Haoie

In some, but not all cases, school holidays in NZ overlap with you guys in OZ.

Same time last year I took Pacific Explorer out of Auckland during school break. Not too keen to go on her again for the time being.

Yes I've sailed with Carnival before, twice in the US, never out of OZ, never on the Splendor.

3 days, damn, I wouldn't even consider that! Too party crowd!

Anyway I've managed to book in an oceanview now that there are some free spots - no assigned room yet but I hope it's a good one.

Went on the Explorer same time last year, so not keen on it again this year. Didn't like it that much TBH!

Not especially low, and we're still 3 months out from departure. It's quite odd.

https://www.carnival.com.au/itinerary/9-day-south-pacific-cruise/sydney/splendor/9-days/pay/?itinportcode=syd&military=N&pastGuest=N&senior=N&numGuests=2&evsel=grinchmasinjuly&hideSailingEvents=true&locality=7&currency=AUD&sailDate=07082024&roomType=IS

Is this cruise really that popular to have almost all room categories completely sold out over 3 months before sailing?

Any thoughts, experts?

A very insightful look into Asian cruising. Looking forward to reading the rest. Enjoy the trip!

Yes, I suggest at least one night in Angelo's and Dragon Lady. Just to see what it's like, if nothing else.

Yes you could book Waterfront for the whole time when you board.

8:30 is pretty late so you'll be easily accommodated I think.

They'll give you a little slip of paper for each night to bring to the desk as you enter the restaurant. You won't have the same servers I'll note.

Agree, I still prefer set dining times also. 

Yup, school holidays, lots of families and kids as expected.

8:30 should be easily open for you, seems like most went for slots around 6-7.

Do you mean the Waterfront? The Pantry is the buffet.

Food's pretty subjective but overall I found it decent enough.

Dragon Lady is probably the best of the 3 main restaurants. Highly recommend going there at least once. Tried Angelos and wasn't a huge fan.

Waterfront is open for breakfast and lunch and we went there most days. Never had an issue with getting a table. 

The pantry is OK - some very long lines since most items had to be served directly by staff.

Needless to say, the desserts generally look pretty but taste subpar.

Not a big fan of reserving dining times in advance. We booked in person (not via the app) and could usually only get very early slots.

According to the captain, high winds. Disappointing.

Happy to field any questions, just reply to this topic and I'll try to answer.

My last time on P&O was all the way back in 2015 on the Pearl so a lot of changes since then.

We missed our 3rd port stop (Dravnui), which was very disappointing.

I'll tack on a question:

1.  From what I've read, the ship assigns you a dining venue (Waterfront, Dragon Lady and Angelo's) and time for the first three nights.

So this means for nights 1-3 you're set in the venues, these can't be changed? Ie day 1 = WF, day 2 DL, day 3 ANG.

What about times?

Interesting. Thanks for the info.
 

Are they still actively checking for proof of a negative RAT on check in? I've read it's barely enforced.

I hope there are some more first hand reports from passengers who were on this cruise. Very scary.

Vaccine mandates/passes are being dropped shortly, which is a good sign.

They keep pushing and pushing the restart back.

My birthday cruise last year was cancelled, hopefully next year I can go on one. August.

Hooray, COVID completely eliminated in NZ 🙂

My August sailing got cancelled 😞

Was really looking forward to it too.

Another insightful answer as usual, Chief.

Mine is in another 6 months, not immediately, so no concern.

Although it's putting a damper on my other vacation plans.

Witnesses and cameras seem to confirm he was a jumper.

This is making international news! Just saw it all the way over here.

Hope the Chief offers his advice when he's in.