ceeceeDee

It could well come down to a safety issue as well. Whilst I'm sure the coastguard personnel are excellent seamen, they are probably not experienced in transferring passengers to a cruise ship. Also the media reported that one pax is a paraplegic and another was 80 years old which would have raised the degree of difficulty in the proposed transfer. Imagine if one of pax fell between the coastguard vessel and the ship! The consequences would be catastrophic. There are numerous factors contributing to the captain's decision which have probably not been considered by the media or the pax involved.

Yes, apparently they opted for a private tour which was late getting back. That's the risk you take with a private tour. If it's late, the ship won't wait. Frankly I wouldn't risk a private tour overseas. At least if you book through the cruise line, they have to wait for you. You might save a few bucks with a private tour, but that backfired in this case as the pax affected spent thousands chasing the ship through 6 African countries allegedly. I might risk a private tour on a domestic cruise. An overnight in Cairns you are safe as houses if you take a private tour on the first day and spend the next day doing a shank's pony around the town maybe. Having said that, six people missed the ship on our last Barrier Reef cruise. In the case of the Norwegian Dawn there are conflicting stories on what actually happened and we really only know what the media tells us which is probably not the full story. The pax involved had a torrid time of it and I do feel for them, but at the end of the day they were very late getting back (one report said an hour) regardless of the cause and a ship's deadline is a ship's deadline.

Wish they'd do an open day in Brisbane!

You're very welcome!

I'm really not surprised to hear that she is tired. It's about time she was re-tired! She's pushing 28 years old. I know there are other ships still in service that are in excess of 30 years old in better condition than Explorer, but I suspect P&O only keep their fare prices down because they skimp elsewhere on these older vessels. There was a rumour last year that Explorer was going to be replaced sometime in the near future, but who knows? As for nickel and dimeing once on board................. that's happening on most cruise lines. Just read the Princess threads for a start. And at least on P&O you don't get slugged daily gratuities which, as you probably know, is the case with RCI, Celebrity, etc. We don't mind P&O, we just keep our expectations fairly low and they are usually exceeded. Frankly, we just take a good time with us and that's precisely what we have. The upside of the cheaper initial fare is that we usually opt for a higher cabin category which does come with a few 'perks'.

This one's a Labrador!🤣 (sorry, couldn't resist🙄)

Ditto and there's always the freezer for frozen leftovers

Although................ Does a badged harness count? This little guy is in Queensland.

Heard of them, don't recall ever seeing one.

Maccas or KFC?🤣🥴

As I have not sailed on Explorer, I had a look at the P&O website (the process is slightly different on Encounter and Adventure): If you are travelling on Pacific Explorer, you can make specialty dining reservations in Cruise Control. Once onboard, you will be able to book our complimentary restaurants, Waterfront, Angelo's and Dragon Lady, by visiting the booking desk on Deck 6, calling 4800 or through the P&O Cruises App. Hope this helps and wishing you a great cruise.

No thanks!🤭

Yes, Gwendy, the old Pacific Dawn was my favourite P&O Australia ship. Last sailed on her in 2018. I was amused to see that the cabin carpets are the same as when I last sailed on her!😆 I must say that I like her purple and white hull as the Ambassador livery. The old girl looks pretty good.

Yes, the dreaded spicy cough is still around. I was supposed to see my daughter for her birthday today. Son in law has come down with Covid, so the celebrations are on hold.☹️

Yep, used to be one on the border of NSW/Victoria - Albury and Wodonga. Stop it! I'm not THAT old!!!!! Well, comparatively.............. then again .............😒😂

Good to hear! Also fabulous to have a post NOT bagging the much maligned P&O.🤣

Happy Anniversary, Leigh (as well as Easter of course). We had a quiet family outing (Hubby, myself and Hillary (resident Labrador) to a lovely off leash dog area beside the river. A good time was had by all.

On our P&O cruise last year there was definitely a formal night (though not everyone participates). We don't mind dressing for dinner, so hubby wore a suit and I my little red cocktail number. There were quite a few people who went to the trouble and quite a lot who didn't. Personal choice really.

I often do this for that reason.

Of COURSE it's all your doing!😂 As my husband is fond of saying 'He's in a paddock with a really good mare!'(gotta love an ex jockey😂).

I know it's been said before, but Frank doesn't remotely look his age!!!!!!!!! I STILL want to know where you found the fountain of youth!!! Wishing you a very happy birthday Frank. You still look like a spring chicken.🎉

Yes it does, but September will roll around soon enough. We're holding out for our Christmas cruise. After spending, literally, ALL day on the computer with emails going backwards and forwards yesterday dealing with the bureaucrats at our local Council trying to make a booking for the community centre our theatre works out of I finally sorted it at around 4pm. (Don't understand why it is so hard, we have been ensconced in that venue for the past 27 years), I shut the computer lid with a heartfelt sigh and an 'I REALLY need a cruise!!!' Nothing like being enmeshed in red tape to make you want a 🍸🌴🛳️🥴

Wishing you all the very best for a quick recovery, Mic. A day at a time with an awesome cruise at the end of it?🙂

How wonderful, Julie!!!! It's great to hear of someone having a win!!! Good on you. Hope you have an awesome cruise!

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Cairns is awesome. Fantastic views.