kobecat

Maybe a note from pediatrician for example.

How would a pediatrician know.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I never worry with luggage tags. Just get them tagged at the port.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

The reason Pacific Eden & other smaller cruise ships do not always dock in Benoa is because of the tide, along with previous poor hydrographic info - less depth of water than indicated, & swell getting in from the Indian Ocean.

 

The nonsense put out by some people about costs - is just that - nonsense.

 

The Indonesians were supposed to be dredging the port - so maybe the stated actual depth in the channel has been increased to make it safe to enter for vessels of Pacific Eden's draught.

I am not a sea dog and sorry I speak nonsense but I don't understand why a "larger" ship can get into Benoa but not a "smaller" one. Can you explain?

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I use my Citibank Visa card plus,no exchange rates in most countries and no charge for using much the same is my 28 degrees credit card.

The very worst rate you will get is a travel card from any bank.

Countries like Thailand ,Cambodia,take cash and you get a great rate from money changers (not the airport)

If you want small amounts to start you off with small mixed notes I use the money exchange in the larger shopping centres ( not the post office)

Cheers Carole

I agree with Carole and Mic. We use Citibank Visa Debit for withdrawal of money from ATMs. No foreign currency conversion charges or ATM fees. 28 Degrees card now charges ATM fees for cash withdrawals so we use that card for purchases, no foreign currency conversion there.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Fantastic that P and O decided to spend the money to dock in Benoa and do an overnight there. Last year we were meant to tender and didn't make it as did other Eden cruises. We were there in July.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

This is totally unacceptable and frustrating!!

Hope Celebrity is watching this post because we are on the verge of cancelling our 27nt b2b from Rome in October.

I understand your frustration, but not sure why you would cancel your cruise.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Bit disappointing but probably a good decision. Enjoy [emoji3]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I agree...but when your DH is in his late 70s at the time...you do what you can do...a drive by was it for us....he is now "staring" 81 in the face...and we are fortunate to sail...at all these days!!!...Thanks for your input and thoughts!!! LuAnn

Absolutely LuAnn, couldn't agree more. The OP was only asking for input and I know I would be disappointed on the Celebrity cruise if I thought I was doing a "real" Antarctic cruise. I know the Celebrity cruise would be wonderful, but just not really Antarctica. I am happy on any cruise, be it drive by, float by or walk by. [emoji3]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

WOW...a tough choice...we have been lucky enough to have gone "round the horn" and to Ant. on Infinity...if I had to choose??..probably Ant. because of the CC tour we did with Patrick Watts in the Falklands...but that is a port of call that is missed often...but the BEST shore excursion...ever...for us!!! LuAnn

I don't think you can call the Falklands and the Horn an Antarctic cruise. A "real " Antarctic cruise would go from Ushuaia and generally an expedition ship.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Sorry I haven't been back on this board lately. Yes pls email I am very happy to share information.

Beryl

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We're going on the Eden again in May and June so they have a chance to redeem themselves. [emoji3] let's face it, the Eden is here in the autumn/winter season, chances are the weather is always going to have an impact. It's a gorgeous ship, I am sure you will have a fabulous time, even if it is a delayed start.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Boarded Pacific Eden in Fremantle twice. Both late, late, late. Second time didn't even get back into port until after 2pm. We had noon boarding. Finally got on about 5.30 pm. P and O anticipated this due to weather and had emailed and sent text messages re late boarding. They didn't provide any food or drink though, which I thought they should have. Everyone was so patient. It was amazing and set the tone for a wonderful cruise.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We never seem to get it, Carnival however ALWAYS give it.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

The Carnival Splendor is only about 6 years old. We sailed her twice and sailing her again in November. Yes she had a bad history but not old.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Carnival Splendor is nearly 10 years old. My time flies.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We did same itinerary in July last year and had the most amazing excursion with Yoschi's. English is not their strong point but it was an amazing day. If you want to email me I can pass on contact details. berylmorris at upnaway dot com

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I would like to suggest that the cruise lines announce which trips will have a bridge instructor so that we can make a choice.

What a great idea.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Point taken, but don't you find that North America is out of sync with the rest of the developed world in not paying service staff properly, thus necessitating topping up of wages. Tipping is not the norm throughout all of Europe or Asia. Please don't attempt to tip in Japan, you will be insulting them.

Commonly discussed here and elsewhere on Cruise Critic- frequently in a heated fashion, that tipping is not in the Australian culture.

Hi Bruce, I found this a bit condescending. It is not in the "culture"as you say because we all get paid a decent wage in Australia, by law, and don't have to have wages topped up by customers.

Beryl

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I buy on line. Very cheap.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We thought Athens HOHO was great. Haven't gone Malta, sorry can't help but Valetta itself is fabulous. We found plenty to see and go without planning anything specifically.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Yes they are that expensive and imagine how we Aussies find them, especially sailing in Australia/NZ waters when they are priced in US$.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Happy hour on the Dawn in November, both afternoon and evening, but sadly no Elite drinks due to lack of suitable area I was told.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

It's on Piet Heinkade. If you look for the Movenpick Hotel at No 11 it is right there. About a 10 minute walk from Centraal Station.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

This is so sad for the OP and I sincerely hope their money is refunded.

We nearly fell into a trap quite a few years ago, not of our making. We left SF via cruise ship for Sydney in September 2008 and went through immigration in the normal way. Passport put in the safe and presented on arrival in Sydney. We got home and put the passport in the safe. In January 2009 we boarded a flight in Sydney for LA. When we got to LA the immigration officer discovered the green form (I think the 94) in my passport which should have been taken and recorded when I left the US. The officer got really nasty and told me I could be denied entry as documentation indicated I HAD OVERSTAYED MY VISA. Initially I just laughed and said clearly I had just arrived on the Qantas flight from Sydney and my passport was stamped when I left the US the previous September. He was not impressed with "my attitude" and told me in no uncertain terms I should have realised the green form was there and posted it back to them! He went on and on about being denied entry and being returned to Australia, eventually his brain must have kicked into gear and away I went to collect my luggage.

So don't be too judgemental, weird things happen. I know this was not a cruise line decision but as I say, strange things happen.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We went in 2013 and bought expensive seats privately - worth every cent, an experience I will never forget.

Sent from my iPad using Forums