clairebearinaus

The Quantum cruise leaving on 27th March has also had Pt Vila cancelled, but they get another sea day in its place.

I see a drinks package as a challenge and I WILL win. Carnival is the only one I don't see value in and don't buy. Their drinks aren't that expensive. RCI on the other hand, I can easily get $100+ value out of them, once you add service charge and convert to USD the drink prices are extortionate, 5 drinks a day and you're even! On a typical day usually have a beer or fruity cocktail 2 on the sun deck during the day, then once we're all dressed for dinner we'll head downstairs for a couple of pre-dinner cocktails in a bar, wine or 2 and maybe a digestive with dinner. Off to a bar or show for another couple of drinks and we are way in front of the package without trying very hard or being particularly drunk. Boy the calories add up though... I wouldn't drink like that at home!

I read somewhere (probably Facebook) that they're expecting their first ship back since the cyclones on 25th March. Luminosa I think. There was some wharf damage, plus power cuts and water shortages. I can happily spend a 'foodie day' enjoying French cuisine in Noumea - market, creperie, patisserie, chocolaterie and poke through Carrefour for a cheese selection to bring back to the ship. A second day would be challenging while the beaches are also closed! Do you like snorkelling, a day out on an island might be nice.

I was always under the impression that cruise lines had zero tolerance for violence and aggression. It's really disappointing to see that happen, in full view of plenty of witnesses, with no repercussions for the perpetrator. I'm glad the magician has gone public.

No I agree there's very little news coming out of Vila. At first I assumed it was due to damage to communication infrastructure but there's still not much information available. I follow Irikiki Island and Hideaway Island resorts on social media, they are open and welcoming visitors though the latter is still repairing damage.

I assume the other poster meant Melbourne's position facing Bass Strait/Southern Ocean and being a long way from the tropics. As a fellow Melburnian within easy reach of Station Pier I agree there's nothing quite like being able to cruise from your home port. But as a warm weather cruiser I can see how our position is limiting, and I also enjoy flying to Brisbane (for example) and having lovely weather out on the deck from day 1.

I agree that if the WJ bursting with people it's acceptable to share tables. I mean I don't LIKE sharing, but I accept that it's gracious to do so. I'd expect to be asked though, not just have someone plonk themselves down!

I've just read that Carnival Splendor is skipping Port Vila and going back to Noumea instead.

I also keep up with Mystery Island social media and they missed a visit from Carnival Luminosa this week. Not because of damage, but because immigration officials from the capital couldn't reach the area to clear the ship, due to a lack of planes. I feel for the islanders, they've been through so much and must invest a lot in fresh food etc. for cruise ship visits.

I hope you feel better for unleashing your frustrations on us. Are you aware of how your own government treats visa applicants, especially those with criminal records?

For me, there just wasn't enough to do on the ship. That's not say there weren't things to do, but they didn't appeal to me. I'm early 50s (though fairly immature, admittedly 😄) and would say the 'vibe' of the ship is a lot older.

It's such a personal thing - after 2 nights on Cunard I felt like I'd seen and done enough, and I definitely wouldn't want to be in an interior for a cruise that length on any cruise ship. I've also sailed on P&O, there were hits and misses with the food and service on both lines. If you are a drinker, factor in that alcoholic drinks on Cunard are VERY expensive.

Royal's website lists a dedicated check in queue and priority boarding for all suite types (including Junior Suites) in Royal Suite Class, which covers Ovation. So it doesn't specifically say you can check in whenever, but it looks promising. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

I usually go to the steakhouse-but-with-silver-service option once on a cruise, in the $50-65pp range and I find it worth doing just as a change from MDR - and I don't eat steak. Carnival's version is always good just for their lobster bisque, and I had my most enjoyable cruise meal ever on Celebrity Solstice. The free food options are fine otherwise. We are trying Chef's Table for the first time on our next cruise, that's a little birthday treat though, which I've paid over the odds for as it is priced to include wine and we have bought a booze package.

It just appeared in my planner today for a cruise on April 4.

Poor Vanuatu was smashed by two cyclones and two earthquakes in a matter of days. Last I saw, there's significant infrastructure damage in Port Vila, though Mystery Island wasn't hit too badly. I have a cruise to both in early April and thought I'd start a post so others in a similar situation can share any information they receive from their respective cruise lines. RCI pulled a last-minute switcheroo last month and an island cruise ended up going to Hobart. Guess we'd better pack for all eventualities!

There's an Indian restaurant on the pool deck of a Carnival ship I'm going on later this year, and I hear it's very popular, long queues at lunchtime. It has a tandoori oven so serves things other than curry. I love Indian food and the menu looks quite delicious so I'll be making good use of that offering, but I don't think I'd pay extra for it - for us it's just everyday food that we prepare at home, like Italian.

Thanks for the latest tips - I don't eat red meat at all so it'll be shrimp tacos all the way for me - the better half will happily eat faces and feet though!

What do you mean by 'kids food' though? When mine were younger, they just ate smaller portions of what we ate. (Now, much bigger portions!) Understood yours don't eat fish but would they not eat some meat from the carvery, pasta or rice, potatoes or fries, vegetables? Some bread and butter?

I couldn't decide either - early was too early, late was too late. We chose My Time Dining and then went online to book for 7.30 every night, before we boarded.

My teens loved all the cruises they've been on. We haven't been on those specific ships but have done week + sailings on both Princess and Royal, they found much more to do on Royal. Neither were big users of teen club other than as a meeting point (and to play Xbox 🙄). Again without knowing the exact details of your ships (or having the time to look up the respective websites) I would say overall Princess is more price inclusive than Royal, but there are still lots of activities on Royal which are free.

Clean hands! Every time you touch something that someone else might have touched - a handle, rail, lift button, serving tongs - you need to clean and/or sanitise your hands before you touch your face (or your fork, phone, etc etc) So - touch as little as possible. Sleeve over hand, use your elbow, go back to your cabin for the bathroom. And carry sanitiser everywhere. It's very very difficult, which is why covid and noro spread so easily.

I'm very happy about this. I've switched to digital for nearly everything, but sitting down over morning coffee (or mimosa) with the newsletter and a highlighter pen is a little cruising pleasure which just can't be replicated with the app.

Same, I tested the theory on a QE 2 nighter - the bar tab was higher than the cruise fare yet I still caught covid!

Thank you both!