Instigatorhw

I lived in Japan for four years and had the option of this 1 week cruise vs a three week cruise staring from Hong Kong next Monday ( won the cruise about a month ago). Luckily enough we chose the three week option and have demonstrations to contend with, but these things are not in our control. I missed Beppu when living in Japan and would be sorely irritated to miss it but while hotels are the same expense as every other country, food is cheap and great, reliable transport is also very reasonably priced. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is priced better than the high speed train in Spain I took earlier this year and is faster than the customs and wait at an airport. Domestic flights aren't that dear and any Japanese travel agent will have fantastic hotel and flight options if your keen enough to stumble through some language difficulties.

With cancelling the trip and the likelihood of receiving a full refund I'd take a very enjoyable land trip. Japan is an incredibly safe country ( safer than all of the so called western countries) and Japanese people while shy, love to try their English out and will WALK random strangers to correct addresses or train platforms in order to help them . Think of the glass half full and there is beautiful opportunity for that unexpected trip of a lifetime waiting for you if you have the gumption or courage to explore! You honestly can't find a better country where people won't try to take any advantage of you.....

Good luck and enjoy....HIS is a cheap and cheerful travel agency found in every shopping centre, white with big blue letters. Take a pen and paper, many read English well but are a bit shy to speak it.

Yes Mrs Waldo, Virgin indeed flies from Sydney to NZ.

Too bad, the International First Qantas Lounges out of Sydney/ Melbourne are actually probably the best I've been in. Beats Singapore ( great food but dated lounge- almost as bad as Hawaii in that regard), LAX which basically is business class lounge with Moniker of "First", Heathrow, or Dubai which takes up the entire side of the airport and is never even close to full. Honestly waste of space and took me 15 min to walk the length out of curiosity. They do have a dedicated women/ children's lounge though with glass door which was a quietly brilliant idea though. Hope those children don't hit the glass door though...?

It's the inclusion of the spa inside the International First qantas lounges that offer free services, massage etc and are very good with adhering to your boarding time that tips in favour of Sydney and Melbourne. But of course, Virgin flights are cheaper for the price conscious.

I'm not even Australian so that's a fair assessment.

The city shuttle is directly across the street from the Flinders street visitors centre and in front of the big Catholic Church, st Paul's I think it is. 5 dollars for shuttle and probably takes 5 to 10 minutes to botanical gardens. Botanical gardens are huge btw, you won't have time to walk all the way around or through it. Shrine of remembrance is phenomenal, I'm Canadian and it is probably the best Shrine I've seen dedicated to the Aussie Defence Forces. I wouldn't tour it but a walk through while it's close is worth the time.

All in all, Fitzgerald park at the end of flinders street is better than the botanical gardens and I am a garden enthusiast. A beautiful free conservatory that takes my breath away, the Fairy Tree, varied paths and cooks cottage (entry fee) but much smaller and you could walk it thoroughly in 45 min. Also little cafe with light lunch and coffees. There is the free city circle tram that stops in front of it or the paid city shuttle.

Heather

Thanks Pam and Englishbird, so the Sanctuary can be booked for the full trip? I know Princess out of NAmerica does this but can't find anything for cruises in/ out of Australiasia on Princess and many have posted the opposite.....that only day by day bookings are allowed when operating out of Australia. Website and booking info does not verify one way or the other. Have either of you cruised sun princess out of Australia recently?

We are leaving in one week for our 3 week cruise on Sun Princess, Hong Kong to Sydney. Has anyone traveled recently on the Sun Princess to help with the varying reports for how to book the Serenity Lounge area? Some cruises you can book a week in the area, duration of your cruise, or on the day. Operating in Asia and Australia, does anyone have experience in being able to book more than a day at a time? We are looking for an adult only area on board as we have no children and are looking for "relaxation". Also, anyone know if there are any hot tubs in any adult only areas?

HW- looking for romance rather than family time!

Whoops, told you I was new to this, responding to Cruiseclues in Feb 2014. My opinions still stand where you get what you pay for. I am so amused they remove this auto tipping around Australia on Princess. As I reside here, I live first hand paying more for the same things in N.America. Annoying but the standard of living is fabulous and not over run with only 30 million in the entire country.

Wow, we just won a three week cruise on the Sun Princess so I have been trying to find some information about tipping, service, food and general expectations. I realise the thread is from a little earlier this year. We just took our first cruise this year so we are both in a young demographic. Honestly, the comments have spooked us a bit as we went on a luxury small line (thinking you get what you pay for) and didn't have to think about anytime dining vs traditional, it was all free drinks and specialty call you by name service,etc etc. Everything was paid up front, there is no tipping, drink specials or coffee cards etc, none of which I know anything about (eek). I figured we would just wing it on board, after all it's a freebie. As for all the extraneous comments I can't resist weighing in as a dual citizen. Yes, Australians get slammed and pay far more for everything than N American counterparts. No, Australians never have understood tipping and believe me, service is not equal despite getting paid a higher salary. I am looking forward to a different experience than my previous one and can accept it for what it is, just wondering why everyone gets so upset when you know ahead of time what you are purchasing? If you want better, fly to other ports and use better lines, it's quite simple?

If you want a small ship experience, Seabourn has 3 little sisters ( I think owned by carnival) but will be leaving the fleet. 200 passengers and you are called by name by the second day. I'm not sure who the three ships have been sold to though (I was on the Legend earlier this year) but Windstar rings a bell? Keep an eye for where they end up....The best part I have to admit was flying past all the giant sized passenger ships ( with huge line ups on and off) for much closer berths in port and NEVER any waiting. You get what you pay for!

I expected better after being on the Odyssey. 7 day port intensive cruise? Personally I will not repeat the experience again and opt for a longer duration sprinkled with a few sea days. Live and learn.

In reference to the Legend being in good condition, it wasn't at that time in my perspective. There were other " niggling issues" with the hot tubs and spa etc as well, not important enough to list but enough to give the impression that less care and attention is given to the upkeep at the moment.

Hobar

Being new to cruising I don't have much experience among the different lines. Our first cruise was on the Odyssey with back to back segments earlier this year. The ship was great and seems the right size. We added a little 7 day segment on the Legend right after the odyssey and I would disagree with many of the posters. While service was slightly better on the Legend, I found going from the bigger to the smaller, older ship certainly had it's disadvantages. Cramped, worn carpets, obviously older, dated and rust around the balcony doors. A few niggling stateroom issues as well. If that is considered ok because the Legend is older, I suppose that is what previous posters mean by " looking good for its age". Comparable to wrinkles and grey hair?

Relatives are currently on board the Legend for one last go before it disappears from the Seabourn fleet and I'm looking forward to their perspective as they have been on the Legend before. We were on the Legend in May this year...

I spent 35 days on back to back segments on the Odyssey earlier this year. The seas were incredibly smooth and there was only one instance of a shudder - for about 3 minutes (it was pretty horrid I must admit) during lunch. One staff on board says it happens every now and then, even after it was 'rectified'.

Other than that - it was fantastic. BTW- The one elevator was even then not working but everything else was top notch even though Odyssey was heading into dry dock. We did a short 1 week leg on the Legend just to try one of the 'little sisters' before they all leave the fleet. I did not enjoy a week - I barely unpacked. I can't see doing less than 3 weeks so I guess I'm going to have to retire in my 40s to support my new cruising addiction. I would choose to return to the Odyssey as I enjoyed my time so much - except for visiting Antarctica on the Quest which is a must do I hear.....

Well said Roxburgh, there are always a few on board any ship (or the forums) that must find something to criticize. I personally prefer the glass half full attitude....just sayin'

4Yanx, let the Seabourn crew and staff know you are newlyweds, they will strive to make your trip unforgettable. In particular, the French waiters were very big fans of encouraging romance! As the youngest couple on board our cruise, they consistently found intimate tables for two and service was delightful with that something extra special.

Also, in a few days, many of the staff know your name.....it is in fact required of them to study all the passport images before you board and they are tested on being able to name a certain percentage of passengers. As well as emailing some of the passengers we met, we keep in touch with some of the staff. Bernardo made me the best espresso martinis I've ever tasted and Anna had a strong coffee poured for me every morning when she saw me get off the elevator.

Let us know how your trip goes!

Ah Rachel, you will love Seabourn! My partner and I splurged for our first cruise and spent 5 weeks on the Odyssey and another week on the Legend. We enjoyed a few of the same ports you will see. We chose Seabourn for a child free holiday ( also recommended by friends). As we were the youngest on our longer cruise, it was a riot! I thoroughly enjoyed most fellow passengers, probably even between American/Australians followed up by the UK and Europe. Passengers were well travelled and interesting, from active to the "young at heart".

Personally I enjoyed the Odyssey as it was slightly larger and in much better shape - despite heading into dry dock. I found the smaller Legend a bit worn, but the smaller ships have been sold anyways (coincidentally, my in-laws are currently on the Legend as I respond).

The Odyssey carried no children, possibly due to the itinerary through the Middle East and time of year (March and April). The Legend had one family on board with a young teenager who shared the cabin next to us (May) - extremely well behaved and well traveled for his age.

The Odyssey had quite a few sea days so more time for socialising. Pack plenty of frocks and heels, you will wear them all. Food, while subjective, was at a consistently high standard. You will not be disappointed. Anything off the menu can also be requested and often expected. Staff will remember your favourites and do provide excellent service.

As is the usually the case, you get what you pay for. If you want good quality food, service and a decent sized suite, you won't be disappointed. You will also never have to cope with any line ups for anything other than barista coffee first thing in the morning. Seabourn staff do a good job at making life very pleasant for you and you may never look back. We immediately made a deposit for a future cruise while on board and wouldn't try another cruise line, except we won a three week cruise recently. I am preparing myself not to expect Seabourn standards but it will be interesting to compare!

Thank you everyone, it's time to start packing and we can't wait!

Thank you for the responses, we are curious about being on a bigger ship and easy to please in terms of amusing ourselves. I am looking forward to a larger range of entertainment and don't require fine dining every night. I am wondering how room service is on board Princess?

In particular, I'm looking forward to smaller bags and less formal clothing. I admit I didn't love dressing in elegantly casual and formal attire every night for two months on our last cruise!

Thanks Lulu, very informative!

My partner and I are new to cruising this year and spent a delightful 2 months celebrating my 40th earlier this year on two Seabourn vessels. We have unexpectedly won a 3 week cruise (departing Oct 2014) with a great itinerary of plenty of sea days. Just wondering what to expect in terms of food quality and service aboard Sun Princess? Also any tips on clothing, we packed fairly extravagantly for Seabourn and are hoping to avoid all the luggage required for two months.....I'm hoping it's a bit more casual this time around so tips for appropriate dinner wear would be appreciated!