Bubbeh

Point taken, Having accepted that, I would suggest that 2 cold beers does not really make the package cost effective.

There's not many people who enjoy a drink more than me and Grumpy (wine / beer /whiskey) . When we first started cruising I priced the drinks package and realised that it was extremely expensive for what we drink. Very occasionally I might have a Brandy Alexander but on a 50 day cruise you could count those times on one hand. These packages rely on you drinking the same amount day after day and to actually make on the deal you have to be drinking a hell of a lot! Imagine for a moment that you've come back from a shore excursion, you may be hot and sweaty and even somewhat tired, are you really going to sit around and drink your whatever many cocktails that day? Remember you're not getting a refund for what you don't use. We had lunch with a couple one day in the buffet and they both ordered a couple of drinks each, I have no issue with a glass or seven of wine with lunch in company. However, she said to me that they never normally drink before dinner but they'd bought the drinks package and felt they were being ripped off unless they drank their money's worth. She also complained to me that her hubby kept missing afternoon events as he needed to have a nap after a couple of drinks at lunch. LOL!

I always get a letter from the Dr stating what medications are prescribed and how many milligrams in each tablet. Once filled I've always found the the pharmacist keeps hold of the script.

Don't think I could be even bothered packing a suitcase for 3 to 4 days. Nothing less than 10 days and even then I'm not sure.

Not entirely sure what a 'move over offer' is? Seems to be an offer to forego a booking or accept an alternative of lesser value. Is that right?

No a scotch finger biscuit is nothing like a twix - we have twix over here and it's a chocolate covered bickie type of thing. A confectionery item. A scotch finger biscuit is very similar to shortbread but comes like two small bars joined together that can be snapped apart. See picture below. BTW, I've absolutely no idea why this just appeared when I tried to attach the scotch finger. ??????

Oh God yes and and anything salted caramel. Oh be still my expanding waist, hips and thighs.

My kids cut their teeth on Ginger Nuts. They used to sit on my knee while gumming the GNs to death and then stick the mush into my mouth. Delicious - NOT!!!!

Oh ditto, and there's always the good old Scotch Finger. Yummy.

Our 10 day Coral Coast Cruise with Princess in September is costing $6400 for a mid ships balcony. Cruising is not always a cheap option anymore but, it is just such a joy! Besides, any cruise from this side of the country is more expensive, we just don't see the 'specials' that our eastern states fellow cruisers do.

I'm trying to put this as politely as possible because it may sound offensive but that's not my intention: Was there a reason your mother didn't drive or ever travel overseas? Our younger daughter is epileptic and can't drive for that reason so she's never had a licence but has a circle of friends who often give her lifts and also she's regular Uber etc user. I can't imagine not being able to drive myself, it must make life quite difficult in some ways. I'm probably going to end up being one of those old ladies that mistakes the accelerator for the brake and smashes through the window of a hairdresser killing a dozen customers. To paraphrase Clint Eastwood; they'll take my licence from my cold dead hand.

From my perspective; don't even think about it! Unless of course you're a stress junkie. I can't stand the pressure and always arrive at least one day before departure and fly home at least one day after disembarkation. Why not spend a couple of days in Sydney and make your way leisurely to the airport in due course? Maybe even hire a car and drive to Canberra, our Nation's Capital is amongst the most interesting cities to visit. Having said this, I understand that I am ignorant of your personal circumstances.

Well another school day for this little black duck. I've only ever boarded a cruise with my Passport and I was totally unaware that any Govt ID Photo ID would do. Mind you, having said that, I've never just cruised domestically, always gone overseas in both senses of the word. Doing the Coral Coast in September Freo-Freo so I wonder if I can just use my Drivers Licence? Probably, but I'll likely use my Passport, my DL licence photo is dreadful but my Passport photo is quite flattering. Just waffling so ignore at will...😉

Our daughter is a bit of a rev head so for her 30th birthday (16 years ago!) we bought her hot laps at a circuit in an industrial area of Perth. It was clear from the moment the engine revved that she was born for this and had certainly missed her calling.

Ah price gouging, you'd never get that over here. 😉

Thanks Charlie, 'tis easy to forget not everyone understands the lingo. 😁

I give the postie, garbos and the council workers a couple of bottles of beer (long necks) at Xmas. I guess that counts as tipping? LOL! I grew up with everyone in my street leaving a couple of king browns for the garbos, postie etc. Back in the day everybody did it, was it to ensure good service? Not really, more to show appreciation for people doing a job that made life easier.

That's me, Little Miss Standard Fare ☺️ .

Try contacting the Directorate General of Immigration Public Relations - evoa@imigrasi.go.id, they are most helpful. However, given the departure date, your friend may wish to look up the website - https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/front/faqs/university#generalquestions - at the bottom of this page is an option for a Live Chat. I wouldn't procrastinate on this though, from what I understand (anyone can correct me if needed) if your friend doesn't have a Visa for Bali, they won't be able to board the ship.

I usually go to Guest Services on the first day and sign off any 'optional' gratuities. If I've had exceptional service from the Cabin Attendant I may give something in an envelope that I leave in the cabin after we've left. I find the whole handing over of cash (albeit in an envelope) face to face very uncomfortable and prefer to avoid that situation. Only once have I failed to leave 'a little something' for the Cabin Attendant and that person was most inattentive and appeared not to like their role at all - forgot to give clean towels, forgot to make the beds, forgot to vacuum the floor etc etc etc.

I've used Uber on a very occasional basis. My granddaughter used Shebah exclusively.

I was also flummoxed by this. My lexicon has now expanded.

I am also going to Bali in a few weeks time, and have successfully applied for Visa. If your friends ship is docking at Benoa (most do) then all they need to put in is the post code 80362 and the form automatically fills in the rest of the address. If they're going to Lombok or somewhere else then, a Google search for the relevant post code will help.

We lived at 'The Gateway' to the Swan Valley for more than 17 years. It's probably where I developed my over-fondness for the fermented juice of the grape. Whenever we return to catch up for lunch with friends at what used to be our local pub, it's a very bitter sweet moment for me.

Esperance is just beautiful and the locals welcome tourists. I could live there if it weren't for the weather and the wind. Brrrr......