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You may want to consider going directly from the ship (by taxi) to the airport to pick up and drop off there. Otherwise, shuttling (if available) could be time-consuming and not on any schedule you'll have control over.

Agreed (we especially liked TIM Tourist but had to actually be in Italy to get that). I think the trade here is, not so much a heavy data user but the extended period of time to be connected pretty much anywhere.

We are on a cruise/land tour to Europe in April and are planning six weeks in NZ and Australia next Jan to March. So, the 365 day option is definitely attractive. I couldn't figure out the phone call business; are the calls just local numbers (within the country you're traveling in) or is 'long distance' allowed? In any event USD 89 (the extra USD 20 for voice may be worthwhile, especially down-under) would be a good bargain for the service and flexibility that appears to be on offer.

And before you know it, people are just making things up.

A couple of 12 year old boys would have found this hilarious in 1967. If you don't, not to worry.

The Captain's Log. A real kneeslapper and much better than asking about most anything else.

Nope. Are you sure you're named as a passenger? Maybe your GF is sending you a subtle message.

I'm not big on conspiracies and certainly don't think people or companies are deliberately misleading me (I don't like the phrase lying to me) simply because I don't have unfettered access to what isn't, at least to me, my business.

Not to me. I'm satisfied to pay whatever the cruise line tacks on as the daily gratuities and leave it to them to distribute them. I'll give my steward a little extra at the end of the cruise and whether he/she can pocket it or is obliged to turn it over to a pool is none of my concern. I don't drink so no bar staff to be concerned with and am not a regular at a MDR table so don't tip extra there.

I'm taking his assertion on faith.

Thank you for this. I copied and pasted your post into an e-mail to myself as a reminder of activities worthwhile considering for an Auckland stay.

No shuttle from cruise terminal to airport. No need to book a taxi; there will be plenty on hand and allmyou need to do is hop in and tell the driver to take you to the car rental centre at the airport. It will probably cost about $20 with tip included.

I like the IV (yes, it's absolutely like sitting in your cabin with the window down) but prefer the classic balcony/verandah. Thing is, Edge class ships are much different than other ships in the fleet and if you're looking at a 'global experience' you may want one class over another.

If a person is running for office and meeting new people while on vacation is that politics?

Judging from the OP's preamble leading up to the question of how to reduce costs, a flight to the departure port and an overnight stay are necessary conditions. Short of taking flights that arrive the day of departure (meaning no overnight stay and maybe some uncomfortable or risky timing) I don't see many 'tricks' that are going to save much on travel. Of course, loyalty deals such as Aeroplan flights and free nights at a hotel are helpful but they all require a considerable investment before there are paybacks.

I use my Canadian credit card and let the bank do the exchange rate on any purchases.

Ah, I see. Good advice from cruisestitch to ensure the accounts are linked.

You won't move to Elite status on Celebrity but you will be able to enjoy Elite perks if you book and board a Celebrity cruise ship. cas-loyalty-flyer.pdf

I had to do a bit of research to understand that one....

Well, no wonder Canadians want to talk about US politics.

Yes, that's true. Is (was) the total fare less for the 14 day version compared to 2x7 days?

Oh.... Don't even contemplate doing this if you're planning on changing cabin category or if the fare or other conditions hqve changed.

I changed my cabin using the chat feature yesterday. I was first in line at 0900 and it took aboout 10 minutes. I wouldn't try this anytime after 0930!!

That's one way of looking at it. Or, more accurately, you will be receiving all the benefits of Princess Plus but spread out over a 14 day period. I agree with you that Princess really needs to rethink the number of casual dinners, fitness classes, etc permitted for longer cruises under the Plus package.

Don't be so sure of that....