Bull & Crab

There is an airport at Uluru and direct flights there (4 hours each way) from Sydney. Adding a "detour" via Alice Springs - 400km from Uluru - would add even more precious time to the trip. If this excursion is being offered I can only assume the organisers have a very slick logistical exercise in place with very little wriggle room for any kind of delays. Apart from the likely exhaustion and expense of undertaking such a flying visit, I don't think I could handle the worry of the slightest thing going wrong and ruining the whole trip. You certainly wouldn't have enough time to really appreciate and understand the place.

 

If your cruise starts/ends in Sydney why not think about doing a more relaxed and relaxing trip to Uluru pre/post cruise? I would allow at least 2 full days there so you can explore the area properly. But it won't be cheap. Flights and accommodation alone come at a hefty price. Whether it's "worth it" as an experience is very subjective. Some people feel a profound spiritual connection with the place, to others it's just a big red rock. The problem is that you probably won't know until you get there!

Thank you Baggywrinkle99 for your very informative and pleasant reply. I agree it will be our decision in the end. In the end the cost of the excursion will probably be the the deciding factor.

Dont know what country you are from and which P&O ship you are on and when you arrive in Sydney.

The reason you are getting sarcastic responses is that you would find it hard pressed to find anyone in Australia doing an overnighter to Uluru. Crazy idea and very expensive. You will spend very little time there and IMO not worth it.

Bit like arriving in SFO and ducking over to NYC for a 30 minute look.

 

Your flight is also not direct to Uluru but via Alice Springs. There are direct flights. There is not much to see in Alice Springs. The sunrise viewing is very early and you are up around 4am followed by a long flight back to Sydney. Add on the waiting times at each airport. Makes for a very tiring and expensive 24 hrs.

 

Cant believe P&O would even offer such an excursion from Sydney. Has anyone done it? Doubt it unless they are millionaires.

 

You are docked in one of the World's most beautiful cities - enjoy Sydney instead.

Just for you cassamanda here is a copy of the excursion offered by P&O Arcadia on her 2015 World Circumnavigation (you can find it on the UK P&O site)

Ayers Rock Overland - Double

Ayers Rock Overland - Double

Duration: 2 nights

Witness the majesty of Ayers Rock bathed in golden light; enjoy the sounds of the desert and soak up the unique ‘Red Centre’ atmosphere.

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DAY 1 – ALICE SPRINGS AND AYERS ROCK

Departing the ship early, you’ll take the first flight to Ayers Rock, via Alice Springs in the Red Centre of Australia. A light snack lunch will be served during your 3 hour 20 minute flight. You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a brief tour of Alice Springs before the quick, 50 minute flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival, board your coach for a tour of the Olga’s and the mighty Monolith. Kata Tjutu (The Olga’s) is a sacred Aboriginal ceremonial site and part of the Uluru – Kata Tjutu National Park. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you watch the changing colours as the sun sets over Ayers Rock. Check into the Sails in the Desert Hotel where you will have dinner.

DAY 2 – AYERS ROCK AND SYDNEY

Following an early breakfast, join your guide for an early morning tour to witness the beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock) bathed in the soft morning light. Its vast shape rises from the sand dunes highlighting its magnificent presence. Learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. Bid farewell to the Red Centre of Australia as you take your return flight to Sydney via Alice Springs. A light snack lunch will be offered during this service. On arrival in Sydney you’ll check into the Grace Hotel where you’ll have time to freshen up before heading out for dinner. Take in the incredible views from the 360 Restaurant in the heart of Sydney. Allow this iconic cityscape to unfold before you as you enjoy this wonderful dining experience.

DAY 3 – MELBOURNE

After breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for the short flight to Melbourne (2 hours 33 minutes). On arrival in Melbourne, known as the ‘Arts capital of Australia’, enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour to view the highlights of this vibrant city. Pass by the Colonial buildings that lay amidst the modern architecture and pause at points of interest for photos. Return to Arcadia in time for late lunch on board.

Essential information

Bookings for this tour will close on 14th December 2013. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = SYD808, Single = SYD809). Prices shown on your record of shore excursions are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made after bookings close will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This tour departs Sydney on 26th February and returns in Melbourne 28th February. Please check your embarkation /disembarkation dates carefully before booking this overland. This excursion is physically demanding. Be prepared for early morning starts and lengthy days. No refunds will be given for any unused portion.

The fare includes: transport by coach and plane, sightseeing and hotel accommodation as stated. Meals include water, tea and coffee. 1 glass of wine is included with evening meals, additional beverages will be charged to passengers’ own account.

The fare does not include: items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, liquor, doctor’s fees and any medication or prescriptions. Passengers who require a visa for Australia must be in possession of a valid eVisitor or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) prior to embarking the ship.

What to pack: Please remember your passport and any medication you may require. Luggage limit is 1 bag per person with a maximum weight of 20kg. Passengers should take closed walking shoes and a lightweight jacket/ jumper for the cool evenings. Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen are also advised. Valuables should be left on board the ship. Please remember to carry a credit card or Australian dollars for any additional purchases.

I feel I am banging my head against a brick wall and admit to defeat but thank you for your comment anyway.

Thank you for all of your comments including the sarcastic ones. P&O are offering an overnight excursion when it docks into Sydney on its World Cruise (Departing the ship early, you’ll take the first flight to Ayers Rock, via Alice Springs in the Red Centre of Australia. 3 hour 20 minute flight. You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a brief tour of Alice Springs before the quick, 50 minute flight to Ayers Rock). You see the rock at sunset and sunrise. Before you say it I did put it on the P&O forums and it was suggested this one as well. Which reverts back to my original question, all I want to know has anyone done it? and was it worth it?

post in ports of call Australia better local information there or TripAdvisor good luck Aussie

Thank you I have re-posted as you suggested. I originally put it on a P&O thread because we will be doing a P&O cruise next year which will include Sydney.

Hi, Has anyone done the the ships overnight excursion from Sydney to Uluru? There seems to be a lot of travelling involved but is the end result worth it? Have you a rough idea of the cost involved? Any further information or tips would be appreciated.

Thank you for your replies it sounds like it could be worth doing. We would still welcome any more hints, tips and possible cost of the excursion from the ship.

Hi, Has anyone done the the overnight trip from Sydney to Uluru? There seems to be a lot of travelling involved but is the end result worth it? Have you a rough idea of the cost involved? Any further information or tips would be appreciated.

Hi,

We asked a similar question on the 2014 Aurora World Cruise forum below is the question and reply.

Originally Posted by Bull & Crab View Post

Has anyone booked the Shanghai, Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall of China tour. We are not on this cruise, but we have just put down a deposit on the Arcadia World 2015 cruise, but would like to do the tour on our cruise. Can you please let us know the cost of the tour(for budget reasons).

Also if for any of you are doing the full World Cruise have you got any recommendations for Travel Insurance? Again sorry to butt into your forum.

Hi Bull & Crab,

The Terracotta warriors trip is 4 nights long and £1500 pp double and £1650 pp single. Hope this helps. Booked up already for 2014, so you may have to book early when it comes on line for you.