Tredebo

Sail away is not to be missed from Sydney! As others have said, let the MDR staff know you won't be there first night and get yourself out on deck. The best part is leaving the wharf, passing the Opera House and up Middle Harbour. Turning to slip through The Heads to open water and looking back to see the sun starting to drop over Sydney is nothing short of spectacular.

A word on coming back into Sydney on return, as daylight saving is applicable, that 5:00 am entry into the harbour is really 4:00 am so it is pre dawn and still dark. Having said that, gliding into a sleeping Sydney Harbour is worth getting up for.

We travelled to the US in July 2009 and needed it then, cannot remember if it was free or not but it was easy to do.:D

The only reason I remember it is because I got mine in August 2010 to beat the new charge. Didn't travel until the following June though. It was valid for 2 years from first entry into the U.S.

Thanks for the info re ESTA how long has it been a requirement of travel to USA?

Came into force 12 January 2009, initially free. They started charging in September 2010.

We go out on Century next Wednesday so out before this starts but we get back on 30 Oct. Sun Princess is scheduled for White Bay so disembarkation is going to be fun by the sound of it. Nothing like a little adventure!

TSA officials can be scary and polite at the same time. It is very disconcerting, particularly when they can absolutely screw up your travel plans.

Renew your passports before you leave. My2 cents' worth.... I had a valid passport (6 years) and ESTA (9 months) on my last trip to Canada and US in 2012. Flew Sydney to Vancouver and was picked up at the airport by US friend from Seattle. At the border crossing, zealous customs official wasn't happy with our paperwork, held us up for an hour and a half, then said we had to pay another $6 'fee' before we were allowed into the US. It was an intimidating experience to say the least.

I'm obviously not planning properly for retirement ;)

Thanks gaechann and gbenjo for your info. Much appreciated.

P&O may well have higher 'capacity' on ex HAL ships simply by having a lower crew to passenger ratio.

Arriving at that time will be much better than an earlier time, you would have missed the "must have lunch on board" crowd by then. There will also be people to help you as you are in a wheelchair.:D

Lord Nelson so that's all under control ;)

G'day Tredebo

...These people really are pros at getting you on and off and take great care of those dong it tough. When do you actually travel?...

This is the first trip for Mother and the new wheelchair convertable; I'm the lackey :p. DH will drop us off at OPT and pick us up after the cruise. Your reassurances have put my mind at ease somewhat. Thank you both.

Neither like nor dislike it. Ships are huge now and that is a lot of blank space. Not surprising to see this kind of branding becoming more commonplace. Funnels obviously aren't enough for the advertising nut cases, ahem, executives.

Big problem for someone with a disability. I doubt that I could walk that far even without baggage.

This is starting to concern me a little. I'm new to the process with a wheelchair instead of a walker. OPT is a bit of a shambles but to be expected with such a huge renovation in process. I was in Sydney this week and saw the tent. We don't board until 2.30pm so hope it won't be as hectic by that stage. Any insights welcome.

From past experience, we notice a lot of people miss the 1st night in the MRD - we have ourselves a couple of times. They keep the seats for a few nights before there're given away - usually the Maitre D will try to phone the missing persons if there is a demand for the seats.

Thank you BVM49. I don't like putting anyone out but sailing out so Sydney is too good to be inside, unless it is raining...

This is my first cruise with Celebrity, on Century. We have requested early dining and appear to be okay going on the on line check in; so far so good. However we want to be on deck for sail away, which is 6.30pm. I'll see the Maître D once on board to advise this change. What is the opinion of those in the know regarding keeping our early dining for the rest of the trip?

Just a thought... On arrival at Sydney International airport, there is a booklet available to inbound passengers in the hallways before Customs. It has vouchers in it for 10% off lots of attractions. Not absolutely sure whether Taronga is included (and whether you've arrived in Aus yet).

My TA asked about insurance in a conversation and I said I would arrange it myself. Nothing further said.

Re-reading policy as, ahem, insurance.

Fridge magnets are handy for keeping notices and dailies handy. The dollar shop places have bright ones, cheap too.

Mum insures with ACE for Seniors and it was explained that despite being a domestic cruise, it is on an internationally registered vessel, hence international cover.

I deliberately avoid cruise lines that target the younger demo. Give me anecdotes and does-eat-oats over 'tude any day! Troll or not, disclaimer or not, the OP has no manners.

I've flagged the price drop to my TA, first time I've used this one, so will be interested to see if I get anything out of it; final payment due on Tuesday.

I love Statendam. I doubt the wonderful artworks will go with the Dam ships. Will be a totally different feel under P&O so I will hang on to my memories.

I am mildly consoled by the newest version of the policy but can't help but wonder why HAL continue to serve such sub standard wines on board. A helpful exercise might be for them to monitor the labels that guests bring on board to get a real idea of what we actually like to drink, and modify their stock accordingly.

My mother travels with her rollator with a seat, which she sits upon at the muster drill. First part of the problem solved. The next part of the problem is that once seated, she cannot see the crew giving the drill instruction because of inconsiderate latecomers standing in front of her and who squash everyone back. Sometimes you've just got to shrug and bear it just so it gets done.

I remember as a small child going to see my Godparents off to Scotland - my Godmother refused to fly back then so every other year it was six weeks on a ship. My brother and I were allowed to "run riot" around the ship until the All Ashore call was given. The crews were great and we never got into trouble (we were tame by today's standards :rolleyes:).

My first cruise was on Statendam from Auckland to Sydney in 2008 and my next cruise will also be on Statendam from Vancouver to Anchorage in 2011. Vastly different destinations!