Bit of a Blog : Solstice : Auckland – Fremantle – Sydney : February 14th 2016

[Cassicruiser]

I'm really enjoying armchair travelling along with you and reading your observations, specially as I'm going on the Solstice in April. 1st time on S class after 2 M class cruises.

Could I ask a favour of you please - when you go to the shops to check out the L'Occitane question, would you mind checking if the watch store onboard sells Anne Klein watches, and if so, if they have a decent selection of AK women's watches? I bought one 3 years ago on a Royal Caribbean ship and wanted to buy another on Solstice if they have.

Many thanks and happy cruising

Caron.

[NorbertsNiece]

Linda, I just found this today and I am so excited that I will be able to ride along with you for the next few weeks. Thank you so much for taking the time to do all the postings.

I had a question, you have been attaching daily pdf from the ship. How are you getting them in pdf format?

thanks

 

Bill! Hi :D

 

I asked at Guest Services.... same on Rhapsody last year....

Only problem with these is they come in at over 1MB and too big to post.

The connection here is dire and takes numerous attempts to download the file whole. THEN I have to upload the file to a site where it's resized to attach here.

 

I'm really enjoying armchair travelling along with you and reading your observations, specially as I'm going on the Solstice in April. 1st time on S class after 2 M class cruises.

Could I ask a favour of you please - when you go to the shops to check out the L'Occitane question, would you mind checking if the watch store onboard sells Anne Klein watches, and if so, if they have a decent selection of AK women's watches? I bought one 3 years ago on a Royal Caribbean ship and wanted to buy another on Solstice if they have.

Many thanks and happy cruising

Caron.

 

Have already been but happy to go again another time

 

Here's the L'Occitane range

 

 

And here's the sign about OBC from the Casino.

 

Edited February 19, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Had the most amazing day in Akaroa today.

 

Had a leisurely breakfast in Tuscan Grille then joined the line to go ashore..... Rose appeared heading downstairs with the Priority Tender group so I mingled in with them. The tender ashore took about 20 minutes.

 

The colour of the water in the bay is incredible. I am reminded of visiting Santorini last year..... this is NOT an island.....it's a peninsular (called the Banks peninsular) created from a volcanic eruption. Akaroa is a Maori word and means 'Long Harbour'. The French arrived here 6 days after the English did in 1840. They were 'allowed' to stay and their influence is still present.

 

Akaroa is a lovely town. I had about an hour before my tour was due to depart so I went on a walkabout. I found their office but the tour was departing back on the pier so I power walked back. I met Kevin there who explained that the high wind meant he couldn't guarantee that the kayaking would go ahead and that safety was paramount. Hey I'm used to the weather interrupting shore visits so am pretty laid back with this. He was offering a full refund then and there or take the ride over to Flea Bay and either the kayak experience would be cleared to go ahead OR he would offer a land tour for the same price OR a ride back to town with a 50% refund. I was good to go for the land tour if all else failed. A couple of people asked to reschedule.... they weren't from the cruise ship. Everyone else from the ship was already seated in a van so I had Kevin to myself for the hour or so journey along extremely windy and steep roads with the most awesome views imaginable.

 

Kevin is French and I was happy to have my narration in French with a change to English if I was struggling. Like the other guides I have met on this cruise his enthusiasm and knowledge was excellent. We stop at the top of one incline to take in the spectacular view.

 

We arrived at Flea Bay Farm which is a Nature Reserve so no through traffic just the occasional hiker on pre-planned walks. We're greeted by many sheep clamouring for food. We are going to kayak.

 

The other van arrives and we head to the water's edge. We are fitted with life jackets and handed a two paddle oar. I have no idea if that is the correct terminology. We are paired up and I am introduced to Michel whose wife had foregone the opportunity to go kayaking and is taking a land tour. I'm given a waterproof carrier for my camera.

 

Sat in the front of the two person kayak I'm wearing an apron which is stretched over the surround of where I'm seated..... this makes my lower half waterproof. Kevin and his colleague Benoit go through safety procedures..... what to do in the event of capsizing..... how to use the walkie talkie in the event of an emergency..... close your eyes when under water..... grab the apron loop and pull hard.... raise your other arm....

 

We then get out of the kayaks and we practice the paddling movements for forwards and backwards..... the person in the rear of the kayak gets to use a rudder.... then the kayaks are put in the water and in I get.

 

I didn't capsize, drown or kill anything. Wow. Was fantastic. We saw cormorants, seals and little penguins. Little is their name and is also descriptive. To see animals in their native habitat like that.... I can't explain how blown away I was. Totally.

 

There was more to the day and I'll go into more detail with the pics in due course. Not too many from the kayak itself though. That's a skill I have yet to accomplish. A head worn GoPro would really have been useful here.

 

The tour was arranged by http://www.pohatu.co.nz/ and I cannot recommend them highly enough. You don't have to kayak..... they have a range of tour options.

 

Here's today's 'Daily'

02-19 - Akaroa, New Zealand (1).pdf

[NorbertsNiece]

This link was posted on social media. It relates to our departure from Bay of Islands.

[Beanb41]

Bill! Hi :D

 

I asked at Guest Services.... same on Rhapsody last year....

Only problem with these is they come in at over 1MB and too big to post.

The connection here is dire and takes numerous attempts to download the file whole. THEN I have to upload the file to a site where it's resized to attach here.

 

 

 

Have already been but happy to go again another time

 

Here's the L'Occitane range

 

 

And here's the sign about OBC from the Casino.

 

 

Thank you about the OBC detail. It now seems that OBC cannot be cashed out across the Fleet

[Beanb41]

I note from the Daily that the activities manager is called Pete. On this cruise cruise last year our activities manager was called Pete and after a couple of days into the cruise he became Cruise Director when the cruise director JC suddenly disappeared never to be seen again. Wonder if its the same bloke

 

 

What is the site you use to upload your photos to Cruise Critic

 

Cheers

Mike

Edited February 19, 2016 by Beanb41

[MicCanberra]

And here's the sign about OBC from the Casino.

 

 

They have changed that since New years. Knew it was happening on other ships but Thought it may last longer for the aussie season.:D

[NorbertsNiece]

I note from the Daily that the activities manager is called Pete. On this cruise cruise last year our activities manager was called Pete and after a couple of days into the cruise he became Cruise Director when the cruise director JC suddenly disappeared never to be seen again. Wonder if its the same bloke

 

 

What is the site you use to upload your photos to Cruise Critic

 

Cheers

Mike

 

Hi Mike, I use Photobucket.com

 

--------------------------

 

We were to have been in most ports with Golden Princess but it seems they changed their itinerary entirely so we have been alone.

 

Tomorrow we are in Dunedin and I am going on an excursion arranged by someone on the roll call. Our itinerary from the tour company website :

 

The short harbour side drive to Dunedin and then along the crest of the Otago Peninsula offers amazing views of the landscape. Perched at the very top you will find Larnach Castle, set in extensive grounds, an unusual structure and unique in New Zealand. Built in the 1870's by William Larnach, a prominent entrepreneur and politician, it is now open to the public. Your guide will take you through many of the castle's 43 rooms, leading us finally to the Ballroom for lunch.

 

After lunch there will be time to explore the grounds and gardens, one of only five gardens nationwide to have been given the rating of 'Garden of International Significance' by the New Zealand gardens Trust.

 

We rejoin the coach for the drive back along the low coastal road to Dunedin for a tour of the major landmarks of this the second largest city in the South Island.

 

The name Dunedin comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, as the settlement was founded by the The Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland at the head of Otago Harbour in 1848.

 

It is home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's first university, founded in 1869 and still one of our country's leading academic institutions. Your tour will show you many of the imposing city and university buildings, one major landmark being the impressive Dunedin Railway Station. Also included in the tour is a visit to the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, where you may want to take a short walk up it to test that claim.

 

After some photo stops at these landmarks we head back along the harbour drive to rejoin the ship at Port Chalmers.

[MicCanberra]

Enjoy your day in Dunedin, it is a lovely place.:D

[Beanb41]

Hi Mike, I use Photobucket.com

 

--------------------------

 

We were to have been in most ports with Golden Princess but it seems they changed their itinerary entirely so we have been alone.

 

Tomorrow we are in Dunedin and I am going on an excursion arranged by someone on the roll call. Our itinerary from the tour company website :

 

The short harbour side drive to Dunedin and then along the crest of the Otago Peninsula offers amazing views of the landscape. Perched at the very top you will find Larnach Castle, set in extensive grounds, an unusual structure and unique in New Zealand. Built in the 1870's by William Larnach, a prominent entrepreneur and politician, it is now open to the public. Your guide will take you through many of the castle's 43 rooms, leading us finally to the Ballroom for lunch.

 

After lunch there will be time to explore the grounds and gardens, one of only five gardens nationwide to have been given the rating of 'Garden of International Significance' by the New Zealand gardens Trust.

 

We rejoin the coach for the drive back along the low coastal road to Dunedin for a tour of the major landmarks of this the second largest city in the South Island.

 

The name Dunedin comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, as the settlement was founded by the The Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland at the head of Otago Harbour in 1848.

 

It is home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's first university, founded in 1869 and still one of our country's leading academic institutions. Your tour will show you many of the imposing city and university buildings, one major landmark being the impressive Dunedin Railway Station. Also included in the tour is a visit to the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, where you may want to take a short walk up it to test that claim.

 

After some photo stops at these landmarks we head back along the harbour drive to rejoin the ship at Port Chalmers.

 

 

 

On your way out as you leave Dunedin you will pass Taiaroa Head where the Royal Albatross are breeding . You can see them quite clearly. They are on the right hand side going out. There is also free WIFI at the Port

[emmas gran]

Enjoying your trip/blog and looking forward to joining Solstice on March 3rd

[Marylis]

Thanks for the L'Occitane pic, Linda. Now I know where my leftover cruise credit will go. Also, that pic of the shark next to the ship is awesome!

 

Sent from my LG-V400 using Tapatalk

[FloatSomeMore]

Thank you Linda for taking the time to take a picture of the L'Occitane products. I will now have an additional pound for clothing!

[chermilo]

Hmmm... I wonder if you get the 'cash out' in slot credit, go play a bit on the machines, then cash it out. Wonder if that would work?

[Beanb41]

Hmmm... I wonder if you get the 'cash out' in slot credit, go play a bit on the machines, then cash it out. Wonder if that would work?

 

You can cash in your winnings but casinos and places like Las Vegas are not built on winners

[Disco Duck]

The day before I was due to fly out I received an email from my TA with an attached letter from Celebrity with regards to the 2nd leg of this B2B:

 

We are writing to you today to provide some important information for this mutual guests forthcoming cruise on board Celebrity Solstice departing 3rd March 2016.

 

Due to the latest BVK regulations from the Indonesian Government, it has been advised that all UK visitors arriving into Bali on a cruise ship, through the port of Benoa, will be required to purchase a VOA (Visit on Arrival Visa), irrespective of whether guests are disembarking the ship or not.

The cost is $35.00 per person and will be automatically applied to the guests Sea Pass Account on board. Should guests already have a passport with the appropriate Visa or, due to nationality, not require one, then this fee will be waived.

 

Further details can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website through the following link.

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/entry-requirements

 

Just love the bit where I’d get charged whether I go ashore or not. None of the other Brits on the roll call had been made aware of this.

 

Please forgive me if this queestion is not in the correct place. I am having a little difficulty figuring out where to put things.

 

I was wondering, while on board, if you had the time to look and see how Solstice does with making Gluten Free Meals.

 

Thank you in advancce.

[MicCanberra]

Hmmm... I wonder if you get the 'cash out' in slot credit, go play a bit on the machines, then cash it out. Wonder if that would work?

 

You can only cash out winnings, winnings can be difficult to cash out but not impossible. You will need to record every win (e.g. Bet 30 credits and win 5) as you play and tally it up, when your total credits is the same as all the winnings you can cash out and take the slip to the casino desk for the cash.

good luck, I suspect most would not bother as the slots are programed to take more than they give.:D

[Ciaranaman]

It's taken me a couple of days to catch up on your blog, Linda, and I am so appreciative of all the time you've put in to this! We'll be doing the Sydney/Auckland cruise Feb 2017. I've been copying/pasting your notes into a compilation to aid us in planning. Your GF notes have also been duly noted! We don't get to travel as much as many of you, it seems, and I can't thank you, enough, for making the excitement build for our upcoming travels. A trip of a lifetime for us!

[NorbertsNiece]

Please forgive me if this queestion is not in the correct place. I am having a little difficulty figuring out where to put things.

 

I was wondering, while on board, if you had the time to look and see how Solstice does with making Gluten Free Meals.

 

Thank you in advancce.

 

Pretty much all the food pics I post are GF meals. I can't be the only GF guest on board but different venues struggle. Oceanview for breakfast is fine as they have a good selection of packeted GF bread. MDR for breakfast so far I've been served pancakes which weren't great. Going to try French Toast there tomorrow. I pre order my evening meal and didn't really like the fact that they were deciding my dessert so now I get to ask for something personally. So far I've had a chocolate mousse which was wonderful, berries and cream which were as expected; I've requested a tiramisu for tonight.... a discernible intake of breath from the lovely Assistant Head Waiter ensued but no comment made. Will see what I get served at dinner tonight. Tournedos at 'Chic' night dinner were yummy.

 

------

 

Back from Dunedin. Lovely city. Plenty of pics in due course.

I understand we berthed early due to a medical emergency; do hope whoever was involved is ok. No bio security check on the pier this morning. Picture ID check coming back absolutely insistent that a passport photocopy was not acceptable from one of our UK group members. She had been told by Guest Services it was sufficient. Given a thorough dressing down by the Head of Security and allowed through.

 

We're in Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds tomorrow. Then two sea days before Sydney. Will try and bring pics up to date during this time, satellite permitting.

 

Thanks for all your encouragement and for reading along. Much appreciated. Need to head up to Sky Lounge and check for albatross x

Edited February 20, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Just heard over PA : this announcement is for crew only. Starcode starcode starcode x3 deck 14 sky lounge fire zone.....

 

Now as it happens I am back in my room with my Elite glass of wine (I know!!) so whatever has occurred has nothing to do with me.

 

There was a church I'd noticed in Port Chalmers that I wanted a pic of so I'd come back to my room to change after boarding. Stepped out of the doors on deck 14 and it was bucketing with rain..... this is why I need a window right? I head aft and begin to resemble the drowned rat one hears much of..... there's supposed to be a cheese and wine event on the lawn but everyone is trying to shelter under awnings covered in blankets..... I grab my pic and head back down and across to the Sky lounge.

 

I grab a glass of red and a seat forward of the lounge to the starboard side.... the place fills up with expectant albatross viewers. There's not one to be seen. I wait a while then head back to my room to recharge my camera before dinner with said glass of red firmly grasped in hand. Crew member at entry just wishes me a good evening. I share the lift down with the Dunedin pilot and thank him for his work. Still enough battery in camera to grab a pic :D

 

Managed to upload this to FB for my family to see all is well :

 

 

Here's today's 'Daily'.

Tried to download tomorrow's to share now and was defeated by the connection..... can take numerous attempts and that one is 3MB!! They usually come in at 1.9MB......

02-20 - Dunedin, New Zealand (1).pdf

Edited February 20, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[zalusky]

We did the Queenstown overnight in January and missed going through the Dusky and Doubtful sounds so I am looking forward to your experiences and pictures for that experience.

[MicCanberra]

Thanks for the update, and glad the rain came once back on board rather than when ashore. Hope the weather improves for the sounds and the crossing. I look forward to the next instalment.:D

[MicCanberra]

We did the Queenstown overnight in January and missed going through the Dusky and Doubtful sounds so I am looking forward to your experiences and pictures for that experience.

 

Yes pictures of the sounds can be awesome, especially if it has been raining and then clears with sunny weather and blue skies. You get the waterfalls and the nice clear weather with good light for photos. Best of both worlds.:D

[NorbertsNiece]

At dinner. Captain just announced a medical emergency and we're returning to Dunedin, will head to Sounds after. Hope all works out well for the patient.

[MicCanberra]

At dinner. Captain just announced a medical emergency and we're returning to Dunedin, will head to Sounds after. Hope all works out well for the patient.

 

I hope so too, for both patients.

That is a couple of emergencies already but best to have them seen to now when close to port then in the next couple of days when it is that bit harder.