MMDown Under

Why is Grand Princess allowing passengers to wait in crowded conditions in public spaces waiting impatiently to disembark? Why not put an announcement on saying an announcement will be made when the ship receives clearance and disembarkation is to start. What happened to avoiding crowds common sense?

The Covid-19 risk level may not have been high when they booked their cruise.

Good to hear I'm not alone. The last two times I boarded a ship in Singapore, I was the only passenger boarding in the terminal. You get excellent speedy service, so they can cross you off their list.

Will there be enough passengers on this thread interested in meeting up on the first sea day, 5/12/22?

I must be the only passenger not in a hurry to get on board. Also close to last to leave!

I wonder why? Surely the new rules from 20.11 - 31.12.22 are for passengers' (and crew) protection. Seeing all passengers have been advised in advance, it is up to the ship officers and crew to enforce the rules for everyone's benefit.

Letter from President Carnival Cruise Line advising Australia is experiencing a rise in Covid 19 cases and as a result we may see positive cases during your cruise. all guests will be required to wear masks in all indoor spaces except when eating or drinking and in their stateroom outdoors when in large congregate events where physical distancing cannot be maintained during the entire embarkation and debarkation process on buses and water shuttles and while indoors on any shore excursion We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive international travel insurance that covers both cruise and covid coverage. plus special instructions for those cruising on South Pacific cruise. etc. etc.

Another beautiful sky for sailaway.

Thank you for answering my questions. Like you, I have visited these three ports many times, but not by cruise ship. I wouldn't ever swim in North Queensland waters during the stinger season - irukandji and box jellyfish. Due to the warming of Queensland waters, these are now moving further south.

Busy time for big ships in Sydney,

I found Tauranga to be the best NZ port for variety of independent tours offered at the wharf. Plus a council bus stop to Tauranga. So easy!

Bon Voyage to all sailing on 20/11 to NZ. Not long now. What are your ports of call?

Great photo taken from Cahill Expressway. I'd have got a post in the way!!

Bras I'd been searching all over NZ for, so a good find. I bought all the stock!! Plus other misc travelling, camping and different stuff. We don't shop when we are travelling around by car, except for craft and food shops, but love an odd day spent shopping. We had previously stayed in Rotorua and Coromandel Peninsula and got sunburnt in Hot Water Beach.

Now I'm really excited about my pending cruise on 4/12. Thanks for your detailed "good and not so good review" of Luminosa, which is much appreciated, being its inaugural cruise. There were lots of things you mentioned that I know I will love. I love a Promenade Deck to walk around. Pity there are no loungers on the Promenade Deck. You were certainly more understanding about the toilet situation in your cabin than I would have been. The most disappointing thing you mentioned was the attitude of Guest Services, who are in the wrong job!! Guest Services is a hard job, but a rewarding one for the right person! Now some questions please - Was there any Indian food like Masala Tiger Indian Restaurant? Are there tables outside where you can eat takeaway food? Did you try BBQ? I had 5.30 pm dinner assigned. Does this mean I'll have the same table assigned every night without the need to book nightly? What were your favourite ports?

Good news that Lindeman, Hook, Long (Elysian Retreat) Lizard and Dunk Island have returned to Australian ownership. Dunk Island is one of the few islands with freehold land as well as National Park on GBR. Holidaying on these beautiful islands used to be very popular in my youth. Then there was massive cyclone damage, neglect and foreign ownership. Other islands are Keppel, Keswick, Brampton, Double and Heron Island.

Good advice. I always book direct. If the company won't give a refund if the cruise ship doesn't get in to port, I don't book with them.

Good advice. We caught local bus to Tauranga and had the best day's shopping in NZ.

I listen politely, but usually go with my favourite.

Like most Australians, I hate tipping. I take small gifts to give for personal service. I also listen. On one cruise, the receptionist collected fridge magnets, but didn't get leave at every port. I could tell by the look on her face, she was delighted with the fridge magnet I bought her to add to her collection.

Sounds like you have done everything you can do to avoid catching Covid. Hope you stay covid free so you can cruise to Tassie and around NZ on Princess.

Agree, but confirm refund will be given if ship misses port.

"Tug boat trike will have minimal impact on port of Brisbane" Port of Brisbane Chief Operating Officer. www.brisbanetimes.com.au

When we were in Tasmania one January, a photographer approached my daughter, with a camera, asking did you see the Northern Lights. No, but he did! How to see the Southern Lights Guide to chasing Auroras in Tasmania. discovertasmania.com.au

Smart decision. I always count that as part of the holiday,