clairebearinaus

I did some Google research on hot tub safety after reading this thread. In one article, an 'expert' suggested the average person has around 100ml of poo smeared around their bum crack, ready to be loosened by lovely warm spa jets.

Using the showers is a brilliant idea that had never occurred to me. I like to cool off occasionally but the pool is usually freezing and the hot tubs full of diving, splashing, unsupervised children.

Thank you, I'm sailing on Carnival so I probably got the time information from that board. It sounds like this tour option is too risky.

Hello, Having never been to Mexico (or the US!) before I'm seeking some advice to stop me from making a horrible mistake booking a tour. According to my cruise itinerary we are due to arrive in PV at 9am. I am considering a tour that starts at 10 or 10.30. We don't have a suite or any other reason for priority disembarkation. My first question is about ship time vs local time. I have read somewhere that in PV, ship time is often one hour behind local time, so if the itinerary says 9am arrival is that ship time, in which case it's actually 10am in port? Secondly, with no priority, how long should we realistically expect it to take to disembark the ship, find a taxi and arrive at the meeting point in the old town (River cafe)? Many thanks for your advice!

I am going on Quantum next week and have been before. There is little to do on Mystery Island, it's tiny. It's a beach day, really, though you can buy organised tours to snorkel or kayak. The locals have a deal with RC so nearly all activities will only be sold through the ship. You may be able to rent a cabana or some snorkelling/kayaking equipment, this is limited and will book out early with a ship the size of Quantum. Mystery Island Tours is the website to check. In Vila there are lots of locals with vans who run tours of the islands, they have Facebook pages and/or will be waiting in the port area. Popular tour stops normally include local lagoons and waterfalls, or out to Hideaway Island for another beach/snorkel day. Nearly all will stop in town at the end for some duty free shopping, which is regarded as the cheapest in the region. Many tours also go to a turtle sanctuary but the reviews suggest it's a rather miserable place and the animals are not treated well.

I would find that incredibly annoying!

If I have another cruise booked I'll take one if I find it, and put it back on the next ship. I like the idea of keeping them moving, so one little duck can travel the world!

Once you're past the Opera House it's still incredibly beautiful, especially on a fine day. I always stay up on the top decks until we're out of the harbour completely. Wouldn't want to miss any of it, especially for a a mediocre massage that's probably still overpriced at $50 off.

A 30 minute period of grace to grab some food or have a swim seems reasonable.

I don't think any dress code should be based on what you do and don't find sexy.

The Quantum cruise leaving on 27th March has also had Pt Vila cancelled, but they get another sea day in its place.

I see a drinks package as a challenge and I WILL win. Carnival is the only one I don't see value in and don't buy. Their drinks aren't that expensive. RCI on the other hand, I can easily get $100+ value out of them, once you add service charge and convert to USD the drink prices are extortionate, 5 drinks a day and you're even! On a typical day usually have a beer or fruity cocktail 2 on the sun deck during the day, then once we're all dressed for dinner we'll head downstairs for a couple of pre-dinner cocktails in a bar, wine or 2 and maybe a digestive with dinner. Off to a bar or show for another couple of drinks and we are way in front of the package without trying very hard or being particularly drunk. Boy the calories add up though... I wouldn't drink like that at home!

I read somewhere (probably Facebook) that they're expecting their first ship back since the cyclones on 25th March. Luminosa I think. There was some wharf damage, plus power cuts and water shortages. I can happily spend a 'foodie day' enjoying French cuisine in Noumea - market, creperie, patisserie, chocolaterie and poke through Carrefour for a cheese selection to bring back to the ship. A second day would be challenging while the beaches are also closed! Do you like snorkelling, a day out on an island might be nice.

I was always under the impression that cruise lines had zero tolerance for violence and aggression. It's really disappointing to see that happen, in full view of plenty of witnesses, with no repercussions for the perpetrator. I'm glad the magician has gone public.

No I agree there's very little news coming out of Vila. At first I assumed it was due to damage to communication infrastructure but there's still not much information available. I follow Irikiki Island and Hideaway Island resorts on social media, they are open and welcoming visitors though the latter is still repairing damage.

I assume the other poster meant Melbourne's position facing Bass Strait/Southern Ocean and being a long way from the tropics. As a fellow Melburnian within easy reach of Station Pier I agree there's nothing quite like being able to cruise from your home port. But as a warm weather cruiser I can see how our position is limiting, and I also enjoy flying to Brisbane (for example) and having lovely weather out on the deck from day 1.

I agree that if the WJ bursting with people it's acceptable to share tables. I mean I don't LIKE sharing, but I accept that it's gracious to do so. I'd expect to be asked though, not just have someone plonk themselves down!

I've just read that Carnival Splendor is skipping Port Vila and going back to Noumea instead.

I also keep up with Mystery Island social media and they missed a visit from Carnival Luminosa this week. Not because of damage, but because immigration officials from the capital couldn't reach the area to clear the ship, due to a lack of planes. I feel for the islanders, they've been through so much and must invest a lot in fresh food etc. for cruise ship visits.

I hope you feel better for unleashing your frustrations on us. Are you aware of how your own government treats visa applicants, especially those with criminal records?

For me, there just wasn't enough to do on the ship. That's not say there weren't things to do, but they didn't appeal to me. I'm early 50s (though fairly immature, admittedly 😄) and would say the 'vibe' of the ship is a lot older.

It's such a personal thing - after 2 nights on Cunard I felt like I'd seen and done enough, and I definitely wouldn't want to be in an interior for a cruise that length on any cruise ship. I've also sailed on P&O, there were hits and misses with the food and service on both lines. If you are a drinker, factor in that alcoholic drinks on Cunard are VERY expensive.

Royal's website lists a dedicated check in queue and priority boarding for all suite types (including Junior Suites) in Royal Suite Class, which covers Ovation. So it doesn't specifically say you can check in whenever, but it looks promising. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

I usually go to the steakhouse-but-with-silver-service option once on a cruise, in the $50-65pp range and I find it worth doing just as a change from MDR - and I don't eat steak. Carnival's version is always good just for their lobster bisque, and I had my most enjoyable cruise meal ever on Celebrity Solstice. The free food options are fine otherwise. We are trying Chef's Table for the first time on our next cruise, that's a little birthday treat though, which I've paid over the odds for as it is priced to include wine and we have bought a booze package.

It just appeared in my planner today for a cruise on April 4.