Mumofnine

I'll have to try it next time.

Is this a "CintiPam original"? If so, you should patent it :D

Not sure about that; I requested a "surf and surf" on out first Oceania cruise in 2011. No eyebrows raised so maybe it is a regular request!!

It is so, so good!!

I certainly have no intention of "jumping ship" and will continue to cruise with and support Oceania as long as the experience on future cruises is as wonderful as it has been on previous cruises.

All too often we've seen people in crowds taking photos with huge iPads. Holding them over head or in a position where someone could grab it and run. See :

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/people-who-are-doing-the-worst-thing-possible-with-an-ipa?bftw=main

 

There are devices that do it so much better and safer for the operator.

I have been thinking/saying the same thing; on a visit last Sept.ember to The Hermitage in St Petersburg (off the Marina) a whole tour group (not from the ship) were standing in front of a painting ALL with their IPads aimed at, above and below the painting making it impossible for anyone to actually see the painting!!!

I am sure that safety of passengers and crew are number 1 priority; on previous cruise, "Tahitian Pearls", sea swells at Rarotonga increased dramatically as day progressed making the return to ship quite an experience! The tender and tender platform crews did a fantastic job ensuring we were all safely back on Marina.

Baristas does offer a limited selection of cookies and small filled rolls; latter located around corner heading towards the library.

I would always recommend booking through a Cruise Accredited TA who should have extensive cruising knowledge and rapport with the Cruise Companies and/or Consolidators to provide optimal service and work for you and with you.

Best way to find one is by word of mouth!

Having worked (past) as a TA for a number of years I know that a good TA will do their best to provide the best experience and outcome for their clients where possible.

There is a saying "Without a Travel Agent you are on your own"!!

Looking forward to being on Marina in 3 weeks time!!

Come to beautiful Melbourne;m we don't have the harbour but we do have easy access from Station Pier!

From: ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and.../public-transport-during-the-cruise-ship-season

"Travel from Station Pier to Melbourne city

Your ship will arrive at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, six kilomentres from Melbourne city. To travel into the city, you can choose to either catch a direct bus or take the scenic route of a bus and tram.

Bus 109 Express (option 1) runs direct to the city, while the PTV Tram Stop Bus Shuttle (option 2) will allow you to take one of Melbourne’s iconic trams.

The bus shuttles and trams cost a normal public transport fare and you must travel with a myki which you can buy at the PTV ticket booth inside the Cruise Terminal..."

"Getting around Melbourne

Heading into Melbourne's city centre from your cruise ship is quick and easy thanks to a range of transport options. The city's legendary laneways, revered cafes, inspirational galleries and exclusive boutiques are just a tram, bus or taxi ride away.

Taking Melbourne by tram

Melbourne is the only city in Australia that retains a network of trams and a scenic joy ride on one of the iconic trams is a must when you're in town. Luckily it's the most convenient way to travel from your ship at Station Pier to the city centre.

The Route 109 tram to Box Hill is conveniently located at the end of Station Pier. It takes you through Port Melbourne, past the Crown Entertainment Complex and across the Yarra River before turning right into Collins Street to take you to the Melbourne Town Hall and the heart of the city...."

Circling the city

The distinctive burgundy and gold City Circle trams are a free and easy way to explore central Melbourne. The tram's circuit takes in major attractions and shopping precincts, and offers an onboard commentary.

See: http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Traveller.../Cruise.../Melbourne/Getting-around

Thank you for the recommendations; unfortunately we are not able to stay 2 consecutive nights on Moorea as we arrive into PPT at midnight on 3 April for 05 April cruise and fly out on 20 April on Air New Zealand.

Have an overwater bungalow booked at IC for last night.

May have to be content with adding an extra day trip to Moorea as well as day on cruise itinerary.

We are currently booked into the Intercontinental Tahiti for 2 nights pre cruise (arriving into PPT at midnight) and 1 night post cruise, however taking on board all this "chat" about Papeete am looking now at feasibility of maybe first night closer to the port and staying 2nd night on Moorea. Had not really wanted to be on the move too much as this is supposed to be a restful holiday but if it ensures a better experience, so be it.

I do appreciate all the comments and information and I am sure we all want to enjoy a wonderful cruise!

Having lived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea some years ago, I am totally aware that these island capital ( + Papeete) towns are "jumping off" points for much nicer places further afield and that being so unfortunately attract the uglier things that come with it. I will not expect to be seeing Papeete through rose coloured glasses.

I do realise that the true beauty of FP lies outside of Papeete!!

I would not by choice stay in Papeete but flight restraints dictates that is the way it is to be; I guess we will see the "good, the bad and the ugly"!

Sometimes you just have to look harder to see the "good" in a place!!

Thank you "Conan" for your more positive suggestions; have been wondering if we were going to find any enjoyment at all in visiting FP!!!!!

for a 2pm flight to the US. We are arriving on Saturday (am) in Dover and departing on Monday at 2pm. Would it be better to stay in a hotel in London (city) or a Heathrow hotel. If in the city what transportation would be best to Heathrow (terminal 3 AAL).

 

Thank you

 

Dennis

We have stayed 1, 2...plus nights in London many times in many different areas. It doesn't really matter where you choose but it is a slight advantage being close to a Tube Station if you intend on using the Tube to access sightseeing points. We had 1 night in London recently post Baltics Cruise which ended in Southampton ( were in London by 1030am after disembarkation and train trip); stayed at the Hilton Paddington which was easy access to the Tube ( this hotel has direct entry from Main Station) and for the Heathrow Express next morning. Apart from very hard bed was a great, convenient hotel.

With 1 plus at least half day after disembarking at Dover would definitely stay in London!! Keep in mind that the Underground/Tube trip between Heathrow and e.g Picadilly Circus takes about 50mins.

Happy planning!

Thank you "sldispatcher" for your very informative and entertaining travelogue; are you a writer in "real life"? If not, you should consider it!!

A bit confused over you comment about Tasmania and think perhaps you mean Hobart since there in nothing but sea next to Tasmania and it is true that the area and wilds near Hobart are really great.

I think Hawaiidan meant that regional Victoria has some of the best scenery in Australia ALONG with or surpassed only by Tasmania.

I am sure our Northern and Western States would beg to differ!

Everyone has a preferred "type" of scenery; some love the open, dry, dusty centre of Australia. Others love the tropical north; I love green hills/mountains and sea coasts. Best thing is we are lucky to have it all!!

The landscape and the wilds in the region, next to Tasmania, are the best in the region... far superior to Sydney and north and the the far west.

My sentiments also, although Tasmania (was born and bred in North West Tasmania before moving to Victoria) is where my heart lies with wonderful memories of growing up with access to beautiful beaches, fertile farming areas, trout-filled streams and snow-capped mountains (albeit small) not far inland.

The only place in the world that has managed to capture the same feeling is the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland where we regularly visit.

Saying that, the only city in Australia where I would want to live is Melbourne!

I hope that any of you visiting us "downunder" will take home wonderful memories of a beautiful country.

If I had to make a choice between the Otway Fly Over or Great Ocean Road including Port Campbell National Park I would go for the latter; NO, it is not the Big Sur but it is beautiful and it is IN Australia!

With an interest in nature and scenery you could consider the Dandenong Ranges with their quaint villages and/or Yarra Valley (wineries) to the east of Melbourne city.

To me, Melbourne is not "just a busy city"; it is the cultural capital of Australia, has a European-style café culture with unique laneways and arcades, beautiful parks and gardens and some lovely architecture.

Melbourne does not have the "wow" factor of Sydney Harbour but it does have some "hidden" gems if you scratch the surface ( just a bit biased as I am a long-term resident of Melbourne).

Enjoy our beautiful country!!