SinbadThePorter

Yes it is, but it's on the opposite side of the runway to the airport terminals, so it's quite a long trip between. There is no public transport at the new terminal. To get to the DFO you would need either a shuttle bus (if there is one) or a taxi. Taxis can be quite scarce at the cruise terminal, so it could be a good idea to order one ahead to pick you up at a certain time. There shouldn't be any problem getting a taxi at the DFO to come back.

The PNG visa website currently says that Visa-on-arrival is "Forbidden". As far as I know that is how visas were arranged on previous cruises. Without it I don't see how any PNG cruises are possible.

A certain on-line cruise agent in Oz is offering 10 nights on Pacific Explorer from Sydney to Qld on the 5th Sep for $665pp Inside, $763 Obstructed Window and $984 for Balcony. If you believe that PNG will open up, they also have a 10 night cruise from Brisbane on the 19th Nov for $738 Inside, $935 Obstructed Window and $1378 for a Mini-suite.

You've never tipped me.

Then read back in this thread. Those are not my claims, they are reasons people have given for tipping.

The obverse is that service in the US favours servility, obsequiousness and obtrusiveness in the grab for cash. I suppose that they are the qualities some passengers most appreciate. Anyway we've already seen that many posters tip in order to avoid having their luggage end up in the drink or having their food adulterated unpleasantly, not for so-called "superior service". It's an insane system, which as far as I'm concerned could carry on forever if it confined itself to US borders, but it's like an infection that spreads from country to country.

There is a free public shuttle bus from the DFO to the airport.

You have no idea how insane this all appears when looking from the outside in. Who do you tip, when, how much and why? It all appears arbitrary and grotesque. The answer to the question is "no".

There is also the rather mysterious Wake View Bar on Sapphire and Diamond.

It used to have a very dodgy reputation as a truckers watering hole. I don't know if the strippers and topless barmaids are still in evidence since the rebranding. 😲 Apart from the Trade Coast the actual closest hotel would be the Novotel next door to the DFO. Lots of shopping, eateries and a Woolworths. Plus a free public shuttle bus to and from the airport. The Ibis across the road may look nearby, but without a car there is no way to cross the freeway to get to the DFO, so you are limited to what you can find on Nudgee Road. After that there are several motels at Hamilton along Kingsford Smith Drive. Shops and eateries nearby on Racecourse Road. As far as location goes the Riverview Motel is probably the pick of the bunch, as it's in a relatively quiet position, well priced, and across the road from the Hamilton Hotel and the Bretts Wharf Ferry terminal. Don't forget to get yourself a Go Card to travel on public transport. The Citycat ferries are especially useful for getting in and out of the CBD and South Bank.

If you bought a Premier package or paid $20 a day, you go into a draw for prizes and a cash draw. The Entertainment Director said there were 17 on this cruise. The prize turned out to be $6750. Also those red and green bars turned out to just be for privacy or room service.

Just a couple of observations. The Princess Patter used to contain port agent details. It doesn't anymore. A number of cabins have red bars at the top of the door medallion screen. I don't know what it means, but the cabin next door has it and I haven't seen anyone go in or out. There are also some cabins with a green bar. The End of Cruise draw is in half an hour. There are 17 in the draw for $5000. Good odds.

With all the caveats applied I should think we're talking about a cruise from Sydney to Hobart, including Port Arthur, via Eden. Preferably in February. Not much else would fit.

It's a very good aquarium, but maybe a little pricey. We keep fish at home, so maybe it's of more interest to us. For those interested, I noticed that ice cream is available in the buffet at dinner.

Weather in Cairns today is very cloudy. I'm not sure you'd see much on the skyrail. We stayed here in town and went to the aquarium instead.

Internet is good. At the moment I'm streaming ABC iview to the TV with no problems while using my phone for CC.

Yes. Everything is fine. As good as any previous Princess cruise. Buffet is up to Sun/Sea standard, but not quite Ruby/Diamond and definitely not Majestic. I haven't been in the MDR as yet. Will go tonight. Last June it was excellent.

I sort of saw the trolley handle, but I mistook it in the dark for a water slide.

No problems at all. Airlie today was cool wet and windy. My only complaint is that we keep losing at trivia. 😉

All open as usual.

Ships passing in the night. Just watching Pacific Explorer sailing past.

Just checked with the pursers desk, 1350 passengers on board.

Do you need to book that show?

On board Coral right now. Quick boarding even with Yellow status. Beautiful day, just watching the sun as it sets over Moreton Bay. Masking is a bit hit and miss.

One device at a time. No. You can switch as much as you like. When you login to another device you are automatically logged out of the previous device. Platinum and Elite get 50% off the cost of unlimited internet. I don't think there is anything to stop you buying more internet connections if you already have Plus. Two internet packages should cover that.