen travelling on the train and needed a bathroom asap. Trouble is the anxietycauses me to need the bathroom. Vicious circle. I am on mediation and seeing a psychologist towhich is helping. Anyone who has dealt with anxiety knows how frustrating itcan be at times and life restricting. I had thought about cancelling theholiday as its definitely going to challenge me but decided to go ahead with itand just try and prepare as best I can.

Thanks for you help

I always bring some kind of closed toe walking shoe. In the past it had been a clunky pair of athletic shoe. More recently it has been either sketches or converse. Which I still refer to as sneakers.

I find I get better support from them and feet aren't exposed to the elements . I am looking for a decent pair of open shoes like a sandle as I do like for my feet to breath a bit. But fashion vs comfort is always a battle

Thanks for the info. I was looking for sea sick meds for my mum. I always carry phernagan for mild food allergies.. I'll speak to the chemist next time I'm there to see if it's okay to take with medications my mum and I are on.

POA Hawaii was my first cruise and it made me fall in love with cruising.

It was 9 years ago so things might have changed. I was late 20s friend late 40s and I think her son was 9 or 10 so our activities had to be suitable for him too. All tours were through NCL. We often did a morning tour git back intime for lunch on the ship then got off again and took a shuttle to eother toen centres or a shopping complex. They were free or like $1

Maui

Day 1 Haleakala crater. It was really beautiful. There is the lookout where they drop you off but you can take a shift walk to a higher view point. Be aware you are at a higher altitude. Take it easy on the shirt walk.i considered myself fit and I was puffing.

Maui day 2 my friend went zip lining and said it was amazing. I took her son to the aquarium and a national park. It was just okay..

Hilo. We did a tour that was destined as a hike but it really wasn't. We saw a double down now waterfall which was nice. But tour was a waste

Kona. We did a snorkeling trip and it was amazing. They had pool noodles for those not great at swimming and even boogie boards with a plastic cut out. So you could see without getting your face wet. We all snored for a bit. Had lunch onboard then I went out again this time with the kids on the boogie board but me with the strap on my wrist dragging him around with me. Amazing.

Kauai day 1 I went horse riding. Never have done it before and it was great ,pretty scenery and they pointed out a few spots where some films were shot.

Kauai day 2. Waimea canyon. It's really beautiful. It's called grand canyon of the Pacific. Mmm I went to grand canyon a few years later, that was Grand. Waimea canyon is good if you like nature but otherwise you cruise past the na pali coastline as you leave Kauai and it's similar and beautiful looking.

We also did the luau . It was okay . I'm glad I can say I've been to a luau but I wouldn't do again

Hope this helps

Ive yet to use my packing cubes on a long international trip but am looking forward to it. I first saw them on a trip with some girlfriends to the USA in 2015. There I was pulling out all these clothes trying to find one particular thing and all she did was pull out the right coloured bag and bam she found what she was looking for. I buy mine from an Australian store Kathmandu that does outdoor adventure clothing and gear. They do international shipping as well. They often have sales where you can pick up 3 for just a little more than what 1 costs. They keep bringing out different colours which is great if travelling and sharing a case https://www.kathmandu.com.au/travel/luggage-accessories/packing-cells-cases.html

Ive used my cubes for short 1 night trips to 7 day ones and found them great for organisation. I used them on an overnight trip with my hubby and a male friend who was very minimalist. I didn’t want to bring a suitcase for both our clothes so I decided on a converse duffel bag and they were fantastic. At the end of the day hubby went to go have a shower and change for dinner. He took one step in the bathroom then took a step back out. “Hey umm do I have any clothes to change into” He rarely travels with me due to his own business being busy. I usually have to pack for him to give him that extra time to finalise things before we leave. I grabbed out one small packing cube and threw it across the room. He looked a bit puzzled. I told him everything he needed was in there. I put an entire evening outfit in there for him. I did another for his day time wear the next day. I didn’t want him digging through the bag disrupting everything. We were sharing a room with our male friend so I didn’t have to worry about accidentally dropping a bra or underwear on my way to the shower as it was all in the cube :) I stacked about 4 or 5 cubes in the bag then just through in our shoes and jackets.

So they are great if you don’t have a full case or bag as your clothes don’t move around. Privacy is another. I find you can pack things in their tight then you can in an open suitcase. I dont always pack them flat I turn them up on their side like books on a shelf or a combination of both. While still travelling I often just throw dirty clothes or ones I in tend to wear again back in the suitcase and know everything in a cube is clean still. Youtube has a lot of great clips I love to watch of people showing how to use them

Okay so I am not the only one who has this dilemma. My hair is long, fine but a lot of it, and it has a slightkink in it at shoulder height, I wouldn’t even call it a wave lol.

I highly recommend a straightener. Whether it’s a wet to straightone or normal. I have both. My wet one is a bigger 2” (I think) palm size oneand is great if I’m running late. I usually towel dry it a bit to get outexcess water and a quick buzz with hair dryer on my roots and then I zip overit. I find it great fro getting the ends really stiff and straight. My normalis abut1” two fingers sized one. I find this one makes my hair look sleeker atthe roots and I can also curl with it so this one comes with me on holidays.

If you are worried about hair damage invest in a good heat protectantstray to use before heat styling and get regular cuts. I was worried I was damagingmy hair so I asked the hair dresser how damaged was my hair when I went in fora trim and colour. I was like if it needs it cut off a lot. They told me my hairwas in good condition and only needed a trim which was normal as I hadn’t hadone for 3 months. Later we were discussing how I style my hair and I said wet straighterand they were like oh not don’t do that. That’s going to damage your hair. Ismiled and was like I’ve been using it for over a year and you just told me myhair was in good condition.

Dry shampoo always come with me on holidays. A turbie towelcan be good too. I have at home washed my hair first. Pulled it into the towel,then finished up with washing the rest of me or shaving. Obviouly its only afew extra minutes but it all counts.

I too end up doing abun on a lazy night. You could try doing a side bun and add a sparkly clip. Or assome have suggested going for a braid or a plait. I can’t braid so I twist myhair around my face aka Queen Elsa style with a side plait. Looks really nice and complicated butso easy.

I make sure im the first to shower so hair can dry a little whileI’m dressing and doing makeup. Sometimes this means leaving the pool a littlerearlier than my companion. I’ll do basic makeup some nights so at least my faceis a bit different in photos too J

Hope his helps

So Iwhen I read the original post I didn’t thinkReina del Mar was being caty or trying to pick on the lady in the grey dress. Isimply interpreted it as she saw a lady wearing the same dress three times yetshe was wearing a different dress every night. This made her think wow doeseveryone repeat their clothing and im the1% that doesn’t. Seems like mostpeople on here do repeat at least some of their clothing. Whether its day wearor evening.

Personallyno I wouldn’t wear the same dress on a 7 day cruise, maybe on a 10. Generally for any 7 day trip cruise or landbased ill pack 7 different outfits for the day and then maybe 4 for night time.For trips longer than this I still pack 7 day outfits but also pack 7 nightones too. So if it’s a 14 day trip i’ll wear everything twice, 21 three times. Illswap tops and bottoms though so its not the same outfit exactly.

I usedto over pack and even with wearing items twice I was still packing heaps. A lotof just incase items as I hate being too hot or to cold, or even overdressed orunderdressed. It came in handy when I threw in 1 extra skirt on a trip that theweather was supposed to be mild it ended up being so hot.

I trylimit myself to 3 pairs of shoes. A casual sandshoe good for walking. A balletflat for dinner. A pair of thongs (that’s flip flops to you non Aussies)for hotweather or boots for cold. This is usually okay for short trips but longer onesnot so much. I usually want an open shoe for dinner as well like a saddle or aheel as they often look nicer with dresses. Also an open sandal good forwalking for day time to let my feet breath. So it ends up being 5.

Imake lists sometimes months in advance. I keep changing them. buying newclothes, or deciding I don’t like that item anymore. Putting aside certainitems in case I ruin them before my trip. Weeks before I go I lay outeverything on my bed and look at it all. Trying on all the outfits and looking inthe mirror to make sure its look okay. Then I practice pack. I look at how muchempty space and then weigh it. then I unpack and start reconfiguring it. I loveshopping and buying quality souvenirs to bring home so if I over pack I cantbuy and that often strives me to make better choices. This may sound tostressful to some but I am so fussy and would hate to be on holiday and realiseI brought the wrong bra for that dress. Well I was on holiday and discovered I hadbrought the wrong one. : (

I dolove watching those you tube videos of people packing in just a carry on. I couldnever do it or want to. But I love watching the videos and seeing how and whatthey pack.

If overpacking is stressing you out. Too much to unpack, too much to wash after. Or you can’t close your suitcase then yeahmaybe consider the tips a few have suggested. Otherwise enjoy your clothes andtrip

I was going to ask this question also. So this is good to know as I'll be on the Jewel in October. My last cruise with Royal I just brought a 56 (I think )usb . I didn't want to go to large as I've found some older tv's can't handle the bigger I ones. I won't be spending all my time in my cabin watching tv but I do plan on relaxing and sometimes you need to escape the crowds. It was also good when my mum wasn't feeling well to relax in cabin with her favorite show :D:D

Hey all.

Ive enjoyed reading the last few pages and seeing everyone designs.

So i decided to treat myself for my birthday last November and buy myself a brand new teal sewing machine. My mum taught me to use a machine when i was a kid and i did take 6 months of home ec in year 9. I really have no idea what i am doing but i'm enjoying trying. I made a couple of Christmas bags with Aussie animals Christmas fabric for my friends in the US and a couple of santa sacks for my niece and nephew. Even made a few Christmas fabric table runners to. So my skills are very basic. :)

I had been searching on pintrest and YouTube for ideas but on the weekend i took the plunge and purchased a few patterns online from a craft store here in Australia that are meant to be easy. Fingers crossed. Waiting for them to turn up in the mail and i hope to start this weekend. Bit nervous thats for sure. The patterns were for a skirt and shorts but i was eyeing off one for a coverup but thought i better pace myself. its o hard not to walk into a fabric store and night buy a few meters of everything i like. I need to remember. Try it on some cheap fabric first then the real stuff Hoping by my cruise in October i will have at least one item i have sewn to take with me.

I love bright colours and tropical fabrics. I find everyone around me wears muted colors like blacks and creams . If clothing stores do carry colorful things i usually then dont like the designs. Ive always been a bit of a tomboy and feel like i missed the course on what to wear. I am learning though thanks to the fashion section on here and again Youtube and pintrest. Hopefully with practice ill be able to make what i want to wear.

Hopefully ill be able to update soon on my sewing success and of course a few dramas :)

My Mum purchased a pair of Go walk sketchers when she was out with her sister. I think she only bought them because her sister was getting a pair and they were on sale (Mum loves a bargain). My aunt has had her bunions operated on unsuccessfully and my mum has bunions too (Yay for my foot future :loudcry:) but aren't painful if wearing good roomy shoes . Both have trouble finding suitable footwear because of this issue.

Both love the Sketchers. Wore them on our cruise in 2016 and had no issues . Well one. My mum thought her feet had swollen on the cruise as her shoes were tight. Until my aunt walked up to her and was like "hey". My mum had put on her sisters despite them being a different colour LOL.

My mum has since bought 2 more pairs. AND they weren't even on sale!!!

Yeah if i plan on heading out to the dance floor then ill often change. Sometimes my dress or skirt rides up to much for dancing if its stretchy. . Or if im in pants and know im going to get hot dancing switch to dressy shorts. Or if its a white party but i didn't wear white to dinner as ill stain it :)

I too love the whole planning outfits stage. Pintrest. LOL I can be on there and lose hours

I'd go for a pair of pants/slacks/business trousers in neutral ish colours like black grey cream or navy. Then team with a bright colourful blouse.

I've provided some links below to help.

If not wearing a dress this is what myself (35) and my mum (65) wear

https://m.macys.com/shop/product/thalia-sodi-v-hem-tie-sleeve-top-created-for-macys?ID=5034956&CategoryID=255

https://m.macys.com/shop/product/jm-collection-pull-on-slim-leg-pants-created-for-macys?ID=2921570&CategoryID=157

Hi all.

So pretty excited. Convinced my mum to do a Hawaiian cruise. I did it years ago with a friend and her son and am looking forward to going back.

Now I had to convince mum as even though she loves cruising , cruising doesn't really love her. She gets dizziness and nausea but thankfully no vomiting. She agreed to go once I showed her the map of the route. Told her there are 2 overnight stops and showed her the late departure times on the islands. She's usually fine at night and in bed by 10ish

I want to make sure she gets a good night sleep and no noise from above our room. We are looking at an oceanview room and most are on 4. I see this is below some of the specialty restaurants . If you have stayed on 4th can you recommend a room that might be good for a good nights sleep/seasicknes ?

Hope you still reading all the replies Cmdg37.

I try to stick to 3 pairs of shoes limit but end up with 5 if you count flipflops/thongs.

Can i ask why you feel you need another pair of shoes and what role are each of the other pairs are playing.

Heels, flats, running shoes AND an athletic pair?

What do you need the athletic shoes for? Is it for general walking around.

If trying to pack lite can any of these shoes double duty. Are heels and ballett flats for evening/dinner? Can you get away with just one pair. Why do you need running shoes? Are you planning on working out if so could you wear the Athletic shoes for that too?

I like naturalizer brand for flats. I find them so comfy and can walk around all day as if wearing running shoes. Some are more casual than others but i chose a pair for work that i can wear out too.

I have a pair of Converse that are similar to the shoreline one but as actually more of a ballett flat. They have fake laces. i love these. They arent bulky so i can wear them with shorts or even casual skirts and dresses. But still look good with cargo pants and jeans. Mine are lite blue and go with alot of my blue clothing as well as my black jeans.

Hope you have luck finding the right pair

I once told my mum to dress her age. Only because she was wearing clothes that woman 20 years older than her were wearing. And even though there was nothing wrong with the clothes themselves it made her look older. She had started buying clothes from one store in particular that does cater more for 40-80 year old woman. However this location seemed to have stock that was more generated to the 70-80. She was in her late 50s . We have spoken to some staff at different locations who say they that not all stores will stock everything and some stores will cater to the age group that's most common in that area. Which i guess makes sense. My sisters and I started taking her to a few different stores that sell modern clothes for most ages wether 20 or 70. showed her clothes that suited her better. She still shops at the store with the older clothes but makes better choices. I have even bought a few skirts from there at im in my mid 30's.

I think any age can wear sleeveless strapless bikinis whatever. Do you feel comfortable. Do you look beautiful when you look in the mirror. yep. Then go for it.

I too like to wear a cami of sorts under my blouses. I wear alot of white blouses for work and I dont like being able to see a bra though the sheer fabric. I too find the girls pop up and out of regular tops that arent low cut so i wear a cami to cover that up too. Ill have to google cooling tanks as i do find in summer multiple layers can be way to hot

Across the body bag is good as it keeps your hands free to hold onto rails and easily pick up all the stuff you want to buy :). I sometimes carry a back pack. I often carry around one of the ship for my stuff

Inside I will a smaller purse then what i use at home. Just big enough for my credit cards, cash and a few coins. Even a coin purse. My phone which does have a section for cards and a few cash notes. camera although i sometimes will attach this to my belt. Sunglasses. Mini sunscreen. Pen, paper. Book or tablet.

Try before you go. Thats my motto. Clothes shoes and bags. Use them when out shopping to get an idea on feel and movement

Okay I always aim for no more than 4 pairs but end up with 5 most of the time. It’s hard to decide what to bring as your doing so many activities where as at home its usually work home maybe dinner on weekend.

Going over my photos from Hawaii I brought 4 pairs.

Nike Sneakers- Wore hiking diamond head. Walking around Haleakala crater. Maui excursion to some national parka and aquarium. Some excursion on Big island which was described as a hike but wasn’t really but did take us into a lava tube. Horse riding on Kauai

Black open toed flats- For dinner ever night

Gold flat sandals – Dinner at night but also casual during day

Flip flops/thongs- days at the beach, during the day, on our snorkelling excursions on big island .

Its important to have good quality shoes that are comfortable. In recent years I have come up with and almost starting base for my shoes. I start with these and then see about adding others depending on activity or clothing option

Converse sneakers

In either grey to suit most anything ( alt option green chequered depending on my outfits)

Birkenstocks or Havaianas or both

Birks in gloss white (alt option brown with white leaves)

Havis in blue (I wear alot of blue but do have pink, green, purple or grey ones)

Naturalizer Flats

Gold with gold emblem

All are comfortable and neutral to go with most things

Your list

1 -flip flops, water shoes . Do you need both? I've never really used water shoes as I haven’t found the need. I wear flip flops on the beach if its gravely and then snorkel with fins

2 -black dressy sandals a must for dinner

3- sneakers, hiking boots. Again do you need both.a re you doing any hard core hiking or have feet or ankle issues where hiking boots are a must.

4- casual wedge flip flops, beige wedge heels. Again do you need both? Could you find something in between. Or choose between the beige wedge heels and the black dressy sandals?

That would bring it from 7 to 4.

Hope this helps