lissie

We are considering Glace Bay on the way back from Louisburg - the Marconi museum (where the trans Atlantic cable came asshore ) looked interesting too

And THAT is exactly why I always use a credit card for hotel guarantees even if I end up paying (or in fact have prepaid) using my Wise card. And yes we play the exchange rate timing game too - can make a difference with a volatile currency like NZ$

There aren't any for NZers like the OP and me - the UK may have some

Not true for New Zealanders so long as there is Mastercard or Visa symbol on the card the max liability is $50. Wise is very good because the app alerts you as soon as it's used - my bank takes 24 hours sometimes

Yes Wise card also has the option to get foreign bank accounts - I use it to be paid in foriegn currencies. I suspect you do have to put a card down - but we ended up with extra US$ bills and were able to add it on to our account to reduce the final bill. I wouldn't use any other currency though because they will use the ship's awful exchange rate.

Not sure which Cunard you sail on - not the one I was on in 2022- if I want to carry a drink from one bar to another I do so. I think they would help me if I was disabled but not otherwise. Its one of the nice perks of being on a ship- can't normally carry an open drink into a dining room - can on a ship

If you are going to be travelling and want to rent a car or even check into some hotels you need a credit card - you can often put the actual charge on a debit card -but they want the guarantee of a credit card up front. So apply for one - its not debt unless you don't pay it off at the end of the month. Or you could even pay it off as you go if that bothers you. I used a debit card on Cunard QE last year (twice - 2 cruises) - I was unclear whether it work in advance -and in practice it worked fine. Both times we had bills of around US$900 or so. I was told not to use a debit card because I 'd end up with real holds against my real money compared to a credit card where the hold is only againtst your credit limit. In practice Cunard just charged the card at varying intervals - probably depending on the a) balance and b) the lack of internet for them to get a connection - I was never charged more than I owed (and I kept an eye on it) I used a wise (wise.com) debit visa - highly recommend this card - the reason I use it anywhere I can overseas is because the forex rate is much, much better. Other's here will recommend cards with no international fees but they don't exist in Aotearoa Wise is as good as it gets Wise Debit Card Review - MoneyHub NZ

We're hiring a car - this guide is a little dated but will give you an idea of the distances - it looks like easy driving in the summer Toms Cape Breton Island Driving Tour Guide from Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada (tomsportguides.com) Toms Sydney Nova Scotia Cruise Port Guide (tomsportguides.com)

Look at getting a wise card - wise .com - you can run foreign balances including US$ and then use the pre-paid visa card to make payments- that will give you the best exchange rate plus no hidden fees. I'm not Canadian but New Zealand and have an even weaker $ than yours 🙂

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the cruise industry in several ways. Here are some ways in which AI can have a significant impact: Enhanced Customer Experience: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized recommendations, answer customer queries, and offer 24/7 assistance to enhance the customer experience. These AI systems can understand natural language, learn from customer interactions, and provide tailored suggestions for onboard activities, dining options, and shore excursions. Intelligent Pricing and Revenue Optimization: AI algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, and customer preferences to optimize pricing strategies. By dynamically adjusting prices based on demand, AI can help cruise lines maximize revenue while ensuring competitive pricing and filling up cabins efficiently. Operational Efficiency: AI can optimize various operational aspects of cruise ships, such as route planning, fuel consumption, and maintenance scheduling. AI-powered systems can analyze weather patterns, sea conditions, and passenger preferences to recommend optimal itineraries, minimizing travel time and fuel consumption. AI can also monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance requirements, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. Safety and Security: AI can contribute to enhanced safety and security measures onboard cruise ships. AI-powered video analytics can monitor surveillance footage to detect anomalies, recognize potential threats, and alert security personnel in real-time. Additionally, AI can assist with crowd management, identifying areas of high congestion and suggesting alternative routes or schedules to avoid overcrowding. Personalized Services and Recommendations: AI can analyze passenger data, including preferences, behaviors, and previous interactions, to provide highly personalized services and recommendations. For example, AI can suggest tailored onboard activities, spa treatments, and entertainment options based on individual preferences. This level of personalization can greatly enhance the overall cruise experience. Environmental Sustainability: AI can help cruise lines reduce their environmental footprint. By analyzing data on fuel consumption, emissions, and alternative energy sources, AI can optimize fuel efficiency and recommend eco-friendly practices. AI can also contribute to waste management, helping cruise lines monitor and minimize waste generation through predictive analytics and smart recycling systems. Intelligent Marketing and Sales: AI can assist cruise lines in targeted marketing and sales efforts. By analyzing customer data and social media trends, AI can identify potential customers, segment markets, and personalize marketing campaigns. AI-powered recommendation systems can suggest relevant promotions, discounts, and add-on services, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction. It's important to note that while AI holds significant potential, its implementation should be done carefully, with privacy and ethical considerations in mind. Cruise lines must ensure that passenger data is handled securely and with transparency, adhering to data protection regulations and industry standards. *I asked Chat GPT how AI would revolutionize the cruise industry

What documentation department? You need a long-stay visa from the Japanese - talk to them. The cruise ship is just an alternatve to arriving by plane. So long as you have the right to arrive in Japan the cruise line doesn't care when you leave/if you leave. We may cruise to Japan next year - and then stay on for a few weeks - the cruise line doesn't know that - why would they?

Yes I was on a Cunard cruise last year which was repositioning from Europe to Australia - there was a young couple on board who were relocating to Australia from the UK. What's the question? Obviously, you still have to have your visas sorted out - the advantage of the cruise ship is lack of limit on your luggage - you'll still have to fit it into your cabin though. Otherwise there is no difference arriving by a ship or a plane.

Here's an example Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour At Thingvellir | Arctic Adventures paid for the option which includes pick up at the wharf 24,990 ISK US$180 on today's rate. The advertised tour on HAL is $379.95 - its not comparable because they claim it takes 4.5 hours compared to the 3.5 hours of the one I've booked. The reality is that the site is heavily regulated and everyone has the same time in the water snorkelling - so any extra time on the bus is just wasted with a shopping opportunity somewhere. Note I've seen this before with HAL we've hired a car from Corner Brook to go to Gros Morne NP and do a specific walk . I read the tour description and it said that it was a 2.5 hour drive to the walk. This was a concern as I'd checked on google maps and with locals on travel forums it's a 1.5 hour drive. So again, HAL is padding the travel times a lot. I get that a rental car with 2 people is faster than a bus - but not that much. Obviously in this case what we are doing is not comparable to a tour -but its given me no faith in HAL excursion timings.

Ponant had real issues during the pandemic - one of the companies who pretty much refused to refund money plus also tried to run a cruise to NZ when the borders were closed and thought they would get away with it (they didn't - inconveniencing those who had booked).

Or if the recipient doesn't have whatasapp you an call very cheaply using Skype - skype to phone costs a few fractions of a cent /minute. But really I avoid voice calls at al lcosts - particularly incoming - its unlikely you'll be in your normal timezone and even with a wifi package its unlikely you will have continuous coverage all over the ship

Yup I've got the same pricing for a 25 day cruise too - I will be buying eSims as I need them - because even $9 for the one day in Greenland looks like a very good price in comparison - we only have 4 sea days so I can live without a connection for those.

Those prices are higher than they were a few months ago - both are $5 more I think. The lowest level which only covered social media has disappeared I think

During 2021 when our boarders were closed we did a trip with them - as far as the Snares plus Stewart Island and Fiordland - it was good - and very different from the only other cruise we'd done at the time - Queen Elizabeth - we went on an ice-strengthened Russian vessel with only 60 pax - but I think now they are operating larger, more luxurious ships which I think is a bit of the shame. I liked that we all fitted on the Zodiacs at the same time - no waiting. Also one sitting for dinner. It got pretty rough going down to the Snares but I finally found a sea-sickness cure that worked on me (patches). Here are the pics 2021 Spirit of Enderby (mixbook.com)

Our bag clanked so much is SF security thought it was hilarious - but I agree using a proper wine box is safer!

From the website - there are no data caps for any plan - your chance of using video out at sea are minimal at best

Why would it not resolve once the cruise had finished and the passengers all got off?

One oddity of Tahiti that you may not be aware of - for some things they are considered parts of France (though not Schengen )

Gosh I always read travel books when I'm travelling - for the next destination - and I agree its good that libraries are coming back

Can you check the books out? Is there a librarian? I agree it 's weird there are no seats

I don't believe so because you're not entering the country - only transiting - you'll stay airside and not clear NZ immigation or customs