Mycruiseobsession

I agree, I would be saying to Qantas that's not a suitable time please put me on later. They usually allow you to since it's their fault,

Yep and Australia's average income tax rate of 24.9 per cent was the fourth-highest of the developed world, behind Denmark, Iceland and Belgium, and well above the 15.4 per cent average for the 38 OECD countries https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-26/australia-income-tax-rate-changes-oecd-taxing-wages/103769612

Yes exactly. I have a dry sense of humour and the article was the Daily Mail which I call "Trashy News" And I specifically mentioned that I named it invisible due to the P&O claims. Anyway we just got carried away with the invisible monkeys - definitely no personal attacks towards any guests and especially not you @Corinne288 I do understand that you may have been personally trolled on other platforms and misinterpreted my post however I am happy you can see that's not the experience here and everyone is very welcoming. Every one knows bedbugs exist. There are loads of experiences documented and Cruise Critic have a great matter of fact article that may give you some validation, it verifies exactly that of course bed bugs exist on cruises. https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles/are-there-bed-bugs-on-your-cruise-ship Take Care! Cheers!

Yes @Chiliburn do tell us more about these invisible monkeys?! Maybe they eat the invisible bedbugs?

Oh my I nearly choked on my tea reading that! 😂 I wonder what other invisible things are out there feeling random cruisers? My cruises seem less exciting now.

Link to news article I read. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13432125/PO-cruise-nurse-corrine-mcIvor-complained-bed-bugs.html

Just read the news on a story about alleged bed bugs. I have titled this invisible as the article says the ship claims they found no actual said bugs. I have never experienced this on any ship nor heard of it being an issue on any cruise I have been on. What about you?

Correct. "Indigenous" As with any colonised country that has been treated as a 2nd class citizen, well lower (actual slavery) on their own land would feel.

Many people are surprised just how big Australia is and how much the climate changes between Tasmania to Far North QLD and Darwin. As others have said, we would really need more information on what you would like to experience? Reef, Rainforest, Snow capped mountains... we Australians have it all. On the other hand New Zealand is not as diverse in the climate differences and doesnt't have tropical humidity areas. It's a wonderful country with plenty to see and do - it's just different. Cheers

And this is exactly the reason I tell people you won't know if you like the food unless you try it yourself. 😂 I am the opposite, really dislike Dragon Lady, I find it too dark a dreary and the food is not to my regular Asian tastes. On the other hand I love to dine at Angelo's every other night, rotating with the Waterfront. I rarely eat at any type of restaurants or even pub meals normally. So I enjoy the whole experience of sitting down and being served. Here comes those rose coloured glasses again! 😎 I confess I like the food on P&O and yes of course there will always be better options on other ships but I don't choose a cruise based on whether I am in love the food. I choose it for the price, the convenience of ports, the itineraries.... however I think it's perfectly fine for others to choose their cruises heavily based on food! My point is, yes there is a point, that all opinions on the food are valid however not all are relevant to your individual preference.

Exactly this! I only ever load cash on P&O. Their pre authorisation holds drive me crazy and seem to take ages to drop off post cruise.

@SinbadThePorter enjoy your over nighter in Cairns! I hope they have good weather for you! Are you off home tomorrow or going on another cruise?

Have you tried cruise deckplans? For example this goes to their users photos for 8403 [Edit] Link removed. Sorry I just thought maybe cruisedeckplans comes under one of those sites I shouldn't post links to? I am new here so I don't want to ruffle feathers!

@SinbadThePorter That's really interesting! So I guess you'll get to your Disembarkation port Cairns a night early or will you be having an extra sea day?

Yes that's what I am thinking having a domestic only cruise to disembark from is much quicker. It will really be down to hoping the ship arrives on time and the immigration side of things at Brisbane International airport is running smoothly that day! Don't apologise! And as you can see there are plenty of experienced cruises happy to help. Cheers!