buchhalm

In a former life as Flight Attendant we often served BARRAMUNDI in First and Business Class. Tourists didn't know what Barra was, so half way through then eating the fish, I told them it was that Barramundi was the local name for Dolphin. 100% shock rate success.

...the cruise line specific forum (fora?) on.... Fora conforms to the original Latin and forums is the Anglicized form

Possum gave you a great link to the proper Australian authority. If you just Google "Australian ETA", the first few links will probably give you 3rd party service providers. Mist WILL get you your ETA, but for a much higher cost than the "proper" website. It is very straight forward. As for your pacific islands, I can't comment. These tend to be sovereign nations, with their own rules. Whilst Australians may probably come and go as they please, other passports may have other rules. I'd check each island/country individually.

I find that a bit weird. There are always drivers with signs inside the airport. And perhaps don't expect a STRETCHED limousine. It's probably something like a nice BMW or Lexus.... How much help do you need? How much luggage are you bringing? The taxi rank is 100 m from the exit. $170 seems to be excessive. *but the Four Seasons is lovely. Make sure to have dinner at Mode Kitchen and Bar. It's lovely *

A few months ago, the post office told me "up to 10, 12 weeks". I got the new passport in 10 days. Go figure.

I called A friend who works at the international airport. He confirms that there are currently NO bank owned ATM at the international airport. However, all modes of transport to the city accept credit cards. In the city there are plenty of ATM if you need some cash AUD

Hotels are notorious for that 🙄 CC surcharge. Some upmarket restaurants may charge that as well, but it's not something you'd often find in shops. Not sure about taxis. I use debit cards or cash. In the end, it's a minimal amount. As for taking out cash at the airport, make sure it is from a BANK ATM, and not some other trader. And remember that always paying credit card bills in LOCAL currency and not your home currency "for your convenience ". As in 'do you want to pay in Australian or US $'? When you are in Australia, you want to pay in AUD in that case.

If you can manage your luggage, the train is often the quickest way. Relatively cheap. And if it's not raining, it is a lovely stroll from Circular Quay train station to the ship. 10 minutes absolutely tops.

PERHAPS use it if you are by yourself and not in a hurry. The shuttles are not particularly frequent. From experience they also do not tend to stick to their schedule as much as they should. Last 2x I had the feeling that they are waiting if perhaps another bunch of customers would rock up. Vans are not comfortable or particularly clean. Don't expect American style shuttle vans. For more than one passenger, a taxi or Uber wont cost THAT much more, and it goes when you want it to go. And without stopping at who-knows- how-many other hotels and go the "scenic" route.

I only know that when we will be in port with Celebrity Eclipse, the Norwegian Spirit will be there as well. Given the port time, i think thar we could only do a morning departure

Looks like a baked potato of sorts.

Life boat. Dragged behind

I don't know about New Zealand, as we Australians don't (currently 🤞🏻) need visas to go there. For Australia, I would recommend to use the OFFICIAL Australian government's website. (Information on the link below) https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 If you just Google "Australian ETA " you will probably come across 3rd-party services first, that charge you extra! Be careful to fill in all details on the government website correctly. Usually exactly as in your passport. And make sure that your pp has at least 6 month validity.

"Aneiyium Airport Vanuatu". sounds like a spell from Harry Potter.

News just in on the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD website. (Excerpt from the article) Indonesian authorities have requested that an Australian cruise ship carrying about 2100 passengers and crew abandon the Balinese leg of its 17-day tour, following a COVID-19 outbreak on board. The Queen Elizabeth left Sydney on November 15, stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Darwin, but will cut short the final week of its tour and head straight to Fremantle.

Nah. It's going to be only you. 😉

Docked at 06.00

It seems to be true that the ships but out the train. A few weeks ago I emailed the train operator and asked if the train was running on such and such date. In had an instant reply confirming that "yes, the train is operating on that date" , with a detailed itinerary. I then asked where I coukd buy independent tickets, as the cruise lines are always hiking up the prices . To THAT question I had NO reply. That just confirms the theory that the ships buy all the seats. So, if there is a large cruise liner in port (or TWO) as on the day we will be there, it's going to be a ship-fight (😉) to get a nice seat on the train. I admit that I would RUN for it. No prisoners! But then I hear that the (some?) cruise lines allocate numbered seats for the train.

Tell me: If one had a beverage package but was locked up in quarantine, would they bring you cocktails or not?

It would be interesting to hear if RC will send out a correction email.

Aboriginal clapping sticks? There are several shops in the Rocks (just by the overseas cruise terminal at) and by the opera house that sell reasonably authentic *As in not made in China* clapping sticks. Range from a few $ to several hundred.

Westerdam departing Sydney on 23 November. A nice evening to go boating....

News just in. An earthquake has struck the Solomon islands and a tsunami warning has been raised.

Are you on the right (or left) chat group here? We are talking about ⚓⛵🚣‍♂️🛶🛳⛴🚢 here.

Off she goes....