Jim_Iain Live - 2nd Half World Cruise - B2B Singapore to Down Under 11/25 – 12/21

[DaKahuna]

5 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

In regarding to reply to my complaints sent directly to him,  Nothing ...Nada.   Not even a form letter.    I did however get an acknowledgement from the Retreat staff,  Cellar Master and Captain Club Manager of the concerns later pointed out.

 

 

 I think that speaks for itself and is worth mentioning in your post cruise survey. 

 

[asnaleah]

Whew! Finally got caught up. We’re on Eclipse - repositioning LA to Santiago. Not at all at capacity, in fact Michael’s Club is quite dead. Luminae has been a real treat, and as this is my first gluten-free cruise, I’m especially pleased with the great service. Jim, I’m loving your photos and stories. We loved our Sydney-Auckland cruise on Solstice, one of the best ever. Continued good times to you and Iain! Erin

[Creekside89]

@Jim_Iain

 

Giuseppe mentioned towards the end of the last cruise that this cruise will be done in 2026.

 

Can you find out if possible:

 

Which ship?

Month?

Rough itinerary?

 

Please and thank you.

 

[Jim_Iain]

Started the day with a Zenith gathering.   Luckily the CC Manager called and left a reminder as yet again our invite did not arrive.  When I mentioned she said she gave them to the Retreat Hosts. Hmmmmm

Strange they held it in Casino Bar. 
 

 

 

Arrived in Auckland on time but took awhile for the ship to clear.   Due to everyone wanting to go ashore they implemented a Ticket system.  
 

Suite and Zenith were escorted off first and on demand. 
 

 

 

Queen Elizabeth is in Auckland today also  

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

We took a long hike today to Auckland Domain. 
 

Pukekawa / Auckland Domain is our oldest park and one of the largest. Developed on 75 hectares around the cone of an extinct volcano. The 'tuff rings' created by volcanic activity can be seen in the land contours and forms a natural amphitheatre.
 

View from the Domain

 

 

But first we have to take the long walk wandering around Auckland and then through Auckland University 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess who?

Edited December 12, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

On the way to the beautiful University park we came upon a small memorial park  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Next we took a walk through the University. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had to walk through a beautiful underpass to cross a busy intersection 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

I finally made it to Auckland.  Long uphill climb to the to of the volcano but worth it. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Exhausted we took a rest before heading back to the ship. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 12, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[upwarduk]

Thank you for the pictures of the University.

Our Grandson has just applied to do the 3rd year of his Master’s degree there.

[woodsmiths]

12 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

New Wine List Prices.  
 

You will have to extrapolate as the prices include the 20% Gratuity. 
 

Iain noted the 1/2 Bottle Pouilley-Fuisse has gone up from $27 ($33 with tip) to $48.   Pure greed. 

 

 

 

The Grant Burge 5th Generation Shiraz at $US60 plus gratuity per bottle if frankly ridiculous.  It retails for $AUD12 per bottle in Australia or about $US7.90.  I think Celebrity will have difficulty selling much of anything at those prices to Australian and New Zealand guests in coming months whilst home ported in Sydney - we are generally not that stupid.

[hcat]

thanks for the colorful photos.. .nice variety of scenery, parks, buildings  flowers, doors, great perspectives!

 

looks like you had a nice walk!

[Bullswood]

2 hours ago, woodsmiths said:

The Grant Burge 5th Generation Shiraz at $US60 plus gratuity per bottle if frankly ridiculous.  It retails for $AUD12 per bottle in Australia or about $US7.90.  I think Celebrity will have difficulty selling much of anything at those prices to Australian and New Zealand guests in coming months whilst home ported in Sydney - we are generally not that stupid.

That wine list is ahem...fascinating. What is arguably good old plonk sold at prestige prices e.g. the NZ Matua Marlborough (which is what I assume they mean, as it's shown as "Marlbourough") Pinot Noir appears to be the same as is on sale in Oz at around US$14 (A$20) marked up to an incredible US$72 (A$110). Is that correct and is that a standard cruise line mark-up? If so, I think BYO is in order for any Aussie boarding! 

Edited December 12, 2023 by Bullswood

[awhfy]

insane wine prices for mediocre wines

Edited December 12, 2023 by awhfy

[jwlane]

16 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I think the CD is incredible.  

Giuseppe is GREAT! (don't tell him I said that)  Such a  fun, smart and interesting guy.

[terrydtx]

2 hours ago, Bullswood said:

That wine list is ahem...fascinating. What is arguably good old plonk sold at prestige prices e.g. the NZ Matua Marlborough (which is what I assume they mean, as it's shown as "Marlbourough") Pinot Noir appears to be the same as is on sale in Oz at around US$14 (A$20) marked up to an incredible US$72 (A$110). Is that correct and is that a standard cruise line mark-up? If so, I think BYO is in order for any Aussie boarding! 

I agree and since most of our NZ shore excursions include wineries, our plan is to bring wine back to drink on the ship. We have the PDP so we should not have to pay any corkage fee, unless that changes. We have been drinking and enjoying a lot of NZ and Australian wines here at home for the last year.

[billc23]

15 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Wow... you are a wonderful writer and hit the nail on the head.     You have hit all of our feelings.

 

The S-Class ships are our favorite.    

High praise coming from you Jim - you are such a kind soul. I'm fine at public speaking but not so much writing. At least the computer helps with my dyslexic spelling. 

[DaKahuna]

Jim,  :Loving your pictures as always.  Glad to see you and Iian are continuing to have a wonderful experience.  

[Jim_Iain]

11 hours ago, upwarduk said:

Thank you for the pictures of the University.

Our Grandson has just applied to do the 3rd year of his Master’s degree there.

It's a beautiful campus.  Almost like a wonderful park.

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, hcat said:

thanks for the colorful photos.. .nice variety of scenery, parks, buildings  flowers, doors, great perspectives!

 

looks like you had a nice walk!

It was a wonderful walk.    A bit of a hike as it was quite steep going getting to the top where much of the park's museums and lakes are

[Jim_Iain]

Off to Devonport Tour today.   Iain decided to spend a quiet day aboard so I'll be on my own. 

 

It is starting out as an overcast day with a chance of drizzle and winds.

[RNCheryl]

Jim, your pictures are lovely with an artistic eye.

 

What was that very small building on the University campus?

 

Kangaroo ED?, really....

[Bullswood]

22 minutes ago, RNCheryl said:

Jim, your pictures are lovely with an artistic eye.

 

What was that very small building on the University campus?

 

Kangaroo ED?, really....

I think they are rabbits...

[luvtravel88]

Hi Jim,

I'm enjoying following your trip! We're doing a B2B2B in March 2025 all round trip from Sydney.

I have a question....

You mentioned that your TV had a fire stick on it so you weren't get Celebrity messages. I've never heard of anyone doing that. Did you bring it with you? What channels do you get on it? Is it easy to attach and remove?

Thanks!

Kim

[chemmo]

On 12/11/2023 at 9:23 PM, emmas gran said:

We visited Fine Cut early last week , I also had the Dover sole which was really disappointing as Iain said. When I asked for St Francis Zinfandel the sommelier said only available by the bottle when I had been drinking it every night of the 40 nights!!

He said he would send to Luminae to rget a bottle and  I was served Layer Cake on the premise it wasn’t available.

The following evening in Luminae the chef came around the tables and asked how we enjoyed Fine Cut, I mentioned the Dover sole was very disappointing (as it was a favourite dish of my late husband was my reason for ordering). Before we left Luminae Dev our waiter asked if we would like Dover sole the following evening as the chef wanted to make amends for Fine Cut. Four of us had a fabulous meal and toasted departed loved ones

Apologies for breaking into Jim’s thread but wanted to say I hope you are finding peace and solace on what must be a difficult cruise for you…