Nowcruise5

Maybe a little off topic. If you forget or lose your tags, replacement tags are available at most embarkation ports or from baggage porters. I have seen this in Miami, Sydney and Venice.

Been on the Star twice and her sister ship the Dawn twice. Older smaller ships. Booked mainly for the itinerary. As mentioned, not as many bells and whistles as some of the newer bigger ships. I recommend reaching out to current and recent passengers via NCL Star Roll Calls for comments. One of the most interesting things that ever happened to me on a cruise was on the Star . It broke down in the Tasman Sea off Australia. I would however Sail on the Star again!

Been on the Star twice. First time the ships Azipod propulsion system failed while in the Tasman Sea. Hope they check the system when in dry dock!

Let me know if that works! Haha!

Just for FYI, if you are on hold and do not hear music, the person you are holding for can hear anything you say. So be careful!

I totally agree with you!

Great recommendation about rounding up the amount. As I said above I have been to Australian before and twice to NZ. Never had anything but a great time. Wonderful people and two beautiful countries. Thanks for the replies!

Is it possible to leave a tip on a credit card after taking a Taxi in Sydney? On a previous trip from the Sydney Airport to the port I did not have any Australian money for a tip. It was my understanding that there was no tipping in Australia. The cab driver was rude and would not get out of the taxi to even take our luggage out of the trunk. Don’t want this to again, so should I have some cash?

Thanks!

The ship is in Melbourne from 8 to 5 pm. Might look at renting a car. Although car rentals have gotten expensive. I have some experience driving on the left (New Zealand, England etc.). I noticed that you post often with info on this site. Thank you for sharing information.

Thanks very much for the info on the Aquarium. I see you are from Melbourne. My wife and I are interested in Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. The ship tour is all booked up. Public transportation takes too much time. Any recommendations for getting to the Sanctuary? Thanks in advance!

Glad I have HIA.

Would like to visit the aquarium. Transportation from port to aquarium?

Thank you very much!

Anyone know if any non alcohol beer is available on Hal ships? Any included with drink packages?

Well, since my wife and I are booked on Hal in February (Sydney to Auckland) your review is disappointing. We have been cruising since 1983 on most every cruise line. This will be our first on HAL. This will be our third trip to New Zealand. Thanks for your review, well written and informative. One comment about Americans. I am from the south of the USA. Unfortunately, some Americans don’t understand they can be offensive. I hear their comments sometimes and think, Please shut up!

Thanks for the information. I will call my TA.

You have to pre order and pay for distilled water? Never been on HAL before, cruised 20 plus times before on a number of other lines. Never had to pre order and never was charged. So, how do I pre order distilled water?

Planning on renting a vehicle for a few days in Auckland. Looking for a rental agency near the cruise port in Auckland and the ability turn the vehicle in at the Airport. Recommendations?

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the information!

Thanks for the information. Looks like a Taxi is the answer. We are from the US (Florida). From the airport taxi also?

Leaving out of the White Bay Terminal February 2023. Suggestions for hotels near the port or ones that have shuttle service to White Bay. Arriving in Sydney the day before ship sails. Restaurants, things todo etc. recommendations.

Leaving on the Noordam in February 2023 from the White Bay Terminal. Suggestions for hotels near or with shuttle service to the port.