arxcards

Times have changed. I watched the process for disembark at Wharf 8 in Sydney 15 odd years ago, and assumed it was the norm. It would seem a lot of "low risk" measures apply to arriving cruise ships.

Like the airport, they do random checks and they can be clumsy for anyone that encounters them. Luggage is X-Ray'd in the terminal, so everyone is subject to a degree of screening. Phones are not allowed to be used while you are going through clearance procedures, so it is normal for them to take them away. X-Ray can play tricks on operators which results in extra screening. I have had a watch somehow mistaken for a knife in my luggage, but at least they explained why I was singled-out. Sad that it happened to you and your group, and there will be someone else on the next cruise.

Unless they are trying again, this has long come and gone. In preparation for the shift of cruising to Luggage Point, they purchased the above mentioned block (142 Main Beach Road, Pinkenba) in Feb 2019 and started to develop it with the aim of it being operational soon after the scheduled BICT terminal opening in Sept/Oct 2020. Then covid hit, and I would presume their cash ran dry and they couldn't continue to erect their garage on the site. Early last year, the block was up for conditional sale, presumably to find a buyer they could lease back from and fund their garage facility from the sale. That outcome is still a possibility, as the block is still for sale without the earlier conditions, but Portside Parking no longer refer to their new site on their web page.. All of their approvals had been done, so I am not sure where engineers come into it. https://www.realcommercial.com.au/for-sale/property-142-main-beach-road-pinkenba-qld-4008-504029959 They had a reputation of being the good guys, and they still operate with a shuttle from their existing garage in Hamilton. It is a tough juggle between pricing, convenience and the level of protection your car will have.

White Bay has never had a Sydney Ferries Wharf. It would have been a lot less inconvenient if paying by Opal on a public timetable. Probably moot anyway, as Sydney Ferries no longer stop at Garden Island wharf either since the Naval Heritage centre closed. It really was an underrated attraction, and I don't know if there are plans to reopen it or turn it into a cruise terminal.

They are adding 340 more parking spaces at BICT, so it would seem to be more popular than they forecasted. Portside Parking being less competitive would be a big part of that. A shame that the covid lockdowns came at the worst possible time for them. Port of Brisbane is just saying the new spaces will be available in 2024, which is pretty broad. That is good advice to prebook as soon as you can if you plan to park at the terminal between October & March. It will be the same capacity as last season.

Naaah .... a cruise terminal with a public ferry wharf a short walk away, they would never allow it. 😂 Perhaps one of the museum buildings would double as an embark hall.

It is close to a done deal. Rather than the reports about the report, here is the report: https://www.health.gov.au/news/ahppc-statement-advice-to-support-safe-cruising Even though only announced today, the decision was made ay AHPPC 9 days ago. With the CDNA cruise guidelines being archived today, it has afforded the East Coast Protocols the space to be wound back as well. Our "famous" NSW page for the past 18 months or so has a small update today. https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has released new advice to support safe cruising. This webpage will be updated soon with NSW Health advice to the cruising industry and passengers. Changes for each state will reflect CDNA guidelines, and will only take days to be rubber stamped. On cabin isolation, AHPPC advice ... encourage those who have cold or flu symptoms to stay in their cabin and if leaving their cabin to wear a mask and avoid crowded spaces. This stuff was around long before covid, and has been applied during flu & noro outbreaks. I expect that this will return to becoming a last resort during any cruise affected by a serious outbreak. What else will change - well, now comes the cruise line policy around refunding anyone genuinely sick with covid. Currently, there have been 100% credits given up to the gangway for anyone testing positive with a pre-cruise RAT. With this test no longer required, even if you take one, the result will be irrelevant to being denied boarding resulting in no credits for cancellation. This will fall back onto the travel insurance policy, and not all policies cover for pre-cruise cancellation due to covid.

If they have any missing medallions, which also includes leaving them on top of the fridge, they can program a replacement in the terminal in a couple of minutes. But I agree, postage is wasteful anyway.

Genuine angostura bitters, yes. They normally use cordial on P&O, although some of the bar staff will do it the proper way. https://www.pocruises.com.au/faqs/things-to-know-before-you-go/what-is-included-in-the-soft-drinks-package

They can get LLB on the $10 package, but more likely to be postmix & cordial than from a can.

In the interim, it was the Pacific Daily for a bit. Now we find Good Times on the bed after dinner each night.

True, but these protocols were never about an individual's decision to cruise, but to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed. For NSW, that risk passed only around 6 weeks ago but I agree, now is the time.

One bit missing that is important with these protocols, particularly for those outside of Australia wondering when the date will be. Chris Minns is only one state premier and has no executive power over these protocols. Extracted from those protocols: The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols are the primary document outlining Governments’ expectations for cruise lines operating in Australia (domestic and international). They were developed on the instruction of National Cabinet, are informed by industry, and have been approved by Governments across the Eastern Seaboard and in Western Australia. As national COVID-19 settings change, state Governments will consider and advise industry of any changes to the Protocols. 18_July_Eastern_Seaboard_Cruise_Protocols.pdf (nsw.gov.au) National cabinet is not a government, but a function that allows the Australian and state governments to meet and decide on policy/strategy of things that affect both levels of government. National cabinet met last week, and as far as I can tell, this didn't get a mention and there is no date set for their next meeting. NSW & QLD developed much of the protocols, as they are the predominant cruises states in Australia. It is possible that NSW and QLD could agree to dismantle this outside of National Cabinet, but there has been no word from QLD at this stage. I am waiting intently for any news from QLD premier Anastasia Palaszczuk and/or National Cabinet.

Thanks. I must have been given a bum steer on my Sitmar cruise, but it was only 10 days worth anyway.

Yes, but the format can change around a bit. Gatsby and White night are often on the short cruises too, but I am not sure if that is also on these themed cruises. Usually the Gatsby night is the dress-up night. Bianco (white night) is usually a pool deck after dinner party. Back to school is often a night club theme night.

Yes. It is starting to sound like we will need photos. Sadly though, if you are going for the Xanadu look, you need to leave your skates at home. I think I would go with a Max Headroom tribute.

Changed it a little ways back, back a bit before covid. I think there was a couple of brothers that were top of the pops locally for most cruised, but not once their P&O days were taken out. I am not so sure with brand loyalty, but figure it is hard to be loyal with Princess if you are cruising on P&O. The Sitmar stuff still counts to Princess most cruised loyalty, but not "modern" P&O.

That and soda water might be about it.

Yeah, Friday night in Northridge.

80's theme - lots of fluoro leggins, shoulder pads and big hair styles, for those that are making an effort.

Easy answer. NO! But, you will add to your Princess Captain's circle tier (days cruised & number of cruises), but will not to your Princess days sailed for the most cruised function.

The Crown Princess will not fit those locks during the world cruise in 2025, but will transit through the new Cocoli & Agua Clara locks. Just a few years ago, ships that couldn't fit would have navigate around the bottom of South America. I wouldn't have minded if we had to do that and go around the horn or through Drake's Passage instead.

One of the good people of the Australian cruise industry. I hope all is OK and I wish her well with whatever comes next.

A bit more context, particularly to the real work behind the scenes that has been leading towards the dropping of the protocols. Government to axe cruise vaccination rules - Cruise Passenge

LOL. The Telegraph is taking credit for the change. I don't know if that is hilarious or incredulous. My eyes must be fading, so I can't tell it the author is Leeming or Lemming. 🤣 I wonder if the Telegraph has also pushed for the pre-cruise testing to be removed. I have also heard similar in a sound grab on radio news this morning. The key point for now is the last sentence.... we'll be removing ... which is a pretense.