torchlight

We have just got off the Gem. Shorts were not allowed in the Grand Pacific Dining Room. We were turned away as my husband was in shorts..Magenta was ok with Shorts.

If we bring our own Moccona (instant) does the water get hot enough in the coffee machine to make it? I have to have coffee in the morning when I wake up and on the Carnival last year we had to take turns in doing the morning run to the coffee machine by the pool.

Staying at the Stamford Plaza is one of the closet hotels. You can definately walk to Queens Wharf from there. If you want to stay right at the wharf you can stay at The Hilton, however is much more expensive.

Stay at Holiday Inn Old Sydney, you can see the ship arrive from your room. Very reasonable prices. It only cost us a total of $300 for 2 rooms. Spacious, and very friendly staff.

Try Stamford Plaza, very reasonable and 5 star.

Hello I have just got off the Carnival Spirit. Internet is very expensive and slow..we paid $69 for 2 hours. There are about 5 different prices for hours purchased. By the minute it is 75 cents. As for the sports bar they only play pre recorded games that are popular. The All Black v Australia test was not shown, so you wont get to see your games probably.

What hotel are you staying at? There are shuttles outside the airport that will take you to any hotel you want. Around $17 each.

Please please dont bother going to the Cadbury Factory. It was the worst tour I had ever been on, a total waste of money with hardly any machines going and a grumpy lady guide...

Try the actual website

I booked 2 weeks ago for the Cruise on the 29th August for 4 adults and got a Suite and an inside cabin for $4200 for 8 nights. I suggest you look at carefully at your prices.

The Stamford Plaza is very near, reasonable in price and 5 star. It is 100 percent better than the Mecure and Copthorne. I wouldnt be staying at Sky City, if you dont want cigarette smoke.

We have just been on the Solstice and there was plenty of bathroom products and we also got 2 chocolates every night...not that you need then after eating all the food.

They have discontinued the brunch due to Norovirus and the lack of sneeze guards in the main dining room round the food. This is what we were told on our cruise we have just been on - Solstice March 2014

No it doesnt. Are you booked on a tour through the boat or your own one?

Hi. It is $15.00 return per person.

They are just called the "seasick remedy" Not sure what they are. Maybe google them.

You will need to get to the airport around 4.30. The traffic is really bad then so plan on an hour to get to the airport. I believe there are some lockers at the port but they may not be large enough for suitcases.

On the first stop on our cruise in Bay of Islands there is the Pharmacy that sells the "Paihia Bomb". It is the best sea sickness tablets you can get. They have them readily available

Oh no! Bad weather on the way? I hope it doesnt stop us getting anywhere.....

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9809788/Cyclones-set-to-send-rain-our-way

We dont like to dress up either and my husband doesnt even own a suit jacket, so on the formal nights we will eat elsewhere. Its just the way it is.

Well the last week we have had 30 degrees, and the next week is looking the same so I would have to say feb/march is the best time.

Ok Thanks. I have been to Paihia jsut 3 weeks ago and saw the ferries so will catch one of those to meet friends for Lunch at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel....

Could anyone tell me if the Tenders go to both Russell and Paihia when in the Bay of Islands.

Could someone please tell me if the men need to wear a dinner jacket for the formal nights? Or is just a shirt and tie enough? Thanks