vinonme2

4 hours ago, NSWP said:

If NZ renegs on their cruise opening, I reckon it will stop some of the American ships coming over laden with pax from the Land of tipping.

Aw come on, we're not that bad are we?  

In May, 2022, announcement was made that cruise ships would be allowed into New Zealand ports beginning July 31, 2022.

Is this still in place or has there been a change or update to this? 

Have you posted a review of your cruise on Viking's Orion?  I enjoy reading all your posts and would like to know of your experience on Viking. 

3 hours ago, lucymorgan said:

Flights are very frequent and only take about 25 minutes but by the time you get to the airport, through security etc it is just about as quick to drive.  It is a great road too - literally three turns and four lane highway all the way from the centre of Sydney to the centre of Canberra.  There are also hourly buses that lots of people take to get down to Sydney for cruises and back and take 3.5 hours (e.g. https://www.murrays.com.au/express-services/canberra-sydney-timetable/)  and the train (which is less reliable but still nice).  Let me know if you do decide to come to Canberra and I can provide more advice.  🙂     

Thank you for this information. It's very tempting.......

On 4/25/2022 at 10:17 AM, lucymorgan said:

That is a shame - as it is becoming a big foodie/wine destination (and only three hours from Sydney) or 30 minutes on the plane 🙂   But I am biaised 🙂 We live in Canberra and have a little farmlet in Murrumbateman - lots of great wineries and cellar doors there.  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/yass-area/food-and-wine  

Did a quick look at the website you mentioned.  I'm almost afraid to read further.

You are breaking my heart!

I know it's mad, but...maybe I'll check into flights. Traveling solo, I am very hesitant doing a 3 hr. drive in an area/country that I am not familiar with. 

16 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

There are some great wineries around Canberra too, although some of them can be a bit tricky to find especially the ones around Murrumbateman.

So many, many wonderful Australian wines; thank you for the suggestion.  Unfortunately I will not be in the Canberra area. 

2 hours ago, love_the_sea said:

Thanks for sharing this thought! You make a good point. If my final payment was due very soon it would make sense to purchase these cards and use them for that. But my final payment is about 3 months away. These days it seems like a lot can happen in 3 months! 

My sentiments exactly!  My final payment is due early October and another is due same time next year. Both are Grand voyages, and as a solo traveler, both are pricey. 

Retired, great health, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. 

8 hours ago, Trash Queen said:

Thanks.  That's what I hoped it would be,

 

Charlotte

You're welcome!  

48 minutes ago, possum52 said:

Perhaps it was the wineries you visited. The Hunter Valley wine industry was established 180 years ago and is Australia's oldest wine region. The first vineyards were established in the Mudgee area in 1858 so not long after the Hunter Valley. Perhaps do a little research on both regions and find what suits you the best.

Yes, I've taken into consideration it may have been the wineries we visited - "boutique wineries" chosen by our guide/tour co. owner.  He is still giving tours but under a different company name.  We were not familiar with Hunter Valley wines and went by his choices and judgment.  When we were in Adelaide for a week we knew the wineries we wanted to visit in both Barossa and McLaren Vale and enjoyed them immensely. 

I have done some research on Mudgee and it seemed more low key and not touristy. 

Time for more research!

I'll be in Sydney overnight on a cruise in early Feb. 2023 and am considering doing an overnight tour to a wine area. Have been to Hunter Valley about 12 years ago on a private wine tour and honestly was not impressed with the wines, they just seemed too "new" and not quite ready to enjoy. It was a pretty area and we did enjoy the scenery. 

Is the Mudgee area more established? How do the wines/wineries compare with those in Hunter Valley?  

Loved Mooloolaba!  Relaxing, easy to get around, beautiful and not the typical port of seen it before souvenir store after souvenir store.

It's not a port of call on most AU cruises and that very likely keeps it so low key and relaxing.

I'd go back in a heartbeat!  

I would seriously consider purchasing these cards for my upcoming Hal cruises however, the cards are only good for Hal and not eligible for a cash refund. I am the only one in my family that cruises and if I were to no longer cruise, the cards would not be worth anything.  Even though the 10% bonus on each card is extremely tempting, the thought of not getting a cash refund makes the offer very iffy for me.  

On 3/17/2022 at 3:27 PM, BVILady said:

You very welcome. I have been thinking of you, maybe you should consider to do a Safari separate to the Cruise, you will see much more. I had been traveling with friendlyplanet.com which has everything included also flights. I had opted booking without flight because of my departure/arrival airport. Just a thought, I am not aware of your situation and circumstances including place of residence. I did have my son with me but there was also a couple from California independently booked with our dates who had missed their flight but friendlyplanet made it work.

I live in South Carolina and am a widow, traveling solo, so the safari I've booked is going to be quite an adventure for me. You are so kind, thank you.

18 hours ago, sandiego1 said:

Peter and I will join you at the Junction on the WC! 😀

I'll be with you at the Junction too! 

Thank you all, and a special thanks to BVILady.  The vivid description of your experience has gotten me even more excited and looking forward to this new adventure!   

One more question please - are there certain colors of clothing not to be worn?

Thank you again.

I've made a list of all the very much appreciated clothing advice. Thank you all. 

Hope more get in the spirit of it all and join in!

Thank you all. I just ordered a pair of trainers as I don't wear that type of shoe but that should be it. 

4 hours ago, BVILady said:

I made the mistake purchasing Safari Clothing for a Kenya Safari but it was not necessary at all. Just don't wear any bright colors and you are going to be fine. Would probably avoid black and real white also. What ship are you going to be on? My World Cruise also has several stops in Africa but we don't have excursions for there available yet.

 

2 hours ago, 2552phxcrzr said:

Neutral colors are best.  Depending on time of year mornings and evenings can be chilly … that was our experience in late June/early July for a safari in Botswana.  So layering is, as always, the way to go.

Thank you both.  I will be sailing the Holland America 1-3-23 world cruise and will be doing the safari March 8th out of Maputo. 

Sounds like I don't have to purchase all that safari gear and that's good news. 

What types of shoes did you wear? 

I will be on a 2023 world cruise and doing a 3 night African safari. I am a female and since this will be my one and only safari, I do not want to purchase any more than necessary any "safari only" one time use clothing.

I would appreciate any and all feedback from those who have previously experienced safaris, what you took, etc.  

Thank you!

1 hour ago, Tampa Girl said:

 

What is your guess of the % of tuxedo-clad men on our Grand Asia?  

My guess would be maybe 35-40%.  What do you think?   All I know is they looked wonderful. They and the beautifully attired ladies just added so much to those special evenings. 

Love this!  Hope you are on the 2023 world cruise so I can join in. 

@Hobie  How very, very nice that the bartender was able to have time in port with her husband. She must have been all smiles last night when back to tending bar. 

7 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

You do know there are ski resorts in Southern California?

No I do not, but thank you for pointing that out.