Hello fellow cruisers.
Hoping to get some advice. I have booked a princess cruise for Jan2024, departing from Melbourne Australia to South Pacific. We have been on a number of cruises to the South Pacific in the past, however this is the first time departing from Melbourne.
We chose this particular cruise because it departs from our home town, and also because it includes Isle of Pines on the itinerary - our family's favourite cruise destination.
Made the booking last year. Then recently advised that Princess is removing Isle of Pines from the cruise. Now it's a 13 night cruise with only 3 ports and missing the best port!
Princess advise the change was due to government restrictions - however other cruise lines appear to be sailing there at around the same time. Also the New Caledonian govt advised last year they were re-opening to cruise ships.
I have asked my princess cruise specialist - they just say they will raise the info with the respective department - but it has been months and still no reply.
The cruise is 13 nights with 4 ports - now it's only 3 ports.
Is there any chance they might re-add Isle of Pines port? (noting the cruise is 12 months away - perhaps govt restrictions change before then)?
Has anyone experienced a port getting re- added?
Also, the price of cruise seems a little high now with 9 sea days. I know they reserve the right to remove ports, but this feels a bit extreme.
I'm actually less concerned about the cost - our hearts were set on the Isle of Pines port.
Apologies for the length of my post. Thanks,
Tim