MMDown Under

Have you included flights with your cruise search? Some TAs specialise selling cruises with flights included. Good idea to subscribe to them.

Thank you Terry. It has been a big year for the Opera House's 50th anniversary.

I'd love MSC to base one of its smaller ships in Australia. I think it could be a different fun ship with Aussie and Kiwi passengers, many of whom have Italian heritage. I've been on two long MSC cruises. I enjoyed the smaller ship much more than the larger ship. When I think back, the larger ship of 3,000 was just too big for me. It was probably some of the rude and arrogant European passengers who I disliked the most. The ship was spotless and the entertainment was first class. We shared a table with a Dutch/Italian couple, so we ate well.

Must be a great feeling to disembark with another cruise booked. What is the itinerary?

Thanks. That will be perfect, just what they need after a port intensive cruise.

Enjoy your two land days before you start your next cruise on Regent. Does it have some sea days?

I agree port intensive cruises are tiring. Enjoy them and catch up on your updates when you have a sea day.

Sydney has a beautiful harbour, so I like to ride the ferries, if it is beautiful sunny weather. Sydney Ferries have 10 ferry routes from which to choose. Manly Wharf and Watsons Bay are very popular. From Watson's Bay you can catch three buses which have scenic routes back into the city. Or You can catch a bus to North Bondi for lunch or a drink at the local RSL, then walk along Bondi Beach to Icebreakers for another drink, where you can watch the swimmers in the Rock Pool swimming all year. You can catch a bus from here back to the city or continue walking towards to Bronte on the scenic coastal walk (45 min.) If the weather isn't good, there are lots of Museums, Art Galleries and the State Library from which to choose.

I hope your house sale goes smoothly. Will you have river views? Is that where your daughter lives? I think they have places in SE Qld.

I don't understand why people join a long queue to embark a ship, esp in the rain. There are lots of nice cafes nearby to have a drink and rest until the queue gets smaller.

You can make the journey part of your South Pacific holiday. We flew from the Cook Islands to Tahiti. Checked that you can still fly direct from Tahiti to the Cook Islands, and you still can. Discovered that you can now fly from Hawaii to the Cook Islands. A number of airlines fly from Cook Islands to Australia/NZ.

A long flight to me is UK/Europe or NY.

Well done Christchurch. Win win for locals and passengers.

Port Douglas is an easy walk into town from the wharf, then a walk through the town to the beautiful Four Mile Beach. There is a swimming enclosure on the beach. When I was there in the stinger season, a youth was skimming outside the edge of the enclosure plus there was a sign to stay away from the edge. The water looking so inviting and swimmers were having such fun, I wished I had taken my swimming togs. There were a couple of cafes on the beachfront. You can enjoy a gelato or smoothie from Shakes Gelati Bar on the way back to the ship. A perfect relaxing day in tropical Port Douglas.

Only in Sydney if you are not staying in Auckland. My daughter is looking forward to trying Air NZ Skycouch in December. I would recommend you book the latest flight possible so you don't end your cruise rushed and anxious, if the ship is delayed for any reason.

Oceania has announced new winter/spring cruises of 10 to 18 days in 2025 in French Polynesia and Hawaii on Regatta. Sounds appealing with a short flight from Australia/NZ.

My favourite place from Airlie Beach is Cape Gloucester Resort for a seafood lunch on the beach. You can stop at Dingo Beach Hotel on the way back for a cold drink. A shuttle will pick you up and return you to the wharf.

Wondering what the attraction of Lelepa Island, Royal Caribbean's first private island, is going to be for Australians. Australia's beautiful beaches are all free for everyone to enjoy. From Brisbane locally we have Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island, plus Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

That is why Australians need kettles supplied on cruises, like in England.

Which option are you planning to choose? Life was simple when we just paid the brochure price, but much more expensive.

I agree I take small thoughtful Australian gifts overseas with me for friends, as well as cabin stewards.

What a way to "p?" off customers for $25! I think Princess has lost the plot of customer relations.

Nothing exciting. My benchmark was two superb half world cruises, followed by this cruise, which was such a disappointment. Solo share in Six berth inside cabin. What was I thinking? Nothing opened or started until the ship left Fremantle, when I disembarked. Great Australian Bight was so rough, passengers were being sick everywhere.

Just the accent. You may need a interpreter!

Taronga Zoo definitely, Apart from the animals and birds, it has a spectacular view over the Harbour to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can catch the Taronga Zoo ferry there from Circular Quay, then the local bus to the top entrance. It is easier to walk down at the zoo.