OzKiwiJJ

I expected it to be like that but will check to make sure we arrive at Portside with enough time to spare in case we miss getting on a shuttle and have to wait for the next. Since we're the fourth cruise out of Brisbane they should have the timings right by then.

Once we get closer to our sail date I must call Portside to find out how often their shuttles will be running. With the new groups for boarding we need to ensure we get there in time to catch the correct shuttle.

My guess is that since she doesn't have to refuel etc while also disembarking and embarking passengers she's taking the cheaper option of doing it a Gore Cove.

The Learn More button has this above it: "Action is required to keep your loyalty status due to new data regulations. It probably just needs you to confirm that you are happy for Princess to store info on the number of cruises you've done. The Nanny State gone mad! 🙄 Log into your Princess account before clicking the button.

It will take a few years to recover back to pre-pandemic levels but for people who cruise regularly it's a good long term investment. Up until the pandemic there were quarterly dividends of around US $50 as well as the OBC benefit. No dividends at the moment though. I very much doubt they would vote to stop the OBC. In reality it's a very small amount and probably costs them next to nothing. We're still happy with our shares even though they are way below what we paid for them some years ago. The recent drops are a result of the whole US stock market diving.

Snorkelling trips to the Great Barrier Reef include stinger suits so are reasonably safe. If you do decide to go there I recommend staying in Port Douglas as the best reef trips go from there. There are regular shuttles from Cairns airport to Port Douglas, and once there tours pick up from hotels etc. There is plenty of good accommodation within walking distance of shops, restaurants, the beach (which is great for walking on) and the marina. There are also regular bus services to hotels further away from the main part of the town.

It says from US $9.99 per day - that would be for one device, and it would be more for four devices but it didn't say how much. So US $5 per day with the discount.

I don't think that's correct. All it says is that if you do purchase prior to the cruise the discount will be applied onboard. "Discount only available to Captain’s Circle Platinum and Elite guests, for MedallionNet® Wi-Fi packages on sailings embarking after July 24, 2021. MedallionNet® Wi-Fi packages purchased pre-cruise will be discounted on board and the guest will receive a refund credit in their folio. Discount is not combinable with any other MedallionNet Wi-Fi offers, discounts, or promotions. Discount is not transferable and has no cash value." So it would seem easier to wait until you are onboard to buy the package.

$14 per day, so $7 for Platinum & Elites.

The free speciality restaurant dinner on the first night is a suite perk.

We started using a PVP late last year when we decided to book the 2024 world cruise. So far she's been very good. Prior to that we mostly booked online direct with the cruise lines, although we did use an online TA a couple of times for last minute deals as they had the best fares. For Princess we'll probably stick with our PVP from now on.

That's also the case in Europe but usually more obvious as the numbers aren't as big ie 20,75 is 20.75 Euros. If the number has more than two decimal places be very, very suspicious! 😁

We.like to try local restaurants where possible but we might give that a miss in Iceland.

Same here.

I have my spreadsheet - part of a humungous one where I track all my cruises. I've worked out what excursions we want to do where but may look for private excursions in some ports. I've even booked a couple of popular excursions that can be covered by OBC. Now I'm in a holding pattern. There isn't much I can do over the next year or so. The big question is whether the Baltics will be viable for port visits by then.

See you onboard! 😊

Happy birthday, Mic.

I'll let you know in two year's time. 🤣

You only need 100 shares. Go to Carnival Corporation -> Investor Relations -> Shareholder Benefits

Everything we had was overcooked and tasteless except for one appetiser - prawns I think. I haven't had much luck with ethnic speciality restaurants on cruise ships, Italian excepted and also Umi Uma on Crystal. Although with Cajun / Creole cuisine I wouldn't know how authentic it was. I'm still fuming over the totally bland Hunan Beef we had on Solstice, there wasn't speck of chilli in it and Hunan is one of the spiciest of the Chinese cuisines.

I don't put the rosemary on the steak, but do put it on the accompanying potatoes sometimes.

No sign of ours either.

So did we, twice, and the dishes we tried were very interesting and different but looking at the menu now it's much more westernized. Still we might try it next year if only for the duck salad which is still on the menu.

Would they risk hosting TAs before the first cruise?

And lamb.