Lynollie

The last post in this thread is dated May 2015. Anyone know if the same gratuity issue for sailings in and out of Australian ports is still in place for 2016/2017 cruising season.

Just booked South Pacific cruise for April 2017, Golden Princess in and out of Melbourne. I've searched everywhere and can't find an answer.

FYI we did Melbourne to Auckland cruise on the Golden in Jan 2016. Because it started in Melbourne and was returning to Melbourne we weren't charged automatic gratuities, even though we departed the ship in Aucland.

Can someone let me know if there are restricted/staggered boarding times in Melbourne?

We embark on the Golden Princess on the day that my Mum and niece disembark. We have a decent drive to get to the terminal and it seems silly to drive there, pick them up, drive them home and then have to turn around and take us back to the ship. If we do that we might not be able to board at the given time.

We. Are wondering if our family can drop us at the terminal when they pick up Mum and then we can board as soon as boarding opens.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Lyn

I have a smartphone using Windows 8. There is no app for this type of phone, will I still be able to use it for Messages whilst onboard ship?

Lyn

Hi,

I've just found details of this app for Apple and android on a cruise news report. It is supposed to be up and running on the Golden Princess (our extended family has 3 cruises aboard this ship in the next 3 months).

Has anyone used it? Downloaded it before getting on the boat? Got any comments about its effectiveness?

I wondering whether this will be suitable for maintaining communication with our teens on the cruises? Or will we have to purchase walkie talkies

lLyn