Oriana delayed into Sydney

[The Fox]

I thought wharf 8 was very organised too. The one time we sailed from OPT.....absolute chaos.

 

 

Hi Karen,

 

If you arrive at peak boarding time at OPT its bedlam especially if you arrive by shuttle....just getting through the securty gates is mayhem.Its easier if you are sailing on RCI.We arrive early 10.30am and you can check -in and board straight away...no problems.Other cruise lines we let you check-in but will not start boarding till 11.30am which means long lines getting through customs etc.Each time we have left from OPT we were checked-in and boarded in less than 30 minutes.Having said al that I still think the OPT is outdated by todays standards....but I love sailing from there.Its great to be onboard at 11am and have 1/2 a day to explore the ship and just take in the views and activities on and around the harbour.

 

Col:)

[cme2c]

We sailed on the Pacific Sky on Australia Day 2003. The harbour was closed for the fireworks (we had a great view of the ones at Darling Harbour) so we left late. Later in the cruise, the refueller at Suva was broken, so we went to Mystery Island instead and then sailed v e r y s l o w l y to Noumea where refuelling took place. We left at midnight, and after some much faster sailing, were back on schedule the next day.

 

So, yes, sometimes ships leave late at night.

 

John

[megsie]

Just back from 2 nighter on Oriana. Embarkation in Sydney was chaotic, at one stage we were briefly lined up in the rain! Building design just doesn't cope well with large numbers and coupled with the later arrival of Oriana and a lot of passengers unable to change travel arrangements - everyone seemed to be there at once. Nevertheless we were there and just happy to be about to board the Oriana.

[cazz0069]

Just back from 2 nighter on Oriana. Embarkation in Sydney was chaotic, at one stage we were briefly lined up in the rain! Building design just doesn't cope well with large numbers and coupled with the later arrival of Oriana and a lot of passengers unable to change travel arrangements - everyone seemed to be there at once. Nevertheless we were there and just happy to be about to board the Oriana.

 

Hey Megsie, Welcome back, How was it. I assume you were able to cram as much into possible into the 2 days....anyway welcome back and i hope you had the best time!

[Skyrules]

Just back from 2 nighter on Oriana. Embarkation in Sydney was chaotic, at one stage we were briefly lined up in the rain! Building design just doesn't cope well with large numbers and coupled with the later arrival of Oriana and a lot of passengers unable to change travel arrangements - everyone seemed to be there at once. Nevertheless we were there and just happy to be about to board the Oriana.

 

Where did you embark in Sydney? Circular Quay or Darling Harbour ?

[megsie]

Thanks Jas for your welcoming home greetings. We had a great time and tried to see and enjoy as much as the short time allowed. Highlight being - a question /answer session by the cricket legends aboard - very amusing and entertaining. The Dining Room food was efficiently served and always piping hot. Both the dining room and buffet menus were not extravagant in their choices but more than adequate and we enjoyed all

we had. Entertainment was very good, although one band was looking for all the incoming Aussies to liven things up! Balcony room was spacious and in great condition as was all the venues aboard. During the voyage the Captain announced the seas were 5 metres which was surprising as the ship was handling it very well we thought, although we watched the seas getting rougher. Oriana is probably not the ship for everyone as it is on a World Cruise and as we expected with the cruise originating from UK with mostly older and British passengers aboard, sometimes it sounded like Coronation Street! But we thoroughly enjoyed our short cruise and would we go again on Oriana - most definitely.

[megsie]

Hi Skyrules, We embarked at the Overseas Terminal at Circular Quay.

Previously we have embarked there with minimal waiting but this time I think it was just a different set of circumstances. Disembarking in Brisbane was also a little chaotic as we were later arriving.

With disembarking passengers, the 2 nighters having to take their own luggage off board as well as the keen day trippers rushing to get to the coaches it was a case of watch your toes from our wheelie luggage!

But to put it all into perspective that evening at Brisbane airport with only one security screening working there was a huge lineup, it appears queues are a part of city life. We try to be patient and think of the end result even if in the moment it can be frustrating.

[cazz0069]

Hi Skyrules, We embarked at the Overseas Terminal at Circular Quay.

Previously we have embarked there with minimal waiting but this time I think it was just a different set of circumstances. Disembarking in Brisbane was also a little chaotic as we were later arriving.

With disembarking passengers, the 2 nighters having to take their own luggage off board as well as the keen day trippers rushing to get to the coaches it was a case of watch your toes from our wheelie luggage!

But to put it all into perspective that evening at Brisbane airport with only one security screening working there was a huge lineup, it appears queues are a part of city life. We try to be patient and think of the end result even if in the moment it can be frustrating.

 

What a good attitude to have Megsie, no point getting all riled up at the delay, at the end of the day you are going to get on, its just going to take a little longer :)