Waihekean

Debbie, last weekend I researched a bit about the Australia Day festival and found some info re last years' one. There was a link where you could put your name down for the brochure for the 2015 festival.

It is probably still a bit early for their brochure, but if I do receive something in the mail, I will notify you.

Last year they had free non-stop entertainment throughout the day on open air stages in the Rocks and Darling Harbour area. I'll expect something similar will happen this year.

There will be many events like opera, popular music, dance and drama.

We're planning to take a Princess cruise from Brisbane, round trip to New Zealand, next October. Do you think we'd have a problem? Thanks so much for your help!

Australia will be warmer then New Zealand at that time of year, but still a cold time to cruise really. Did my first cruise from NZ to the Pacific starting on 26 Oct, but going there and on the return it was not warm enough to swim in the ship pools or sit outside.

Hi Jim,

I have checked out so many nd think we will stay in The Rocks area. Trying to narrow it down to at least 3 and then decide. So far Holiday Inn Old Sydney is one, maybe we can help each other out lol. We will stay three nights. All flights booked and hotels in LB the QM and one near lax before our flight out on the 26h. Hoping to find hotel with free wifi and airport shuttle and quite close to public transportation to sites and free bus along George st.

Although yours will be the low season, popular hotels book out fast in Sydney. For example the Old Holiday Inn is already fully booked in January 2015. Mind you the weekend I'm looking at is Australia Day weekend. Plus at $450 NZ per night it is defenitely out of my budget;)

You wil not find many hotels with airport shuttles.

Have at look at Booking.com (lots of reviews and will tell if has wifi etc.) and set your budget and look into the triangle from Circular Quay/Rocks, Darling Harbour & China Town. This area is all walkable and close to all the main sightsees, public transport, ferries and the HoHo bus.

We chose the York by Bell Hotel. This is very central, plus a very good price for a serviced apartment. So, besides having a spacious studio, we also have a bath (meaning the one you lie in) a kitchen, a laundry and a balcony. The complex also has an outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and gym. The Meridon apartments usually also come recommended, but were booked out already.

Happy searching...

But who are these US TAs? Haven't ever been able to find out:(

Yesterday Cruise Critic was advertising my American TA (who is specialised in last minute and discount cruises) on the review section.

When you open up the main page of CC it is situated on the L/hand side at top. They promote a variety of TA's there.

Just to know that currently Celebrity is one of the few cruise lines that still allow non residents to book.

As you know it is quite hard to find info about MSC, but so far what I have read about their excursions has been okay. Pax especially think that the pricing is reasonable.

RomeCabs is just the best. As already stated they will arrive before the stated time. If you are still having your breakfast, it is good to know that you can finish your breakfast and leave at the time arranged. I:e: you do not have to leave when driver arrives.

Just for general knowledge. We went from Venice to Florence and later Florence to Rome with the "Italotreno.it" train. If you will Google it you will be directed to their website.

We found it a most comfortable and convenient way to travel and you can put your suitcase above your head in the luggage compartment.

One specific moment of bliss was to be in their airconditioned waiting room in the mad house of Florence train station and just sat down with a cup of coffee and relax.

All their trains are new, but they have only limited routes. The prices are very reasonable considering their services. Plus they have several classes. Lowest class is still pretty flash. We choose the middle (prima).

Thanks! That's what we figured! Too bad! I really wish I could find an itinerary this perfect in a cooler and less crowded timeframe!

Beware September can be as hot as it is in August in Italy and Greece. So if looking at this month lean towards end of September.

I think that the Solstice cruise is a realy good option as you are already realising two weeks is too short to do both countries justice.

This cruise gives a good overview of New Zealand ports, cultures and landscapes.

I would check first what would work best for you regarding flying over, then decide to either go Auckland - Sydney or visa versa.

In either case spend a few days at each end with spending the longest in Sydney (at least 3 days). Sailaway from Sydney is just wonderful and that way, you still get some of an Australian experience.

Then the next time when "down under" go and do either a cruise around Australia and make sure that you visit the Great Barrier Reef or do an intensive land tour.

If you can see my signature, you will notice that I'm doing this Solstice cruise myself in January 2015. If you have not done a cruise as yet on a Solstice type ship you are in for a treat. Tip: book one of the cabins on the slant from the "hump". Besides being a convenient location, the first and third on the slant have a triple size and the second and fourth cabin on the slant have a double size balcony. There is no difference in price for these balconies.

Of course you can also hop on a 35 min ferry ride to lovely Waiheke Island:) for either a day at the beach or a vineyard tour. Or like Terry of Ohio (see his recent blog with photos') the Sculpture tour.

Lots of people visit "Wild on Waiheke" for sampling a local boutique beer, with snacks and some bow and arrow shooting.

For a special evening experience go and have a dinner at the Te Whau Vineyard. Not only will you get some lovely food with great wines, but some spectacular sunset views as well.

This is also a great place to go for lunch and enjoy your typical NZ and also Waiheke views.

Sky Tower in the CBD is great for a wander around and a visit to the top to have great aerial views over Auckland. You can also "jump off" the Sky Tower if you are adventurous. Not a bungee jump, but a controlled drop.

The Auckland (War Memorial) Museum is for sure worth a visit.

Oh, and one more thing, Which beach would be the best choice from downtown area for a day visit?

Hi Debs,

Manly always get recommended, but I'm planning to go with Sis to Watson Bay and check out the Doyles restaurant for their famous fish dishes. They also have a cafe at the Fish market in Darling Harbour.

Probably going to go there as well:D

You can not use cash on board, except for the casino.

Usually they show everything purchased as in American dollars like in Europe no euro's, but $ US.

Same here, can not manage my reservation because it will not recognize my booking number. Only thing that seems to work is that they have put me on their mailing list for the e-mail alerts:(

Find it worrying and also can not make any bookings for excursions.

Hi Razzledee,

Welcome to your new hobby:)

Probably the best thing to do is start looking at the Port of Call forum for Panama Canal and like already suggested the NCL board.

What is also fun is to look up the ships reviews here on CC. The button is on the page on top L. CC will explain and review the ship and then you have the members reports reviewing how their cruise was on that ship. Which is great to look up the general impressions of the ship and also look for the reviews of your particular itinerary.

You can also look up tips for new cruisers and just start exploring all that is here on CC and what appeals to you and is relevant.

If you need to decide between several ships beside looking up the member reviews, you can also check out footage on You Tube. That way you can see a lot of impressions. The same you can do for the Port of Calls.

Warning though: this is all VERY addictive, especially after your first cruise:p

January - March is the warmest, but it depends where you are in NZ and/or there are La Ninja weather patterns. You can have very windy weather or very humid, as well as the most beautifull blue skies with a light summer breeze with temperatures ranging from 23 -30 degrees Celcius.

I received the e-mail as a past Princess guest.

The first photo has no C on the funnel:p

You will be able to get the normal coffee with room service, but not the espresso kinds. Most Pax will give the waiter a couple of dollars when bringing breakfast or similar.

It is a popular way to wake up, as they phone first to warn that they are coming.

You do not need the premium package for the espresso coffees, unless you want the very fancy coffees listed at the back of the coffee menu like the white chocolate ones. However there are only a few kinds of these.

The on-line check in speed things up, but you still have to queue for boarding when arrives at the Terminal. Print off your Express pass e-doc at home and take with you. Once at the Terminal you will be given a health form to fill in and sign, then you progress to check-in and to customs. At boarding you will be given a plastic card; your individual "sea pass". This is your identity card, ships purchases card and room opening card. You will need this card with you every time you leave and enter the ship or make a purchase.

You should be able to use Oz dollars in the South Pacific countries. Not sure about Noumea, but then just use an ATM.

Go the The Ports of Call forum to do a bit more research (like the weather) about the South Pacific ports. There is heap of information usually and because search function is down, just start asking specific questions. Other people will appreciate that if they are looking for the same answers.

A South Pacific cruise is really relaxing and a great choice for a first cruise, so ... Just Enjoy ... the whole process:)

Another vote for Celebrity here and to recommend an Aqua cabin or suite. She might really enjoy the heated beds in the Persian Gardens and think she will enjoy the Blu restaurant.

Take advantage of the 1,2,3 promotion.

Also make a booking for her in the Murano for 1x a high tea and 1x a dinner. Tuscan Grill is also really nice.

If you like a really large balcony, choose for one of the cabins on the slant of the humps.

Thanks foryour review.

It sounds that you really took advantage of everything that the Reflection has to offer.

As in my signature have a cruise booked for January 2015, but then at end of January this year I could not wait so long and had to book another cruise for the European summer.

And I am on the boards again all the time:eek: Reading two sets of roll calls, two sets of reviews, lots of Ports and accommodation, You tube etc. etc.

Now only 146 days before a sail away instead of 338:D

Bought a lime green suitcase and a bright orange. Always notice them straight away.

Only problem is that they are soft and after the first time in the plane they were covered with large black marks. Makes them look very dirty and of course you can not clean it off.

It seems to me that it has been disabled now for about two weeks.:confused:

Have a wonderful cruise and feel "pampered":D

It would be interesting to hear back from you after the cruise to see what your experience was like .