Australia/new zealand cruisers,please post a review

[alexandra cruiser]

see a few will be going soon.

Look forward to your member reviews.

All details appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Or have YOU been on one??;)

[alexandra cruiser]

or HAS done it?

 

Looking into it for 2015.:)

[frantic36]

Alexandra I will try though my memory is a bit hazy so it will only be a broad brush and it might take a few days to get it done

 

Background....we are Australian in our mid 50’s, moderately fit, adventurous, into good food and wine and I tend to research a lot before we go away.

 

Sydney

 

Stayed two days at The Stamford Circular Quay. Lovely room with a glimpse of the Opera House. Staff very personable and efficient. Easy walk to Opera House and Circular Quay.

 

Day 1: Woke early to do a Behind the Scenes Opera House & Behind the Scenes Taronga Zoo tour, we found it fascinating to hear the history of the Opera House and learn about current day performances. They were busy setting up for a performance that night so we watch them move around some heavy sets. Very safety conscious though so some areas were blocked and we had to detour around.

 

We were taken by private water taxi to Taronga Zoo where we were given our Ferry Passes to use when we were ready to return after our tour. So we could stay as long as we wanted. Caught the little Cable car up to the entrance at the top. A little confusion and wait for our guide but once the tour stated it was excellent and very informative. We saw various native animals and got to go and see where all the food was prepared for the animals and go into the Koala enclosure......but only to look not touch. Met a lovely couple from New York on the tour who were also traveling on the Odyssey with us. It was easy catching the ferry back to Circular Quay. If you have never been to Sydney before take a water taxi tour around the harbour, we have done this on a previous visit and really enjoyed it.

 

Day 2: Had booked another early tour.....mad I know......we wanted to see the Sydney Fish Markets which are one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It was again a behind the scenes tour and was very interesting and we got to go onto the Auction Floor to watch...no photos allowed in there. Bought some seafood for brunch......oysters and prawns.......very fresh and yum! We caught a taxi there but walked back.....lets just say we got our exercise and it was interesting to me to see the architecture.

 

Day 3: Caught up with our friends who had disembarked from Odyssey that morning who had a fantastic trip with sunshine almost every day. Caught a taxi at 12pm to embark on the ship. Embarkation was fairly busy so about 15 - 20 minutes but time passed quickly. Then up to the Collonade for lunch and Champagne. It was a beautiful sunny day so we enjoyed our time outside with Champagne sitting in Sydney Harbour looking at the beautiful scenery and watching the long queues for one of the big ships next to us.....I think it was Radiance of the Seas. Sail away was the band and singers performing by the main pool and trays of cocktails being brought around but you could still get a drink of your choice. Sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House was amazing and an outstanding memory for me. Dinner that night was casual and we took the option to share a table with another couple. This is how we met Paula and Tom from San Diego a wonderful couple who we have become good friends with and in fact spent some time with this November when we visited the U.S.

 

We headed south to Melbourne……..

 

Is this the sort of thing you want……I won't be able to help you out much with to many details with food or service or general on ship experiences only port details. With regards to the ship let's just say we must have enjoyed it as friends we made convinced us to take up the special price Seabourn had for the next sector. We stayed on for another 20 days from Auckland to Bali.

 

Julie

 

P.S. If anyone could help with an easy way to post photos I will try and put some up.

[Emperor Norton]

If you have an image host (eg:SmugMug, Photobucket, Picasa, Facebook or the like) you can upload your photos there and then link to them here using the mountain/sun icon.

[alexandra cruiser]

was wondering how many days to spend there and what to do.Good to hear it from an Aussie.

Also, going to Melbourne so look forward to that review too.

Re.the ship.Did it seem to take the Tasman sea ok,know it can be rough.

How was New Zealand,did you take any shore exc.with ship or on your own?

If you can post your pics,that would be great.Thanks for links to other cruises posted also.:)

[doglover214]

We are also considering an Australia/New Zealand cruise in 2015. Could you tell me who your tours of Sydney were booked with?

[frantic36]

was wondering how many days to spend there and what to do.Good to hear it from an Aussie.

Also, going to Melbourne so look forward to that review too.

Re.the ship.Did it seem to take the Tasman sea ok,know it can be rough.

How was New Zealand,did you take any shore exc.with ship or on your own?

If you can post your pics,that would be great.Thanks for links to other cruises posted also.:)

 

Alexandra over the three days we had a 4-5 metre swell with 15 to 20 knots and the ship handled it with no problems. We actually crossed from Melbourne to Oban which is at the bottom of New Zealand.

 

 

We are also considering an Australia/New Zealand cruise in 2015. Could you tell me who your tours of Sydney were booked with?

 

I booked direct with the Sydney Opera house and booked this tour

 

http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/opera_koalas.aspx

 

but I was able to book online. It doesn't look as if it is as easy to book now. We were staying close by and were able to walk to the Opera House.

 

the other option is to book it separately

 

the Opera House

http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/backstage_tour_2013.aspx

 

The Zoo

http://taronga.org.au/WildAustraliaExperience

 

for the Seafood Market again I booked direct

http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/AttheMarket/Tours/tabid/72/Default.aspx

 

Hope this helps.

 

baychilla thanks for your suggestions. I was using picassa before on my windows computer but since I have bought my MAC computer a few months ago I am not happy with how picassa works on this computer. Which of the others would you recommend as best for a MAC. Oh, I don't Facebook.

 

Julie

[doglover214]

The temperatures in Australia recently are very hot. Is this common at this time of year?

[doglover214]

Are the prices quoted for the tours in US dollars?

 

The tours look great.

[frantic36]

Hi doglover…………………which by the way I am as well I have two dogs…………the temperatures can be very hot between January to March but it can fluctuate and be raining and low 20'sC (mid 70's). But usually it is in the low 30'sC (Mid to High 80'sF)

 

the prices quoted in the tours are Australian Dollars so if you are in America at the moment the US$ to AUS$ is in your favour.:)

[doglover214]

Thank you for your information.

[alexandra cruiser]

rougher waters well.Was worried since its smaller.But we did some parts of north sea on Sojourn and no probs.

Temps.not a real prob,will feel right at home(from FL).

Was wondering about taking a HOHO bus in both Melbourne and Sydney?or the city tram tour.May only have 1 full day pre cruise,due to vacation days.But HOPE to come back for Sydney to Bali,or similar after that.Know you CAN T see all of Australia in 2 wks.

Always been on my bucket list,but had to wait till we could afford the airfare,haha.:)

[frantic36]

The first day out of Sydney was a Sea Day with a formal night that night. I think it was a little bumpy just out if Sydney but not enough for me to remember definitely.

 

We arrived in Melbourne about lunch time. We have family in Melbourne and have been there many times so again I organised my own tours. Melbourne has introduced the Myki card for use of public transport and there is a tram stop in the port area. There is a little local shop/newsagent to the left of the tram stop at the port and we purchased myki cards and loaded some money on to use on the trams and buses.

 

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/

 

They have a Visitors Pass which would be the best option but unfortunately at that point they didn't sell it at the port facility which is silly just the airport or Federation Square in the city. Hopefully they will rethink this sooner rather then later. The trams in Melbourne are great and very easy to use. I wish we had them here in Perth. We visited Federation Square and checked out the Art exhibitions and had lunch from the taco food cart near the pop up patch garden area. The fish tacos were really good.

 

http://littleveggiepatchco.com.au/pages/pop-up-patch

 

We caught the tram for dinner that evening with family in North Carlton to a meat lovers restaurant. The chef hangs his own meat and overseas the quality. My husband had heard about it and it didn't disappoint. The slow cooked lamb was delicious. http://www.lalunabistro.com.au

 

The next day I had organised the puffing Billy tour privately as my nephew and his fiancé who lived in Melbourne wanted to join us. Seabourn also run a very similar tour but this way we could spend time with family as well. It was amusing when we got to the Puffing Billy section to actually see all the Seabourn guests hop on as well. They were in private carriages but to be honest, in the scheme of things if you are willing to do the organising to get yourself to the pick up point and then back to the ship we got to see more on our tour.

 

We caught the Graylands bus at Federation square…..we caught a taxi to get there. A little bit of a wait as we arrived early but grabbed a coffee from inside the square.

 

Our first stop was for morning tea with scones, jam and cream in a tea room in the hills area. It was also a next door to where you could by some bird food and feed Sulphur Crested Galahs. My husband and nephew chose to be be tourists. But be warned those birds have sharp claws, my nephew had scratches on his arms and some people who tried gave up quickly because it hurt when they landed on bare arms.

 

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/juliezmarshall/media/puffing%20Billy%202013/DSC_4230_zpsb0554175.jpg.html?sort=3&o=5

 

We then were taken to puffing billy station where we hopped on and easily found seats. It was a lovely ride up into the mountains and even though it was a cool day and slightly overcast everyone enjoyed it.

 

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/juliezmarshall/media/puffing%20Billy%202013/DSC_4348_zps447b4bc8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

 

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/juliezmarshall/media/puffing%20Billy%202013/DSC_4282_zps51aa0d8e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4

 

We also got to spend some time in one of the charming towns -Sassafras- in the mountains, the mountains are called the Dandenong Ranges.

 

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/juliezmarshall/media/puffing%20Billy%202013/DSC_4371_zpsa1dcbd72.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

 

We booked it through this company and thought it was great value for money.

 

http://www.greatsights.com.au/melbourne-day-tours/all-melbourne-day-tours/puffing-billy-with-blue-dandenongs/

 

We were back by 1pm able to have a quick lunch and back on board for sail away. The people we spoke to who had done the ship's tour also enjoyed their day.

Edited January 17, 2014 by frantic36

[alexandra cruiser]

and really appreciate them.

 

Now all you have to do is ALL THE REST of the ports,right???

 

Love the photo link ups and for the time it must have taken to gather all the info.Sure many readers will also appreciate them.

 

CC is so great for info,thanks to all who share their knowledge.

 

I m chosing SB because I thought the smaller ship would be able to get in smaller ports and in the Sounds,etc.right?Hey, I also have referral credit to use.haha:)

[Laylam]

.....Was wondering about taking a HOHO bus in both Melbourne and Sydney?or the city tram tour.May only have 1 full day pre cruise,due to vacation days........

 

Another suggestion would be the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/

 

You need to book well in advance though.

[frantic36]

Another suggestion would be the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/

 

You need to book well in advance though.

 

I agree with this suggestion. We did the late evening meal with English friends and I was amazed at the quality of the meal to come out in such a small spot. Wine was quite good…..to my unsophisticated palate…..and flowed freely.

 

The seating are is very tiny so be aware of this. To us it just added to the atmosphere. You either had tables for two or four.

[frantic36]

We had three sea days. One of those days was a bit rocking and rolling but not to bad. In fact in December we spent two weeks on Spirit and because of the storms going through the Caribbean at that time I say that was rougher then the Tasman crossings we experienced.

 

The day we entered Milford Sound it was very overcast and misty and cool, layers and rain jackets were the order of the day. We cruised slowly up the Sound for two hours admiring the many waterfalls and steep, green cliff walls. Even though there was drizzly rain off and on many of us stayed out to capture the views on film. The crew brought out hot drinks, chocolate or coffee, to keep us warm. Other passengers watched from the warmth of the Observation lounge.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4453_zps956e57a4.jpg

 

Now it isn’t always like this. Our friends from the previous two sailings........the first in early January, drizzly rain but then when they got to the fartherest point the rain cleared, the sun came out and they had multiple rainbows, they said it was magic. Next friends in late January, glorious sunshine the whole time, they said it was magic. Even for us with the drizzly, misty weather it was still magic.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4402_zpsb1b205fd.jpg[/url]

The Captain took us to a large waterfall at the end of the Sound and with great care and constant checking with the depth sounder, nudged us close.

 

[/url]

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4496_zpsad47e100.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4487_zps3f0671f8.jpg

 

Some hardy souls hopped in to the hot tub on Deck Six to enjoy the moment......and the Seabourn crew responded appropriately bringing out glasses of champagne to celebrate the moment.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4500_zpsff1094be.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4501_zps28d7c982.jpg

 

We also saw some sea lions frolicking on the rocks and in the water.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4445_zpscc6750b7.jpg

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/milford%20sound/DSC_4464_zps92b4b3a9.jpg

 

We headed back out of the Sound and onto Oban,Stewart Island.

[alexandra cruiser]

good to hear ship is taking rough water pretty well.Was really concerned about that.

 

Good point about rain jackets,never thought it would be cool and rainy.Thinking HOT,lots of research to do,it seems.

 

Loving this thread,look everyday.Wish the cruise was sooner.

 

Read a negative review re.simlar cruise on Regent board.(but re ship,not cruise ports,etc).

 

Did you order any guidebooks prior?What resources were helpful to you.Have a yr.to plan.

 

Thanks again.:)

[cruising kirby]

I grew up in New Zealand and now live in Australia. I have been back to New Zealand many times, including on cruises, and have cruised around Australia twice. Happy to help with any questions you have. If you will be on a cruise that includes both New Zealand and Australia, you will have to prepare for all 4 seasons. Even in the southern hemisphere summer, New Zealand is very mild by comparison to Australia weather. Particularly in the South Island of New Zealand, you will find jackets are required. It will be cold, perhaps 10 degrees c in Milford Sound, and probably wet. But that adds to the charm of the area. It is almost mystical with the fog and rain in the fjords. Just beautiful.

[alexandra cruiser]

when would YOU chose cruise,Jan or Feb? That s when the majority of cruiselines go there.Want to see both countries,either start in Sydney and end in Auckland,or opposite.Will stay at least 1 day in ea.,but know I ll never see it all,just a matter of time off.

Would love to come back and do Sydney to Bali(to seen rest of Australia east coast).

Thanks for tip re weather,will dress in layers,with raincoat.

Ordered guidebooks and now have to research.;)

[cruising kirby]

when would YOU chose cruise,Jan or Feb? That s when the majority of cruiselines go there.Want to see both countries,either start in Sydney and end in Auckland,or opposite.Will stay at least 1 day in ea.,but know I ll never see it all,just a matter of time off.

Would love to come back and do Sydney to Bali(to seen rest of Australia east coast).

Thanks for tip re weather,will dress in layers,with raincoat.

Ordered guidebooks and now have to research.;)

 

There won't be much difference in the weather in January or February, both are summer months in NZ and Aus. However I would avoid January as it is school holidays in both countries and the chance of children on board will be higher (unless of course you love to travel with other peoples children!). We enjoy summer weather until late March, so cruising in February should be no problem. I am sure you will love the diversity of a NZ and Aus summer cruise, plenty of very different landscapes, cultures, experiences.

Edited January 21, 2014 by cruising kirby

[alexandra cruiser]

There won't be much difference in the weather in January or February, both are summer months in NZ and Aus. However I would avoid January as it is school holidays in both countries and the chance of children on board will be higher (unless of course you love to travel with other peoples children!). We enjoy summer weather until late March, so cruising in February should be no problem. I am sure you will love the diversity of a NZ and Aus summer cruise, plenty of very different landscapes, cultures, experiences.

 

never knew the school holidays ALL month,but just like OUR summer school vacation.

Will chose Feb.to be on safe side.

The heat is not really a problem,as I m from FL.Used to it.

But other peoples KIDS,,,NO WAY.haha.That s why I prefer smaller luxury lines,not mass market.

Was also thinking the large ships may NOT be able to get in some small port towns,or the Milford sound,etc.right?

Hate to think we re limited to 18 days TOTAL,but that s it till we retire.;)

[cruising kirby]

never knew the school holidays ALL month,but just like OUR summer school vacation.

Will chose Feb.to be on safe side.

The heat is not really a problem,as I m from FL.Used to it.

But other peoples KIDS,,,NO WAY.haha.That s why I prefer smaller luxury lines,not mass market.

Was also thinking the large ships may NOT be able to get in some small port towns,or the Milford sound,etc.right?

Hate to think we re limited to 18 days TOTAL,but that s it till we retire.;)

 

The large ships do enter Milford Sound for quite a distance, but the Seabourn experience is likely to be much better, in my opinion.

[frantic36]

The large ships do enter Milford Sound for quite a distance, but the Seabourn experience is likely to be much better, in my opinion.

 

Sorry for the delay in getting the rest of the reports out but busy getting ready to go to the east coast on Friday. I will finish the rest soon.

 

cruising kirby I think has got the right of it I think. Seabourn gets quite close to the large waterfall at the end and it is great getting the hot drinks or champagne if you want. Our friends on the early January cruise enjoyed champagne while sitting in the hot tubs on deck five with all the rainbows around them.

 

I am not sure how many children you would find on the cruise. Maybe because it is a longer cruise of 16 days, but our friends told me when they were on in the January cruises they had no children and the demographic skewed towards an older age group. It was the same on our cruise but maybe it was just that year.

[frantic36]

Oban, Stewart Island

 

In Oban we had booked a Seabourn Excursion - the Pelagic Bird Tour which went from 9.30am - 12.30pm. We were taken across by tender to Stewart Island where we boarded our boat for the excursion. Again the day started of cool and drizzly and stayed that way most of the morning but cleared by lunch time

 

About half of the people on the tour......I think there were approximately 20 - 25 passengers.........stayed inside most of the trip. I admit I love being outside on a boat so I stayed outside most of the time. There were padded bench seating inside but not outside. There was tea and coffee making facilities and we had some cake and cookies for morning tea. The boat was very clean though and well maintained.

 

The commentary was informative and we passed mussel and oyster farms and a fish farm in the sea. Various small islands one of which they had put a 4 or 5 hole golf course on and I think it has the steepest hills of any golf course.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4610_zps17eaf05e.jpg

 

Also where they would pull the whaling boats up for repair, you could still see the ramp and various left over parts. They do not do any whaling now.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4572_zps42fe807e.jpg

 

Then the highlight when we got to see various albatrosses come right up to the boat. It became clear why when the sailors pulled out a container with many filleted fish bodies. They then proceeded to to toss the fish out and in some cases the albatross would fly alongside to try and snatch it from their hands. Passengers were also given the opportunity to feed the birds. I thought they were amazingly beautiful birds.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4705_zps123a44d9.jpg

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4682_zps8408f05d.jpg

 

 

When we got back ashore we headed inland to a restaurant our friends had told us about. What they hadn’t told us was about the amazingly steep hills. So if you have walking problems or are unfit you my wish to organise transport to drive around. There was a tourist bureau in the town at the dock.

 

The restaurant was worth it though for the view and the large, fresh oysters and fish meals.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4783_zps748c11b7.jpg

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4787_zps9ac11844.jpg

 

We enjoyed Oban as it was so quaint and the people were very friendly. It had a Scottish history and many people were of Scottish descent. Oh, for those interested there were some shops with local craft, clothing and knitwear available.

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4801_zps78ced0d9.jpg

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4802_zps28fbcb21.jpg

 

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/juliezmarshall/puffing%20Billy%202013/Oban%20-%20Stewart%20Island/DSC_4772_zps1308c405.jpg