alfaz

I recently had norovirus, as did my husband and eldest daughter. We went to a 95th birthday party at a local all you can eat buffet. I had one plate of food, I did not go to the toilet or the bar. It had nothing to do with my hygiene. Of the 44 people in our group 22 became ill. The public health department investigated and confirmed it was the norovirus currently raging through NSW. The stomach cramps were horrendous. I think you can take every precaution but it may not stop you from getting sick. I just hope I don't get it again on my December cruise, three days sick is enough for me.

Thanks for the replies. I must admit I would like some of the auto tips to go to the behind the scenes staff, you know the cooks, chefs, laundry staff etc. won't stop me paying auto tips or extras though.

Quick question. Who do the auto tips go to? I have no problem tipping the staff for their service if that is the practice. We often tip extra as well to those who do a good job with us. I've always found cruise staff to be great, friendly and helpful and don't mind the extra $200'ish for auto tips.

We have our email. Boarding is 1pm. We are gold crown and anchor members, our kids are platinum (generous grandparents). I expect we will get there around 12.30ish and go from there. By the time we lug our bags to check in and round up all the excited kids it will be close to 1pm anyway. I hope the priority check in as as good as mum and dad say it is.

Count down is on. Bring on New Year's Eve!

I just checked my set sail pass and check in time range was 11am - 4.30pm. We are on deck 4. Last cruise we were on deck 8 and had a tighter check in range and when we got there everyone and their dog was in line, took a couple of hours (still quicker than catching a flight somewhere). A 5.5 hour time range doesn't seem very efficient.

We will probably get there around mid day.

Can't wait.

Leah

Thanks for the reply. I think this will be the way to go for us. I don't drink heaps but do like a cocktail and with tea, coffee, frappes and bottled water it makes sense.

Only 11 months to go!

Great review. I also have some questions. We are cruising with friends at the end of the year and are thinking of the ultimate package for grown ups and replenish package for the kids.

The ultimate package includes:

Includes: Call and premium cocktails, frozen drinks, beers, premium wines by the glass (up to $12 value), premium coffee, premium tea, bottled water (sparkling and still, fresh squeezed orange juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain sodas with the Coca Cola® souvenir cup.

Is the premium tea and coffee from Latitudes?

What are the frozen drinks? Are these frappes and the like?

What are call cocktails?

Does it also include spirits? Like a bourbon and coke or baileys on ice?

Thanks for any advice. Leah

Great review, thanks for sharing. I am in the very early stages of researching a Christmas time cruise for three generations as well, ages ranging from 13-71. Is great to read that there will be kids on a similar cruise.

One questions though. The food looks fantastic and five of us would love it. However the youngest is very very fussy. Do they have plain or kids options available?

Thanks again, great to know about multi generation families travelling together.

Leah

In the old Fairstar days (1994) I threw up as we were sailing out of Sydney Heads (true, couldn't believe what a wuss I was), proceeded to throw up throughout the night so first thing the next morning my friend dragged me to the dr and I got the injection. Slept all day and by the next night was drinking mixers in the cabin. Couldn't believe how effective the injection was.

Planning a family cruise for January next year on Radiance of the Seas and am a tad nervous. I think I will pop some pills before we leave, take ginger with us, grab some green apples as I walk up the gangplank and if all else fails get the injection asap, sleep for 8 hours and enjoy the rest of my cruise.

Nothing worse than feeling sick on a boat.

Love these threads.

Leah

I hate the fact I haven't been on a cruise yet and it is a bazillion days until we get to go on one.

Cheers

Leah