Flipper133

[quote name='gaa2']First time Celebrity. Will be in port overnight on Solstice in Sydney. After we check in and put our bags in our cabin, we may want to go ashore and come back very late or even the next morning . Any problems with this? Can you get on and off at all hours as long as you are back at least 1 hour before sailing? Thanks![/quote]

It might depend upon your actual cruise. Solstice on 21st Dec 2014 is overnighting, BUT it will be relocating on 22nd to Athol Buoy in the harbour because another ship is using the Terminal that day. There is some uncertainty on the actual time when it relocates... some sources suggest 5.00am on 22nd .... others say evening on 21st

I am not sure what the arrangements are, but I fancy that if this is your cruise you should check it out.

There is some more info on the roll call for this cruise

cheers

For a one day hire pay the extra per diem premium to reduce the excess to zero. It will cost you between $15 - $20. This small sum in the event of an incident will mean that you drop off the vehicle and walk away no problems. The excess on your travel insurance is probably greater than the extra premium anyway. Had been hiring a car for a week or two then that's a different story as the premiums start to mount up but one day , not worth worrying about $20 for the piece of mind. In relation to the total cost of the holiday how does it rate. Two beers in a pub.

 

I wish I could !

 

That's what I do with Avis and with Ace, but most of the Car Hire Coys on Tauranga/Mt Maunganui (apart from the majors) don't offer it. Certainly Pegasus and Pacific(same mob) have told me so.

 

Shore Trips and Tours offer a reduction to $250 for $25;

Avis (which only operates out of the airport) charges $12

Ace...who don't have an office there, but I am using in Auckland, offer a reduction to nil for $15pd with a minimum of 2 days.

 

I am totally against providing a Bond (via my CC) to cover the excess, and I will tell them so. Its not just the basic hire fee, its the extra insurance bits that can cause a problem, at least to me.

 

Subject to what ABC have to say, I will go with them, otherwise I will do a deal with good old AVIS and bear the cost of a cab and the extra charge from hiring from the airport.

 

cheers

Did anyone at Akaroa Harbor, Dunedin, or Dusky Sound find a self serve laundromat to use? I only wash my clothes in cold water, so prefer not to have Celebrity do my laundry---I'm thinking that I would do this first thing in the am, then go site seeing for the remainder of the day. I'm going to post this as well on New Zealand board. Thanks, Anita

 

I don't know if its coincidence, or if you have a dual personality, but this same question was asked very recently on Trip Advisor

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g255119-i2118-k7552553-Is_there_a_self_serve_laundramatt_with_washers_AND_dryers-Dunedin_Otago_Region_South_Island.html

 

Same sort of answers...although it seems that there is a facility at Akaroa that you might be able to use.

 

http://www.akaroa.com/community-services/laundry

 

cheers

I used Pegasus car hire last time I was in Tauranga. They were fantastic, met us at the boat and a short trip to the depot. Insurance excess is usually covered by your travel insurance, and when we missed the Port Chalmers stop due to bad weather, they refunded my credit card back the same day. Just send them an email to confirm that if the boat does not get into port they will refund your money.

 

Thanks for that,

 

Yup I have been in contact with Pegasus...they have insurance excess of NZ$2500 (their web site says $2850 but they acknowledge they have to fix that). Unlike most other places, they do not provide for a reduction in this for one day hires. :confused:

My travel insurance (with CGU via BUPA) allows for only A$2000 (=NZ$2200) for car hire excess. I guess I could contact them and see if I can increase this for a modest fee, or alternatively I think can take out a seperate cover somewhere for about $15 per day.

 

Pegasus say that they do not require a deposit.... but will require a CC impression for the full insurance excess ... which I am not happy about as I run a limited CC facility which is for my cruise onboard spending. This is what I am saying about how the various companies differ. AVIS and ACE do not require this (if you take out their Excess/CDW removal option).

 

These things do not matter unless you have an accident...but that's why we take out insurance, and I will not let a technicality spoil my holiday.

 

cheers

I have visited Hobart many times, including 3 times on a cruise ship.

 

Port Arthur is indeed a fascinating place, but a visit there will take up just about all your day in Hobart. I also worry about folk hiring a car when they are not used to driving on the left side of the road. I know from experience that coping with such a change (even if you have done it before) can be quite challenging.

 

Perhaps you might consider one of the local tours that start about 9.15am from the Brooke St pier. These are varied in where they go and for how long, but are all reasonably priced. Viator is a good place to start.

 

For something different (very different) maybe take the dedicated ferry upriver to the Museum of Old and New Art. (MONA). It is an extraordinary place (some find it confronting), but I for one would recommend it to any broad minded visitor. Google it ;)

 

cheers

I have asked this question on my Roll Call, but thought I might also ask a wider group of knowledgeable folk.

 

I usually hire cars from Avis, but this is not practical in Mt Maunganui when we visit in December (AVIS office is at Tauranga Airport)

 

I have concerns on terms and conditions - especially in regard to deposits, cancellations, pre hire bonds and insurance excess.

 

Most of the alternative car hire places have comparable rates, but there are some differences in their terms and conditions, esp. in regard to the above matters.

 

Does anyone have any experiences or heads up they can share on this?

 

I regard myself as reasonably competent on these matters, but I am becoming frustrated by having to research all the "fine print" to find out some pretty basic information.

 

Cheers

We're sailing on Celebrity Solstice from Freo in Feb 2015. My question relates to the orientation of the ship whilst docked at Freo harbour - does she face West (towards the ocean & Rotnest Island) with port side against the wharf, or East (toward the City) with starboard side against the wharf?

 

The reason I ask is that we have an aft cabin and are hoping to be able to farewell family on the wharf from our cabin as we depart. This will be best if she's moored facing West for departure.

 

Thanks

 

We sailed out of Freo on the Solstice in Feb 2013.

She was berthed with the aft facing east...I remember well being up at the Sunset Bar watching events on the dock and a car carrier unloading.

 

Our cabin was on the Starboard side, and I also recall that when we were down there unpacking we could see from our balcony that the Ship was being refueled from a lighter below us. I imagine that it is a distinct possibility that refueling arrangements would be specific reason for which way the ship is positioned at the wharf.

 

cheers

Flipper, can you share your private tour info? Were you pleased with it? Thanks.

 

 

Hi guys

 

When I say my Brisbane Tour was a private deal...that's what it was....I did all the organising before hand, and essentially I was the home town tour guide.

 

It started off by my seeking some others to join me in a "people Mover" I was going to hire. The response was such that within a week or so I had 30 odd people all wanting to join "Flippers Tour of Brisbane"

 

In the end this is what I did.

 

I arranged to hire a Brisbane Council bus... pick up at the pier and return well before sailaway. The thrust of the tour was to show people the real Brisbane...how we live, work and play...and that included traveling on one of our public transport buses. I was able to enlist the help of my Son in Law to do some commentary along the way.

 

The itinerary included:

 

 

• Leaving pier at the Grain Wharf and traveling over the Gateway bridge, along the river and through the CBD
  
• Passing the iconic XXXX brewery, on way to the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary
  
• Spending a couple of hours at Lone Pine, with time for lunch
  
• Going up Mt Coot-tha to see the vista from the lookout
  
• Traveling through some iconic Brisbane Terrace residential areas, as well as the Governor General's place
  
• Visit to the Kangaroo Cliffs for a majestic view of the river and the city
  
• Visit to the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) to inspect the facilities and the set up for Australian style sport (cricket and Australian Football)
  
• Visit to the Manly Foreshores and the local Marina.
  

Unfortunately we had some poor weather, so some things were curtailed, but the main venue of Lone Pine was achieved with only a little dampness. We had an unexpected highlight of having to drive through some flash flooding on our way through the Manly area.

 

I believe this tour was relatively unique, and I hope others may be able to do something similar...but certainly I am not in the business of being a tour guide (I am but a lousy "number cruncher"), and I am not seeking to do it again

 

Probably not the answer you were looking for, but its all I've got.:o

 

cheers

You didn't miss anything by not visiting Canberra Terry.

 

The best thing about Canberra is the airport...especially the Qantas departure lounge:D

 

Sorry Mic

 

cheers

We will be visiting Brisbane this coming December aboard the Diamond Princess. I know we will dock at something called the Grain Terminal downriver from Brisbane. There will be a shuttle into the city, but I do not know the drop-off point. Does anyone know?

 

We are thinking of catching the MV Miramar to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

 

Yes, the drop off point will be near the Queen St Mall.

To get to where you board the Mirimar you will need to walk up to the top of the Queens St Mall, cross the bridge, and then make your way down to the wharf. Best to get specific directions beforehand as it can be confusing over on the South Bank. You are probably already aware that the Mirimar departs at 10.00am

 

You might consider catching a bus to/from the Koala Park. There are regular buses to and from Lone Pine operated by the Brisbane City Council.

Bus number 430 leaves from Platform B4, Queen Street bus station (which is underground) and Bus number 445 leaves from stop 40 Adelaide Street (note this bus does not operate on Sundays)

Adult fares are $6.70 and children, pensioners and students are $3.40

 

You could even catch the ferry one way and the bus the other.

 

The Koala Park is a good place to visit...wont take up too much of your time, but you will get to see a fair bit of Australian Fauna. You also will get the opportunity to cuddle a Koala. Personal Photos allowed, but only if you arrange to buy one of the professional ones they take. TIP: Get your Koala cuddling photos taken as soon as you get there, then go and explore, and by the time you have seen everything the photos will be available for collection.

 

There is also a reasonably good eatery/cafe where you can get some lunch, as well as a reasonable souvenir shop. From my personal experience, it is my view that the park, the cafe and the shop have very reasonable charges and do not rip off customers.

 

NB I took a group of about 30 co-passengers off the Celebrity Solstice in Feb 13 to do a private tour of Brisbane, including the Koala Park.

 

cheers

We were on "Spirit" in February and the drill was held just before sailing. The difference between Princess and Carnival Spirit was that the drill was held out on the boat deck on Spirit whereas on Princess the drills are held inside in the larger lounges or the theatre.

 

John

 

We were also on Carnival Spirit in February and the open deck muster was very uncomfortable for quite a few people. I don't understand why Carnival needs to have their muster out on the open deck....everyone has to go, even small children and the disabled, and it can get very distressing particularly if it is hot (as it was for us), or conversely if it is raining. :mad:

 

We all understand the need for these drills, but when Princess (and Celebrity to my certain knowledge) do them in an indoor area, why does Carnival make it such a chore. :confused:

 

cheers

Definitely a good price... Celebrity have discounted the inside cabins on this cruise by up to $360pp

 

However, Inside cabins do not qualify for the new 123Go promotion which provides:

 

Simply book an Oceanview stateroom or above on Australian and South Pacific Celebrity Century cruises and choose not one, but TWO of these amazing offers^:

 

1. Free Classic beverage package for two valued at up to $1500

2. Free Gratuities for two

3. Up to US$300 onboard credit

 

An Oceanview cabin is nearly $2000 more expensive but would qualify for the 123Go deal

 

cheers

I might have rescued you in 1969 from ye olde ' Gap' then Flipper, I did that kind of stuff back then. LOL. Yes, back to the Watto for a KB.

 

We were a bunch of ex scouts that formed the first Bush Rescue squad in NSW. We did some of our training at the Gap (and Jacobs Ladder) under the unofficial tutelage of Ray Tyson and the Police Rescue Squad.

 

Loved to just wait around whilst a crowd gathered, then we just let go and abseiled over the edge. The Gap is not exactly an exciting "jump" as it is an overhang... Jacobs Ladder (just up the way) is much better.

 

Cant do it now:eek:

 

cheers

Yes the Solstice is a beautiful, practical sensational ship.... so far superior to the Princess Sun class ships, you will struggle to ever go back on them again.

 

We were on Solstice last year, and going on her again in December.

 

We only took one ships tour, and that was in Cairns where we figured the timing was such that it would be best to be sure than sorry. Turns out we were right as the ship was delayed getting into Cairns (due to an air evac. off Arnhem Land).

 

We had to pre book (on line) and cost was charged straight away to our CC. (which was different to the one we nominated for our cruise account). We did not have to cancell, but according to the confirmation email I got from Celebrity, if we had to change or cancel after boarding, and were within cancellation guidelines, they would credit our onboard account. (in US$ and there could be a change fee). Cancellations and changes made prior to sailing would be credited to the CC used for payment without penalty. (Which we did with a cancelled Spa treatment)

 

I hope that makes some sense

 

cheers

No problems in when you pick up or return Avis Car in Cairns.

 

1 Cairns Airport Cairns, QL, 4870 , AU

(61) 07-4033-9555

Location Code: CNS Hours of Operation:

Sun 4:30 AM - 1:30 AM

Mon - Wed 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM

Thu - Fri 4:30 AM - 1:30 AM

Sat 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM

 

 

No doubt the others will have the same

 

Cheers

Yes I remember going to Watson Bay Pub in the late 60's. 20 cents a schooner then.

 

 

Ah Ha Les ...sure that must have been where I've come across you old chap.

 

I was one of the lunatics jumping off the Gap with ropes...pretending it was fun...then retiring to the pub for some refreshments

 

cheers

We were on Celebrity Solstice last year when we called into Bali for an overnight stop. We had to anchor some way off shore

 

Like you, we had our tours arranged and we were all set.

 

Trouble was the Indonesian Authorities delayed the embarkation of people into the Tenders by some 3 -4 hours. The rumour was that the "Brown Paper Bag " was not full enough.

 

When we finally got ashore, there was a 200-300 metre walk along the wharf to what I will describe as a "Greeting House". You enter here and there are some shops and even some great value massage chairs. On the other side you enter a compound, full of cheerful, but persuasive locals all pushing their services. Our man, who had waited dutifully for hours, was there, with a sign displaying our booking name (bit like at the airport). We visited all we could in the limited time now available...but we were grateful the ship was staying overnight so we did not need to rush back...and of course we had the next day to do other things.

 

To be honest we were a bit disappointed in Bali. The rain did not help, nor did the delays on day 1, but all in all I found the place a bit grubby...although we did not go into Kuta...just visited the countryside.

 

I am sure however you will enjoy your visit....the people are kind, generous and friendly.

 

cheers

On cruise forums, some call them tips, some call them gratuities or grats, some call it the service charge. You'll find different terminologies all meaning the same thing......

 

You left out "Bribes"

 

It really gets my goat when I read about some guy boasting about the fact that he has ensured he gets good service because he gave the waiter a "strong handshake" when he first got on board.

 

We all have different views on tipping/gratuities...but bribes...shudder... they should be banned!

 

..... and so long as the steering wheel is on the side if the car that is nearest the centre of the road, it should not be confusing wherever you are.:D

Hi David,

 

Nothing like getting in early, so can you please add us .....

 

Thanks,

 

 

Hi Merrilyn

 

Haven't seen you over on the Celebrity Solstice Roll Call for the Dec 9 NZ Cruise.

Why not poke your nose in?

Lots of chat, good humour and plenty of good advice.

There are 9 Queenslanders (representing 48 pax) out of a total 17 Ozzies (92 pax) on the roll call. Overall there are 32 registrations, so we have more than enough for a Celebrity Connections get together on board.....although there is a pre cruise gathering arranged for folks in Auckland on 8th Dec.

Several also from the Gold Coast

 

Hope to see you there

 

cheers

Stu,

 

You must have been there same time as the car doing the Google Earth Camera shots, in Feb 2012

 

Unfortunately the best angle was marred by a bloody great container truck.

 

This is the best angle I can find:

 

Cheers

I gave up on Doyles years ago after a visit to the Watson's Bay restaurant where the service was appalling, the food was expensive and badly cooked, and they charged $12 for an 80ml glass of cheap sparkling wine. Another seafood restaurant, that we still go to, was charging $9 for 120mls of a better quality sparkling at the time.

 

Also...I would hardly call Doyles at the OPT "Iconic"... that term should be reserved for the original at Watto Bay. Pity its standards have slipped... it was one of THE places to go when I lived in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney many many moons ago.

 

That said, I think I preferred the Beer Garden at the Watto Bay Pub :D

 

cheers

Looking for a place to search best air fares to Australia/New Zealand from Los Angeles. Travelling in January 2015.

 

Have a look here:

 

http://www.skyscanner.com.au/

 

cheers

New to Celebrity- has anyone else experience booking their dining?

 

The dining option that we wanted was full so we had to book Celebrity Select Dining. The problem is that I do not have the option online to book my dining times....

 

Anyone else having this problem?

 

It's not all that obvious on the Web Site

 

If you go to your Booking Summary you should see a section that indicates your elected Dining Preferences.

 

There should then be a button that says "view"...press this and then you will find another blue button called "Reserve Now"...this will then give you the opportunity to select a dining time for each day.

 

At least that's what I get...hope it is the same for you.

 

cheers

These Port Charges are paid by passengers as part of their fare.

Essentially the cruise lines are holding the money "in trust"...not unlike a lawyers Trust Account.

Trouble is with the cruise lines there is no accountability.

It wont happen in the States.... there would be law suites raised by passengers quick smart :D

I concur with Flipper133, a few posts back.

 

If you are a first-timer that towncar is not a bad option at all.

It is probably a bit more expensive than a normal taxi, but you know the cost up front.

The booking website is asking for destination suburb or post code.

If you want to go anywhere around Circular Quai, put in The Rocks or 2000 NSW. That covers the area and the price quoted was AUD 75.

Last time I was in SYD in November, a taxi ride departing the airport at 07.30 was AUD 68 to the Pullman hotel (not as far as Circular Quai) in a slow moving line.

I would guess these towncar drivers will wait for you at arrivals...

 

I have used Towncars a number of times. Cost from the Syd. Domestic Terminal to the OPT at Circular Quay is $50 (including tip but lets not go there). Cab fare is not a lot different, but with Towncars you get professional service and a driver that can carry a decent conversation (in English !)

 

When you arrive at the terminal the driver will know, and will send you a text message (make sure you turn your mobile phone on)...its all so easy...no hassles...and you arrive at your cruise ship in style. (Last time we were provided a Black Mercedes :D )

 

I am not a snob (in fact very far from it) but I would never consider the train, it really can be a hassle... you might save a few bucks ($30 ???) but whats that compared to what you are paying for your cruise.

 

cheers