NeilonBoard

15 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

In the statement from Princess on 6th March, the Future Cruise Credit could be used for any voyage that departs by December 31st, 2021.

I am referring to a particular cruise on Majestic that recently terminated in Perth on Day 10 of a 19 night cruise to Singapore. Every passenger received the same document that stated 50% cruise credit could only be used on cruises departing before 28 February 2021. This was specific advice to passengers on this shortened cruise and not general advice from Princess to all passengers who have had their cruise cancelled. Once again I hope that common sense prevails and the booking period is extended to December 2021.

Just received my 50% cruise refund and the missing port fees have definitely not been added back on contrary to advice I had been given. I am also not happy that the future cruise credit offered must be used on a cruise departing not later than 28 February 2021. Given that Princess have now suspended all cruises worldwide till mid May it does not give much of a window to re book. We have other holidays planned and limited time to re schedule. I don't want to take a cruise I don't really want just to beat the February deadline and use the credit. Hopefully common sense will prevail and Princess will extend the booking window past February 2021.

On 2/28/2020 at 3:24 PM, Elorac123 said:

Thanks for your response it was from recent Singapore Repo on Majestic.

Got 50% refund (or will do eventually) and 50% to be used on a future cruise which zi calculated as $1300 pp and got $1174 .

Cheers Carole

 

When you get the 50% refund it should be a little extra because you will be refunded the port charges for the missed ports of Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

On 2/29/2020 at 5:30 PM, Elorac123 said:

We stayed extra nights  and it was much appreciated, a lot of the crew were getting off at the same time.

Our flight home was not till later in the day so we stored our luggage for $5 a bag at the Australia Hotel across the road and had a quick visit to prison and when we returned the Majestic was just departing to the sound of the Love Boat, bitter sweet.

There was nothing about the ship and crew that I could find to complain about ,loved every minute.

Cheers Carole

We were on board Majestic also and due to go all the way to Singapore. We stayed on board for the two extra nites in Fremantle and then decided to fly to Singapore and continue the SE Asian leg of our holiday. Perth to Singapore one way on Scoot cost just $200 and then we found most Singapore hotels had slashed their prices by at least half. We had extra days in Singapore then flew over to Phuket for a few more and then returned home on our original flight ticket. The 50% cruise compensation will more than cover all costs for the Asian leg even before we claim anything back from Princess. Singapore and Phuket were business as usual with no health issues and there was no problem getting back in to Brisbane. We were determined to salvage something positive from the suspended cruise and came out well on top financially. We still can't understand why everyone we spoke to made the decision to return home from Perth when the cruise ended.

2 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

A new report - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-06/coronavirus-outbreak-cruise-ship-diamond-princess-australians/11936102

Shame that many passengers are verbally harassing the poor old cabin crew. Can't be easy for them either. 

11 hours ago, kernow said:

Thank you for the clear directions. We will be there 2 weeks today, is the 1200 baht you mentioned one way or return?

Thanks

Firstly let me point out that there is no guarantee private taxis will be waiting in this area. It is an unofficial unmarked gate where private taxis may take their chances against the taxi cartel waiting in the official area. The 1200 baht is one way but you can be certain any private operator will know what the cartel are charging. You may do better by bartering or if you book the same cab to return you either same day or the next day if overnighting. If there are no cabs waiting at this gate simply use a cartel cab and return in a private cab which will be readily available in Pattaya. Make sure you agree on a price before returning to the port.

On 2/2/2020 at 5:01 PM, SinbadThePorter said:

 

Make em walk the plank. No quarter. 😲

 

I always get there at least 30 minutes early and sit in the middle. One of the entertainments while waiting is watching the "cruiser shuffle", as people sit as close as they can to the aisle and then have to stand every time someone has to shuffle past them into the centre seats. This can happen a dozen times before the curtain rises.

This can also happen two dozen times after the curtain rises.

20 hours ago, Cardinal Gal said:

We just stopped there on the Silver Spirit. It was rainy and the “town” was a muddy mess. We thought it was awful and went back to the ship.  Would not recommend. The squalor is depressing. 
 

When everyone takes one look at the town area and returns to the ship it does nothing to help these poor people who have suffered badly for many years. The locals are trying to improve their life and need our tourist dollar. The people are very friendly and engaging and will show you many interesting places out of town if you only give them the chance. Also the USD is widely accepted.

On 2/1/2020 at 12:53 PM, CissyFuss said:

 All my research about the distance from the ship to the port gate indicates a distance of 3km.  Would be pleasantly surprised if it were only 200m.  Please confirm, NeilonBoard.

When you get off the ship in Laem Chabang you will be ushered through a building where you will be offered the services of the taxi cartel at inflated prices. Other operators who have paid the port entrance fee may also be here to pick up passengers on pre arranged private tours. In the past I have exited this building then turned right and made my way approx 200 metres along the wharf to a gate where private taxis have been waiting. This may not be the official port entry gate but it seems to be the area which marks the limit where freelance taxis can approach the ship without paying port entrance fees.  When we overnight in Pattaya we arrange a public taxi to return us to Laem Chabang the next day and the drop off point is exactly the same place. It is not a busy signposted gate but usually there is at least one local taxi waiting hoping to get a fare in to Pattaya or better still Bangkok. The 3 kilometre distance you refer to is probably the distance through the industrial port area from the ship to the main road to either Bangkok or Pattaya. On cruises overnighting at Laem Chabang we always organise a hotel in either Bangkok or Pattaya and return the next day. There is absolutely nothing to see or do in Laem Chabang.

2 hours ago, lissie said:

We are flying into Sydney to do a cruise to PNG.  We need to take a few items which I'm currently missing and would probably be easier to buy in Sydney than try to fit them in a bag from home. Key items are a pool noodle and flippers/fins. Any ideas on a central place we can pick up some cheap and cheerful items - adult sizes. We're staying at Circular Quay and  have  several days before the cruise departs. 

 

Thanks 

Depending on your cruise line you may be able to hire snorkel,mask and fins on board. We did on a PNG cruise with P&O and found it quite reasonable and very convenient. The hire was for the duration of the cruise and they were used in several ports.

4 hours ago, johnkylie said:

On our cruise documents it mentions that the duty free shops will not be able to sell duty free because we are doing an Australian Coastal Cruise, however toiletries and alcohol for consumption on board can be purchased.

 

Does anyone know if you want to buy gifts or jewellery for yourself can you do that?

I would be very surprised if alcohol at any price from the duty free shop could be purchased for consumption on board.

21 hours ago, sddsddean said:

No dock at Phuket, so she will almost certainly tender in Patong Bay. If you put 7°53'10.05"N, 98°17'20.95"E into Google Earth you can see the two piers.

 

Simon

The dock for Phuket is the Deep Sea Harbour Port located on the East coast not far out of Phuket town. Depending on the season cruise ships may dock here or alternatively anchor in Patong Bay on the West coast and tender passengers ashore. Your cruise company should be able to tell you which location your ship will be using.

On 1/6/2020 at 10:27 PM, kernow said:

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. We are stopping here for a day in Feb and are planning to go to Pattaya for the day (been to Bangkok previously on a land trip). 

Are people saying that we can't just get off the ship and jump in a taxi? Happy to walk outside the terminal if there are taxis/shuttles/ public transport that is cheaper.

YES - you can walk off the ship and get a taxi but it will be from one company who has a monopoly at the port. You only need to pre book if you privately arrange a taxi or transport in advance from another company who will probably then charge extra for port entry fees. A taxi in to Pattaya will take 30 mins and probably cost approx 1200 baht if you only want transport but if you want the driver to stay with you and show you places of interest it will be more. The cruise company may also have a shuttle service running.

I have seen private taxis waiting at the port gate and it is only a 200 metre walk if you allowed to access them. We have used them in the past but the rules may have changed.

18 hours ago, mazza said:

Hello

 

From reading this board, I know there is a Celebrity shuttle from Yorkey's Knob into Cairns, but does anyone know where the drop off point in Cairns is please? Thanks.

 

Maree

 

The shuttle drops off at the Cairns esplanade just near the lagoon pool. There is often a small market at the drop off point if a cruise ship is in for the day.

On 1/2/2020 at 8:42 AM, Bpos said:

 

Sounds about right.  Be aware if planning to do your own transport arrangements from Phu My to Saigon, you will be up for some serious money.  In my opinion, I believe it is best to prearranged your transport before you go for this port.

If you are going from Phu My port to Saigon there will probably be a ship's shore excursion called Saigon on my Own. This is basically transport only and you will be dropped off and picked up somewhere central in Saigon. You will be on your own to explore the city at your own pace. If you are reasonably active and can stand the heat Saigon is easily covered on foot in one day. You also will have the added safety a ships excursion offers should there be traffic or any other circumstances delaying your return to the ship.

On 12/2/2019 at 11:58 AM, NSWP said:

And I have seen those bringing glasses of wine from their cabin into MDR's getting the evil stare from the head waiters/Maitre'D at the MDR door.  No Uncle Les does not do it, I am thrifty but not super tight.👺🍷

If you bring a full glass of wine to the MDR how can the waiters/maitre'd know whether it's come from your cabin or purchased from one of the many bars on the way to dinner. 

7 hours ago, yorky1 said:

Hi

We were on Celebrity Constellation in January 2019 when it arrived at Phuket town .  This was a tender port for us , but was efficient.   There were loads of taxis as you walked off the landing jetty offering to take you anywhere.   You may be able to get a cheaper deal if you walk along the pathway for a few hundred yards and strike a deal with a driver there.  Tender took you almost to centre of Phuket.  Short stroll to shops bars etc.  Beautiful beach too 

I you came off a ship's tender then you were dropped at Patong Beach not Phuket town. Phuket town is over on the eastern side near the Deep Water port and has no beach close by.

11 hours ago, Longwood50 said:

NeilonBoard 

The information that I got from NCL was that it was slated to be in the deep water port.  Where did you obtain that information so that I can check as the date gets closer.  I understand the cruise lines often change their stated mooring locations.

 

I am a regular visitor to Phuket both land based and cruise based. High season which is non monsoon season (November to March) cruise ships anchor in Patong Bay and tender passengers ashore to the busy tourist area of Patong. It is not uncommon to wake up and see several ships at anchor. Most ships are only in for the day and leave early evening but some itineraries allow for an overnight stay. Low season which is monsoon season the ships normally dock at the Deepwater Port because Patong Bay is too exposed to bad weather. This appears to be a more expensive option for the cruise line and is certainly less popular with cruise passengers. There is absolutely nothing in the vicinity of this port and most passengers organise their own transport over to Patong or other beaches on the other side of the island. If your ship is docked in the Deepwater Port in December I guess NCL must have a valid reason why.

3 hours ago, Longwood50 said:

We are going to be on the Norwegian Jade December 11, and December 12 in Phuket.  The cruise line only offers 4 very lousy tours.  We would like to take a taxi to other areas in Phuket.  For someone who is familiar with the Cruise Port, are there Taxi's readily available?  One person indicated that they were not allowed into the port area and difficult to find. 

Contrary to my previous post it now appears Norwegian Jade docks at the Deepwater Port on the Eastern side which surprises me greatly. You walk off the ship for a hundred metres to the port gates and there should be taxis waiting outside. There is absolutely nothing to see within walking distance of this port.

2 hours ago, Longwood50 said:

We are going to be on the Norwegian Jade December 11, and December 12 in Phuket.  The cruise line only offers 4 very lousy tours.  We would like to take a taxi to other areas in Phuket.  For someone who is familiar with the Cruise Port, are there Taxi's readily available?  One person indicated that they were not allowed into the port area and difficult to find. 

There are 2 cruise drop off locations in Phuket depending on the season. In December which is high season the cruise ship will probably anchor in Patong Bay on the western side and tender passengers ashore. Once ashore you will be swamped with taxis and tuk tuks offering all forms of excursions. The tender drop off is also right in the heart of shopping, restaraunts and a reasonable beach. Outside of high season the ships dock at an industrial port on the eastern side which is pretty isolated and away from the main attractions.

27 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

Yes - the two bottles you bring on in Sydney will be corkage free. Additional bottles will have the AUD$15 corkage charge. You can bring wine on at the other ports. The corkage fee should be charged on those bottles, but sometimes it isn't.😊

Thank you - I am more than happy to pay the $15 corkage on wines of my choice especially in wine regions like Adelaide and Margaret River. This still works out cheaper than paying upwards of $42 on board for bottles of the usual entry level brands that retail for $10.99 at Dan Murphys.

We are on Majestic Princess from Sydney to Singapore in February and were intending to embark in Sydney with 2 bottles of wine. Does that mean we can bring on another 2 bottles in Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. I imagine the first 2 bottles in Sydney would be corkage free but I guess I would have to pay the corkage on anything purchased in the later ports after that. Buying a couple at a time in each port seems easier than lugging a carton on in Sydney.

On 9/13/2019 at 4:10 AM, DaBook said:

Thank you for ALL Your Suggestions... The Port is the Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCCS).  We are staying in Chinatown area but wondered if after dropping off luggage at Port, We could take a taxi to some spot closer to port area to spend an hour or 2 .   AND that brings up a  Second Question - We are a group of 5 adults  - So are taxis readily available for 5 passengers?  Again Thank You!!

If you can drop off luggage early at Marina Bay Cruise Centre it is only a 10 minute walk to a subway station. Travel 2 stops and you are at Marina Bay shopping centre and Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Many passengers kill time here before returning to the port for embarkation.

On 5/7/2019 at 7:40 AM, M Clarkson said:

We're doing an NCL cruise that has an overnight stop there in January 2020. It looks as though the Jade will anchor off Patong Beach and we will be tendered ashore but the ship will dock overnight at Ao Makham port. Does this sound right? If this is the case, how long does the ship stay anchored off Patong Beach for? And will it stay at the dock the next day or return to anchor off Patong Beach? I'm trying to work out how we might spend our two days there and it would be helpful to know what part of Phuket we will arrive in and leave from each day. Have never done a cruise before that included an overnight port stop.

Cruise ships generally anchor in Patong Bay (west coast) in high season or dock at Ao Makham (east coast) in low season. This is due to the monsoon season that can make Patong Bay an unsafe anchorage. I have never heard of a cruise ship utilizing both locations in the one cruise. Patong Bay is a tender port and you will be transported in to the hub of all dining, shopping and nightlife activities. If the ship overnights in Patong Bay the tenders should run till very late in the evening. Ao Makham is an industrial port where you can walk straight off the ship but you will need to take a taxi or ships tour to visit anything worthwhile. I believe in January the ship should arrive and depart from Patong Bay.