TommyH2006

Just now, Aus Traveller said:

Thank you very much. We are just finalising arrangements for our cruise next week.🙂

No problem. We just got home. 😁

29 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

Was this paid on the ship in AUD or was it paid in NZ currency directly to the bus driver? The last time we caught the shuttle into Dunedin we paid the driver direct.

We didn't actually use the service, but I believe the tickets could be purchased from a shed on the wharf, just as you get off the ship. It wasn't a ship organised transfer/shuttle. 

3 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

We will be in Port Chalmers on a Princess ship later this month and I would like to know the cost of the shuttle bus to Dunedin. Is the cost one-way or return? 

We were there a few days ago.

Shuttle bus was $35 return or $20 one way.

On 1/1/2024 at 7:17 AM, Galesa said:

On the Majestic last February (I think 🤔) when we had to return to Suva around 8 hours out. Apparently Fiji authorities don't have a helicopter with a winch (?)  and Majestic doesn't have a helipad. Meant 6 days continuous at sea. Nearly put me off cruising. Of course minor inconvenience compared to the poor person who was ill and who I believe succumbed to their condition.

Yes. It was last February.

We were on that cruise as well.

6 hours ago, Cbtours said:

Meaning you are on top deck? We’re on lido L103in March 24, it’s right at the front. Do you mean the whole deck etc

We are on deck 14 aft

2 hours ago, buchhalm said:

Why did you have to leave the cabin?

They evacuate the top decks for some reason.

Maybe in case of an accident?

First one was late yesterday after leaving Picton. Ship turned around and headed back to Picton and passenger evacuated by tender.

Then this morning we had to leave our cabin at 5.00am as a passenger was to be evacuated by helicopter. I spoke briefly to an officer about the lack of a helipad. He said they were going to winch the passenger off.

It was blowing a gale.

The whole operation took about two hours. The captain said it was an extremely difficult operation. We had wind gusts up to 73 knots. About 140 kph. Hurricane force.

The helicopter pilot did an amazing job.

13 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

Timing is key, late check in is always quick.

Enjoy your cruise.

We actually checked in at 10.47. On board at 10.53 for a 4.00pm sailing.

Will give a short report when we get home but just wanted to say it was the fastest embarkation ever.

6 minutes from getting out of the uber to "dinging on"

1 hour ago, gbenjo said:

Aslong as you were “ in position” when the Uber came to pick you up, there should not be a problem. 

Thank you.

2 minutes ago, Belmont Babe said:

Picked up an Uber from the end of the drop off zone mid-November, no problem. Driver was pleased as he had just dropped someone off, who was on the next cruise.

Thanks Belmont babe.

That answers my question 🙂

2 minutes ago, MicCanberra said:

Where are you planning to go, as it does depend. George St would be fine for most cases like the airport or such, however if wanting to just get to the cbd, the tram or train may suffice

Heading to the domestic airport. I just can't see anywhere on George St that Ubers could stop to pick up.

Are they actually allowed down to the OPT drop off zone to pick up passengers?

Can anyone advise the best place to catch an uber after disembarking at the OPT?

I was thinking of walking up to The Orient Hotel but it looks like it's all no stopping up there.

TIA

6 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

There are some nice wines on the Australian wine list but most are only available by the bottle unfortunately. 

 

I'm so annoyed with Princess. We don't buy many expensive wines for home consumption, and usually manage to pick up very good quality wines from Dan Murphys. But Princess serms to have mostly gone for very low-budget wines thus downgrading the Princess experience accordingly. I always classed Princess, along with Celebrity (and possibly Cunard) as being a little above the rest of the mass market cruise lines, sort of deluxe lines but not luxury class. But sadly they are becoming very average.

A bit off topic but on the subject of wine:

I really miss the old style "Vines" like they had on Golden Princess. 

It was a dedicated wine bar. The waiters knew the wines they were selling etc. They would have a conversation with you about various wines.   The wines on offer in the package were very acceptable. Sometimes I would have to pay an extra $1.50 to get the wine I wanted but that was ok.

The "Vines" on Majestic Princess is just another bar. It has lost all the "feel" of a wine bar. The waiters, barmen etc are too busy making cocktails or mixed drinks to have time to converse. 

Just another whinge, I know. 😁

So we get two "free" meals in Alfredo's then pay $23 for the rest? Last cruise I did Alfredo's was free for everyone. 

What next from Princess???

Celebrity is starting to look good in future.

On 6/7/2023 at 8:35 AM, arxcards said:

 I don't see that as innovation. I am a fan since Tubular Bells days.

 

Even though that was the album that made him (and Mike Oldfield) he hated it. He said it needed "lyrics" 😝

Memo to Alan Joyce

10 minutes ago, arxcards said:

I have the Bing version on my work PC. No way they would be getting my number either.

Thanks Geoff. I had forgotten about the Bing version.

Cheers

38 minutes ago, arxcards said:

Try it, I think it would.

 

This morning I asked it to come up with a Harry Potter sequel where Harry & Ron become partners. Not much of a plot, but it did put a plausible storyline together.

I would Geoff but I'm reluctant to give it my personal mobile number to register. 

Unless you know of another way to access it????

I wonder if I asked ChatGPT what the answer was to "Life, the universe, and everything" would it come up with "42"? 😀

Last time for this season.

20 minutes ago, mr walker said:

They must have been following along! I received email overnight updating C&A benefits:

 

Emerald Members and Above:

SAY HELLO TO MORE WATER

We’re thrilled to announce you’ll no longer have to pre-select your welcome beverage prior to your sailing. You will now receive additional complimentary water bottles in your stateroom in place of the welcome beverage benefit — so you can stay hydrated everywhere you go. The complimentary waters benefit will begin March 10, 2023.

Diamond Members and Above:

CRYSTAL BLOCKS, NOW IN COLOR

This spring, we’ll debut brand new, full-color crystal blocks! We’ll be saying goodbye to current designs over the next several months as we transition to our new look. Members receive their first crystal block at 140 cruise points and earn subsequent blocks for every 70 points thereafter.

UNCORK MORE SAVINGS

Raise a glass and toast to deliciously crafted complimentary cocktails up to $14* or a tempting discount on your favorite bottle of wine — 20% off bottles over $100 and 40% off bottles under $100. The discounted wine benefit will take effect starting March 10, 2023.

*(Sailings out of Singapore, the beverage value is $13. Sailings out of Australia have a beverage value of $15)

Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Members:

NEW AMENITIES NOW AVAILABLE

Your favorite amenities are back in stock — plus we’ve added new ones! We’re introducing stylish new toiletry bags and upgraded totes to help you pack for your next adventure. These new amenities will become available starting March 10, 2023.

FULL AMENITIES

FULL BENEFITS

 

As always, we thank you for your loyalty and for being a valued part of our Royal Caribbean family.

Sincerely,

Crown & Anchor Society

Yes. received the same email. 

Good to know RCI are following our posts on CC 😂

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/crown-and-anchor-society-benefit-grid.pdf

It had to happen.

1 hour ago, Chiliburn said:

There’s a couple of other obscure things.
You should get at least 4 bottles of water in your cabin on boarding day.

 You can get a free bottle of wine per cruise if you ask the Loyalty ambassador.

 The coffee machine in the diamond lounge is my favourite.

You get a one off ,half price glass of wine or beer, so get the most expensive champagne!

 It’s was suspended but you can get free ship tours through the loyalty ambassador.

The diamond vouchers can be used in the restaurants and the coffee shop.

On debarking day you get your vouchers.

Thanks Chili. All good points to know. 

Cheers

1 hour ago, cheznandy said:

🤣🤣

Ok, back on topic, the Majestic.......I'm gonna jinx myself for rude people in a couple of days.

Geoff, is the Hollywood Sanctuary area still free?

Yes the Hollywood Conservatory is still free. Including the cabanas. You might need to get there at 6.00a.m. to get one though!!! 😂