CCC's

1 hour ago, Belmont Babe said:

Disclaimer - I have not stayed there yet! Booked the Great Southern in George St for one night pre-cruise in April '24. $130 NZD. It has a 'good' rating, but the reviews are pretty good, and we don't need luxury, just a bed. Very handy to Central Station, and a Woolies Metro just round the corner for last minute supplies. I couldn't believe that Rydges on the Rocks wanted $510NZD for the same night. I know its very handy to the OPT but $380 for the privilege is ridiculous.

I have stayed at Great Southern several times and it is definitely value for money.  Pub downstairs but noise does not filter up to rooms.  Has a separate dining room where you can get a good cooked breakfast for $16 plus other meals during day and evening.   I always check this hotel first whenever I visit Sydney.  Old Art Deco style heritage listed hotel.   Across road from Central Railway, light rail system just opposite which will take you to Cruise Terminal within 5 minutes.  Has always been clean and tidy whenever I visit. 

InsureandGo just quoted me $98 for a 10 day cruise from NZ next Feb 2024 as a solo.   I am under 76 yrs and fully disclosed all pre existing medical issues.   The quote was for the basic level only being medical coverage and evacuation only,  not all the other bells and whistles.   My travel insurance attached to my NAB DEBIT card covers all the other insurance stuff because the  NAB debit card does NOT cover pre existing medical issues.

Australia Post Cruise Insurance....Just completed an online quote for a cruise in Feb 2024 from Auckland to Sydney.  I have several pre existing medical conditions which were answered during the online quote process.   Very competitive pricing compared to other insurers.  Worth giving them a try.

https://newzealand.embassy.gov.au/wltn/reciprocalhealthcareagreement.html

Check out this link.   Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with NZ.  Possibly covers any health care you might require. 

Celebrity Edge which will be cruising Aussie, NZ and Sth Pacific from October this year have solo balcony cabins (16 cabins on deck 6 near elevators).  I have booked 2 cruises in 2024 with Edge in balcony solo cabins.  Excellent value as the balcony room is still quite spacious with full size bedding and full size bathroom.These cabins sell out very quickly.   

I will be on the lookout for a Poirot moustache?

5 minutes ago, sydgal said:

Can you get someone else to go with you and do a name change?

I am in desperate need of some ME TIME.  So, happy to go alone.  I am sure we have all felt that way at various times in our lives. 

Gbenjo.  Thanks you for this excellent advice.  I will notify them when I am checking in.

One issue which concerns me is..... if I don't advise them the other 2 pax will not be embarking, will they be looking/waiting for those 2 persons at sail away time and therefore delay the whole process. 

Made booking on Ovation, large Oceanview room for 3 persons, pre Covid.  RCI cancelled and rescheduled 3 times, but finally will be sailing (March 2023 for 8 day cruise within Aust waters.  Problem is- 2 of the passengers will not be coming on cruise for various reasons and therefore only one pax will be embarking on cruise.  Cruise was fully paid back in Dec 2022.  My question is... do I just turn up at OPT and notify them at that time I will be the only pax going on board.  Will they stop me from boarding and/or  will I have to pay any "extra" fees because I am now travelling SOLO ?  Thank you for any advice on the matter.

My visit to Larnach Castle was enjoyable.  Travelling from Dunedin to the Castle is a very scenic drive and the grounds surrounding Larnach Castle are lovely.  However,  our visit to Olveston House was great.  It is located not far from Dunedin CBD and is a beautiful old and historic home.   We had a guide throughout our visit and the history of the house is amazing.   If I returned to Dunedin I would definitely visit Olveston House again. 

I will be sailing on Ovation in early March 2023.  Have chosen set dining at 5.30pm.  Can I choose which dining room I want ( via the app) or is it pre chosen for me by the cruise line and they leave notification in my cabin?   Also,  any info on the various dining rooms would be appreciated.  I believe they all have the same menu in each dining room every night.  

On 12/30/2022 at 12:58 PM, GUT2407 said:

Luggage drop is normally open before 8. What day are you there?  rocks Markets are an interesting browse Sat and Sun. A wander around the opera house (even a coffee by the water) a walk down under the Bridge, a Ferry Ride. So many options depending on your interests.

GUT2407 great suggestions, and will investigate some when I cruise early March.  Also in the past I have caught a ferry around the harbour.... out to Watson's Bay but I stayed on the ferry while it did its loop back to Circular Quay.  A great, and cheap,  way to see our beautiful harbour.   You could also throw in a visit to Taronga Zoo which is reached by ferry too.

On 12/28/2022 at 12:38 PM, SinbadThePorter said:

My experience is that I did not catch covid on any of six cruises this year, but that I did catch it on my last visit to my doctor.

Agree 100% SinbadThePorter.  Let's put this into perspective.  Recently contracted Covid and was convinced I contracted it at my local post office,  but it could have been the newsagent,  but I also visited the pharmacy, supermarket and gift store on same day.  So, haven't a clue where I caught it. BUT I will not stop visiting any of those locations just in case I catch Covid again,  nor will I stop doing all the things I love,  which includes cruising.  Suggestion everyone....don't stop everyday living, just keep living as safe and healthy as you choose.  Happy and enjoyable cruising everyone.

8 hours ago, chubbypiggy said:

I guess I will just purchase the pre-cruise bottled water, just like my prior cruises. It is 12-pk of 500ml for $7.08. If purchase after on the ship, then it is $2/bottle. 

Hi.  Where were you able to pre-purchase bottled water prior to your cruise.  Was it via the App or online Personaliser, or did you purchase from supermarket ??

15 minutes ago, Ondine said:

I booked a couple of dinners on Grand Princess (dep next week) and was charged $25 for Sabatinis and $29 for Crown Grill.  I think they are meant to be USD but have gone through to my cc as AUD with no surcharge or exchange rates.  Just a glitch in their system I think.

Yes, same here.   Booked for Crown Grill on Majestic Princess at $29AUD each person.  Credit Card total for 2 = $58AUD.

I have booked 2 speciality restaurants for my 20 November cruise on Majestic Princess. Used the Medallion app and cost on my Aust debit card was $29 per person.  Hope this clarifies for you. 

Only time I have decent bacon is on a cruise ship, American style.  Fully nuked and if you try to cut it, it explodes into a hundred shards.   So I just pick it up and eat like a chip.  My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

Wanderers2... thank you for tip to log into Princess.com.  Did this and it is all there!  I always use the Princess App.  Never thought to go back to the browser log in.  Thanks again. 

54 minutes ago, Wanderers2 said:

For the cruise personalizer you need to log into Princess.com then log into your account or cruise booking. Luggage tags available after final payment 

I paid in full many months ago,  so thought they would be available 4 weeks from cruise.   And thanks for your advice. 

Just opened the Princess App on my mobile ( chose Wellness Check) and saw the message below.  Tried to find in the Cruise Personaliser but no luck.  I was initially looking for luggage tags, but might be a little early for them.   I am sailing on Majestic 20th November.  Does anyone have info regarding the below request?

Guests sailing from Australia:

Please fill out the required  COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  form via Cruise Personalizer in addition to these forms

I will add that if you wanted to go to Brissie it would be quite tricky.  A large catamaran boat does travel from island to a dock in Brisbane river but you would need get taxi etc into Brisbane city from there... then do in reverse.  The big CAT does take about 45 minutes both ways and I don't believe there are many trips each day.   And you would definitely have to prebook both trips.  So,  probably not worth the hassle.  The island and resort outshines Brisbane city.

You will tender from ship direct to Tangalooma Resort, Moreton Island.  Visited there recently and it is a stunning destination.   Beautifully set up for all visitors to the island and so many activities you can choose from,  paid and free.  You will not be disappointed.   Checkout website for the island and Tangalooma Resort for all activities available.   You can pay for everything on the island but try to get there early to get your pick. 

1 hour ago, chubbypiggy said:

I posted my questions on the Port of Call for 2 days and haven't received any response, so I am trying this thread.

 

We are in our mid 60's, each will have a 28" luggage and a carry-on.  Do not want to take train or bus.  We will arrive on April 3 (Monday) around 7 a.m. from the U.S. on a 15-hour non-stop flight.  Will embark on a Princess cruise on April 4. 

 

We mainly want to find a hotel that is: clean and safe, within walking distance (or short taxi ride) to the cruise terminal, convenient to casual eating places and will be nice, if also convenient to a market (for water and snacks).   

 

Questions:

1. Any suggestions for hotel that is within walking distance or short taxi ride to the OPT?  I only saw ads on

   the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and Swissotel Sydney.  Any better ones?

2. Which is closer or within walking distance to the OPT? Four Seasons Hotel Sydney or Swissotel Sydney?

3. How far is the ride from the Kingsford Smith airport to the hotel near Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT)? 

4. If take taxi, approximately how much is the ride?  Can I pay the driver using credit card?

5. Can we use credit card for the taxi/eating/shopping (souvenirs)/market (buy water, snacks, etc.)?

6. Or it is wise to get some AUD at the airport ATM?  

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance!! 

Try Rydges Sydney Harbour,  which is a very short walk to OPT at Circular Quay.  From airport you can catch taxi for approx cost $60 which can be paid by credit card.   In fact your credit card can be used everywhere.

4 minutes ago, VanessaNJ said:

Booked and paid for my dining on majestic for my December cruise and yes, it was $29pp. 

Yep, me too for my November cruise on Majestic.  I booked 2 speciality restaurants and was charged Au$29 per person, and my credit card was debited almost immediately.