Patois

2 hours ago, NSWP said:

The Govt gave the AZ to us dinosaurs because it is $2 a pop and we are expendable.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, they placed orders for 4 different vaccines which seemed to be a good thing at the time to spread any risk in case one vaccine fell over which turned out to be true with the UQ vaccine. The real criticism should be that the Government did not set up a manufacturing facility for the mRNA vaccine in Australia. I recall the Industry Minister being questioned about this issue early in 2020 saying that it would take 12 months to establish and that by then we would be all vaccinated.  

1 hour ago, mr walker said:

That was why they were formed & for many years they did a good job of it. Then it became self-serving on behalf of the union officials & employees, rather than for the members, certainly with the unions I had interaction with. Get a job with the union, get paid by the members money & hopefully end up with a job in politics - the gravy train.

ABS figures show that union membership in Aust dropped from 46% in 1986 to 19% in 2007. EDITED to add that as of Aug 2020 it had dropped to 14% Now, to be fair, the number of jobs that would have normally been 'union shops' dropped away as manufacturing went offshore, but there is clearly a lot less union membership, and there must be a reason for that 😉

Maybe there is a correlation between declining union membership and no real wages growth .

Coral Expeditions have also released their Covid-19 plan for their cruises. 5 step plan below. Although they only operate small ships it could be a sign of what the larger companies might introduce.

1. LEVEL ONE SCREENING: VISIT YOUR GP Your GP will be asked to complete the detailed questionnaire which Coral Expeditions will have supplied to you. This Level One medical should be conducted seven days prior to the departure of your expedition. Once completed, the questionnaire will be sent to Coral Expeditions’ medical practitioners to complete at Level Two screening prior to boarding.

2. REDUCE RISK: SELF-ISOLATE BEFORE YOUR CRUISE We ask that all guests and crew self-isolate to the extent possible between their GP visit and arriving at the departure point of their cruise. We suggest the following approach: • Conduct only essential activities outside of your home • Limit your exposure to indoor public spaces or transport • Avoid large social gatherings.

3. TRAVEL SAFE TO YOUR DEPARTURE PORT To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as you travel to your cruise departure port, our recommendations include wearing a mask whilst travelling in public transport and in terminals, wash hands regularly, and physical distance in public spaces.

4. LEVEL TWO SCREENING & CLEARANCE TO TRAVEL Guests must arrive at the departure port 24 hours prior to departure. The Level Two health screening will be performed by a Coral Expeditions medical practitioner at the departure port for your cruise 12-24 hours before departure. We will designate a venue for pre-boarding check in and health screening, which will provide both physical distancing and privacy. Your pre-boarding health screening will complete your health questionnaire and include a COVID-19 PCR test. This test involves some small discomfort in gathering a nose and throat sample, but lasts only a matter of moments. Results will be lab-tested and confidentially provided to the medical practitioner and the individual. A negative test will be required for travel for both guests and crew. At check-in guests will also sign a travel declaration acknowledging completion of pre-screening steps. If there are any significant health concerns raised at Level One or Level Two screening, guest/s will be asked to postpone their expedition or a refund offered if required. Health concerns include a positive result on the COVID-19 test or detected symptoms.

5. GROUP TRANSFERS TO VESSEL To maintain the safe travel environment, we will provide transfers to the vessel for all guests. These transfers will undergo hygiene and sterilisation protocols as required, to maintain your safety at all times.

We did Alaska cruise Vancouver to Whittier then land tour with Princess from 12th May this year. Advantage of going in May still see lots of snow and winter scenery, less crowds. Downside was we didn't see a lot of wildlife although we were lucky to see some bears next to our bus. The other issue was that on the land tour there were a lot of new staff who were being trained on the job so service was very hit and miss. Weather was very good cold but no rainy days. Had done cruise only previously in late August and it rained nearly everyday.

Has anyone here ever made a claim for a missed port with InsureandGo? They do cover it in their silver and gold policies.

We just missed Lifou due to a Cyclone and my wife is frightened that they will charge us extra for our next policy if we make a claim.

Russell we made a claim for 4 missed ports on the 2016 world cruise. We provided documentation from Princess and claims were paid no issues. We have also taken out policies since then and there does not appear to be any indication of extra charges.

I have just come across an interview that the she gave to an online travel writers radio website. She was only on until Dubai . Surprise surprise the interview is not nearly as sensational as the article in the Daily Mail reported.

If you are interested here is the link

https://player.fm/series/travel-writers-radio/palat-member-carolyne-jasinski-reports-on-cruise-piracy

I have been on the Sun class ships for around the world, circle pacific and grand European cruises and was absolutely happy with that type of ship. In fact due to circumstances we had 9 straight sea and there was no issues about finding your own space.

I feel that there was less feeling of being crowded on the Sun class ships than on the Golden and Sapphire, and the covered pool on is just like a sauna. Everyone to their own taste but I prefer the size of the Sun class ships, although they no doubt they are showing their age.

Is there a 'right' age?

 

Being in your 50s too young?

 

Are children catered for onboard RTW?

 

Thankyou

My advice is do it sooner rather than later. Our first cruise was a 104 day world cruise and we loved it so much we have since done two more long cruises of +75 days and have booked for this years world cruise.

On the world cruise 2010 we were among the youngest on board mid 50's but that was no problem. Trust me it is easier to cope with the heat and multiple back to back ports when you are younger.

Do it now you never know what is around the corner.

Having previously worked for medibank their staff discount for travel insurance is very good. I have used them on many occasions , for policies from 2 weeks to three months,when I worked for them and when I left. I have had to make claims and their process was very easy. I found their inclusions comprehensive and good.

That being said I have also used other providers, it is amazing the price variation you can get. I have been quoted a different price by the same insurer(not medibank) for the same policy when I went directly to their website versus going via an add on Google.

Thanks everyone for your help. I have contacted TA and they have arranged to link the bookings.

Bob

I have read somewhere that there is a way you can link two bookings on Princess to enable the two bookings to be seated at the same table for dinner in the MDR .

Can anyone help?

Thanks Bob

I was wondering if anyone has done an APT small ship ocean cruise from PNG to Fiji, or another APT small ship ocean cruise, if so some advice on types of excursions and general information would be great.

Bob

So they should also have a rule that doctors practising within Australia on Australian Citizens/Residents including cruise ships should be Medicare registered and thus unable to charge such high prices!

It will make very little difference to your out of pocket expenses even if the doctor is Medicare registered as they can charge what they want. Medicare has no control over what doctors can charge , unless they bulk bill.

The prices will not change and the medicare refund will be very minimal to what they actually charge.