First Cruise - RCI Explorer of the Seas to South Pacific Questions

Hey guys, me and a few mates will be going on our first cruise, will be travelling to the South Pacific islands on a 10 nighter leaving early Feb. Just had a few questions as we're all young and don't know much about cruising.

What is the onboard currency aboard the Explorer of the Seas? Is it USD? And is it a completely cash less system? What's the best way to ensure we don't get slammed with currency conversion fees etc.

Should we bring any AUD cash with us? To pay for things in the ports of calls? If we want to exchange AUD to CPF/XPF what is the best way to do so?

Any other tips for a bunch of cheap, first time cruisers who just graduated high school?

Thanks

Yes - charges are made to your account in USD. They convert other currencies you have onboard if you want, but not at good exchange rates. If you pay your account at the end by credit card, they can charge either in USD or convert for you at AUD, but it's generally better to get your bank to convert.

All spending onboard is to your account EXCEPT the casino, where you need to use USD cash. You can get an advance against your account, but this adds another 5% cost so if you're planning on the casino better to get US cash in advance.

For south pacific ports, AUD is accepted (as well as XPF) at most tourist facing merchants. In city shops like at Noumea for example it will be XPF. So if just planning tourist purchases, should be fine just to have AUD.

As for other money tips, bring your snorkel goggles/flippers with you in advance if you want to snorkel. You can buy onboard but much more expensive. Also, if you think you want to get a drinks package, get that in advance as it is currently on special. If you buy onboard it's full price - a lot more.

RC work off USD

Yes - it is cashless - and you pay for stuff on your Seapass (unless you have previously ordered drink packages)

Its probably too late to order a Citibank Visa Debit card (fee free) - so you might just have to wear the conversion on what ever card you are going to pay for stuff on

For the SP islands - just bring AUD - if doing NZ, then get $$ out of ATMs here.

tips ??

make sure you have lost several Kilos before you come on board - as you will quickly put it on when you are on board !!!!!! :D

Drink packages MAY be cheaper bought online before the cruise (it was in our case - it was $A65 = if you buy now onboard it is US$

We are on Ovation at the moment

Agree with everything BigM said.

Onboard the drink packages will be in US, so converting them to AUD will be more expensive.

Log into your cruise on the royal caribbean site and see how much your drink package will be. to purchase in advance.

Also, take some long pants/collared shirt for the dining room, tell your mates;)

They may or may not enforce the dining room dress rules.

Thats coming from a Mum:p I know my boys when they were younger would have thrown in board shorts and Tshirts and a pair of thongs!!

Agree with everything BigM said.

 

Onboard the drink packages will be in US, so converting them to AUD will be more expensive.

Log into your cruise on the royal caribbean site and see how much your drink package will be. to purchase in advance.

 

Also, take some long pants/collared shirt for the dining room, tell your mates;)

They may or may not enforce the dining room dress rules.

Thats coming from a Mum:p I know my boys when they were younger would have thrown in board shorts and Tshirts and a pair of thongs!!

Ha Ha Chez...good advice...Itry to get away with thongs and T shirts but Di wont let me..lol:)

Ha Ha Chez...good advice...Itry to get away with thongs and T shirts but Di wont let me..lol:)

Col, keep trying:p

Taking the eldest who is now 30 and our grandson on Carnival in a few weeks, only a 3 nighter but I am going to go over and pack their bags!!

Our last family trip to Sydney for the weekend he forgot his belt, son's shoes but took enough clothes for a week hahaha

Not sure what the rules are here in Australia abut drinking age on board?RC in the US is 21 -maybe someone here can clarify whether the boys will actually be able to have a drink

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Not sure what the rules are here in Australia abut drinking age on board?RC in the US is 21 -maybe someone here can clarify whether the boys will actually be able to have a drink

 

Yeah, it's 21 in the US, but here and most other places they change it to 18.

Thanks guys! Also, any advice regarding the weather this time of the year in the South Pacific Islands? We've worked hard and saved up for this cruise and would hate to have our experience on these exquisite islands ruined by bad weather. If it rains, does it usually rain the whole day on these islands? Really keen on snorkelling and getting out onto the beach on islands like Mystery Island and Isle of Pines :/

Thanks guys! Also, any advice regarding the weather this time of the year in the South Pacific Islands? We've worked hard and saved up for this cruise and would hate to have our experience on these exquisite islands ruined by bad weather. If it rains, does it usually rain the whole day on these islands? Really keen on snorkelling and getting out onto the beach on islands like Mystery Island and Isle of Pines :/

Yeah, that's the risk. Jan-April is cyclone season there, so you can get bad weather. It more likely means you're re-routed, rather than just rain. But it's the chance you take this time of year. I'd say most days it's still sunny and fine though.

Hey guys, me and a few mates will be going on our first cruise, will be travelling to the South Pacific islands on a 10 nighter leaving early Feb. Just had a few questions as we're all young and don't know much about cruising.

 

What is the onboard currency aboard the Explorer of the Seas? Is it USD? And is it a completely cash less system? What's the best way to ensure we don't get slammed with currency conversion fees etc.

 

Should we bring any AUD cash with us? To pay for things in the ports of calls? If we want to exchange AUD to CPF/XPF what is the best way to do so?

 

Any other tips for a bunch of cheap, first time cruisers who just graduated high school?

 

Thanks

Welcome to cruise critic,

Note, you can use the casino without using Cash by using your sea pass card and getting Promo money any winnings can be cashed out without fees. You will only incur the 5% fee if getting cash out from your account.

Heres some tips:

Make sure everyone has 6 months validity on their passports.

To use the powerpoints in the cabin you will need an US or Euro adapter. You can use both.

You need to pay to use the onboard wifi. Cant remember the exact price. Think it was $19 per day per device.

No need to pack towels. The ship supplies pool towels which can be taken off the ship for port visits. Do not lose them though as they charge a $25 lost towel fee.

Bring your own sunscreen and medical suppliers. The stuff sold on board is pricey.

When you get off the ship tender at the ports - take note of the sign that tells you what time you need to be back on board. Dont be late. The ship wont wait for you. Be handy if one of your mates is wearing a waterproof watch.

As previously mentioned bring your own snorkels etc. They do sell them on board but you can buy them much cheaper before you leave. Gopro or underwater camera is a must for the South Pacific imo. Pack a beach bag or backpack for carrying your gear at the ports.

Lots of food options - Windjammer Buffet for breakfast/lunch/dinner - casual dress code (no bare feet) Main Dining Room for sit down waiter service meals. Promenade cafe for snacks anytime. Room service is free with the exception of late at night or early hours of the morning. You wont go hungry!

You can use the tv in the cabin to check your daily charges on your seapass card. Any problems go to Guest Services on Promenade to sort it out.

Keep your seapass card away from your phone/camera. If they are near each other, your seapass card will not work and you will not be able to enter your cabin. You have to go to guest services and get a new seapass card.

You will get a cruise compass in your cabin each night - it will tell you what is happening on the ship the next day. If you all plan to do the flowrider for example, the times it is open will be listed there.

Hope that helps. Have a great cruise.

Thanks guys! Also, any advice regarding the weather this time of the year in the South Pacific Islands? We've worked hard and saved up for this cruise and would hate to have our experience on these exquisite islands ruined by bad weather. If it rains, does it usually rain the whole day on these islands? Really keen on snorkelling and getting out onto the beach on islands like Mystery Island and Isle of Pines :/

I just did xmas/new year in South Pacific and it rained for our first three stops: Isle of Pines, Noumea and Mystery Island. I decided to not snorkel Noumea (was going to catch water taxi over to Duck island again) and Isle of Pines cos I really struggle with being in cool water and then warming up. I decided to go in at Mystery Island anyway and just get back on board quickly if i was struggling and hit up a beer and a hot shower!

Many people still did their snorkelling trips on Noumea to Amedee etc and reported it was great even in overcast slightly rainy conditions. Isle of Pines everyone was still in the water - water was pretty calm and they saw heaps. Apparently lots of reef sharks. I was shivering walking along the beach so was no way i was going in the water. (note: it wasn't actually that cold I just feel it badly when there is a breeze etc, I like the heat. The recent 35+ degrees day in sydney have felt comfortable for me.)

At Mystery Island it was windier and raining more and i was deliberating not getting off the ship. I was fairly disappointed as last time there the weather had been perfect. However I got chatting with a lady about it and decided give it a whirl. I ended up on the Island and paying for a hour and a bit boat trip to "Best Snorkel Spot". So glad i did it. Some of the best snorkeling I have ever done. The water was a little rough but they gave us vests to swim in (note: if you are a strong swimmer you won't need it. The local guy insisted upon looking at me i would need it, but the thing annoyed the heck out of me, and he said later, "ahh you a good swimmer. You didn't need it." But it made him as tour operator feel better that I wore it). If Mystery Island has wet and windy weather conditions like that I reccomend doing one of those tours. The snorkeling off the beach in those conditions is not good (in great weather snorkeling off the beach is good). The tour operators know which spots to go to and he jumped in the water to help show us some cool things, maximising our time. One of our party struggled with a cramp in the water and they were quick to help him and get him out of the water. Am so glad i did that in the end, And didn't let weather dictate.

Was I cold after? Absolutely. But discovered the crew (Celebrity) had set up a bar on the island and after two vodkas (free pours too... eek!) I either warmed up or forgot I was cold.

In two minds now if I should have just suffers the cold at Noumea and Isle of Pines as well. I don't know. I literally turn blue when others are feeling slightly cool but comfortable sitting in wet swimmers and towel.

Don't let weather cancel your plans!

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Another tip is to make sure you have a backpack or small overnight bag. The night before disembarking you have to put your suitcase out in the corridor to be offloaded the next morning. If you don't have an extra small bag you won't have anything to carry off any extra stuff that you will need/be wearing that night. And as some one else said make sure you take a nice shirt and pair of trousers so you can eat in the dining room (at least once) and also make sure you get a nice photo taken on the so called 'formal' night. It is not formal and you can just wear nice trousers and a nice collared shirt - the photo is not for you, get it taken for your mothers, your Mum's will love you for it.

Also, if you plan on snorkeling, make sure you buy reef shoes. You can get them at Big W and Kmart, or failing that a camping store. If you don't have them, your feet will get carved to pieces if you step on any coral.

Make sure you have Travel Insurance!!!

There are some good tips in the information posted already. A couple more comments -

1. travel insurance. There is free travel insurance with certain credit cards. I suggest you check to see if your credit card has this. There are different terms and conditions. Some require you to pay for the trip on the card and others just require that you advise them you are going on the trip. The insurance is free but there is an excess, usually $200.

2. passports. There was a comment that passports have to have six months validity left on them. Some countries require this, but I do not believe this applies to South Pacific ports as they don't even look at your passport. Australia does NOT require Australian residents to have six months validity left.

Also remember all cruise ships have very strict behavior rules. They will kick you (and sometimes all the people in your cabin) if you break the rules. I have heard of a family being kicked off because a teenager peed over the side of the ship. The rules are there in your boarding documents. Have lots of fun but remember to be sensible too

Thanks so much guys! Will definitely take all the advice.

Just a bit confused right now however, someone in this thread said that the whole cruise is cashless, however we all just did our online check in and were able to select Cash as the option for our onboard expense accounts. What does this mean? We'd prefer to deal in cash as all of us have only recently started working and don't have much saved up in our bank accounts. If it is cash allowed, will it be AUD? We also have $500 OBC between two cabins, so not sure how that will work either. AFAIK, it's 250 per cabin, and it will be added to one persons seapass card, is that true?

Thanks so much guys! Will definitely take all the advice.

Just a bit confused right now however, someone in this thread said that the whole cruise is cashless, however we all just did our online check in and were able to select Cash as the option for our onboard expense accounts. What does this mean? We'd prefer to deal in cash as all of us have only recently started working and don't have much saved up in our bank accounts. If it is cash allowed, will it be AUD? We also have $500 OBC between two cabins, so not sure how that will work either. AFAIK, it's 250 per cabin, and it will be added to one persons seapass card, is that true?

Hi there!!

When you selected cash, it just means that you will be paying yor account in cash rather than a credit card:)

You will still use your seapass card to buy drink/make purchases on board

Here is some info from the website

Online Check-In

Q: What is an Onboard Expense Account? How does it work?

A: An Onboard Expense Account is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services.

The account may be set-up with either a credit card or as a cash account. You may establish a master account and add guests from your stateroom or another stateroom as authorised purchasers on your account.

For each purchase made onboard the ship you will receive a receipt at the point of sale. A final statement will be delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise holiday for your review.

Guests that set up an account with a credit card should verify the statement. If all purchases are correct, they will automatically be charged to the credit card.

Guests with a cash account will need to settle their statement onboard before disembarking. The ship will provide you with specific details.

Re the OBC, if it is $250 per cabin it will be given to the main person on the booking of that cabin. So as you spend, it will be deducted from that first, you will start $250 in credit.

Just remember that purchases onboard the Explorer are in USD, so keep an eye on the balance on your account, if you are settling it in AUD it will be more. You can check your account on the TV.

Just remember that purchases onboard the Explorer are in USD, so keep an eye on the balance on your account, if you are settling it in AUD it will be more. You can check your account on the TV.

Thanks so much. Regarding your last point, I understand the cruise uses USD, so does that mean we'll have to take cash in USD before hand? Or can we just pay in AUD onboard the cruise when we settle our expenses on the final day of our cruise

Shore tours - if you decide you want to do shore tours its way cheaper to book them once you get on shore with local operators , if you book through RCI you will pay a premium. The only issue with this could be that if you are late back to the ship they will leave without you so try and go in the morning

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Shore tours - if you decide you want to do shore tours its way cheaper to book them once you get on shore with local operators , if you book through RCI you will pay a premium. The only issue with this could be that if you are late back to the ship they will leave without you so try and go in the morning

Yep, we've got a Google Doc with a page dedicated to each island and have been researching for a while so we know what things we're doing independently coz they tours thru RCI are so expensive

E.g. Duck island water taxi on Noumea etc.

Thanks so much. Regarding your last point, I understand the cruise uses USD, so does that mean we'll have to take cash in USD before hand? Or can we just pay in AUD onboard the cruise when we settle our expenses on the final day of our cruise

If you havent already got USD stashed away:p.....you will pay in AUD, just like if I was paying with my credit card, they would charge my card and my bank would convert the currency.

You will be at the mercy of whatever rate they convert your USD spending.

So if you spent $500USD, take away your $250OBC, balance would be $250 USD. They would convert this to AUD, if they used the rate of .75, you would have to pay $330.34.

i dont know what rate they are using onboard at the moment, maybe someone who has cruised recently may be able to comment.

At least you are doing your homework, know what to expect, lots get on there and dont know about the USD prices etc.

Yep, we've got a Google Doc with a page dedicated to each island and have been researching for a while so we know what things we're doing independently coz they tours thru RCI are so expensive

 

E.g. Duck island water taxi on Noumea etc.

Good job boys - have an awesome time

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