JohnGc

Yep had that problem to. Crazy thing is my pension including the UK one is more reliable than being employed.

Yep if your retired they wont even consider you but they still make you go all through the red tape so they can say no. Tried them all and even though I own my own house, have enough savings to last me way past my use by date I was denied a card. I am afraid that when you are retired you are put in the too hard basket. 😕

Very sad. Always enjoyed his post.Thoughts and best wishes to his family

This posting has turned into a load of crap 😂

Channel 9 Showed a brief glimpse of the Icon of the Seas. I guess younger people may love it but me being an old fellow I miss the ships that were sleek and not too big. The view from overhead looked like a big theme park. They also mentioned there are others following this build. They stated that the cruise when it is released is fully booked and with many Australians. I just wondered if any of you guys are going to be on it, and general thoughts on ship its self. Don't get me wrong give me a free ticket and stand back.😊

Thanks guys. I do need a bed that is not hard. Got a short 7 day cruise booked on the Luminosa and after watching a few reviews it appears the beds are very firm. Every time I have asked for a topper on other cruises I have been given a thin quilt type underlay that did nothing. I found the Ovation bed was firm and I believe the Quantum is the same. I am thinking with an inflatable sleeping pad I can adjust to suit my needs. It is always a problem for me, at home I have an adjustable electric bed that I use in the zero gravity position and that relieves my back pain, unfortunately I cant get it in my suitcase 😂 Regarding Princess I have only been once many years ago on Sea Princess. I was younger then before I started whinging about my back. I had a great time and cant remember the bed being a problem. Don't get me wrong I love cruising and I understand beds are such a personal choice and there is no one type of mattress that would suit everybody. I have cruises booked until the end of 2024 so if health permits maybe I can book a princess cruise for 2025 and try their beds.

Out of interest, any fellow cruisers take a sleeping pad with them ? Hard beds are murder to me as I have back problems. I have been looking at Klymit static V pads, they seem a reasonable cost. Although not very wide they roll up very smallI, thought they would be okay on top of a hard mattress. I have a couple of self inflating ones but they are too big when rolled up to take on a flight and too awkward along with luggage,

Thanks Geoff. I think cabin 7646 may be okay and it is only a small trip across where the lifts are to my Daughters studio cabin that is on the Port side. If it was not for that I would favour the higher decks. Our TA did offer cabin 7226 that is another choice.

The only thing I found is a video of a guy that had cabin 6682 complaining about the covered outside smoking area on the Ovation. Hopefully the Quantum is the same if so cabin 7264 is a long way from that. Deck 5 plan does show a small square below cabin 6264 but a much larger one near Vintages. On a blow up photo of the starboard side of the Quantum it looks like those inflatable life rafts are stored under 7646. If I am wrong the TA told me she can change cabins anytime. Why cant R.C mark their deck plans for smoking areas etc to save all these hassles, can't be that hard to do. TA could not get a definite answer from R,C I guess they are sales people and not expected to know about all the ships. Video of cabin 6682 Ovation below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPA79aXjLHg

Thank you, I actually thought that was further astern near the Via, My Ta is going to confirm for me. If it is as you say that will be a no no for me. Cabin 7646 is on a bit of a hump that is why I thought there would nothing below.

Thanks guys. I had a word with my TA and as I was undecided I have change my stateroom to 7646. It is close to the lifts.I did an earlier cruise on the Ovation with the same cabin number but on deck 10 and found it was great being near the lifts and also very quiet. Cheers John.

Has anyone any knowledge of cabin 7264 on the Quantum of the seas? It seems quite near Jamies restaurant on deck 5 where there is some seating outside and I am wondering if that could be a problem noise wise. Any help appreciated thank's.

Thank you. looks like the way to go.

Thank you.Had a look at their website and reviews, all good. Good discount for seniors. I guess the free shuttle is only to the Airport and back. Would have been good if they picked up from the cruise terminal as well. Did you get a taxi easy enough from the cruise terminal? We would need a maxi taxi for three of us and our luggage.

I actually have 2 boxes that I have a date stamped on of 2024 but I am not sure if the extension is from that date . On the extension list it shows the make I have is extended for 18 months and then has a date next to it for the 14th Feb 2023. Not sure if the extension is from the date stamp on the box or the 2023 one on the list. Was going to ask the chemist some time this week. Clungene APAC Security Pty.Ltd. /www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-tests/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-home-use/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-are-approved-australia

Interesting I will find out about that. Thank's.

Yes the same. My ones run out in January. Next cruise is February so I will have to buy some so we can check as needed.

Yes I will be doing the same, only problem is I have had them too long and soon they will be out of date.

Magic, looks like we have done very well so far, the wife and I have never had to take a test and fingers crossed we never have to. Might try and sell all all the covid test kits the gov gave me on Ebay.😂

I assume this mean anybody joining a cruise overseas and heading back to Australia will not have to rat test before boarding.

Once again thank you for the useful information. 👍

Thanks, Yes I was looking at them. They shuttle you to the airport and then when you disembark at B.I.C.T shuttle you back to your car. Cost is reasonable too. Reviews look quite good. I did like the idea that once you parked at the cruise terminal the car it is not moved. Andrews Parking do move your car around. Some reviews have reported slight damage spotted when picking their car up and Andrews denied all responsibility. Chances you take I guess.Thank's for the suggestion.

I was going to park at the B.I.C.T and get a taxi to the airport for my reposition cruise from Singapore to Brisbane. It all came undone when I found out there was no cruise ship coming on the day so not open. Thought it would be nice to have the car there for disembarkation. Unfortunately Portside Parking no longer shuttle to the Airport.

aussielozzie18 that is brilliant, thank you for all that information. That has conjured up some excitement. I have a fair bit of time to go before the cruise but that has given me so much to look forward to. Cheers John.

That makes life easier. Thank you.