Jim_Iain Live - 2nd Half World Cruise - B2B Singapore to Down Under 11/25 – 12/21

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 1:27 AM, NMTraveller said:

@Jim_Iain did you have to submit a Singapore Arrival Card before clearing the Singapore Airport?

No.   It is automatically fed into their immigration system when you file.   Sign says you have to complete prior to trying to pass through. 

 

Immigration is via a virtual agent.   You first you lay passport on a scanner and it opens first gate.  Next you look at a camera and when you get recognized you put your right thumb on a reader and then the second gate opens and you are cleared.

 

On Iain's departure he and David were rejected and they had to manually enter the data so good to have a copy.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/5/2023 at 10:51 PM, terrydtx said:

On the Apex in September my DW ordered the lamb chops in the Roof Top Grill medium rare and they came out well done more on the cremated side.  She sent them back and the next ones came back rare and at least 50% fat and gristle and inedible. We complained to the manager and he offered to comp us another dinner there and we declined as we stayed with Luminae the rest of the cruise. Two nights later we had them in the Luminae and they were just as tough no matter what doneness. Must be whoever Celebrity is using to source their lamb. I hope by the time we get on the Edge next month they are getting local lamb of better quality.

 

We are being told that it is New Zealand Lamb but I tell you the New Zealand Lamb we get at Costco has never been tough.    May be the grade they are purchasing.   One would think they would at least buy Costco Quality.   LOL

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/5/2023 at 10:41 PM, Northern Aurora said:

Inquiring minds want to know — when you tendered back to the ship did you use the Magic Carpet?  It was damaged by one of the private tenders and is now parked.  Rumors are that it may be out of service for a while.

 

Gerry

 

Gerry -  Sorry for the delay in answering.    As usually all my sources are mum.

 

We were on the last tender before they pulled up the Magic Carpet.   I observed something going on between an Celebrity Staff excited and running back and forth and the Captain of the Tender blowing him off.   The Celebrity guy was pointing to a tie down.   The seas were rough and I felt the Tender Slam the Magic Carpet a couple of times. 

 

You may know more than I but was the end panel damaged or shattered on the previous cruise?    One person claimed to see it shattered and others said it was that way since Rome.

 

Edited December 6, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/5/2023 at 11:33 PM, Whinenowine said:

We spent part of our honeymoon in the Daintree (Cape Tribulation); was pretty cool having rainforest on one side of the road and beach on the other. But it was a 3hr drive from Cairns so likely to far for you to drive (if you didn't visit on one of your prior trips).

 

It is a beautiful area of the world.   We've been to the Rain Forests and much of the coast north and south.   Wish we were there longer than a day.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 2:02 AM, grandgeezer said:

I never day traded but, in the mid 90’s I got hooked on low cost stocks, say between $1 and $2 per share. Buy a couple thousand shares, wait until it went up, say $.25 and sell. I was turning a net profit of about $2,000 per month. After about six months I gave up, just too much work and my other regular investments were going through the roof. I had a full time job so the extra money wasn’t really needed.

 

I never traded individual stock.   Mostly played Saddled Covered ETF's  -  Put's an Call's  on the Dow, Nasdaq or the Volatility Index.  If I expected volatility like the day the Fed's Report I would buy both Puts and Calls -  sometime leveraged 2X or 3X.  Expectation that usually as soon as the report is issued the stock with either Pop up or down on computer generated trades and then as annalist read the full report it would often reverse.     The risk is the the market stays flat which is rare.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 12:29 AM, terrydtx said:

Was it damaged today?  If so, I hope it is fixed by our cruises next month as we have a lot of tendered ports on both cruises. The MC makes getting on and off tenders so much easier and efficient.

It was still out of service yesterday.   We sat out there bobbing for over an hour due to congestion using the regular old method of the fold down platform.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 2:21 AM, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Each ship must do it differently.  On the Silhouette last week, I put in $100 OBC to start and immediately won $50 so I cashed out.  I was then frozen out of my account.  They told me I would have to play with cash to reactivate my account.

 

Linda -  Agree with you.   I found that each ship lately had different limits.   I was able to pull $400 on first day then got locked out for 2 days.   I however was playing a bit to get it unlocked.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 6:44 AM, Exc said:

I hear they have now raised the price for Decoy to $19.00. Can you verify this? So few premium wines available and now they price it out of the premium package. 

I'll try to confirm.    Indications are yet but haven't yet implemented new pricing on Edge on this cruise.   Someone on FB posted the new price list.  I'll see if I can snag it.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 7:25 AM, hcat said:

the stores look touristy but after that so beautiful..your smile says it all!

Many are.   They do have some really unique (ok Iain always correct me.   Unique is one of a kind so you can't have a very or really unique) shops.   The indigenous gallery was one and the men's store that broke the bank was incredible.   Like stocks I had a covered option.   Iain gives me a birthday gift of $10 for every year of my life.   Yea for us Grey Heads.  

The good point is the Australian Peso as we kid our Australian friends is such a great deal for us on the US $.     I bought some Refrig Magnets and when my Chase alert immediately came through it was $4.50 US so went back and bought another.    Golf hats were about $8.00

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 7:43 AM, Corgi Girl said:

I love the shirt you’re wearing, Jim.  Fabulous!

 

I haven't worn my favorite buy of the day.    Iain also picked up a shirt and matching shorts that he hasn' t   worn yet.      I of course say -   I love OUR new shirt --- Community Property

 

He has been wearing one of my (our)  new Golf Hats that I have yet had and opportunity to wear. 

[Suzi66]

1 hour ago, upwarduk said:

School holidays already in Australia?

Thank goodness, says this teacher.

School holidays officially start on the 20th of December but the kids are already in holiday mode and switched off.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 7:45 AM, upwarduk said:

The fish & chips look fabulous. I’m sure they were tasty.

 

Believe me they were incredible.   Unlike in the UK they use Barramundi and they were so hot and crispy you had to wait for them to cool a little.   The chips were freshly made and were perfectly cooked.    Yikes -  I'm salivating.

 

Far better than any meal we have had on the ship and reasonable at about $120 AU for the meal beers and sparkling water for 4.

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 8:34 AM, Whinenowine said:

Good morning, Jim.  Tsunamis and cyclones....but so far the worst is a broken glass panel on the Magic Carpet and a bidet-like toilet.  You lead a charmed life, Jim (and we're not even talking about Iain yet)!

 

Btw--on our Edge cruise last year we were in 11105, but lucky for us there were no tender ports so no anchor noises.  There was, however a prodigious pot smoker either in 101 or 103 (and I DO mean prodigious).  😁

 

Yikes... Surprising.   11101 (my favorite cabin -  I don't forget the room number) is right next to the Bridge and the bridge can see into all of those balconies.     The least they could do is eat brownies.    

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/6/2023 at 8:39 AM, Cruise Junky said:

I just love Port Douglas. We’ve done three land trips there. Great shirts!  

 

Cains is nice but Love Port Douglas -- so relaxed.    I was surprised that this is low season.   This is like July in Florida -  Hurricane Season, Hot and Humid .     It is really popular in their Winter -

[Jim_Iain]

23 hours ago, jelayne said:

It was that way on legs 1 & 2, but I could get the 4 oz filet anytime. 

 

Do you think or know if that is fleet wide or just the World Cruise?

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

23 hours ago, theopup said:

Whheeee, I am finally caught up.

 

We left for a land trip to Dublin and London the day your live review started.

Then when we returned had to decorate and started getting ready for Christmas ( so not much time to keep up to date on your review)

 

Extra special year around here this Christmas, as we have not one but two beautiful granddaughters who will be celebrating their first Christmas.

 

Loving your review as always. Sorry to hear about all your loss recently, and to read that you were under the weather. Glad you are feeling better, as has the ship service issues.

 

You all seem to be enjoying yourself now.

 

Wonderful content, and pictures as always 

 

 

 

We gave up on Xmas about 20 years ago.   Sorry for our poor attitude to all of you Xmas lovers.   

 

We found that we put so much energy into Xmas that was drained.  Then after shopping for the perfect gift for either of us the other say..... I think I will return it.    We finally recognize we have everything we want or need and instead 30 years ago decided our Xmas Gift would be to get away for a week to the Keys, Palm Springs, San Diego.   That was when I was fighting the idea of LOCKING me up on a SHIP for a FULL WEEK.     I was sure a  cruise was pure Hell.   LOL

 

When the kids were young instead of decorating a tree.   I would have a Christmas Tree Decorating Party.   Eveyone was invited to bring a hand made decoration or we had popcorn, Cranberries and string to make garland and while we all ate drank and were Merry the Tree transformed to it's grandeur. 

 

We are rushing home on Dec 21 to attend the most eclectic Christmas Eve Party imaginable.  An annual even with guest from 12 to 95, Gay, Straight, and probably the full spectrum of the new gay alphabet.   Guests from every continent and food to match.  

 

On Dec 22 I have to drive 100 miles to pick up my youngest daughter who always comes with us.

 

Christmas -  we no longer decorate but have a wonderful dinner and just kick back. 

 

I have to do my Xmas shopping next week -   Amazon Gift Cards for all the Grandchildren.   I know Bahhhhh Humbug but that's us.

[Jim_Iain]

20 hours ago, FeebeeH said:

For my 60th birthday I stayed at Lillianfels in the Blue Mountains with my husband, we visited the Three Sisters at Katoomba which is a UNESCO site near where I used to live (and would visit often bushwalking). Whilst there we overhead another couple saying "Oh we thought it was going to be like the Grand Canyon, but it's nothing like the Grand Canyon"....

 

Ahhh... Katoomba.        I wish we had more time to visit.    When in Cains for 2 week we visitied and LOVED it.   It is truly a gem and encourage any visiting the area to consider that as an option.

Like you said -  words and pictures only can capture a thumbnail of the entirety.

[Jim_Iain]

21 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I love your pics, Jim!  DH has said more than once that he really has no desire to cruise Australia. He says he’s “heard” it’s like the US only on the other side of the world. I’ve shown him some of your pics. I think I’m seeing a crack in his armor!!  So thank you!

 

I've way behind on reading your Live but will be catching up soon.     I will try to persuade him to give you your well deserved trip down under.    Now is the time to play that Guilt trip... I've given up my dream for you all these years... you can finish the story.

[Jim_Iain]

A day of fun in the sun

 

 

The Retreat Team were incredible in helping with our excursions.   A bit shout out to @mmelville6 who started putting this together on September 22, 2022 (year over a year ago).  

 

Team Mark had 26 in our group and they allowed me to invite them to meet in Retreat and escorted to be first on tender.    BTW the Retreat was empty because 95% were booked on Celebrity Excursions.  Mark was incredible in planning and had everyone there waiting outside the Retreat ready to come inside the Retreat at 8:20 AM.   We were due to arrive at 9:00.   We were ashore at 10:00 -  took about 30 minutes to load the large port tenders and 25 minute tender to port.

 

There was another Team Kathy that were delayed starting their trip for about and hour until all their guests arrived.

 

Walking down the stairs from the Martini Bar to the Gateway to the tender I noted a great Bronze.

 

 

Mark had arranged with Thunder Cat to have the boats adjacent to the docking pier so no delays.   

 

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Like you, @Jim_Iain, we are done with buying each other gifts, elaborate decorating and big parties.  We've passed the entertaining onto a nephew and his wife who volunteered to do it. One big family party, coming up on Sunday and we are done. A quiet Christmas dinner for the 2 of us and a neighbor who will be alone for the first time in 39 years and that's it. 

Glad you are enoying your cruise. Safe travels.

[Lastdance]

8 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

We gave up on Xmas about 20 years ago.   Sorry for our poor attitude to all of you Xmas lovers.   

 

We found that we put so much energy into Xmas that was drained.  Then after shopping for the perfect gift for either of us the other say..... I think I will return it.    We finally recognize we have everything we want or need and instead 30 years ago decided our Xmas Gift would be to get away for a week to the Keys, Palm Springs, San Diego.   That was when I was fighting the idea of LOCKING me up on a SHIP for a FULL WEEK.     I was sure a  cruise was pure Hell.   LOL

 

When the kids were young instead of decorating a tree.   I would have a Christmas Tree Decorating Party.   Eveyone was invited to bring a hand made decoration or we had popcorn, Cranberries and string to make garland and while we all ate drank and were Merry the Tree transformed to it's grandeur. 

 

We are rushing home on Dec 21 to attend the most eclectic Christmas Eve Party imaginable.  An annual even with guest from 12 to 95, Gay, Straight, and probably the full spectrum of the new gay alphabet.   Guests from every continent and food to match.  

 

On Dec 22 I have to drive 100 miles to pick up my youngest daughter who always comes with us.

 

Christmas -  we no longer decorate but have a wonderful dinner and just kick back. 

 

I have to do my Xmas shopping next week -   Amazon Gift Cards for all the Grandchildren.   I know Bahhhhh Humbug but that's us.

I certainly understand about Christmas.  We donate to charities for our Christmas gifts to one another knowing that we are helping others.  None of our family lives by us, but we do have good friends living a couple of blocks away; however, they are gone for the holidays.  Presently, I am on Beyond for my first ever cruise that is decorated for Christmas!  

[Redking]

2 hours ago, upwarduk said:

School holidays already in Australia?

If you pay fees, the more money you pay, the less days your kids are at school 🤣

[mchell810]

19 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

We gave up on Xmas about 20 years ago.   Sorry for our poor attitude to all of you Xmas lovers.   

 

We found that we put so much energy into Xmas that was drained.  Then after shopping for the perfect gift for either of us the other say..... I think I will return it.    We finally recognize we have everything we want or need and instead 30 years ago decided our Xmas Gift would be to get away for a week to the Keys, Palm Springs, San Diego.   That was when I was fighting the idea of LOCKING me up on a SHIP for a FULL WEEK.     I was sure a  cruise was pure Hell.   LOL

 

When the kids were young instead of decorating a tree.   I would have a Christmas Tree Decorating Party.   Eveyone was invited to bring a hand made decoration or we had popcorn, Cranberries and string to make garland and while we all ate drank and were Merry the Tree transformed to it's grandeur. 

 

We are rushing home on Dec 21 to attend the most eclectic Christmas Eve Party imaginable.  An annual even with guest from 12 to 95, Gay, Straight, and probably the full spectrum of the new gay alphabet.   Guests from every continent and food to match.  

 

On Dec 22 I have to drive 100 miles to pick up my youngest daughter who always comes with us.

 

Christmas -  we no longer decorate but have a wonderful dinner and just kick back. 

 

I have to do my Xmas shopping next week -   Amazon Gift Cards for all the Grandchildren.   I know Bahhhhh Humbug but that's us.

 

My husband and I figured that out after our first year of marriage -- no gifts to each other.  Our Anniversary and birthdays were close together so we would usually take a trip.  It worked well for us.

 

I have 15 nieces and nephews (😲) -- as each hit 13 I shifted from gifts to cash and they seemed to appreciate it.

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

We were all off the tender by 10:15 and quickly loaded aboard Thunder Cat #1.     Team Mike were all excited.   We had 4 last minute cancellations so only had about 22 on our boat.  Perfect size and loved meeting many of the others as most of us were from CC and had a fantastic Roll Call.  

 

 

Jared was our First Mate and was our main contact point.   He gave us the safety briefing, Scuba instructions and was very entertaining.

 

 

Here is Team Mike's Leader - Mike himself.

 

Our ride out to our first snorkling sight was at a high speed with lots of wind and --- us sitting in front row were drenched as well as the first couple rows.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Stink Ray Proof suits were handed out.    We saw a number of sea turtles surface alongside the boat.   What a joy.

 

 

 

Can you tell the wind was high -  I have a new air dried salt encrusted hair style for the day. 

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Redking]

8 minutes ago, Redking said:

If you pay fees, the more money you pay, the less days your kids are at school 🤣

Looks like Queensland kicks off on 9 Dec, with other states following anywhere between 16 to 20 Dec. Could be in for a fun time @Jim_Iain🙃