Jaaaney

On the Grand In October, Karen was professional and seemed to be everywhere. A Brazilian woman took a lot of the game shows, and she was great and with real personality. She said it was her first trip to ANZ and she'd been with Carnival for some time. A South African guy also took some shows, I thought he was very mediocre, too forced. Sorry can't remember their names.

Cairns Aquarium is the best aquarium I have been to in Australia, better than Sydney and Melbournes. It was enjoyed by us adults, as well as small grandchildren. It is in Cairns town area which is a few easily walkable blocks. Plenty of places to eat on the esplanade, particularly at lunch time, as lots of them have lunch specials.

Thank you for all your opinions and previous experience. I will investigate and contact a few in Melbourne

I have only been on 2 cruises, one just before covid and one recently. Like all travel over the past few decades, both times we arranged it ourselves. Reading these forums I see TA's mentioned a lot. Looking at booking a few more cruises for next year and after, what are the advantages (or not) of using a TA? And - do you have any recommendations for good ones, if that is allowed on this board.

I tried the veggie burger and agree, it was tasteless and served with a piece of tomato and lettuce. Love the look of the menus that have been posted and look forward to trying them on my next cruise, seems I just missed out on them by sailing last week on the Grand.

Taroonga Zoo is in a spectacular location, and you can do it yourself. If you are not from Australia then I would recommend Healesville Sanctuary as apart from the Australian animals you see a bit of Melbourne countryside too.

On the Grand Princess last week, mocktails were $10.50 and there were 3 or 4 choices, which could be modified on request. We really enjoyed them though the drinks did contain a lot of ice, so I would ask for less ice. Observation that all drink prices were less than typical Melbourne prices

That was ridiculous, 2000 people getting off and you couldn't drop the form anywhere, had to line up in massive queues to give it to a customer service person. I was on that cruise and the line was always long

I have just come off the Grand today, and was a bit disappointed in the vegetarian options. There was hardly anything in the Horizon, and even though they were attentive to my needs in the MDR there wasn't much either. Hopefully the rollout continues to the Grand too.

I have been through this thread and seen the comments about id photos. I am sailing next week and think I have the app set up correctly, but I can't see how to upload a photo. As I am in Australia we will get our medallions on embarkation.

Thanks for checking. As I am only a vegetarian I can always find something from the main menu anyway.

Being a vegetarian I am interested in this. and I am sailing on the Grand in a few weeks. I can't see a timeline for rollout, How would I find out about the vegan menu? Ask on the first day in the MDR?

In my experience Australians dress less casual than Americans.

Thanks, maybe I will reconsider doing a full day then

There are a couple of full day tours, but I dont think I want the whole day on a bus going around. The other half day and shorter ones include Reeves Point American River Wines Cape Willoughby