hangfive

We have recently returned from Papeete, as part of a TP cruise Syd to Hnl. We prebooked a circle island tour for US$65pp. Tour lasted approx 9 hrs, doing a full circle. It was great, small van with 9 of us. We stopped for lunch at the Paul Gauguin Restaurant which was nice. The museum is closed, and will be for some time, perhaps a few years. A long day for us, but very much worth the money, and very informative and enjoyable. Gave a great overview of the whole island. The shorter 4 hr ones only do either the east coast of west coast. It was our first time to Papeete, and we thought how similar it was to Fiji. We did not notice many tour operators at this port, mainly the prebooked ones, but this could have been because it was 'end' of season for them. We were expecting a lot more, however we were off and running by 8am. Our ship was in port until 11pm that night. Most people were back onboard for dinner, with very few returning after say 7pm. The markets (I was looking forward to them) were not operating....again perhaps because of the late season. I was surprised at this. Feedback from others that stayed in town, was that the city was expensive, with not a great deal to see. Some spent the day at a resort, and feedback from that sounded very good, esp for snorkelling. Others (we had a huge roll call) caught the ferry over to Moorea, and had a great day there. These people did not prebook as they were waiting to see what the seas were like on the day. Met a couple of others that had caught a taxi out to a surf break, and went surfing for the day. When we return next time, we would utilise the time better in port and do a twilight cruise.

Jen

there's a cyclone between Cairns and Brisbane so that wont help things either

 

there's a Naval Base at Sydney so they could do the repairs there if no navy ships there

They are doing the repairs in Newcastle.

Has anyone heard if the repairs require a drydock or can the repairs take place dockside?

If so where????

Current info from a cruiser onboard now, is that Radiance will still be into Sydney Friday 6th, with repairs taking 6-8 days. So far, the TP is still going ahead. Feel sorry for those already here and those about to fly in.

We are on the next one, the TP, due to depart 17th April. Many cruisers were also doing this prior B2B NZ. I am hoping it is not major, and the TP cancelled too. Would be sad for us, but far worse for those already here or in transit atm.

Apparently you can view your details on the mobile platform but not the desktop which I’m guessing most people will complete their details & print paperwork from.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

DOH!!! Seriously. We leave in 5 weeks, and I was wondering where all our purchases had disappeared to. Luckily we had already printed them out, but got a bit worried when new site shows virtually nothing. Teething probs??

Funny you would mention the mobile platform though, as our Jetstar intl flight is not showing details incl meals on the desktop...but it shows everything on my tablet(android).

Thanks so much for your info:)

We had this decision to make recently, and chose the Syd to Hawaii route. I admit that most, if not all our friends said go for the Sept, but this was solely based on shopping. Our decision to go for the April/May crossing was based on weather, with Hawaii hurricane season going from July through to Dec. One of their most devastating ones was in Sept some years ago.

We figured April/May we missed some of our aussie autumn weather. It allowed us the convenience of packing more for the cruise to make the 17 days more comfortable. Easier for us to do from home. Things like larger shampoo bottles, an egg crate topper etc. When we booked the air, we added extra luggage for the leg home. This cost is very reasonable IF you do it at time of initial booking.

So, yes, we go for April/May.....a weather based decision.

Thanks for all your answers. Very helpful. I expect the dropouts. Also thanks to cruise critic, I now have most of the apps needed installed on my tablet. We don't sail until April, but I will def post my findings. I know Netflix is available to us worldwide, or at least in 190 countries, and that if we were on land I can access it. As said it may be a different story out in the middle of the Pacific..... maybe cos of the dropout issues? Netflix just won't show our favourites list, or the parental control feature (which I don't need!) when outside Oz. If it doesn't work well, DH will have to cope!

Re the Skype and FaceTime, I have my fingers crossed it won't drop out for quick 30 sec calls. Shame RCI don't give higher discounts for the longer cruises.

You need an account, but you should be able to log in with your Australian account and it will give you access to the USA stuff.

Thankyou! Another voom related query.......You don't happen to know if you can make voice calls to landlines via skype (with skype credit). I am trying to work out the best way to keep in contact with my 90yr old mum....who doesn't have a computer or even a mobile phone. I know I can do this on land worldwide.

Does the Netflix via the Surf and Stream require a Netflix account to be viewed?

We are sailing on Radiance of the Seas, Sydney to Honolulu. I have read that the Netflix will be the USA Netflix, which we are really excited about. (Australia doesn't give access to a lot of the US content) We do have an aussie Netflix account, but hoping RCL streams it for free.

Lulu’s

Food is good and you can’t beat the view

This will be our first choice. Looks perfect! :)

Good luck driving and parking in Wellington . It is a very compact City. If you are planning on driving out of the City make sure you leave enough time to get back and avoid the rush hour ,There is only 1 road in and out and it can get very busy .

Correct (unless you know the back roads well). This time we are in Wellington on a Saturday, so plan on being back in the vicinity of the city just after lunch.

I have a bit of experience in dealing with backyard rental car operators in NZ. Until the name "Buzzy rentals" popped up on Trip Advisor a few days ago I had never heard of them and they had not popped up with other Trip advisor users of car rentals. There are many backyard operators who operate out of private homes or as third party operators in New Zealand who base their business on price with limited after hours customer services and operate a drop off service at airports and cruise terminals and after the customers have left the country they get a bill on their credit card for damage although the customers swears that there was no damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately when one is on the other side of the world it is almost impossible to argue ones case. This company maybe reputable but it also may be an expensive cost to find out. If one uses the recognised international companies like Hertz, Avis or similar or second tier companies like Omega and Apex in Wellington for example one can be assured they are dealing with long standing reputable companies. Sure they may be a bit more expensive than a back yard operator but in the overall scale of things peace of mind is more important. If hiring for one day ensure that you have an all inclusive no excess insurance policy. This is obtained from the reputable companies for a small per diem increase around $NZ15. This will ensure that in event of a damage claim you wont get hit by a $NZ5000 excess claim after you arrive home. My credibility can be found on Trip Advisor NZ forum. Customer service is more important for car rentals that saving a few bucks. All the reputable companies have fully inclusive websites which detail in minute detail their terms and conditions. Ensure you have peace of mind when making your choice. Safe and happy motoring and have a great stay in the Collest little capital in the World

Interesting reading, thanks. For the record, we opted for Omega. Their quote was only slightly dearer, but main reason was for the Nil excess, which we believe everyone has to have. I hope the op reads your comments.

Thanks again......feeling good re our rental choice!

We have just organised rental at Wellington port. Try Omega or Buzzy. You will have to email them re Aotea Quay. Buzzy has the cruise port listed on their site, but Omega doesn't (but will pickup/dropoff at port). Both gave us good quotes. Even though the ferry terminal is close by, you have to attempt to cross a busy/fast road leading onto the motorway, as by memory there is not a footpath on the terminal side leading up to the ferry terminal.

What is the coverage like for voom internet on transpacific cruises, Sydney to Honolulu or vice versa? Specifically Radiance of the Seas, which sails via Tahiti.

You'll be welcome back! If you haven't seen the outstanding Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa, I cannot recommend it highly enough to fellow ANZACs.

We will be there a few days before ANZAC day next year. I wonder if it will still be there? Guess I will see the signs up showing what's on. We are heading out for the day, and returning back in after lunch. Great place to wander around though , esp if it's wet! Thanks!:)

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions, much appreciated. I finally received quotes from 2 companies, both with pickup and drop off at Aotea Quay (Buzzy and Omega)......so have booked and we are ready to go!

Thankyou kiwijo. I will ring and get quotes from the city ones today. Btw, I have pics of what I thought were rentals...maybe they were the imports lined up, LOL. Whatever, we are glad to be returning to our favourite city in NZ.

Received a reply from Ace. They no longer have an office in Wellington city, just the one at the airport. Back to the drawing board for us!

Thanks for your help anyway.

We have used the Saver option with Ace Rentals in Auckland and Picton, a car 5 years old, not more than 180k, full insurance, road assist, windscreen cover etc about $50NZ per day...we've been happy to plod around and do our own exploration in a small car, cheap and easy.

Thanks. Have sent them an email. I have emailed 4 other companies, and none of them have replied. I was beginning to wonder if the wharf area was still not accessible after the earthquake damage there. Having been to Wellington several times before, I know there are usually loads of cars waiting.

We are organised for Picton. Did you do the Queen Charlotte Drive, via Havelock and Blenheim? If so, did you enjoy it?

Thanks again,

Jen

Looking for recommendations re a hire car from the port at Wellington NZ.

Thanks.

Diamond Head Market and Grill is wonderful. Our favorite is Lulu's. It is open air and we love to share an order of Kalua Pork Nachos and a couple of mai tais. Good menu and generous portions for B, L, and D. Also a good Happy Hour. If you are going for dinner you might make reservations. Cherie

Thanks for your input. Lulu's looks great, as does Dukes. Plan to give them both a try.

Exactly - how do you know your own details weren't merrily mailed out to other random folk. I would seriously be inclined to make a bigger deal out of it. Perhaps when you are back from your trip (in case the agent is prone to any revenge like cancelling flights!). But they need to investigate how it happened - like "work experience kid doing the envelope stuffing" scenario etc and ensuring it doesn't happen again.

I guess we will never know if our details are flitting around the countryside. DH is still very concerned about this. We have had the weekend to think more, and have come to the conclusion that possibly this scenario is not that unusual, mainly because of the quick noncaring manner in which it was 'fobbed off'. Seeing the ladies printed cruise luggage tags, tour vouchers, airline tickets etc certainly made us wish we had less time to wait until our cruise! You may be wise in saying 'wait until return from our trip'.

I agree that most times the documents are sent electronically. I am going on a trip to Antarctica shortly. All the documents were emailed to me, then I was surprised to receive an express parcel with a very nice folder and a hard copy of all the documents including information sheets. It is possible that the documents received by the OP were a duplicate of ones already sent electronically - to the correct people that time I hope. :D

 

I will add that this trip was booked through a TA, but usually we book direct for cruises and flights. On this Antarctica trip, I was going to book the flights myself, but the system would not allow me to add together all the separate components I wanted. I explained this to the TA. They use a different system and she was able to get me the exact flights I wanted and the price was good also.

Thats comforting to hear. Makes sense too. These women must have been concerned if docs hadn't arrived. Thanks, feel a bit better for them. Its the privacy issue we were shocked with.

We tried to contact these two elderly ladies but phone rangout several times. It is possible they dont have internet. Many elderly don't. I asked TA for supervisor or head, but told they had all gone home being late on a Friday afternoon.

You are correct, it was kind of dismissed with a we'll deal with it attitude. We were worried our details were elsewhere too, but were told all ok. We are doing a trans pacific next year. Point is the privacy and the obvious lack of checking details before posting.....its not like an email.

If its happened twice to us, then i am assuming it may happen to others. We are not impressed.

Pretty sure i cant mention names on here.....but no, not them either time.

To add, these people are due to fly out from Melbourne on the 9th Nov. I hope they are not waiting for mondays mail, and hope the TA has done a quick reissue of docs. Its a bad privacy error. Hopefully they can access and print their docs.