Bonvoyageoz

Also remember if Indian railways quotes a 10 hour trip, treat this as a guide only, it could be 15 hours or more. Delays are almost guaranteed.

We have travelled overnight by train from Goa to Cochin. The hardest part was getting tickets for a sleeper berth as they sell out months in advance. I do not recommend going any lower than 2nd class A/C. Food on board is very limited, better if you like vegetarian. Facilities very basic. After arriving in Cochin we stayed at The Old Habour hotel, pure luxury after the train.

Public transport in the CBD is free, this hotel is only a few stops outside the free zone. It should be free up to Victoria Market.

Have a look a The Larwill Studio, in Parkville, it may suit your budget and is on the Northern edge of the CBD.

We are trying to decide between two quotes for Hawaii to Sydney Sept/Oct this year. One is on Carnival Legend & the other Celebrity Solstice.

We have never cruised with Carnival, & have heard there can be issues with unruly kids.

We have been on Solstice before & loved it, but we've loved all ships we've been on including 9 cruises witj P&O & multiple Princess.

Legend includes Moorea, Suva & Noumea. Solstice includes Maui, Auckland & Pahia. Other Ports are the same.

Both cabins are inside accessible, & the last available of their type.

Legend cabin is right at the very front on Deck 7, which is a concern, considering the number of sea days across open ocean.

Celebrity cabin is Deck 9 near fwd elevators & right next door to a cabin we've sailed in before.

Carnival quote includes $200 OBC.

No perks on Celebrity because current sale offering beverage package & OBC only applies to Oceanview cabins & above, even though accessible oceanview for this sailing are sold out.

Apparently gratuities are not payable on top on either ship, but Celebrity is $US onboard, & Carnival is $AUD.

Both cruises are 17nts & quotes includes flight, transfers & 3nts in Honolulu plus a Pearl Harbour Tour.

Carnival is around $600 cheaper pp. (without counting the $200 OBC)

Any thoughts please?

Have you looked at NCL Jewel as a third alternative?

Have you considered Norwegian Jewel? We choose this as it is via Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caladonia. More ports with fewer multiple sea days.