Jean C

Yes, the birds feel so safe on their island sanctuary that they are comfortable around people, you just stop or sit on one of the benches for a few moments and they happily come incredibly close. There's a lighthouse on the island and, of course, the ubiquitous elevated vantage point incredible view to enjoy 😉

With respect, wherever you go in the world you'll find gems of interest. Auckland has plenty to offer first time and seasoned tourists, you just have to do research around what is of particular interest to you. It's harbour and surrounds certainly tick the picturesque box 🙂

Hi, good to see your itinerary map. Although Auckland is "just another city", it still has plenty and some unique features to offer a new tourist. Apart from the city sights, for example the Sky Tower where you will see a stunning view of Auckland and the beautiful harbour from an elevated perspective, you can take the ferry to Waiheke Island which has a lovely small tourist town vibe and is known for its crafts and vineyards, or the closer ferry ride over to historic Devonport, again for a smaller tourist town also known for tourist shops and crafts. You enjoy walking, in Devonport you can walk the paved track up North Head for more stunning views across to the city, of the harbour and up the coastline of the North Shore beaches. Another option is the ferry to Rangitoto, an extinct volcano. You can either hike to the top or take a tractor-type train ride up there. Vegetation has grown to an extent that you no longer get the stunning views of yester-year, but still a different experience. Another volcano experience would be to take a bus to Mount Eden and walk up to the top, all grassed and paths. From the top views of course but you can walk down into the grassed crater itself. There are small rocks in the crater and people will often rearrange them to read their names for a photo from the top. Mount Eden is a lovely village with plenty of cafes for refreshment afterwards. I've walked there and back, including up the Mount, from the city but it's a fair hike so maybe better to use the bus. You can also walk along the waterfront to Mission Bay, up Bastion Point (we're not short on vantage points, hehehe), and to popular Mission Bay itself, which is a lovely city beach with many cafes and restaurants. Again the bus is an option as well. All this from someone who has no particular affinity to Auckland but couldn't let you dismiss it without some suggestions 😊

On our last cruise we had OBC and when we did test shore tour booking prior to sailing there was a check box for "use OBC" 😀

You could test the accuracy of this by doing a test shore excursions booking, stopping short of actually paying for it, and see what that tells you. Interesting if it is in AUD 🤔

Hi, go into Personaliser, then Account, then Manage Booking for the relevant cruise. Under Summary you'll see what currency applies to your cruise. All costs, including Princess booked shore tours, will be in that currency 💰

Hahaha, I have that problem too 😅

Thanks for head's up. We're not really into soda so coffee is our best option. Even mocktails, which this wouldn't cover, don't appeal. Fussy type, hehehe 🥴

Thanks 😊, just the right amount for a 7 day cruise. We'll be newly Elite so this is all a learning curve for us 👍

Hi, does anyone know the answer to this? If we trade our Elite mini bar for coffees, how many coffees would we get? Thanks all 🤔

Yes, you have an avid group of readers of your missives, looking forward to the next installment, but make sure you leave yourself lenty of holiday enjoyment time as well 😀

Bay of Islands Hi, for DIY shore visits, I just did a bit of research for another thread on the Bay of Islands and found a useful link (below). Bay of Islands is a tender port and, depending on sea conditions, tenders go to Waitangi Wharf. From there a shuttle, which I THINK is free, will take you the short drive along the waterfront to Paihia, the main township (it's stroll-able for those comfortable with waking). From there you can get the ferry over to Russell, a very picturesque, historic township. Interesting to wander about, have coffee at one of the cafes, or lunch/drink at the historic Duke of Marlborough pub on the waterfront. Even the local cop shop, still in operation, is picturesque and in keeping with the township (see pic attached). Don't miss the historic church with musket holes in the weatherboards (one complete with bullet inside) from conflicts between Maori and early settlers. Even the gravestones are worth reading, some very tragic deaths to the sea. It's also very worthwhile following the track up to the flagpole for more history and stunning views. https://www.albomadventures.com/russell-bay-of-islands/

We're thinking two out of the 4 cabin occupants MAY board earlier than the other 2, depending on what everyone's land-based schedule ends up being.

No, we had to make three separate bookings, through PVP , and he said we needed three separate bookings.

Hi, I'll be cruising with my daughter and her children. They will go to the Gold Coast for the week before the cruise, I will fly in on the day of the cruise. Two of the kids are booked in a cabin with me. Does anyone know if it's okay to board separately, ie Keith and I board first thing, and daughter and her brood, including the two children in our cabin, later in the day? Thanks 🍹 😊

So sorry to hear the hassles your inlaws are facing, it's everyone's nightmare. I do hope the tests continue to show negative for them. Very best of wishes 🙏

Hi, we've had those cabins before although on other ships. We chose them after doing some research. They are nice for the easy, wider view although you lose a bit of privacy from balcony people that can see easily into your balcony. That doesn't bother us. You lose a small amount of space from the curve of the balcony, but nothing of concern 🙂

Tut, tut, tut 🤣

Thanks for that 🙂 I understand what you say about cheap wines giving a wrong impression to tourists of the local wine industry, sadly some outfits do the same here, offering tourists cheap junk thinking they won't know the difference 😧

Best of luck with your goal 👏

Thanks so much, you're very helpful. Don't worry about wine, we don't drink cheap wine and don't confidently know our way around Aussie wines. Will bring our own on board and pay corkage fee. Actually, both the kids (the adult ones) and us like the Squealing Pig wine that's sold here but I think is made in Aussie 🥂 🥳

Hi there, if you get a moment, are you able to give me an approx figure of the cost for a beer, and a Jack Daniels and coke, in the bars on board? Cheers 🍻

Hi Julie, after your wonderful cruise, if you get a moment and it crosses your mind, could you please give me a ball-park idea of what a bottle of beer and a Jack Daniels and coke (I think I got that right) cost from the bars? Not being much of a drinker I don't take notice of these things 🙁. 🍻🍹 Cheers 🥳 🌞

Hi Cilla, another query from family (other than where they can get food if they're peckish at 10.30pm or 2am - they'll be fast asleep at that time!!). Does the mini suite have a curtain to section off sofa bed from main bed? I think I recall from earlier posts from you and Irene that the suites do, but the mini suites don't but said I would ask the question. I much appreciated all the invaluable info everyone has provided. I must admit it's quite exciting researching info for first time cruisers, you get to see it all again from the perspective of newbies. I hope you and your family are well 🥰