onlyslightlymad

Just a tad patronising...

Cruise passengers at Port Chalmers filled up the local buses. You would think there would be cruise shuttles organised by Celebrity https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cruise-ship-passengers-in-dunedin-use-public-buses-as-cheaper-option-causing-havoc/UA4C33LALVDPRFMPAIIENSFV2E/

I've only cruised with NCL and Celebrity. So far, I've enjoyed Celebrity. NCL, not as much, but I've still enjoyed it and would consider them again if the price was right.

Article in the Herald about the environmental impact of cruise ships visiting NZ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-conversation-cruise-ships-are-coming-back-to-nz-waters-should-we-really-be-welcoming-them/BJ5RKOJBUKPSKVNSCT2FL6IVWY/

It has taught me a lesson as I was feeling quite casual about catching Covid. Now my motivation is not to get it again, particularly as it seems you can catch Omicron again so quickly.

Hi, yes I have had all my boosters except for for number 4 which I was just about to get...

Let's hope not. This virus is not going to go away, it will have to be managed going forward.

Hi all. The dreaded virus has caught up with me. Home - sick and isolating. If in future anyone says a fatuous "it's just a cold" I will bop them on the head. This sucks and it is not just a cold. An excellent article on Covid moving forward that I thought you might enjoy. It's quite long though. https://www.newsroom.co.nz/covid-isnt-over-its-just-getting-started

I cannot see any changes being made to the border opening unless there are dire unforeseen consequences. I think you can be confident that your cruise will go ahead as planned.

We travelled on NCL Jewel just prior to the great shutdown. We stayed in a suite so had access to the Haven facilities. We enjoyed eating in the suite restaurant for breakfast and lunch and received great service from the concierge. I did not like the Haven pool area though. I think there is a big difference between ships that are designed to include the Haven and those that have been retrofitted as this was. The pool was small and the area around it feel very enclosed and claustrophobic. We went to the Officer's cocktail party in the Haven and had an awful time. When we have been to similar events on Celebrity, the crew circulated amongst the passengers and made conversation. This lot gave the impression that the passengers were beneath their contempt and huddled in their own group (including the Captain). We got out of their as fast as we could and didn't go back. The cruise itself was pleasant but overall I prefer the food and service on Celebrity.

Azamara used to do a circumnavigation of NZ which was interesting as it did the West coast as well. Stopped in New Plymouth as I recall but I can't see it on their website anymore.

This is a bit sad. This ship is being broken up before it even sails. https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/129031286/from-recordbreaker-to-scrapyard-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-to-be-broken-up-before-a-single-sailing

Came home to find that my husband has also booked us on the Mermaiden voyage. I'm really looking forward to it, it looks like a lot of fun.

I don't think you understand risk. It's not an all or nothing. Yes there is a risk to crossing the street but we mitigate the risk by stopping at the kerb, looking both ways, using crossings where available. We still might be mown down by a truck but it is less likely. Similarly, there is a risk of catching Covid if we take a cruise but we lower the risk by masking, vaccinating and testing to help protect others. Still might get Covid, but we've lowered the risk.

Not an Australian but I do use a travel agent. I just find it less stressful to let her manage the booking, make any changes etc. She has helped organise visas when travelling on an Asian cruise, for example. We did book an NCL cruise directly through them as them contacted us with a good deal and that was fine. I guess I enjoy having a relationship with someone who knows what I want. It has never cost us more using an agent than it would have otherwise and she just looks after a lot of the hassle.

I visit Christchurch often because it is my home town and my mother is still there. It is not the city I grew up in but some of the new activities are very cool. I still love the gardens, art centre, museum and art gallery. The new walkway/cycleway on the banks on the Avon is lovely. I like the way they have replanted with natives. New Brighton has become a bit funky and cool. Lyttelton itself has some neat cafes and shops. That said, a lot of the CBD is still a car park. There is a long way to go.

I'm sure the tourism operators are very happy. It's the people who live there who didn't like it. Many are retired and didn't enjoy the crowding and pressure on infrastructure. A lot of angry letters to the editor.

I think the maritime border date reopening may be announced tomorrow. Watch this space. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466806/government-expected-to-reveal-new-border-re-opening-date

Oh, I see. Thank you.

i have only been on cruises where gratuities are included in the fare, so it's never been an issue.