Aussieflyer

Not on the short Grand P cruise as we were in a Window suite anyway - great location and not having a balcony was no loss given the weather was pretty poor. Did bid and was upgraded on Majestic P to Tasmania in mid November - went from a mini to a penthouse so was pretty happy as not a heap of extra $.

We disembarked on 25 November and received the cheque in mid December so yours seems a bit late - I wonder if it related to being in isolation (with additional calculations required)

I am not sure when your cruise was. We had something similar from a cruise to Tasmania in late November when we missed Port Arthur due to bad weather. Money was not reimbursed to my credit card but I received a cheque in the mail for the refunded shore excursion. From memory it was about three weeks after the cruise began as I see I banked the cheque in the week before Christmas. And yes, our statement on disembarkation showed a credit of several hundred dollars.

I hate having to clamber in and out of the bath when they have the shower over. I guess a suite with a separate shower is the way to go.

I actually like the Plus drink package on Princess and see it as good value - a couple of coffees or hot chocolates a day, if it is hot a virgin mojito or two and a couple of cocktails before dinner. Agreed the wine choices aren't good though. It makes it a lot easier IMO. But we are on Cunard in a couple of weeks and no way for a drink package - on a 5 day cruise it came out at over $AU1,000 for the two of us as it was $US70 pppd.

It is certainly easier to walk down from the gardens! Last time we walked up and it was quite a hike.

That is very sad for them in that case, especially as the cruise seems to have been marketed that way. Hopefully there will be decent compensation but it is sad if they were people for who this was like the 'last big trip' or similar. Makes it hard if the pax get FCC when they probably won't be up to cruising again. For AU residents it is not such a big deal, but for people from US or Europe for example with long flights (possibly expensive), it does 'suck'.

Yes whilst I agree with you and that it would be doubly annoying if it was because of inaction by a cruise line, I was simply noting that to rely on the sounds as a highlight for a NZ cruise is likely to be problematic. Personally whilst the sounds are lovely, I wouldn't rank them the highlight of any NZ cruise. So much depends on the weather and the rainfall received - the waterfalls can be not so impressive if it has been dry.

Yes, it would be very disappointing but quite a few ships miss the sounds due to poor weather (and with no compensation as not a port that is missed). Silversea missed all three sounds when we were on three years ago because of the high winds. The sounds are not something that can be counted on.

I very nearly booked for us to go but in the end it became a bit hard with hotels and getting to Sydney etc so passed - rather envious I must say.

DH an DD spent 4 nights at Inala (www.inalanaturetours.com.au) in May but unfortunately the weather was not kind. DD is an avid bird photographer and went specifically for the raptor hide and the 40 spotted pardolote.The reserve is only accessible if you are staying in one of the houses/cottages. They also visited the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre at Kettering which they said was excellent.

My check in for Cunard isn't available yet (says 21 days so next weekend) so can't check for Bazzaw exactly what they want.

I have always disposed of my used tests - both positive and negative - but have been told they do begin to fade after about 15 mins. Maybe not though.

Yes - the first set of tests we had needed the ultraviolet torch - a right PITA.

No never had to. And yes a bit OT as this is about Cunard.

Haven't boarded Cunard yet, but Princess has the same requirement for the RAT (and no, not emailed anywhere). You just have to have proof of the test if required to show it. For what it's worth Princess has never asked to see the proof on the three cruises I have done this year, even though I did offer to show them. I understand that it was a bit of a random thing - with some people asked for proof and others not. And an old RAT won't cut it as they fade.

I haven't stayed at either of your choices, though I wonder if it would be better for you to look in area around Raffles Place - there are several hotels there (including Raffles which is very expensive and although it is lovely, the Carlton over the road might suit better as a 4 star - have stayed there before and it is good). One thing is to be close to MRT as I have heard reports of some issues with taxis not taking credit cards or picking pax up for short trips - this may have changed. The MRT is very convenient and can take you most places - in air-conditioned comfort. Also check for places to eat around each hotel if you are not wanting to dine in house. Clan Hotel is close to Telok Ayer MRT and Bliss is near Chinatown which has 2 lines so both are convenient for trains - maybe have a look at the MRT map to see if either is better for where you want to visit.(https://mrtmapsingapore.com) I quite liked the look of Clan over the Bliss but nothing really to base that on and really both look fine for a short stay. It will be hot so perhaps minimise the time walking outside. Good luck.

That was quick Pushka! Someone from work is on Westerdam with extended family - will be interested to hear how it went. You didn't point out the Ponant ship in the photo as well - the size difference is easy to see. I find it very interesting that the captain is relaying the the cases of COVID on board.

Someone I know from work is on the cruise sailing group of the in-laws, a couple of their adult children and them. I will be interested to hear whether any of them caught it though I know she had the virus after returning from O'S earlier this year.

Getting in early eh? Hope 2023 is a wonderful year for everyone. Especially thinking of those in our little group who have health and other issues to contend with at the moment. Looking for the sun after the clouds. Happy New Year.

Just saw that and also a Aida ship added to Tier 1.

Bit of COVID on most ships. I see Seven Seas Explorer, Carnival Splendour and Pacific Adventure are all listed as Level 1 by NSW Health - none at L2 or L3 at present but Cunard isn't due back to a NSW port for a bit, so will be interested to see what it is listed as.

You want the International vaccination certificate - this asks for passport details. The certificate is the one required for o’s travel. It’s available at Proof of vaccination page - request an international certificate.

From Medicare Express app you can download your vaccination certificate and email to yourself or safe as PDF. I have found Princess wanted to see a hard copy ( as did Qantas when flying internationally). Also had to upload the certificate to the Princess Medallion. Not sure what Cunard does about this (but will find out soon).

We fly hand luggage only as much as possible so extra clothes become problematic. back on topic - as QE is not due back in NSW waters for a few days, she is not listed with a Covid level there at the moment. Will be interesting to see whether she is listed in a week or so.