Tripmode33

One option is to take cans of non alcoholic beer onboard. We did that last carnival cruise. The beer companies here in Australia all seem to be releasing non alcoholic beers. Huge variety to choose from. Excellent quality too (unlike the poor quality non alcoholic wine).

Having recently done three Luminosa cruises, really enjoying your report very much - thanks for taking time to share.

Confirming that the music travelling up to the steakhouse from deck 2 atrium bar did indeed ruin the whole ambiance of the speciality restaurant. We tried the steakhouse on Luminosa last month and were extremely disappointed by the noise from atrium. Definitely not dinner music, but loud raucous music you could not even have a conversation over. There are tables situated a little further from the railing overlooking the void to the atrium so I suggest you try requesting one of these.

Are you sure about the 30 days? We're doing our first P&O at the end of May and we read online check in and select departure time was 60 days out. Sure enough went on 60 days before (59 actually) at end of March and selected our time for boarding (12 noon).

Yes, we had a corner aft suite with wrap around balcony. I could do my morning walking exercise without leaving our own balcony. Huge!

Yes, the lack of single supplements were a very welcome surprise for many.

Our children were still in primary school. Amazing experience. A year off tv and technology did wonders for bonding as a family, and set them up to value the natural wonders of this land. Your overseas experience would have been wonderful too.

Perhaps they were referring to the Queensland offerings on Luminosa. To fill the ship we took up a few amazing offers - balcony and suite - at about $30 per day with generous obc. I don't think we'll see those offers next season.

We took a year off work and a year off school for the kids and drove around this beautiful country. Special times. Still much to see though.

I agree, we have done both Grand and Majestic recently this year, and would much rather the Grand.

On Majestic last month they were all wearing their oversized "10" hats as you entered the MDR towards end of cruise. The name cards on dining tables we only saw regularly on Carnival Luminosa, not Princess. The Captain on Luminosa even came to MDR on last evening to encourage you to give 10/10 if you thought they deserved it. I have never received a survey from carnival even though my travelling companions did. I get all their other emails. Of the six Princess cruises post-covid, I've received a survey day the after disembarking for each of them.

Thanks for that info. Ile aux Canards is what we call Duck Island so that answers my question. Snorkeling there is out for us.

Just returned from a Carnival Luminosa South Pacific cruise. There have been recent posts re Noumea Duty Free so thought I'd share my experience. I purchased my duty free liquor onboard the ship at the beginning of cruise in case they sold out. Our final Port was Noumea. Before returning to the ship, we popped in to the Marlene Duty Free shop directly across the road from where the cruise terminal is (ship transfers you to there in free bus from dock). Shop was very busy with cruisers snapping up their duty free bargains. This Marlene shop sells only liquor (no other duty free). The shop then delivers your purchases directly to the ship for you. I squeezed in amongst the crowds to compare prices to what we'd bought on-board. Was considerably cheaper so took photos showing product and price (price in local currency with exchange rate clearly posted). Once back on board, when shops opened, enquired whether they offer price matching as what I'd bought was cheaper in Port. Princess had always done this for us in past so thought worth asking. They were very happy to do so. They took a photo of my photos and immediately refunded the difference to my onboard account. So that is good to know for future cruises. Also worth noting, unlike Princess who deliver duty free to your cabin the last day of cruising, Carnival requires you to collect it on disembarkment morning. They said they opened at 5.30am, but from past experience I knew the huge lines, so went down at 5am and collected it with no queuing.

No. I definitely read that the ban didn't extend to Amadee Island.

Our travelling companions just took insurance after checking many online quotes. Allianz came in the least expensive for them. In 70s but didn't add any pre existing conditions.

Was in Noumea last week. Apparently the ban on swimming and snorkeling will last until end of year. By then they will have shark nets installed at two main beach frontages. Assume this ban includes Duck Island which is just offshore (short water taxi ride) where we would hope to go snorkeling. We're back again in early September for two days on Carnival Splendor. We'll probably wander through the local fish market and fruit and vege and craft market, then stroll to coconut square and buy a local bus ticket to Anse Vata. The beachside walk between there and Citron/Lemon Bay is quite pleasant. Also good place to buy duty free liquor opposite the tourist information hub/cruise terminal, but I'll post separately of my experience there.

Just off Majestic. Found it at International Cafe every second morning. Lovely when warm.

We took a six pack of non alcoholic beer on at embarkation on Carnival Luminosa very recently. It was in cans. No problem. In Australia, there is quite a variety in cans. Perhaps not there in US, or does Carnival exclude this in your cruise contract?

...not expected and not encouraged. I find most Australians, like myself, actively discourage tipping in Australia. It is not part of our culture and we prefer it not to become part of our culture. We have a very regulated wage system here, and tips are not needed to make up a shortfall. When we visit a country where tipping is part of the culture, we certainly tip. Hopefully visitors to our country where tipping is not part of our culture, respect this and refrain from tipping. That is my opinion and that of most Australians I know. Many thanks for your consideration.

First cruise to Noumea this Sunday. But others using same insurance document have reported that it has passed scrutiny. My sister is on current Luminosa cruise to Noumea with same document and it passed inspection. I do hope that they are checking policies as some cruisers without suitable complimentary credit card insurance have paid considerable amounts for theirs.

Did you try uploading the vaccination certificates on the web version? From our experience, a screen shot is a necessity once green and boarding group showing. Of the six recent Princess cruises, many people had issues with App on boarding day or in boarding queue. They are quite strict on sighting that Green Lane and boarding group.

I also use ANZ credit card insurance and select 'worldwide' from the drop down box to cover all destinations. The three page confirmation they email you after you use the online site to check cover lists all required details.

I'd like to mention that you do not need to take up gambling. We, and our friends, have never stepped inside a casino on any ship, and have still been given ridiculously cheap Carnival cruises recently. Various codes, either by email or signing in. Less than $30 per day in balcony.

Found the comedy club bar had a nice white by bottle under $40 not available other bars.

That's double price on Princess. Big difference when you purchase a bottle daily like us.