buchhalm

We pack either underwear and socks that were at the end of their life cycle anyway or get a pack of cheap stuff from KMart. One wear, dispose. 

Confuses the room attendant. Sir this is waste bin, not laundry basket...

The onboard laundry (if there is one) is only used for ironing a few pieces if need be.

Oh,  and Coles (not woolworths, for some reason) sells a great "wrinkle release spray " that comes in small spritz bottles. Works  a treat. 

What exactly is the point of "Concierge Class"?

A few "pfffff" so-called Canapés that look like cut up leftovers from the buffet and are (and that's the worst part), unceremoniously dropped in the cabin as early as 2pm. Sitting there, uncovered to fester away.

We asked the delivery to be stopped on day three.

That "Concierge " was not even able (willing) to make a Specialty restaurant reservation for us.

Meh...

How did you get into my shed???

Celebrity Cruise Lines springs to mind, especially their "Aqua Class" cabins. Be mindful that Aqua Class sells out rather quickly.

Given the somewhat raised price point, there aren't TOO many children on board, especially really young ones.

These people are only hurting themselves. Tourists will find other places to visit. If the "islanders" want to make a point to the French, protests should be staged in France.

I hear that there are a few international events going on/coming up that would certainly grab the attention of the French and rest of the world. 

11 hours ago, scrstu said:

Thanks all. You've confirmed our thoughts on the price of the transfer and given some very good alternatives. We are not staying in Melbourne until the night before our flight out so have booked a couple of hotels along OGR so we can enjoy the loop. 

It is great to hear that you guys are taking the time for a leisurely drive, rather than "doing" the GOR in a day. Lots to see and you can spend as much (or little) time at places.

If not already on the schedule, make sure you visit Cape Otway. A lovely lighthouse to climb up and great views.

For me, in the context of travelling, an "upgrade" means a FREE move upwards to a better cabin/seat/car.

"Bidding" and paying for a so-called upgrade isn't one.

I'm pretty sure that most of us book certain specific cabins/seats for a reason. We want that cabin location or that's what we can afford/are willing to spend.

Being invited to bid for an upgrade is (from what I have seen so far) just a trap. Upgrades seem to be very ambiguously worded, just mentioning "categories ", rather than giving you a (choice if) specific cabins, which might give you an opportunity to make informed decisions. From what I have seen, "savings" are minimal to f-all. The amounts of extra money "suggested" or asked for to "win" an upgrade are too high to be interesting or sensible and are hardly a saving compared to the original/published cost of the "better" cabin.

Similar applies to airline seats. 

Gone are the days where airline staff could make use of their industry perks of buying cheap STANDBY or even confirmed space ID50 tickets.

The chances of securing a standby (or discounted) seat in First/Business class are becoming very, very slim.

Now that everyone can "bid" for upgrades from Economy for (comparably) lower costs, and even with loyalty points, it is becoming difficult to make use of industry perks.

What's the occasion? Pac Adventure is getting a shower just now..

Looks depressing like Holyhead.

(Or however that place is spelt)

Bedrock! Near Fred's house.

31 minutes ago, PR-Texas said:

Thanks for the video.  Decisions, decisions. We still have almost 5 months before we're in Sydney so we have plenty of time to decide. 

Planning is half the fun of travelling. 

Whatever you decide, make sure you have/take

Sturdy, non-slip footwear 

A hat/cap

Sun protection 

A water bottle

🙂

Has a Protestant vibe to it. So I guess somewhere in Germany 

Ha! Hotel Swiss Metropole in Como.

Went to a wedding there not long ago.

Novosibirsk. Stab in the dark...

18 minutes ago, Mareblu said:

Correct, Mic.  Older than Stonehenge.  Unfortunately the farmer who had the rights to the land grew tired of mowing around them and brought in equipment and had a few stones flattened.  Local outrage ensued and UNESCO stepped in.  It’s now, rightfully, a protected site.

Your turn.

Meh. Old, but ever so boring.

Same sort of stuff in the Orkneys, near Kirkwall.

You drag yourself through a paddock and ho-hum. A few stones.

"Unlimited Coke" would have a new meaning on that ship...

Hard pass from me.

Ok. I give you that.

Vsucluse towards kirribilli, north Sydney 

Your turn

2 hours ago, qbay46 said:

Sydney

Well, der!! 😉

You have to narrow that down a lot.

1 hour ago, ilikeanswers said:

Is it in Australia? 

It is

Last night....

Ok then....

Frankfurt Messe(turm).

One of the most boring cities in Germany.

I am quite sure I have seen that church (well, I remember that walkway looking thing) somewhere on an Iceland cruise. Some "fjodur" or another, probably. 

Eevaakocornukopiafjodur!

That local bus info is good! I would not have thought of that! Beats the high price of the HoHo bus, if you just want to get an orientation.