buchhalm

Nah... Just because there are rare occasions that there are more than one of perhaps two ships in port, we do not need to build new facilities. I don't buy a camper van, just because I go camping once a year.

Reply from Dunedin city council, regarding the port Chalmers busses, is that they are short on drivers but are actively looking for volunteers

So, I just emailed the Dunedin city tourist board and asked if they plan to do something quickly about the bus situation between the port and town. Given that most ships will be there during the school holidays, there shouldn't be a shortage of vehicles. And, as others mentioned, the service is needed mostly for a few hours in the morning and again afternoon. I'll let you all know what they say. If anything at all....

Perhaps put that in the Roll Call for your cruise. That should raise some interest. 🙂

Hi. When I last looked, there were a handful of local companies, offering pretty much the same (of course) as the ships. Prices, more or less, matched the ships excursions. Many tours were not available on cruise ship days, which would mean that the cruise lines grab most availability. As for the train: it is fully chartered to the cruise lines as far as we were able to work out. Furthermore the train only goes half way compared to pre-Covid days. That, and it would cost you a minimum of $300p.p. That is the very cheapest option we could find.

Dunedin port better get their act together. In early January there will be two quite large ships in town at the same time. Many passengers will just give their cruise lines the finger for charging $ 20 or 30 for a ride to town. The local buses cost a fraction of this, but will be crowded. So the city better put on a few specials for a few hours

Time for Michael Buble to come out of the cave.

Well, a few days ago two large ships that were (according to the schedule from Sydney ports) to leave at 4 pm, didn't leave until after 9pm. So basically a whole day of cruising gone. And perhaps wasted day of drinks package

Hubby goes "on an excursion", and just doesnt re-board. Have your passport. You stay on board and take the bags home

Thank you for clarifying the train tour. I was THIS close to bite the bullet and fork out $500+ per person for the train ride in January. I am not going to do that now. I refuse to be taken for a ride (pun intended). The price is outrageous and I hope that other cruisers will refuse this extortion as well.

In a former life as Flight Attendant we often served BARRAMUNDI in First and Business Class. Tourists didn't know what Barra was, so half way through then eating the fish, I told them it was that Barramundi was the local name for Dolphin. 100% shock rate success.

...the cruise line specific forum (fora?) on.... Fora conforms to the original Latin and forums is the Anglicized form

Possum gave you a great link to the proper Australian authority. If you just Google "Australian ETA", the first few links will probably give you 3rd party service providers. Mist WILL get you your ETA, but for a much higher cost than the "proper" website. It is very straight forward. As for your pacific islands, I can't comment. These tend to be sovereign nations, with their own rules. Whilst Australians may probably come and go as they please, other passports may have other rules. I'd check each island/country individually.

I find that a bit weird. There are always drivers with signs inside the airport. And perhaps don't expect a STRETCHED limousine. It's probably something like a nice BMW or Lexus.... How much help do you need? How much luggage are you bringing? The taxi rank is 100 m from the exit. $170 seems to be excessive. *but the Four Seasons is lovely. Make sure to have dinner at Mode Kitchen and Bar. It's lovely *

A few months ago, the post office told me "up to 10, 12 weeks". I got the new passport in 10 days. Go figure.

I called A friend who works at the international airport. He confirms that there are currently NO bank owned ATM at the international airport. However, all modes of transport to the city accept credit cards. In the city there are plenty of ATM if you need some cash AUD

Hotels are notorious for that 🙄 CC surcharge. Some upmarket restaurants may charge that as well, but it's not something you'd often find in shops. Not sure about taxis. I use debit cards or cash. In the end, it's a minimal amount. As for taking out cash at the airport, make sure it is from a BANK ATM, and not some other trader. And remember that always paying credit card bills in LOCAL currency and not your home currency "for your convenience ". As in 'do you want to pay in Australian or US $'? When you are in Australia, you want to pay in AUD in that case.

If you can manage your luggage, the train is often the quickest way. Relatively cheap. And if it's not raining, it is a lovely stroll from Circular Quay train station to the ship. 10 minutes absolutely tops.

PERHAPS use it if you are by yourself and not in a hurry. The shuttles are not particularly frequent. From experience they also do not tend to stick to their schedule as much as they should. Last 2x I had the feeling that they are waiting if perhaps another bunch of customers would rock up. Vans are not comfortable or particularly clean. Don't expect American style shuttle vans. For more than one passenger, a taxi or Uber wont cost THAT much more, and it goes when you want it to go. And without stopping at who-knows- how-many other hotels and go the "scenic" route.

I only know that when we will be in port with Celebrity Eclipse, the Norwegian Spirit will be there as well. Given the port time, i think thar we could only do a morning departure

Looks like a baked potato of sorts.

Life boat. Dragged behind

I don't know about New Zealand, as we Australians don't (currently 🤞🏻) need visas to go there. For Australia, I would recommend to use the OFFICIAL Australian government's website. (Information on the link below) https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 If you just Google "Australian ETA " you will probably come across 3rd-party services first, that charge you extra! Be careful to fill in all details on the government website correctly. Usually exactly as in your passport. And make sure that your pp has at least 6 month validity.

"Aneiyium Airport Vanuatu". sounds like a spell from Harry Potter.

News just in on the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD website. (Excerpt from the article) Indonesian authorities have requested that an Australian cruise ship carrying about 2100 passengers and crew abandon the Balinese leg of its 17-day tour, following a COVID-19 outbreak on board. The Queen Elizabeth left Sydney on November 15, stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Darwin, but will cut short the final week of its tour and head straight to Fremantle.