icat2000

Wow. Seem to go so quick.

I just tried the same for Princess cruise at Xmas and it was going to charge my cc. I just wait until I board then book.

But several shore excusion buses on Princess tours were delayed for hours getting back to ship on Port stop of Casablanca. Other than that I have seen in Carribean a few pier runners. They have drinks at the local pub or bars and forget time.

oh no. I used to love Mr GUT posts. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts are with his family at this time.

I was taking into consideration the OP preferences of smaller towns over cities.

I requested once to disembark at different port but wasn't granted permission.

Option 1. More variety in ports. Especially Burnie and Picton (which is beautiful).

Sounds like a plus to me. Especially when that itinerary already has Noumea on it.

You just need to have the minimum two vaccines. We were on the Grand Princess in March. Current Health Protocols for Cruises Visiting Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Countries Vaccinations Guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at terminal check-in. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible at least seven days before cruising. Testing At terminal check-in guests must attest to a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid antigen) taken before embarkation. https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/au-cruises/

Cheap deals. Flight costs are $$.

I know Cunard and PO UK do have single cabins . I suspect they go quick but its a possibility. I think NCL has single cabins. When I cruised solo (for about 20 cruises) I looked at the cost per day when deciding. Long gone when you can get 160% fares as solo. You just have to look out for deals and prepare to be flexible with dates, ships etc.

Unfortunately going to Japan on Royal Princess just afterwards so can't do that cruise. I'm hoping they revisit that itinerary in the future.

These ports interest me. Shame have to fly all the way to the US.Would love to see something done from Australia that does similar ports.

We were on the Grand this year for 20 days. Nothing wrong with the ship. Sure she a little bit older in the fleet and doesn't have all the bells and whistles the newer one has. We had a ball sailing on the Grand Princess. I go for itinerary first and then if the ship can stay a float and get from A to B then its a go for me 🙂

I have the required paper work. Just not a printer at home to print docs out. I load all the attachments in one email and then open it when required too. It have my insurance, our immunisation certificates, boarding passes, etc. I don't recall when I travelled on Luminosa there being an issue showing on the phone. We are on the Splendor this time around.

Not very environmentally friendly. I guess I have to find somewhere to print or buy a printer.

Do you have to have printed out docs. Can you not just show the docs on your phone?

I don't see the logic of Princess removing the ordering off the TV. Its still linked to your room account so what the big issue. Seems like is smacks in the face of discrimmination against people who maybe older and struggle with technology and those who sight is fading. Last cruise my partner app wouldn't work on his phone no matter how many times we downloaded, deleted it, upgraded it. Still no go. And we have the same phones. Half the time it was quicker to go to the place to get your food or to order a drink.

I have no desire to go on one of those big Mammoth ships that RCL are pushing on the Australian market at the moment and I notice having to discount heavily too. Who wants to wait 2 hours to get on and off those ships. And all the people. They should be building 2000 - 3000 pasenger ships max. I told my PVP at Princess that I was sick and tired of the same boring itineraries and to change it up. I said how many times can one cruise around NZ or to the same Pacific Islands.

I find the pricing for Celebrity cruises really high. Though they do have some different itineraries variance in the South Pacific.

Welcome back. I have enjoyed your blogging for many years. I can remember being stuck on a long layover and reading all your blogging posts over your cruises (especially your Pacific Princess blog) whereby you provided a wealth of information of the years. I'm going to Alaska next year. First time ever.

Ok. They should ask the question in Pescado Amarillo thread as she is cruising on that ship at the moment. That way they can get real time information.

Plenty of free food to eat on the Grand Princess. Dining rooms, buffet, pizza place, burger place, International cafe. There probably other places.

I don't think bit is correct. Australians/and Kiwis do tip. Gratituties are built into the fare that they pay in AUD. But many of us also give money above and beyond that for example cabin attendants, bar servers, waiters, people who make decent coffee, cleaners etc. So its a huge assumption you are making that Americans supplement Australians/New Zealand cruisers.

Are you talking about those charges they introduced for people who don't have packages ie room service, alfredos and I forget the other one?