woodscruise

I just tried to open the zip file and it is showing as unavailable. I noted that you did have an older version which I have used and found it very useful. Thanks for sharing.

The ships operate solely in AUD, so I am sure the upgrade prices will be AUD.

My condolences to Mr. Guts family. May he RIP.

The below was reported in Cruise Weekly on Friday 02September 2023 at the CLIA conference. "Port Authority of New South Wales Chief Executive Officer Philip Holliday (pictured) has lent his support to Port Kembla over Garden Island as the site of a third cruise terminal to service greater Sydney. Holliday described Port Kembla as a “really strong option” at yesterday’s Australian Cruise Association Conference, while noting he would be spending “very little time” looking at Garden Island as an option. “The really strong option is Port Kembla, and I think that’s where we need to put our energy and our excitement and drive forward in delivering the business case to make a decision at the earliest opportunity. “That’s the work the Port Authority will be undertaking, and we’ll see where it takes us.” Holliday noted while the discussion about Garden Island excites many within the cruise industry, it is not a realistic possibility “before he leaves this merry Earth”. “It’s important when looking at options to ensure that you have local support as well. “You’ll be aware the New South Wales govenment recently announced, with our full support, that Yarra Bay was off the table as a potential location for the third cruise terminal, and just in case anybody’s wondering, Jervis Bay has never been, and will not be, considered as a location for a cruise terminal. “We know that we have at least the support of Cruise Wollongong, Business Illawarra, and the local member (Paul Scully), who also happens to be the Planning Minister.” Scully joined Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery on Wed night to open the conference, where both men expressed their enthusiasm for cruise, and the region’s suitability for the sector."

Cruise news is reporting as follows: After announcing the cancellation of the ship’s 2024 summer program, Norwegian Cruise Line is cancelling more scheduled sailings onboard the Norwegian Spirit. According to different statements sent to booked guests, all of the 2025 departures were cancelled, as well as additional dates in 2024. Essentially leaving the 1999-built ship with no schedule beyond next April, the new cancellations are the result of redeployment moves, Norwegian Cruise Line said in one of the letters. “As a company, we are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world. As a result of a fleet redeployment, Norwegian Spirit’s sailings from February 8, 2025, through and including November 23, 2025, have been cancelled,” the company explained. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause,” Norwegian added. In 2024, the sailings not long going ahead include cruises previously scheduled to depart between May through early June, in addition to itineraries scheduled to sail between September and December. The Norwegian Spirit was scheduled to sail in the Pacific during the period, offering itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii and Tahiti. While no cruises had originally been planned for January and early February 2025, and the ship’s 2024 summer program had already been cancelled back May, the new cancellations leave the Spirit with no schedule after the 2023-2024 winter season. Impacted passengers will receive several compensations, including full refunds and discounts for rebooking on different dates. Originally built for Star Cruises in 1999, the Norwegian Spirit is currently one of the oldest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. With capacity for 2,000 guests, it went through a $100-million refurbishment in early 2020. The major modernization project saw the addition of 14 new venues to the ship’s public areas, in addition to cabin updates and technical upgrades.

When you arrived in Sydney, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Also when you arrive in Sydney it will be at the international terminal. The flight to Melbourne will be from the domestic terminals, which are serparate terminals. You will need to go by train or taxi to the different terminal. My suggestion is stay at an airport hotel that has a shuttle from the international terminal and the following morning to the domestic terminal.

Source Travel Weekly 13April 2023. Royal Caribbean International is set to bring its cruise experience to Brisbane via a takeover of the city’s inner oasis, Streets Beach. On Saturday 15 April, Streets Beach will transform into the Royal Caribbean Beach Club, offering Queenslanders an opportunity to “Holiday in Every Way” and enjoy a taster of the cruise line’s adventures only found on board Quantum of the Seas. The Royal Caribbean Beach Club will showcase the largest cruise ship sand sculpture to ever be produced in Australia, an interactive photo wall, cruise giveaways, plus a DJ to create the ultimate beach club vibes – there’ll be something for everyone, offering up the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. In addition, Flight Centre will be on site offering an exclusive 15 percent off deal for beach goers to book their next holiday on Quantum of the Seas, to visit destinations including the Queensland Brisbane Welcomes the Royal Caribbean Beach Club to Streets Beach Coast and the South Pacific. “The Royal Caribbean Beach Club will enable Queenslanders to immerse themselves in the possibilities of what is possible on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Streets Beach will become a place to discover more about the ultimate family holiday and get a taste of why cruising with Royal is like none other,” VP, MD Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, Gavin Smith, said. “Quantum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s most innovative ship to come to Australian shores. Over the past six months, she’s welcomed over 100,000 guests onboard, with nearly two-thirds from Queensland. We’re excited to be bringing the Royal experience to Brisbane through this unforgettable event.” Royal Caribbean kicked off its first season in Brisbane Australia with Quantum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) To unveil the Royal Caribbean Beach Club, the cruise line has partnered with radio personality, cruise convert and Queenslander, Emily Jade O’Keeffe, who said she can’t wait to bring her family down to the Royal Caribbean Beach Club. “Last Christmas, my festive cruise with Royal Caribbean was a family highlight we will never forget. Quantum of the Seas delivered one of the best family holidays ever, with delicious dining options, show-stopping entertainment, unforgettable activities for all ages, and caring and helpful staff,” O’Keeffe said. “My kids loved spending quality time with just our little family unit, hanging ten on the FlowRider and indoor skydiving with iFLY. Royal Caribbean Beach Club will be an enjoyable day out for the whole family and a memory-making way to experience the excitement of a cruise.” Queensland locals, and visitors alike, are encouraged to come down to Streets Beach from 9:00am on Saturday 15 April, to experience the Royal Caribbean Beach Club. There’s also the opportunity to win one of four incredible family cruise holidays to the South Pacific worth $3,999. All visitors have to do is scan the onsite QR code, answer the competition question and submit their contact details.

Just got off Spendor Easter cruise to Moreton Island and the ship was unable to tender. Very strong winds from the west, Carnival offer $200 onboard credit and 50% future cruise credit.

From my research you will need to clear customs and immigration in Sydney, upon arrival, and then transfer to Qantas domestic terminal 3 or Jetstar/Virgin Australia terminal 2. Qantas to Qantas domestic, your bags should be check to your final destination, however I am not sure if you can interline (check your bags through) if travelling on Jetstar or Virgin Australia. There is an airside bus that can take you to the domestic terminals or you could catch a taxi or train. I would suggest a minimum of 2 hours for Qantas to Qantas and maybe an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour if travelling on Jetstar or Virgin Australia.

Geoff, looking at Sydney Ports it seems that QE is homeporting in Sydney.

Do you think that Princess will offer a 2025 world cruise ex Australia?

Yes Discovery was there until recently.

Geoff, do you think 3 Quantum class in the Asia / Pacific for 24/25?

Ch9 at it again. On the 530am news mentioned Quantum of the Seas is riddle with Covid cases.

Thanks Philip. We are actually cruising then on Majestic.

Cruise weekly 20Oct2022 Royal considers Oasis deployment With the newly opened Brisbane International Cruise Terminal having capacity for Royal Caribbean International’s Oasisclass ships, the line continues to look at options for the world-class vessels to operate locally. Speaking to CW earlier this week, VP APAC Gavin Smith was enthusiastic about the new Brisbane facility, where Quantum of the Seas will be homeported from early next month. “We’ve finally got an Oasis class terminal, at the mouth of the Brisbane River, adjacent to the airport with plenty of parking - so go figure!” he said. Pre-pandemic, Royal’s Oasis plans had involved having ships in China complemented by a possible 10-12 week local deployment which would “just transform the industry”. “That hasn’t happened, but it’s still a big prospect,” he said. And despite a lack of other Oasis-capable ports in the region, the huge response to next year’s Disney Cruise Line local voyages, where the ship is effectively the destination, has suggested that “we can create an experience on an Oasis class ship,” Smith said. He said Royal had previously spoken to New Caledonia about whether an Oasis ship could get into Noumea’s container pier, which would only require some minor modifications. Royal’s planned “Perfect Day” destination at Vanuatu’s Lelepa Island is currently a tender port, and would require significant investment to give it an Oasiscapable terminal, Smith added. MEANWHILE for the moment the strong focus is on a safe, successful restart for Royal Caribbean in local waters, with Ovation of the Seas arriving in Sydney on 29 Oct, followed by Quantum’s Brisbane debut. Smith said the Queensland season would see Royal carry about 90,000 passengers on 20 departures, with the company targeting about 40,000 local cruisers from South East Qld, about 45,000 from interstate, mainly Vic and SA, and around 5,000 internationals. @Chiliburn, Interesting article!

Bon voyage Geoff & Barbara. Enjoy Majestic.

One thing to remember is that Navigator is set up for shore power as required by California laws. I don't think Quantum has the shore power yet.

Just a thought, Sydney Ports is showing Vision OTS been a regular visitor from October 2024, and with this been less passenger capacity, than the Voyager class vessels, could this be a contender for a year round vessel?

Sydney ports has Vision OTS and Ovation OTS as regular visitors from October 2024 - April 2025

I also will be surprised if Royal puts a ship year round from Brisbane, especially since they are having trouble with Quantum bookings during the peak season. And also consider, according to Brisbane ports, there will be a Carnival ship year round plus the Pacific Encounter. Royal will also be still dependant on the international market and the majority of people travel via Sydney.

RCL Alaska season has opened for sale and the ships that are doing the Hawaii cruise are Ovation, Quantum and Enchantment, which I would suspect will be the AU deployment for 2023/24