Jandex

We’ve also mostly sailed RCI - one Carnival, one Princess, one P&O. Have you considered Celebrity? We are sailing Celebrity for the first time later in the year so can’t give you a definitive opinion but from what I’ve heard - it’s a slight step up from RCI. Celebrity Edge is coming to our shores for the 23-24 season, so that might be worth a look.

There should be no problem getting cocktails with Diamond vouchers. At least to the value of $15USD.

I saw Pixels in January and Spectra in March - couldn’t tell the difference except the name change. Not my favourite show.

Disappointing that there’s not a smaller ship sailing from Sydney as well, as it limits the South Pacific Island ports significantly. Other cruise lines will have much more interesting itineraries in this area. On a brighter note, I also like the prospect of the Singapore relocation. I presume this will be at the beginning of the season?

Yes I got 25% which is not much….

The internet on Ovation this week has not been too good. Constantly cutting out. I did manage to do a call on WhatsApp this morning. My husband has been using zoom everyday with mixed results - usually finds opening stateroom door just a crack helps a lot. We complained about internet and the staff told us that they needed new Cisco equipment (means nothing to me) but that he wasn’t sure when it would be installed. I think will still be an issue for a while…

Covermore has Covid cover - comprehensive or compressive plus I think.

We’re on this cruise too. Of 3 cruises this season (3 years of rescheduled cruises into one summer) we’ll have been to Port Vila once only. We’ve also had Noumea cancelled on one trip and haven’t yet made it to Mystery island! Obviously we have no control over weather, but it would be nice if there were more ports in the South Pacific that are suitable for larger ships. That’s my little rant - but I must say I’m just happy to be cruising and it’s definitely not the end of the world having an extra cruise day or the same port twice. 🛳️

Following. We have a port day on Papeete on a Sunday. Seems that a lot of businesses are closed. We have done the east coast tour. many other suggestions of what to do?

On the 3 night cruises I have been on in Australia they do not offer the deluxe drink package prior to the cruise either. I did however notice it was on sale one we got onboard!

We’re also boarding 27 March - seems strange we’ve heard very little about what’s going on after the cyclone and earthquake- even in the media. Would be happy to take some things over - like school supplies etc but not sure if we’ll even stop. Is it just me? Or has there’s been so little news….?

Thanks plettza- hope you enjoyed your cruise. This is good to know. I wasn’t sure if you could buy internet day by day as opposed to the whole cruise - so that is good news as well! I’ve seen a few articles saying that zoom does work for meeting purposes but extras like watching videos posted on a meeting won’t load. Any excuse to book a cruise, so we will take the chance and report back!!

Hi all. We are considering a cruise on Splendor out of Sydney in June/July. My husband can really only come with if he can work on board. This requires him to access the internet for a few hours each day, including zoom meetings. Can anyone tell me if Wifi on board is good enough for this? Thank you 😊

On Ovation recently and the cocktails at $15 are included in the Diamond vouchers.

We sailed on December 14 on Ovation and my husband tested positive on day 5, and I came home with influenza A! Both of us fully vaccinated for Covid and flu! We asked onboard if there were a lot of cases and they said not. Have no idea where either of us picked up viruses but could have been anywhere. I wore mask on rare occasions I went in lift and on tenders. We are onboard again this Wednesday so fingers crossed we’ll have a healthy cruise! This is now (unfortunately) a part of life, and there is not much we can do about it - take precautions and travel, or stay home.

Following. We are boarding on Wednesday and have heard the same. Was on Quantum a couple weeks ago - 3 day cruise - entertainment was fabulous.

We’re on Ovation 14 December, I love spending time onboard and would be happy to spend more days at sea, however Mystery Island is one of my favourite destinations so I hope we get there.

Thank you all for your input regarding proof of policy for ANZ credit card travel insurance. I called and they are able to send a copy of my eligibility for insurance. Happy sailing everyone!

I use my ANZ card to take advantage of the travel insurance, but you don’t actually get a formal policy. How are we meant to prove we have insurance?

Angelito was our waiter for our 3 night cruise in August. There were 10 of us travelling together and seated at the table for the three nights and he was really fantastic.

Also having trouble with the app. Only one of five cruises showing - this is also the case when I sign in online! Hoping it’s just a temporary issue. Royal has mistakenly cancelled two of my cruises in the past - so I’m a little paranoid…

As far as I know the food credit for a la carte on Ovation is for Izumi - as menu items are priced separately. This can be used once only. I’m pretty sure the quote you copied has been added for the unlimited dining package which Royal have just changed rules to using credit only once per day. So not sure how that can be relevant to 3 night package. As for the price of the package- I think it’s over the top. Pre- Covid I spent $99 for the 3 night package, and just a few months ago I begrudgingly paid about $165 for the package for my December cruise. Hoping the price may drop back from $202 in the Black Friday sales - but who knows ….

That makes sense that it’s used behind the scenes. thanks.

Thank you all for your info. If VeriFLY is not necessary it will take the pressure off some of my family members. Crazy they have all these procedures in place, upping travellers’ stress levels - and then don’t enforce them. Happy sailing everyone!

Hi. Hoping to get some info from anyone who has sailed P&O recently. My extended family is sailing together on P&O later this week. Some of us have already downloaded and updated info on VeriFLY app. Is it necessary for those who haven’t yet done so? Even if they have vax certificates etc. Or is it necessary for the health declaration you need to complete the day before? Many thanks!