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OOOPS - Posted to the wrong forum - sorry guys! :(

 

So how do you go about getting an open booking??? Is this when you book on the ship but dont actually specify the cruise?

 

Correct, some times called a "future cruise" credit.:D

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi, new and physically disabled cruiser here, travelling independently on the Golden Princess November 11, 2016 in a Window Suite, sailing Sydney-Melbourne.

 

I am Legal Blind and carry a magnifying Monocular lens to read signs with if needed.

 

As a Suite passenger, even though I'll be a Blue Card newbie-well everyone had to take their first cruise at one time-I'm eligible for Priority Embarkation.

 

Some questions I personally would like to know the answers to:

 

Is there a marked specific area at the Overseas Passenger Terminal please?

 

I have my cousin able to bring me to the ship, how far into the Terminal is she able to come with me?

 

I have balance problems and use a Rollator wheeled walking frame so loathe escalators especially when carrying a suitcase strapped to the front of the walker-almost fell in a supermarket after going up to the 2nd floor-a concerned staff member showed me the lift which I hadn't seen, and it's now VERY well marked!

 

Is there a lift in the terminal as I've only seen the outside of the Terminal on the web and I already know to have a clipboard folder with all Embarkation paperwork in and a pen with a string taped to the top and tied onto the clip so I can't lose it-I'm NOTORIOUS for losing pens!

 

Re souvenirs a friend is looking for a card wallet that zips open and has pockets to take multiple cards-does anyone know if something similar is available on the Golden Princess and an approximate price for my budgeting (intended Birthday/Christmas present for her, she's an absolute Got Everything lady so when she showed me her current wallet which is starting to come apart, I decided to try and get her a replacement on the cruise, Any excuse to explore and photograph the ship eh?

 

Other souvenirs I'm interested in the Australian price of are; Princess Teddy Bears; monogrammed pens; mugs; caps; lanyards-what colours are available; tshirts and sweatshirts, and the Gift Services boxes of chocolates-I can only get the US price and am allowing 20% extra for safe budgeting.

 

Oh, the price range for Cocktails would also be useful for budgeting-I see I can get the Soda and More Package but not the All Inclusive Beverage Package on the Sydney-Melbourne cruise Also pricing the minimum Internet package, Speciality Dining-Crown Grill, Sabatini's and hopefully the Crab Shack, and the photo credit. Funds will be taken as pre-paid On Board Credit and a separate Casino Credit, which I understand is redeemable so I have back-up funds if I get a good run on the souvenirs

 

Will be watching this thread with keen interest. I shall report back in mid-November 2016 with a comprehensive report from the point of view of a Disabled Passenger complete with photos.

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

Edited by crochetcruise
Additional questions remembered *sheepish grin*
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Hi, new and physically disabled cruiser here, travelling independently on the Golden Princess November 11, 2016 in a Window Suite, sailing Sydney-Melbourne.

 

I am Legal Blind and carry a magnifying Monocular lens to read signs with if needed.

 

As a Suite passenger, even though I'll be a Blue Card newbie-well everyone had to take their first cruise at one time-I'm eligible for Priority Embarkation.

 

Some questions I personally would like to know the answers to:

 

Is there a marked specific area at the Overseas Passenger Terminal please?

 

I have my cousin able to bring me to the ship, how far into the Terminal is she able to come with me?

 

I have balance problems and use a Rollator wheeled walking frame so loathe escalators especially when carrying a suitcase strapped to the front of the walker-almost fell in a supermarket after going up to the 2nd floor-a concerned staff member showed me the lift which I hadn't seen, and it's now VERY well marked!

 

Is there a lift in the terminal as I've only seen the outside of the Terminal on the web and I already know to have a clipboard folder with all Embarkation paperwork in and a pen with a string taped to the top and tied onto the clip so I can't lose it-I'm NOTORIOUS for losing pens!

 

Re souvenirs a friend is looking for a card wallet that zips open and has pockets to take multiple cards-does anyone know if something similar is available on the Golden Princess and an approximate price for my budgeting (intended Birthday/Christmas present for her, she's an absolute Got Everything lady so when she showed me her current wallet which is starting to come apart, I decided to try and get her a replacement on the cruise Any excuse to explore and photograph the ship eh?

 

Will be watching this thread with keen interest. I shall report back in mid-November 2016 with a comprehensive report from the point of view of a Disabled Passenger complete with photos.

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

 

 

Not sure about the card case but there ARE lifts at OPT

 

if you loose your pen there are alsays pens available

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Not sure about the card case but there ARE lifts at OPT

 

if you loose your pen there are alsays pens available

 

THANK YOU! That's extremely reassuring to know. I was warned to make sure ALL my shoes had rubber soles for the cruise, and Velcro fastening for the Airport Security, so that's been done.

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  • 1 month later...
Hi, new and physically disabled cruiser here, travelling independently on the Golden Princess November 11, 2016 in a Window Suite, sailing Sydney-Melbourne.

 

I am Legal Blind and carry a magnifying Monocular lens to read signs with if needed.

 

As a Suite passenger, even though I'll be a Blue Card newbie-well everyone had to take their first cruise at one time-I'm eligible for Priority Embarkation.

 

Some questions I personally would like to know the answers to:

 

Is there a marked specific area at the Overseas Passenger Terminal please?

 

I have my cousin able to bring me to the ship, how far into the Terminal is she able to come with me?

 

I have balance problems and use a Rollator wheeled walking frame so loathe escalators especially when carrying a suitcase strapped to the front of the walker-almost fell in a supermarket after going up to the 2nd floor-a concerned staff member showed me the lift which I hadn't seen, and it's now VERY well marked!

 

Is there a lift in the terminal as I've only seen the outside of the Terminal on the web and I already know to have a clipboard folder with all Embarkation paperwork in and a pen with a string taped to the top and tied onto the clip so I can't lose it-I'm NOTORIOUS for losing pens!

 

Re souvenirs a friend is looking for a card wallet that zips open and has pockets to take multiple cards-does anyone know if something similar is available on the Golden Princess and an approximate price for my budgeting (intended Birthday/Christmas present for her, she's an absolute Got Everything lady so when she showed me her current wallet which is starting to come apart, I decided to try and get her a replacement on the cruise, Any excuse to explore and photograph the ship eh?

 

Other souvenirs I'm interested in the Australian price of are; Princess Teddy Bears; monogrammed pens; mugs; caps; lanyards-what colours are available; tshirts and sweatshirts, and the Gift Services boxes of chocolates-I can only get the US price and am allowing 20% extra for safe budgeting.

 

Oh, the price range for Cocktails would also be useful for budgeting-I see I can get the Soda and More Package but not the All Inclusive Beverage Package on the Sydney-Melbourne cruise Also pricing the minimum Internet package, Speciality Dining-Crown Grill, Sabatini's and hopefully the Crab Shack, and the photo credit. Funds will be taken as pre-paid On Board Credit and a separate Casino Credit, which I understand is redeemable so I have back-up funds if I get a good run on the souvenirs

 

Will be watching this thread with keen interest. I shall report back in mid-November 2016 with a comprehensive report from the point of view of a Disabled Passenger complete with photos.

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

 

Some updates!

 

I found what I was looking for re a friend's gift at a local shop and promptly bought myself a red one and a black one and sent it over to her-she lives in Sydney. She's ABSOLUTELY delighted with a special Wallet to "control" the myriad (lots) of cards she has, and I'm finding mine much easier to manage than metal card cases!

 

I have also learned that Cocktails on Australian ships are $14, which is helping with my cruise budgeting. The All-Inclusive-Beverage-Package is only available for cruises of 8 nights or more at this stage, so not relevant for met. I'm hoping it is so popular it is available on all cruises by November 2016.

 

66 weeks and 3 days to Embarkation at the Overseas Passenger Terminal-I'm eagerly counting down the days!

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  • 2 weeks later...
As you know in Australia we have different power plugs to UK, Europe etc, I am wondering what type of power socket adapters are needed for Royal Caribbean's " Explorer of the Seas"

 

RCI ships have two types of power sockets - US at 110 volts and European at 220 volts. The hairdryers supplied have US plugs and are essentially useless. If you need a decent hairdryer take a travel one and a European adaptor.

 

If you're just charging small devices the US sockets are Ok. We took both US and European on our Rhapsody cruise which was just as well as the US sockets were a bit flaky when using an adaptor - the plugs kept falling out of the sockets.

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For me, given the number of local cruises I do (with another booked) I'd really love to see a section on port calls and possible activities, cruise ship sourced versus independent.

 

For example I've been to Noumea many times, twice on a ship and soon to be thrice - what havent I done that could be interesting?

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  • 2 weeks later...
Some updates!

 

I found what I was looking for re a friend's gift at a local shop and promptly bought myself a red one and a black one and sent it over to her-she lives in Sydney. She's ABSOLUTELY delighted with a special Wallet to "control" the myriad (lots) of cards she has, and I'm finding mine much easier to manage than metal card cases!

 

I have also learned that Cocktails on Australian ships are $14, which is helping with my cruise budgeting. The All-Inclusive-Beverage-Package is only available for cruises of 8 nights or more at this stage, so not relevant for met. I'm hoping it is so popular it is available on all cruises by November 2016.

 

66 weeks and 3 days to Embarkation at the Overseas Passenger Terminal-I'm eagerly counting down the days!

 

Another update!

 

Sailing in 62 weeks and 6 days.

 

Got some pricing through my Personalizer:

AIBP per day AUD$73.75

Canapes AUD$17.50 and $10.00 for my choices.

Photo Package, I'm getting the USD$50 so AUD$62.50.

On Board and Casino Credits USD-AUD prices $25-31.25, $50-$62.50 and $100-$125 as of yesterday.

Gifts available through Gift Services not displayed in the Personalizer and No Spa price-message that the information had not yet been released.

 

HTH.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi Louise :)I do like to give good suggestions and reasonable feedback from my cruises. I also ring up the cruise company and speak to someone from the post cruise sections. At times the post cruise survey which the ship sends you via the email can take you awhile to finish. I get disappointed that you can take the time to fill out these surveys and send and there seems to be very little or no response. I hear this comment a lot from other cruisers and they decide not to do them. Our Cruise Directors tell us this is one way of crew members getting promotions. I think it's disappointing that this information is not being addressed in a different way.

Edited by turnbacktime123
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  • 2 weeks later...
I note that P&O (Australia) have a separate thread to P&O (UK) so why doesn't Princess (Australia) have their own place on these threads? Perhaps the administrators could help here.

 

P&O Australia is a completely separate line from P&O UK with its own ships, hence the distinction.

 

Princess Australia isn't a separate line, and just operates as a subsidiary locally like Royal Caribbean and some others. Not the same demand (and on the topic of demand the P&O Aust forum is generally pretty quiet, even with that greater purpose.)

Edited by The_Big_M
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I'm looking to celebrate my birthday next year with an Australian circumnavigation cruise. I see that both Holland America - Maasdam and Princess - Sun Princess are both offering about 30 days in October 2016.

 

I'm trying to figure out which trip would be better.

 

Can you help me compare to evaluation what would be better for my needs?

 

I love ballroom dancing, educational programs, & seeing the unique natural offering (animals, Great Barrier Reef, etc). I live in Hawaii, so looking for different natural beauty.

My travel partner is a winemaker, so wants tours, tastings, anything to do with wine, onboard and excursion. He also plays tennis & does yoga, as well as a lot of walking/hiking. He is from LA, CA.

 

What I've figured out so far, reading reviews:

Both ships are older, but have been re-furbished (Maasdam in 2011, Sun in 2013 I think). Sun has about twice as many passengers, and has long lines for most/all things. Sun is a larger ship. Food has mixed reviews for both.

 

Some questions:

It is a long cruise, so I assume both will have minimal family appeal, but what about age in general? I am a young almost-65-er and single.

 

Does either ship have dance escorts, as I enjoy ballroom/Latin dancing? Does either ship offer this?

 

What about the ports - they differ, so what would give the most wine tasting & Great Barrier Reef (our two priorities)? Bali port or Papua New Guinea? More days in Tasmania or less? Help!

 

What about clientele? Sun mostly Aussie I have heard? Maasdam is what?

 

Prices on board on Sun in AUD, Maasendam in USD - does one give US citizens more value?

 

Looking at balcony cabin, so comparison of amenities or size or layout?

Inclusive features? At this point, there aren't any "deals", but as we move forward will either line offer internet, alcoholic beverage, tipping, or other attractive discounts? What should I "hold out" for? Can I book, then qualify for the deals, or only on new bookings?

 

When would be best to start looking to book? How do I get a "deal"?

 

What haven't I asked that would help me decide on the cruise company? I have taken 1 Alaska cruise previously with each. 2006-Princess (very disappointed in the quality especially the food) 2010-Holland Am (loved it! but no ballroom/Latin dancing - too short a cruise for dance escorts).

 

Oh, btw, my birthday will happen in Melbourne (with Holland) and arrival day (with Princess) - will either line do anything to help me celebrate? (I turn 65).

 

Thanks for any and all help you can give me!

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  • 3 months later...

Not sure if it's allowed, but advice on who to book through. I am in the unfortunate position of living in a town that's monopolised by one particular travel brand full of young folks who have less knowledge of cruising than i have and were only pushing P&O for their kickbacks. I did book online, purely based on price. Wish I had some guidance on which cruises are family friendly.

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I do need HELP please. We are cruising on the Azamara for 35 nights on the Azamara Journey on 20th April 2016. This cruise doesn't appear on Azamara's list of cruises and yet it is only a few weeks from starting. We have tried many times to add it to the list (even our travel Agent has tried) but we are unsuccessful. I'm sure you will know to add this cruise. We haven't had any trouble communicating through previously started cruise roll calls. Thanks

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Why is there so much repeated questions without answers on here?

 

If anyone can become a travel writer then who do we contact?

 

Where is the best cabin to book so you don't get sea sick, have people running aroudn in front of the cabin, noises and kids driving you mad? Anyone care to answer all questions at once? Thanks.:rolleyes:

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Why is there so much repeated questions without answers on here?

 

If anyone can become a travel writer then who do we contact?

 

Where is the best cabin to book so you don't get sea sick, have people running aroudn in front of the cabin, noises and kids driving you mad? Anyone care to answer all questions at once? Thanks.:rolleyes:

 

Cabin in the middle lower down is less rocky, pick a floor that doesn't have as many cabins, less foot traffic, but check what's above and below you, you don't want to be below a pool area with parties and scraping deck chairs at all hours, or near a pub, bar or theatre where music may be heard nearby. Do you have a cruise ship in mind?

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Any ship that isn't P&O or has the name Princess ???? tagged to it.

 

As a senior I'd like to be able to find a cabin that has a window without paying single supplement. I can't find any. Does anyone know of any Senior Single Cruises that cater for us mature ladies who choose to travel alone?:rolleyes:

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  • 5 weeks later...
Any ship that isn't P&O or has the name Princess ???? tagged to it.

 

As a senior I'd like to be able to find a cabin that has a window without paying single supplement. I can't find any. Does anyone know of any Senior Single Cruises that cater for us mature ladies who choose to travel alone?:rolleyes:

 

You need to book well in advance to get the single cabins on the few ships that have them, or cruise out of peak season to get no single supplement deals. River cruising is best for no SS. Here are two articles with tips for ocean cruises:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=1675

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=419

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Why is there so much repeated questions without answers on here?

 

If anyone can become a travel writer then who do we contact?

 

Where is the best cabin to book so you don't get sea sick, have people running aroudn in front of the cabin, noises and kids driving you mad? Anyone care to answer all questions at once? Thanks.:rolleyes:

 

Sorry for the late reply - this old thread was not being monitored. If you'd like to write about your cruise, you can do a review. Scroll halfway down this page to Write A Review, choose you ship and rate it for up to 4 million people to read!

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/reviews/

 

Lower deck, mid-ship is best for avoiding seasickness. Quiet cabins depend on the ship as they are all designed differently so you need to look at the deck plans to see what is above and beside you. Check out the deck plans for lots of ships here: http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/cruise-deck-plans/

 

You can also read passengers' reviews of their cabins: http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/cabin-reviews/

 

Good luck!

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I do need HELP please. We are cruising on the Azamara for 35 nights on the Azamara Journey on 20th April 2016. This cruise doesn't appear on Azamara's list of cruises and yet it is only a few weeks from starting. We have tried many times to add it to the list (even our travel Agent has tried) but we are unsuccessful. I'm sure you will know to add this cruise. We haven't had any trouble communicating through previously started cruise roll calls. Thanks

 

This is the best roll call for your cruise: http://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/showthread.php?t=2286208

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