osubuckeyemom

I see a number of late 2018, early 2019 NZ cruises but where are the Australia cruises, specifically top, bottom and/or around? Too early in the release process? Disappointed if none especially since because of scheduling issues I had to cancel Radiance cruises which sailed top and bottom of OZ and NZ

Need help deciding when to cruise. My choices are as indicated in subject/title. I know OZ/NZ summer runs December thru February and spring from September to November. This will be a 6+ week cruise so while I know there are no weather guarantees I'd like to try and schedule when it will be pleasant. Cruises that circumnavigate OZ all seem to be at these times of year. The NZ cruise before or after on same ship is a bonus

It's a long, expensive flight so I want to see as much as possible while "down under". Since I'm a senior solo traveler cruising is the best for me.

Thanks in advance for any advice you care to share

Cathy

Thanks again. Have only cruised Princess once (2 years ago Hawaii/ South Pacific) and had forgotten that I didn't have to pre-pay for the excursions. Excellent. And the joy I will get from being "down under" will be worth any premium I might have to pay exchanging currency.

Thank you all for your kind advice. My cruises cannot possibly get here fast enough.

All my OBC is courtesy of my TA so is a very generous gift. I'd pay the same for the cabins were I to book directly with Princess or another cruise line but they would never give me the obc my TA provides. Kind of "free money".

I have no doubt Australians and New Zealanders are helpful and kind (rather obvious considering your helpful replies to my query) but I'd be uncomfortable asking someone to exchange US currency for AUD or NZD. It could be a significant amount and the way our country is going my US dollars could be worthless.

You've all answered my questions. I'll need the AUD & NZD while traveling and will wait to book shorex while onboard so as to use some obc.

Thank you again and happy cruising to all

Cathy

If I were to take cash for some of my OBC while cruising Aus & NZ, would purser/casino give me US dollars or AUD or NZD? Somewhere I read that all onboard charges on Princess are in local currency which may preclude their handling US dollars. Would definitely be handy to have local currency for onshore excursions and shopping as well as for extra onboard gratuities (I'm assuming US dollars not accepted on that side of the world) BUT because of my location in US converting AUD & NZD would be difficult. I'll be on Dawn cruising NZ for 13 days, then 4 days in Sydney and then onto the Sun for 29 days round Australia.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Cathy

I know I'm in the minority here But ships have to stay modern. This design is just keeping pace with most new ships with the aft room design. And of course there's the fact that I got the new Penthouse suite on Lido for my upcoming Med cruise;) with the full wrap around balcony!

Will be interested to hear if Teen and Youth Centers on decks 12 & 14 have an adverse effect on new aft suites since they are so close. Am considering one for a future Alaskan Land & Sea cruise.

Thanks

Cathy

Solo cruiser sailing on Zaandam July-August 2015 Vancouver to Seward and back. Ship arrives Seward 6AM and departs 8PM. Have independently booked 2 activities in Seward last of which should have me back to ship around 5:30-6:00PM. My first back to back as well as first non ship sponsored excursions and guessing southbound sailing like any other be it initial embarkation or just a port day. Be onboard about 2 hours or 1/2 hour respectively prior to sailing. Asking seasoned cruisers if this sounds correct and doable. Plenty of time to cancel if I'm taking a risk.

Thanks

Cathy

Cathy, It is very exciting that you have booked the suite, I am sure you are going to have a fabulous time. In my opinion the hide-a-bed in the living room would be a little crowded with two grown women sleeping on it (not sure of the ages of your niece or daughter). If your daughter and niece's mom join you, and your daughter and niece are grown, you may want to check into a rollaway bed (I am not sure if they have them or not). Two people can easily sleep on the master bedroom king bed and not have an issue at all.

 

When are you sailing? Is this your first time in a suite on Norwegian? Please let us know how your cruise went when you return:). HAPPY SAILING!!

Thank you for your good wishes and information. Sail next June wanted to be sure to get the cabin I desired. Not first suite on Norwegian but first time on Breakaway. Everyone but me lives in NY and are but a quick cab ride from the port. I fly to NY often to visit daughter. Have no doubt it will be fabulous..my daughter and niece are 30 somethings. we moms are a bit older than that :-) I'll figure something out if I can convince my daughter and cousin to sail. Now I'm getting ready for 2 weeks on Amsterdam in Alaska We sail in just over a month. Can't wait.

Happy Sailing to you as well

Cathy

Thanks for that info. socrdad and dexddd. Have booked and taking my niece but trying to convince her mother and my daughter to join us. Since we're all family we can "double up". Not sure I want to spring for adjoining cabin :-)

Cathy

Does anyone know if the bed can be split into 2 twins?

Thanks

Cathy

Thank you for your wonderful reports. I've booked this cruise for the December 9 sailing and travel alone. Until I read your and another member's report on this very itinerary I wasn't sure I should take this cruise. Now I have no worries and can't wait for December to get here. I'm acquiring much valuable information. Again, thank you for taking the time to give such a wonderfully detailed accounting of your trip.

Cathy