Transpacific Brisbane to Seattle April 13, 2023

[pipparh63]

On 1/31/2023 at 5:22 PM, trans man said:

We're flying Delta out of Orlando to LAX and then connecting to Sydney, again on Delta.  Then from Sydney to Brisbane on Quantas.  A long slog but worth it.

Hi! Did you know the train from Syd to Brisbane is a nice way to break all the flying?

I plan to do that coming directly from LAX.

[Doribeans]

Hi,

I've booked this cruise and the 10-day Carnival Splendor cruise to NZ out of Sydney. I'm traveling solo and looking forward to the cruises. I've been on 4 4-day Carnival cruises, this will be my first long cruise with them. I'm looking forward to hanging out in the Serenity area. I did my first transatlantic in the fall on the Celebrity Constellation. 

 

I'm heading to Australia in late March, booked an award flight with United from Orlando to SFO to Melbourne. I'll be in Melbourne for 4 days before heading to Sydney to catch the Splendor. When I get back to Sydney from the Splendor I'll spend a couple of days in the Blue Mountains, then head back to Sydney for a few days. I will then take the train from Sydney to Brisbane as Pippa suggested above and head out to Manly Beach for a few days before the cruise back to Seattle.

Edited February 4, 2023 by Doribeans
add info

[happy traveler69]

Hi Everyone!

We had been booked on the October sailing from Seattle,  but switched to this one a few week s ago. I hope to meet everyone soon! 

 

[happy traveler69]

I realized I had to update my signature, as cruises changed over the last few months. 

[EngIceDave]

Hello, wife and I got off Celebration yesterday (1/29 sailing) and while on board decided to swap the 30 day Trans-Pac for the 22-day.

 

This will be our first trans-oceanic voyage and 30 days seemed a long time, not to mention her brother lives in Perth, Aus, so we must visit, you know? So, toss in a week and the whole thing becomes 45 days to 2 months after a day or two here and day or two there.

 

So we'll fly from Orlando to Perth FIRST, then to Brisbane and then on board and then a visit of Seattle....see?

Whew....Better pack a lunch...

 

I am curious about the "Journeys" component of the cruise, what lectures or education courses...

 

I am Dave, Wife is Zoe

We live in Daytona Beach

 

[Fredette]

On 11/30/2022 at 1:19 PM, baloothecat said:

Hi Everyone-

We just booked this cruise this past weekend. Cancelled our 14day LA-Alaska cruise on the Miracle in order to take advantage of a great offer. We are Stephanie and Lance from Redondo  Beach, Calif. super excited to visit Tahiti again. We were there Oct 2021.
Any avid snorkelers out there?

Anyone know which bay we dock in Moorea?

I’m looking to book a snorkel excursion with a local company in Moorea. . I’ll post what I find out if there’s interest.

Stephanie

If you like to snorkel, hopefully the catamaran excursion to the reef is going when we dock at Papeete.  I have done that one and quite enjoyed it - was looking forward to trying it again.

 

[Doribeans]

13 hours ago, EngIceDave said:

 

So we'll fly from Orlando to Perth FIRST, then to Brisbane and then on board and then a visit of Seattle....see?

Whew....Better pack a lunch...

 

I am curious about the "Journeys" component of the cruise, what lectures or education courses...

 

I am Dave, Wife is Zoe

We live in Daytona Beach

 

Hi Dave...

I went to high school in Daytona at Mainland in the late 70's. Just moved back to Volusia (Deland) in the fall, from Seattle.

[EngIceDave]

9 minutes ago, Doribeans said:

Hi Dave...

I went to high school in Daytona at Mainland in the late 70's. Just moved back to Volusia (Deland) in the fall, from Seattle.

We moved up a year ago from Merritt Island, before that, we lived in South Florida, we're both natives.

 

This will be our first time in Seattle, probably stay a day or two to visit.

 

Going to visit Perth, AU for a week before the cruise, then fly to Brisbane, not sure how much Seattle time we'll have.

[EngIceDave]

Did y'all book air yet?

 

I am flying out of Orlando and got one stop to Perth for about $1800 pp on Emirates...and their economy is nice

 

I then checked Orlando to Brisbane BNE, and it was same thing, one stop, $1800 pp

 

If you can get to Orlando or not, check into the Mideast Airlines, like Emirates

Buy some gold bars during the layover

[irie0518]

Hey there my friend and I just booked this cruise way too good of a deal to pass up!!  I am asking again about the required insurance.  I don't normally purchase insurance as I usually am an ultra bargain hunter for my cruises and I fairly young still with no medical issues so I am willing to take the chance.  I have never yet had to cancel a trip for any reason so like I said I usually opt out.  So I am not very knowledgeable about the different options available.  I called Carnival to see if they could tell me if the coverage they offer would cover the requirements for the ports that have the requirement.  The lady I spoke with was unable to answer that question for me but she gave me the direct number to Aon.  The lady I spoke with there said that the policy didn't specifically say anything about covid but she said if would be covered in the medical portion and basically told me that it should meet the requirements. I don't always have faith that I am getting the correct answer especially from insurance company's 🙂 Does anyone have anymore insight if you feel like this is adequate for the port requirements.  TIA  Super excited about this cruise.  I have only dreamed of going to these ports of call.

[baloothecat]

On 2/6/2023 at 2:22 PM, Fredette said:

If you like to snorkel, hopefully the catamaran excursion to the reef is going when we dock at Papeete.  I have done that one and quite enjoyed it - was looking forward to trying it again.

 

Thanks Fredette! We were in French Polynesia in 2021 on Windstar.  I do have a recommendation for a local operator in Papeete for snorkeling if you are Interested  but am leaning towards a donut boat rental instead. Don’t miss the snorkeling in Moorea- the lagoon snorkeling is fantastic. We booked an all day private snorkel with lunch stop at Coco Beach  restaurant on motu  tiahura in Moorea.

[baloothecat]

@irie0518 We’re the same with not usually buying insurance. We’re going to go with an Allianz all trips premier yearly policy which has better coverage than Carnivals and we have multiple trips planned for the next year. That being said I saw on another forum that Carnivals insurance should meet the requirements for this sailing according to John Heald. I’ll try to upload a screenshot .

[trans man]

Didn't know about the train.  Already committed for air, but sounds like a great alternative.

[pipparh63]

3 hours ago, irie0518 said:

Hey there my friend and I just booked this cruise way too good of a deal to pass up!!  I am asking again about the required insurance.  I don't normally purchase insurance as I usually am an ultra bargain hunter for my cruises and I fairly young still with no medical issues so I am willing to take the chance.  I have never yet had to cancel a trip for any reason so like I said I usually opt out.  So I am not very knowledgeable about the different options available.  I called Carnival to see if they could tell me if the coverage they offer would cover the requirements for the ports that have the requirement.  The lady I spoke with was unable to answer that question for me but she gave me the direct number to Aon.  The lady I spoke with there said that the policy didn't specifically say anything about covid but she said if would be covered in the medical portion and basically told me that it should meet the requirements. I don't always have faith that I am getting the correct answer especially from insurance company's 🙂 Does anyone have anymore insight if you feel like this is adequate for the port requirements.  TIA  Super excited about this cruise.  I have only dreamed of going to these ports of call.

Hi,

 

If it's any consolation, I am also a "low-cost" cruiser, but take insurance as I do have "conditions" plus being a senior!

However, I like to compare the line's offering to private insurance, which (if not accustomed to the method) requires you to enter your travel dates, then a whole list appears of what's on offer, from very basic to max coverage.....Try searching "low cost travel Ins with Covid" and you'll see many options. I got a very reasonable one with Nationwide for $70 for the whole trip. 

try this: 

[pipparh63]

1 hour ago, trans man said:

Didn't know about the train.  Already committed for air, but sounds like a great alternative.

True.......as it turns out I may fly from Sydney, as the arrival time on the 13th is very inconvenient " 4am!! Where do you shelter until boarding time??

[Fredette]

14 hours ago, irie0518 said:

Hey there my friend and I just booked this cruise way too good of a deal to pass up!!  I am asking again about the required insurance.  I don't normally purchase insurance as I usually am an ultra bargain hunter for my cruises and I fairly young still with no medical issues so I am willing to take the chance.  I have never yet had to cancel a trip for any reason so like I said I usually opt out.  So I am not very knowledgeable about the different options available.  I called Carnival to see if they could tell me if the coverage they offer would cover the requirements for the ports that have the requirement.  The lady I spoke with was unable to answer that question for me but she gave me the direct number to Aon.  The lady I spoke with there said that the policy didn't specifically say anything about covid but she said if would be covered in the medical portion and basically told me that it should meet the requirements. I don't always have faith that I am getting the correct answer especially from insurance company's 🙂 Does anyone have anymore insight if you feel like this is adequate for the port requirements.  TIA  Super excited about this cruise.  I have only dreamed of going to these ports of call.

I'm pretty sure the email from Carnival said that the policy has to specifically mention covid cover on a cruise.  I can't help you out with the companies to approach, as I haven't done it myself yet (I was leaving it for a month or so, hoping the policies would change before the cruise).  

[irie0518]

On 2/10/2023 at 12:15 PM, baloothecat said:

@irie0518 We’re the same with not usually buying insurance. We’re going to go with an Allianz all trips premier yearly policy which has better coverage than Carnivals and we have multiple trips planned for the next year. That being said I saw on another forum that Carnivals insurance should meet the requirements for this sailing according to John Heald. I’ll try to upload a screenshot .

Thanks!!

[irie0518]

On 2/10/2023 at 11:59 AM, baloothecat said:

Thanks Fredette! We were in French Polynesia in 2021 on Windstar.  I do have a recommendation for a local operator in Papeete for snorkeling if you are Interested  but am leaning towards a donut boat rental instead. Don’t miss the snorkeling in Moorea- the lagoon snorkeling is fantastic. We booked an all day private snorkel with lunch stop at Coco Beach  restaurant on motu  tiahura in Moorea.

We are looking to snorkel in Moorea as well.  Just trying to research people to book with.  If you have anything you would be willing to share I would appreciate.  First time for me going to the South Pacific and we just booked this cruise this past week so need to get on with the planning.  TIA.

[EngIceDave]

Anyone notice it seems like the spa may closed during this time? No offerings, no reservations.

[jgeraci7]

My daughter and I are interested on booking this cruise before the Casino offer expires tomorrow.  I have a question about covid testing.  The Australian protocols state that you have to have a negative PCR test within 48 hrs. of boarding.  Here's the question-  with the time changes if we have the test done on the 11th in the US before flying out does this meet the criteria?  Since that would be the 12th. in Australia is that within 48 hrs?  I'm old and confused!!

Joyce

[jgeraci7]

Another quick question- What are the covid requirements for the islands where we stop?  Should I check with Carnival?  I know we need an Australian ETA.  Have done that before.

[jgeraci7]

We're booked.  Have to start checking out flights to Brisbane from Chicago ohare.  And from Seattle back to ohare.  Lots of work ahead.  Will start on Australian ETA tomorrow.  Yaay!  Had to cancel trip to Sydney last September.  Really hope this all falls into place!

Joyce and Katy

[EngIceDave]

Way I read that is they want you to self test and self report, if necessary?

 

It's honor system? 

Edited February 13, 2023 by EngIceDave

[kaykayozzie]

Let's hope the cyclone season is over before we go. Luminosa had to cancel ports of call because of cyclone last week. Better than sailing into one. Kay

[baloothecat]

On 2/11/2023 at 11:55 AM, irie0518 said:

We are looking to snorkel in Moorea as well.  Just trying to research people to book with.  If you have anything you would be willing to share I would appreciate.  First time for me going to the South Pacific and we just booked this cruise this past week so need to get on with the planning.  TIA.

@irie0518  The other two recommended operators we were looking at in Moorea is 1) Moorea Moana Tours “Moorea Memories Adventure Tour” 3hr tour including photos. 
when I enquired Pierrick replied that they could pickup from tender dock no problem and even suggested a start time at 0830. 2) Moorea Ocean Adventures- have private tours for 2 or more. Biologist onboard and GoPro video included. Replied they would pickup from Tender dock. You can look for others to share the tour to bring the price down.

If interested, we booked other snorkel centric activities for other ports:

Noumea- We booked  water taxi signal island turtle tour for cruisers on Viator, basically a water taxi to a protected island with no facilities for a few hours.

Suva/- We booked a snorkel tour to beqa lagoon on another part of the island thru untouched fiji. they have tours set up for our cruise on fb. They also have others if you don’t want to snorkel. 
Still working on Honolulu. Looking at possibly renting a car and doing our own circle tour or Kaneohe sandbar tour.

hope this helps

Stephanie