GOLFINCHICK

Hi Lucy,

Here is the company that a lot of people use, I see them come to my golf club for lunch and most of those people do the $125 tour http://www.bluemountainstoursydney.com.au/

Thankyou all, we got on the Solstice in January in about 20 mins at our allotted time. This time we have a much earlier boarding time and hubby is keen, I am not so much as I have seen queues at OPT and would rather have a drink in a pub that wait in line.

Hi All,

I have a friend who showed up at her boarding allocation time at 12pm and said everyone had arrived early and it took 2 hours to board. Has anybody else experienced this??? Just want to know whether it would be a better idea to go later and miss the crowds?? TIA

Hi Karen,

I live in Katoomba in the Blue mountains and it is stunning, the only problem is if you have a rainy day, generally speaking the mist rolls in and you can't see a thing!!! If you are on the organised tour, they show you Echo Point and the scenic railway and on the way back you go to Featherdale wildlife park and it includes lunch. Most people I see that are on the tour enjoy it especially if you like seeing the wildlife like Kangaroos and Koalas, but you can see these at Taronga Zoo in the city.

If you had longer to visit, I would definitely recommend, but with limited time and if the weather is rainy I would suggest something in the city.

HI,

We are going there for the first time also, I found a great company for Auckland called Milestone Tours NZ, there communication has been wonderful and the cost is half the price of shore excursions offered by the ships. They are also quite high on the trip advisor site, reviews are all very positive. :)

Agree with Debhomespun, Great Barrier Reef if you like snorkelling maybe you could do that from Airlie beach??? and then do the Kuranda trip (lovely little village a bit touristy!) in Cairns we took the train up and caught the skyrail back. (catch train up as there are only about 2 times it leaves in the morning and the skyrail comes back far more frequently) http://www.kuranda.org/

Adelaide-if you like wine and food would recommend the Barossa Valley.http://www.barossa.com/ or Kangaroo Island (you may need more than one day for this one though)

Melbourne I would catch the free tram http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/1112

and check out Queen Vic markets http://www.qvm.com.au/ and taste test all there fresh produce!!! plenty of gardens and different stops, Melbourne museum and make sure you check the city they have lots of different hidden little alley ways to explore!

Hope some of this helps:)

Hi Marcia,

Just came back from Wavelength GBR trip to Opal Reef, they have a new catamaran!!! took approx 1.5 hrs with 3 hours snorkelling at 3 different sights on Opal reef. It was on my bucket list...it was expensive but worth it.

Staff are really knowledgeable and helpful, it got a little bit rough be DH and I had taken Kwells before going out and took them again before coming in and had no problems and they constantly remind you and provide tablets on board.

Food was reasonable, the experience priceless! (make sure you take an underwater camera, even if disposable):)

Thank you so much for your review so far, I know how much work goes into these after trying to do one 2 months ago (gave up after finding it impossible to upload photos!!!)

We are considering doing a round trip from Sydney and the more we read the more excited we are getting. Looking forward to the remainder of your review.

Hi, We are hoping to book a New Zealand cruise for end of year from Sydney there are a couple of options Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess or Explorer of the Seas. I was wondering if anyone had any idea of comparison.

Thanks

Cathy

Thanks for review we are going in January, glad to hear you enjoyed it! Inspired confidence in our decision to go.

no unfortunately

Hi Bronte2,

Thanks for reply! We are married couple in our forties and fifties.

Hi All,

We have a South Pacific Cruise in January and we are visiting Noumea, Lifou, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines. I think I have read too much!!!! I am now overloaded! If anyone has firm ideas for a first timer of what to do at all these places (including value for money) it would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you so much for all your info, you have been a great help :D:D:D

Hi All,

Was just wondering if anyone had shopped on the Apple shops on the boat, we are from Australia and were wondering if there were any significant savings in buying an IPad on board???