Flipper133

Just booked this 4 night cruise. We are two active retirees who have cruised quite a few times over past 20 years, but sadly no cruises since 2014, when we did a NZ cruise with our two eldest grandchildren. This time we are taking our 5 year old grandson who is almost as excited as us.

One big thing I now notice is the available current videos on You tube about the Luminosa which has been very informative and helpful in our planning.

Hope others on this short cruise will join us on this Roll Call.

Cheers

Flipper

I am so pleased that so many people are getting a small kick in the "memories" from this thread. Certainly I have gleaned a lot of info that will be useful in the pages of my book. One more question please. Everyone agrees that cruising today is nothing like it used to be .... but when did it change? Was it a gradual evolution, or did the 9/11 terrorist attacks provide the catalyst for massive changes - especially in security? I am almost certain that when we departed Sydney on Sapphire Princess (2nd time on her) in 2007 there were a few streamers ... but I think the practice was frowned upon and I have not seen them since. Perhaps WHS, environmental awareness or political correctness was in play.

Many thanks to those that have posted on this thread. It is much appreciated and definitely provides a great resource for my book. I welcome further input, especially any anecdotes and recollections from later days stretching into the nineties. The reason for that request is that I am struggling with some time frames. This third book is the conclusion of a trilogy and thus many of the situational dates and character ages have been already established. I have some flexibility, but I am cautious about having too long a period between the main character’s first cruise (which I am now researching)and his second cruise (which will be in 2005). I believe the present boom in cruising in Aust. started with the arrival in these waters of the Sapphire Princess at the beginning of 2005. Indeed we were fortunate enough to sail on just her second cruise, Auckland to Sydney, and that was an exceedingly memorable time.This book will concentrate on a fictitious cruise in and around Australia and NZ, visiting ports we have enjoyed whilst cruising on the Sapphire, the Sun Princess and Celebrity Solstice. I am getting a lot of enjoyment in putting this new work together and I also trust that all the folk who have made contributions on these pages are also enjoying an opportunity of recalling the era when cruising was a lot different to the way it is now.

BTW .. the whole trilogy has many parts that are essentially <R> rated so I would suspect that it will not be available for general distribution :)

Cheers

Hi all ... I am presently writing my third book in which the main character first cruises in the 1980's and then again in the current period when cruising in and around Aust. really exploded. I have enough experiences from current times to draw upon, but I never cruised back in the days when P&O had ships like the Fairstar (the Fun Ship) which were apparently extremely popular. My searches on the internet have not been that fruitful (although I have discovered many fascinating sites with lovely historical info.). What I am really looking for are details on the "little" things. How did the embarkation and security processes work? Did they have Sea Pass cards and did they use the wonderful "Boooong" machines? What were the arrangements for docking at the Islands .... did they use tenders or were the ships small enough to use a wharf? How did things work regarding dining (and the dress code) and what amusements were there for passengers on board. I would be extremely grateful if anyone can provide some anecdotes and/or examples of how things were back in those days. Cheers FLIPPER

WE have cruised with G/kids a couple of times. Always get document signed by at least one parent to allow travel and to provide authority where appropriate ... as already stated. Our issue was with split parental custody so we had both parents sign form ... which had its own problems.

Also make sure G/kids are included on Travel Insurance.

We found cruising with G/kids enhanced our own pleasure. They found friends and were never a problem, yet we were able to enjoy the whole experience (including formal nights) as a family.

cheers

We have done the Top End twice and seriously thinking of doing it again,

First time was on Sun Princess and we pushed th boat out and splurged on a mini suite overlooking the wake. Fantastic

Second time was on Celebrity Solstice. Fantastic Ship and I highly recommend her.

Apart from the ships themselves the main differences were in the itinerary.

Sun P is smaller and can visit ports such as Cooktown (sadly no longer) and particularly Broome (Camel riding on Cable Beach ... wow).

Solstice can't do Broome but goes to Pt Hedland (???) and Bali (corrupt officials spoil the experience)

About 17 days is enough in my opinion ... and both times we went in Feb/March without any weather issues.

I highly recommend this cruise ... best value is Solstice, but best itinerary is Princess,

Cheers

John glad to see you enjoyed your cruise. How did you end up getting to the airport after the cruise....and did you make your flight ok?

Thanks Graham

No problems disembarking..in fact we were early... I rang Cab Coy (with whom I had pre booked a wagon cab) and they arranged for cab to be dispatched earlier. Meanwhile we were directed by port staff to go to the Hickson Rd Private Pick up place....unfortunately cab went to the normal taxi pick up place. After more phone calls I told them to forget it, and I hailed a passing cab (wagon) and got to airport in plenty of time. Should of taken your advice from an earlier post.

I had not flown Qantas for a few years (esp. ex Sydney) so had the new experience of their DIY Bag Drop Off System. Found out you had to weigh your bags and print out tags at the "kiosk". Two bags (with duty free grog) were overweight so we had to re arrange some of our packing (they would not let us aggregate). The Bag Drop off system is far from perfect... and it was chaos given it was the Sunday prior to Christmas. Eventually got home... no red carpet... but a few wines were required:D

BTW: In Auckland I went to present my two Letters of Consent at the Cruise Check In. Young Lady there had no idea of what I was on about...obviously nothing on her computer required such documentation. I wouldn't offer this experience as advice as it seems things are different in Sydney. Oh well...I wanted to prepare those docs anyway for our own purposes.

cheers

Ahh she is heading back to NZ soon to pick us up! really wished I was going the reverse way now as the harbour is so pretty at nighttime. Excuse to get a cruise out of Sydney soon

We have just got off the Solstice (21st) after cruising Auk - Sydney. We have done the one ways twice before, but although the Sydney Sailaway is great, all in all I believe the Auk -Syd is the best option.

My reasons.....

1. Well, the itinery as somewhat port intensive, but mainly crowding into one week. Thus the Auk-Syd cruise visits all the NZ ports in Week 1, then 3 sea days (incl Fjordland), then Hobart (sometimes Melb) then another sea day before Sydney. I find it better to do all (most) of the ports first then relax. Having last full day on board at sea is also nice...gives you the chance for final farewells as well as time to do your packing etc.

2. A major attraction of this cruise is Fjordland, with Milford sound the star. Sailing ex Sydney you arrive at Milford early morning, spend an hour or so there and then spend the rest of the day cruising Doubtful and Dusky. Sailing ex Auckland you get into Dusky early morning and then reach Milford in the afternoon, when the weather is likely to be better. To me, the build up from the "lesser" sounds to reach the days climax in Milford is the best way to do the fjords.

cheers

Apologies, when I rewatched the episode with my hubby the captain said it was the first time he had been into port hedland harbour not the ships first time. So it could have been filmed in the 2013 season.

We were on the 2013 cruise and there was a slightly different itinery (we went to Cairns instead of Airley Beach and did not go to Newcastle)

I think the changes were made for the Feb/Mar 2014 cruise.

Many people queried why the ship went to Port Hedland. Granted there is not much there for tourists, but I for one (being an Aussie) was very glad to visit, as it would be the only chance I would get to see that part of Australia.

cheers

I think in everyone's interests it would be good to find out the name of this Insurance mob... if indeed they would not cover cruise ship passengers (it might be a case of undisclosed previously existing condition)

Perhaps someone might know.

:confused: :confused:

Wow! Well done John, you seem to have covered all bases ( remind me never to take you to court about anything) Don't forget to have it witnessed by a Justice of the Peace etc. There is also a form that we have at the OPT in case someone does not have the paperwork with them. I assume it would be available somewhere on the RCCL website but I might try and get a copy and post it here as well.

Yea...docs were witnessed by a Qual. JP....moi.... some might say that's not all that appropriate, but the only signature I cannot witness is my own :D

Shirley tells me that she thought there was a form on the Celebrity Web Site... but I prefer an Aussie one.

cheers

Sorry mate, it is just a bit of light hearted banter but I guess it can take the direction of the thread in the wrong direction sometimes.

 

John. A touch off topic but pertinent to you. I was checking in a party of three yesterday, one of whom was 27 but her cousin and her cousins friend were under eighteen but they had no authority from the younger girls parents to allow them to cruise and I know you are taking your grand kids on the cruise next week so make sure you have the signed authority letter from their parents or you will be denied boarding. I know you are an organised sort of person and would have this under control but there would be nothing worse than being over in NZ and not being able to board and unable to contact their parents to get paperwork emailed over etc.

Thanks for that Grahame...yes I have got the letters of consent for both grandkids.

Bit of an extended exercise as both parents now have new partners (no I don't have a complex, but maybe I should). I prepared the documents myself and they are signed by all 4 parents (legally I only needed one parent for each child, but it was a courtesy matter as well.)

It is important that the document(s) specifically refer to the cruise in question (no using a generic type) and should also specifically refer to granting permission for the "guardians" to allow medical treatment etc to be provided to the children.

This is the wording I have used:

LETTER OF CONSENT

This Consent Letter is provided, jointly and severally by XXXXXXXXXX and YYYYYYYYYYY, the natural parents of CCCCCCCCCC (cccccc)).

Whereas, from time to time, cccccc will be in the care and custody of his maternal grandparents, Sssssss Aaaa Ppppp and Jjjj Eeee Ppppppp, (Sssssss and Jjjjj) this letter provides consent for Ssssss and Jjjjjj(either jointly or severally) to take appropriate action, where necessary, in regard to all matters that may arise relating to Cccccc’s physical, mental and emotional welfare whilst he is in their care.

This consent extends to any holiday, excursion or adventure (including travel overseas) on which Ssssss and Jjjjj may wish to take Ccccccc, and in particular applies to the following:

Cruise on DDDDDDDDDDDDD departing KKKKKKKKKK on Day Month Year and arriving at Hhhhhhh on Day Month Year – including all ancillary air travel from and back to City Australia.

For clarity, this includes consent for decisions to be made by Sssssss and/or Jjjjjj in regard to:

1. Signing of any legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activity

2. The supervision of Ccccc at all times; and

3. The administration of any medical or similar treatment for Ccccc whilst he is in their care.

All costs that may arise from any of the above will be borne by Sssss and Jjjjj (subject always to any insurance policy that may be in place) and it is explicitly understood that no contribution, either monetary or in kind, will be due from either parent in respect to any matters that arise from the provision of this consent.

Signed by:

---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX YYYYYYYYYYYYYY

IN THE PRESENCE OF: IN THE PRESENCE OF:

---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------

DATE DATE

No problems if anyone wants to copy this for their own purposes

cheers

Have a look at this mob

They have been providing excellent service for Cruise Ship Pax for many years. They sure must be doing things right

https://www.shoretripsandtours.com/

cheers

We did this Top End cruise Feb/Mar last year (2013)

There seems to be some conjecture as to when this episode was filmed. Someone on the main Celebrity board suggested it was 2012, but I believe it was earlier this year (2014) My clue is that they go to Airely Beach instead of Cairns, and also call into Newcastle. I think this year was when they made the changes.

Here is the link anyway:

http://youtu.be/j2dCN4RkWhM

cheers

Gee I wish some of this rubbishy chit chat would end.

This thread contains a lot of useful information (if you can find it) and I have referred a few from our Roll Call to it.

I'm the one embarrassed now :eek:

Can anybody tell me exactly where the Celebrity Cruise Ship Solstice docks when at Bay of Islands? My research tells me that it might be a tender? And that it would either be Russell Wharf or Waitangi Wharf. I need to get to Pahia Wharf for a hole in the rock tour once the cruise ship docks

Hi Suzie

We are on Solstice next week...can't wait

Yes, the Bay of Islands in NZ is a Tender Port. The cruise ships have a specific anchorage area (see attached maps) and the tenders will go to the Waitangi Wharf. There they have a "welcoming" party and free shuttles into Paihia.

Most of the bay tours (incl those that go to the Hole in the Rock) leave about 9.00am so you will need to ensure you get on one of the early tenders.

If you go to the web cam you can see the general area. Right now 1st Dec 14, there is a cruise ship (P&O Pacific Pearl I think) anchored.

http://www.pioneerapartments.co.nz/location/webcam

cheers

Hi Flipper133 Yes your info is basically correct and is the the same set up for pretty much all the ships. The only thing I am not sure of is what questions the ship(s) ask on their debark form to determine where your luggage will be placed in the terminal. As a rule the lower level (ground floor) baggage hall is where passengers with PREBOOKED CRUISE LINE TRANSPORT debark and the upper level (the level where you would check in) is for independent arrangement passengers and it is the same level (no lifts required) where the taxi rank is, south end of the building right hand side. All other passengers are directed down to the ground floor via the two lifts or escalators, ( one free hand to hold the escalator side please:)) for PRIVATELY booked shuttle bus transport etc

 

As I said before I am not sure exactly what questions the ship asks on their questionnaire but if you make it quite clear that you are an independent passenger wishing to debark as early as possible (first debark is around 7am) and wishing to catch a taxi from the terminal you will be debarked on the upper level. If by some chance (mix ups do happen) your luggage is in the lower baggage hall and you want to catch a taxi you can walk up to the main entrance and be escorted back upstairs to join the taxi line.

 

"Ordinarily" odd number baggage tags are on the lower level and even numbers upstairs but can be reversed, it makes no difference to passengers, but all odd numbers to one level even numbers to the other, it is just a number. Hope this helps.

Thanks heaps for that Grahame

Also glad you realised (but did not comment) that I meant dis-embarkation not embarkation.

Starting to think I should not bother about my pre booked cab...might be more hassles than I need. Possibility I suppose that Celebrity will put on a shuttle service to airport (but if they charge $15/ head its not worth it for 4 people).

I guess I should just concern myself with having a good cruise and worry about the dis-embarkation (:D)when the time comes

cheers

Info from my Roll Call is that on embarkation (at least on Solstice) is that they give you a ticket... odds or even.. that indicates whether you should get off on either deck 5 (for upper level) or deck 3 for lower level.

I am presuming that ticket allocation will be determined for passengers by their on going arrangements, as advised via a pre departure questionnaire.

Not sure if this is within the knowledge base of Gbenjo (Grahame) ... and if he can elaborate ... but useful to know for those seeking taxis etc.

cheers

My bat out for Hughsie

Sadly one name missing from the Aussie List

FLPR

Why do you need to pre book a cab? If you can be among the first group off the ship (or even self assist) then there is normally no queue for taxis but even if you were later getting off, it is a Sunday so you should get to the airport in a half hour or so, easy.

Usually no problems when just the two of us...but with 9 & 11yo grandkids in tow we are trying to "cover all bases".

Can't see us doing self disembark... and from my experience we will be allocated a time, so I would not plan on being one of the first off. That is not the issue, and neither is the time to get to the airport, but the reason I pre booked is that we will need a station wagon cab... with the way that all cabs now use lpg, and have their gas bottle taking up most of the boot space, a normal sedan would not cope.

So...my question remains...where can I expect to meet my cab?

cheers

Thought I might put off asking this until closer to the time to minimise speculation.

We will be arriving on Solstice on Sunday 21st December. I have pre booked a cab to take us to airport (11am flight to Bne).

Cab Coy is aware of the reconstruction works at OPT but are unsure what arrangements will be in place on 21st. They did suggest that their cab might well be re directed to the cab rank at Circular Quay. They further suggested we should ring them when we arrive.

Not sure if I am totally happy with that.

I read on this thread that pick ups are presently being conducted back along Hickson Rd (completely different direction to the Circ Quay Cab rank). Also read about disembarking pax having to go back up to 1st level to pick up cabs...???? re pre booked.

Has anyone got any up to date info/experiences on this? I like to be organised (esp. as this time we will have two grandchildren with us) I have previously just hiked up to the Marriott Hotel and picked up an Avis Car (one way hire to airport about same as cab) and wondering if I should not just do that again.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Having been there, the weather is very unpredictable and the harbour makes it difficult for ships. However, you may be right in that certain ships 9hull design) make them more prone to these type weather events causing havoc.

It seems like its a bit of a lottery

Right now we have the Sea Princess (88t) heading back to Brisbane via Cook Straight

Meantime the Celebrity Solstice (122t) heading south to Dunedin and no doubt will be doing the Fjords run later.

The Crystal Symphony (51t) is already on its way ex Dunedin and will be trans versing past Invercargill overnight and then to the Fjords tomorrow.

Dusky and Doubtful Sounds can be ok... but for Milford the ships require a pilot... and that is part of the problem...if the seas are too rough the pilot cannot board, and therefore the ship cannot enter Milford Sound.

We have done the NZ cruise 3 times (and doing No. 4 next month) and we have been lucky with the Fjords each time. For the sake of our fellow passengers at least , I hope we will be ok this time.

cheers

On one cruise I was on, there was a particular time when I was on an elevator and the only other person there was a particularly buxom lady. My eyes were unfortunately distracted. ;)

As the elevator was going down she asked me to press "one"

I did

I don't remember too much of the rest of that cruise :eek: :D

Hi Flipper,

 

When we have had a cabin for the 3 of us there has only been 2 bathrobes. You could ask for more but I find they take up loads of space. There should be plenty of towels. There were no extra chairs but I have heard of others that have been able to score an extra one or two. I suppose you can always pick up those light weight folding chairs while in Auckland. They are really cheap and you could leave them behind if you luggage gets too heavy with all the things your grandkids will be buying.

 

Anita

Hi Anita...yes this is where my mind is going at the moment.

Take something light and appropriate as bathrobes for the kids and look at some lightweight "camp" stools. Might be worth getting them in Bne as we have 30kgs baggage allowance with Emirates. I've already seen some on the internet.

At the end of the day it all seems just a bit silly.. and from Celebrity's point of view a bit ridiculous (and unprofessional).

cheers

When booking for four, you'll still only get standard furnishings.

 

Although it's a standard approach, it's also pragmatic. You'll find things quite tight with the standard furniture. Trying to add 2 more chairs outside would take away most of the space to move, and squeezing a breakfast for 4 on that table would also be difficult (except maybe a bowl of cereal and drink each, with a couple of extras!)

 

You'll get 4 towels for 4 people, but they don't add bathrobes.

 

That said, the steward would normally try to help so if you're able to compromise/workaround things, something could probably be worked out.

 

One other thing I would ask: I'm guessing your cabin has one Pullman and one sofa bed as the extras? Or is it a cabin with just the sofa bed?

We will be 9237, which is on the hump with a large balcony (larger even than 9296 we had on Solstice in Feb last year)...so I know there is enough room for 4 chairs/stools...and I can accept that the table might be a bit on the small size. The cabin has the Pullman bed as well as a Sofa so whilst things might get a bit squeezy at times it should not be too bad.

I could say that if you are paying for 4 pax then you should get amenities for 4...including bath robes etc. but in fact I snared a deal where the kids go free (but we do pay for port charges and bloody tips for them). I think I will have to work on the room attendant...even if I have to offer him a "strong" handshake :eek:

cheers