Creekside89

@Jim_Iain Giuseppe mentioned towards the end of the last cruise that this cruise will be done in 2026. Can you find out if possible: Which ship? Month? Rough itinerary? Please and thank you.

It’s been that way since Rome. When we went through the Suez, they had tape in front of it. I stood there for a little while to get photos. When we were on our tender for Cairns, the maintenance crew were trying to remove the panel and had a new glass panel with them. They were having difficulty removing the damaged panel.

We recently stayed at Smeraldo in the annex. We were on the 1st floor. No outside noise, just thin floors. We could hear the people above us walking around and opening their wardrobe door. Housekeeping wasn’t up to scratch. Toiletries weren’t replaced, and floor not cleaned as when I went to put on my shoes my feet were dirty. On a very sour note, we went to the rooftop bar late afternoon one day and had a drink. Thought we might stay for dinner but as we couldn’t get any further service we left. Upon paying for the drinks, I handed over my card and the bartender looked at DH and proceeded to give him a lecture, saying he is the man he should look after the financials. But in saying that he had no hesitation in taking my card and processing it whilst giving this lecture. Would we stay here again. No.

DH got a call last night from a friend who was supposed to be on this cruise yesterday. A total of 10 people in his group. His wife’s 50th birthday on board. Due to one runway being open in Sydney yesterday morning, their 9am flight didn’t depart until 1pm. He advised that at least 20 taxis all arrived at the terminal at the same time and they were told by ground staff to not let those taxis leave as they will be getting straight back in them, the Captain had pulled the gang plank and was going. Also said the Captain was well aware that 47 couple’s/families had not arrived and he knew of the situation in Sydney but didn’t care saying time is money. Our first question was why didn’t you go yesterday? Pre Covid we would have done it, post Covid trust no one. His father organised the trip and they are all first time cruisers. No travel insurance and I believe Qantas is flying them back today for free. He is going to ring P & O Monday to see if they can do anything.

It’s a whole new world living in the Southern Hemisphere

We are booked with CP Tours for next month. There will be 10 of us. The company has 3 vans going to the Barossa that day and 2 going elsewhere. Payment is 3 days before, will automatically come off your credit card.

We were in a Club Class mini suite as well. Yes we noticed the rust around the windows but didn’t bother us. Yes the staff were FABULOUS. Far better than Sabatini’s for our complimentary dinner and was mentioned to the head Maître D when we spoke to him the next night. Never saw someone take notes and move so fast. When returning to the ship there was hand sanitiser stations on the dock and on the ship upon passing through security. Dont get me started on the check in staff at Brisbane. Rude, arrogant and don’t know what they are doing. Also what is the point of doing the RAT test if no one is going to check it. Also what is the point of having check in times when no one follows it and check in staff don’t care. We were happy with our price as we booked it over 3 years ago and has been cancelled a few times. I believe the ship is going for a dry dock in 2024. Anyway we had a great cruise.

DH had it on Coral last night in the MDR.

I am on this cruise. Join the roll call and we will give you some options for a day tour to the Barossa.

I heard an Australian ‘rumour’ that Edge was going back to Europe. DH heard an Australian ‘rumour’ that Edge was staying here. Couple of reasons, Edge is not posh enough for the European’s anymore??? and that Celebrity themselves have said that they want to bring a newer ship to Sydney and to capture our winter market.