MMDown Under

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited is responsible for the ports of Abbot Point, Mackay, Hay Point and Weipa. Would any of these ports be suitable to share with cruise ships? In my youth, Mackay was the hub for tourism in the Whitsundays. Planes flew to Mackay (not Proserpine), small boats left for fishing charters, the island resorts and the Great Barrier Reef. Mackay has half a dozen beaches from which to choose. Mackay has a beautiful hinterland, Eungella National Park. I saw my first platypus in the wild there. Just 20 kilometres north of Mackay lies the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, which includes Seaforth, Halliday Bay, Ball Bay, and Cape Hillsborough. 100 kms north of Mackay is the Whitsundays, And that is just one Queensland coastal town,

The current cruises to the South Pacific Islands don't excite me. Does anyone know which islands aren't accepting cruise ships at present? Or is it a matter of cruise ships wanting to do short cruises until the pandemic is more under control?

Thank you, Megan4350 I hope you are enjoying your cruise. You've had good weather. How were the seas?

I'm disappointed that the cruiseline is adding 18% gratuities to drinks outside the package. What do they not understand about in Australia that "the price is the total price, with no extra taxes, no added gratuities"? If they want to charge extra, just add 18% to price, then have the correct total price (which includes gratuities).

What is your favourite approach to a city, on a small ship, via a River? Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful trip up river from the Coast. It is an incredible experience to watch the local people go about their daily lives up close. (Saves a long return bus trip from the Coast.)

It mightn't be on everyone's bucket list, because not many Aussies would have cruised to Kotor, Montenegro. (I had to look up the country,) In addition not many Aussies would have cruised to Stockholm, Sweden through the islands. There is a more direct route, which is not as beautiful. Venice of course is well known for its beauty.

Looks like a beautiful sunny day for Quantum of the Seas arrival.

Between Whitehaven and Hook Island, I would choose Whitehaven which is unique in the Whitsundays. Whatever you decide you'll have a wonderful time. This is a beautiful part of tropical Queensland.

Although tongue in cheek, actually good advice. (Someone used our hire car for a day after we returned it at end of the Season in Alaska. Would have helped with our claim for reimbursement.)

My personal favourite thing to do at Airlie Beach is to hire a car and drive north to beautiful Cape Gloucester, Hideaway Bay, stopping at Dingo Beach Hotel en route for a cool drink, and have a seafood lunch at the Cape Gloucester Resort/Montes Reef Resort. (55 klm north about an hour)

That is a hard one as Whitehaven Beach is really beautiful. Depends on the age of the children. We have travelled annually with children (from young age to adult) and I know that sometimes they just enjoy a free day where they can have fun.

Seeing Airlie Beach is your family day, you might like to consider spending it at the beautiful big lagoon in Airlie Beach. It is free and very popular with the backpackers. You could walk there from the ship, or take a shuttle, then walk around the town. You could also get a ferry from Shute Harbour to South Mole Island, a National Park.

Sounds like the goose with the golden egg. Instead of a unique experience catching the train from the wharf, it is now an overpriced train trip from the city.

Yes you are correct. It is strongly recommended, not a legal requirement. However, as a Queenslander, if someone strongly advises me not to swim because there are jellyfish in the water, I'd choose not to swim.

Bon Voyage everyone. I'm booked on 4/12 cruise also to the Great Barrier Reef. I look forward to hearing how you enjoyed your cruise.

It is always lovely to visit new places.

Pleased to hear you got your Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card approved which will reduce your prescription bills. I hope your surgeries at Macquarie University Private Hospital on 1st December are successful. Take extra good care of yourself.

I think it is just what you are used to. I couldn't drive in Sydney, even though I had access to a car. However my girlfriend, almost 80, drives in Sydney and drove me several times. I agree if you can drive in Italy, you can drive anywhere. We still laugh over some of our Italian driving experiences!

Smart!

I hope you are all enjoying your cruise. Do you like your cabin? I will be in a cabin near yours on my cruise on 4/12.

There has been a 15% increase in active cases and a doubling in the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital. The 4th wave has begun, so face masks are to be worn on public transport and healthcare settings from tomorrow, Friday, 11th November, 2022.

I never booked HAL because the ships (which I looked at booking) always seemed to have maintenance problems. HAL had the best itineraries in the South Pacific and I was seriously tempted to book with them, except for these issues (blocked/overflowing toilets, leaks, from memory).

Take it easy until your next cruise.

The Aussie ones should be snapped up. I let my passport lapse but can renew it for 5 years.

Sorry to hear guest services left you in tears. Is the ship full? Surely they could have shifted you to a cabin with a working toilet. Pleased you got better service from guest services today. Despite great itineraries in the South Pacific, I never booked HAL because the ships always seemed to have maintenance problems. I hope Luminosa isn't going to be the same!