SinbadThePorter

The US economy is actually very strong right now. I don't know where people get the idea it is so bad. The U.S. economy is set to expand at a 5.8% annualized rate in the third quarter Unemployment is at record low levels. Wages are rising. Inflation is coming down. That last one is probably why there is a slight uptick in the AUD/USD rate. Downward pressure on interest rates make the US dollar less desirable to investors, so they start looking for other places with higher rates of return, which increases demand for second rank currencies like the AUD.

On the Virgin website direct. I already had set up an account with Virgin Voyages. When you login it shows Upcoming Voyages. You click on View Payment Balance. Then there should be a Make a Payment option. If you don't have an account I'm not sure how it works. The discount is good until 30th November, so if it doesn't work out you can always try again later.

I should add that getting a signal at Tangalooma was no problem last time I was there.

I just paid by credit card on the Virgin Voyages website. There wasn't even a credit card surcharge.

Make sure that roaming is disabled with your mobile service provider so that your phone will only connect with them. Telstra and Telstra resellers have the best coverage along the coast. It's patchy, but you can often get a signal from the top deck if you can see the coastline. Especially going past the big towns like Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour.

I ended up booking the two shorter cruises for a B2B. Should be interesting.

It is a great spot, but take a woolly jumper, on Encounter it is freezing cold. You could keep slabs of beef up there. 🥶

So have I. Let us know how you go. 😊

Details are here. It requires an access code, which is "VirginAustralia" (sans quotes of course). It should work for anyone as far as I can see.

Virgin Australia customers are getting 50% off four Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages have just released their Black Friday pricing. Some local cruises down to $150pp/night for inside guarantee.

I second the 110 bus. It's quick and easy. Just download the timetable from Translink.

With Splendor you get sail out and sail in to Sydney Harbour and docking at Circular Quay opposite the Opera House, which is always a bonus. Enjoy. 😁 I notice in April she has a NZ cruise followed by a Queensland cruise. Either would be very good, both would be excellent.

I haven't been on Splendor, but I'd hate to think it was worse than Luminosa. Not my favourite ship. In fact, it's my least favourite of the ships I've travelled on in Australia, and that includes the Pacific Explorer. To the OP, I would suggest that unless there is a compelling reason to prefer Carnival, then either Princess or Royal Caribbean would be preferable. It's a long way to come to sail on a very ordinary vessel.

Which cruises are they? Are they local Australia/NZ or Transpacifics? If you are going to NZ, April is generally better than September weather wise. Your Fall (Autumn) is our Spring and visa versa.

I booked that Majestic 27th Nov cruise as a solo. It was too good to pass up. But I've got to wonder, didn't Princess just finish telling us that from now on they were never going to cut fares at the last minute.?

I suppose you could, but it sounds messy. 😱

Nope.

In what city?

November in the North Atlantic is not for wimps. 🥶

At the base of Mt Cootha are the Botanic Gardens and Planetarium.

The trick to using a TA is to find a good one. Unfortunately that is a very big trick.

Do you mean that US tipping culture is infecting other countries, who have completely different employment conditions? I'd agree. Very few people will turn down free money, especially if it is offered over and over again.

I can assure you that that line is there for American tourists. If you are willing to give away money, nobody will stop you.