lissie

Its not the rewards program is Sharholder benefits which operate on all the Carnival brands inc HAL. To the OP - you will get the 14 day OBC because you have 1 booking number

Mar 2020 to Oct 2022 - nearly 2.5 years in NZ . It was 2 years in Australia - don't assume everyone is American. In July 2021 many countries had closed borders and would have for some time. China only just reopened to any tourism and I don't think a cruise ship has been there yet

You don't need an Australia visa - you need an ETA - the correct link is here Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au) you must use their app. When we were on a cruise going to Indonesia last year had to do an online app - but that may have been more to do with Covid rules rather than visas. They've got a lot more tourists back since then so this maybe an evolving situation. BTW the itinerary we are on with HAL says we may need visas for Canada, Greenland and Iceland - but not for the USA where the ship sales from! So the itinerary assumes everyone is American and put the disclaimer on every country so you can't sue them if you don't do your due diligence. (And yes I have an ESTA for the USA!) Also I assume you are flying to Singapore - you need ot do their app too ICA | SG Arrival Card The days of travel without a smart phone are done.

I think you'll find the drinks are not free in the Commodores Club (or any other bar on board) - this is not new

Well there are - depends on the country you are in and the airline you are flying with - the US rules don't cover the whole world! Countries and companies make their own rules

From NZ I can see the page and all the details - bookings not open until the 27th - which it is in NZ but not in the UK I assume

That is bizarre - that's news to me too !

As an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time information, including the latest updates on cruise ships or their availability. Additionally, the "best" cruise ship can vary depending on individual preferences, interests, and budget. However, I can provide some general information about popular cruise ships that sail from Sydney, Australia. Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas: This is a large, modern cruise ship with a wide range of amenities, including multiple dining options, swimming pools, rock climbing wall, bumper cars, and a skydiving simulator. Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess: This is a luxurious cruise ship with a sophisticated ambiance, featuring a variety of dining options, an adults-only retreat, a large atrium with entertainment, and a wide range of activities and amenities. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Splendor: This is a fun and vibrant cruise ship with a lively atmosphere, offering a variety of dining options, live entertainment, water slides, mini golf, and a range of activities for families and couples alike. Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice: This is a premium cruise ship known for its elegant design, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional dining options. It features a real grass lawn, a solarium with indoor pool, and a range of activities and amenities for adults. P&O Cruises' Pacific Explorer: This is a family-friendly cruise ship with a relaxed and casual vibe, offering multiple dining options, swimming pools, waterslides, a theater, and a range of activities for all ages. It's important to research and compare different cruise ships based on your specific preferences and needs, including itinerary, cruise duration, onboard amenities, and budget. It's also recommended to check the latest updates from cruise lines and follow any travel advisories or guidelines issued by relevant authorities before booking a cruise, as the availability and operations of cruise ships can change due to various factors, such as global events, weather conditions, and health and safety protocols.

We've always done ourselves out of jobs. How many lamp lighters are employed or "knocker -upers" or butlers or ladys maids , horse grooms or black smiths. I've never employed an accountant because I use software to deal with my taxes for example.

Yeah I guess the guys who used to hand-copy manuscripts with quills were a bit annoyed by the printing press too. As a writer I'm excited by the opportunities that chat gpt represents

Oh it never occurred to me that you'd be calling Cunard - I meant calling airlines and hotels to make alternative arrangements - or a TA if you used one - I believe that's part of their job

I've not seen it written down anywhere. I've also never seen on any SM any person having in liquid being turned away at the quay. Personally, we've carried on a dozen wine (in a box) on one cruise. In SF we carried on 1 l of scotch - and then I went shopping at different ports bringing on various wines, spirits, cordial (we don't drink soda). In all cases the bags were not concealed - in fact they got a laugh from security with a particularly good sound clunk going through the scanner at SF! The only thing I'd say is that the fridges are quite small so I wouldn't carry on large 2 litre bottles as they may not fit either standing or lying down. Cans or small (500ml or less) bottles would fit in better. This from the FAQ Cruise questions - Frequently asked questions - Cunard Line Can I bring items of food or drink on board? Answer We do not encourage food and drink to be brought on board, as we would like to think that all your culinary desires are more than adequately catered for on our ships. We recognise that there may be particular favourites or special dietary requirements that you may need to enjoy a holiday. In limited circumstances we would allow you to bring food and beverages on board but please note the following: Perishables are not permitted: although there are fridges in cabins these are not temperature monitored and we cannot guarantee that they will keep foods at the correct temperature for safety. All items must be strictly for personal consumption, kept wrapped or sealed and not allowed to create any risk to health or likelihood of pest infestation in cabins or any other areas. Personal items may not be cooked for you on board, stored in the main stores or in any food room refrigerator or freezer. You are advised to carry such items on board yourself rather than placing in your check in luggage to avoid any damage in the loading process.

You can also carry on as much soda as you'd want to drink

We know exactly how not being able to fly works out. In March 2020 the QM2 was stopped in Fremantle and had to debark everyone on board. Perth is widely claimed to being the most remote city in the world and I've lived there and would agree. Plenty of those who "couldn't" fly turned out they could, given the option was a very uncertain month or so with no stops and no cruise ships as the ship sailed straight to the UK.

Surely you got an email? Cunard has every one's email - and just like with airlines I keep a close eye on my email prior to departure. I don't give them my phone number if I can help it because I don't know whether I'll have a mobile connection or not.

Well it is - its specifically mentioned in my travel insurance as being different clauses. I don't see how the state of health of customers should change the way Cunard deals with them. Basically Cunard only has to provide alternative transportation if you booked a package with them -and if that alternative is a flight then obviously the airline will deal with any special needs. From a practical point of view you need to be on your phone checking for options - the same way as you do if a flight is cancelled

We posted at the same time! I agree re credit cards but I checked my travel insurance for an upcoming trip this year - it would give us about US$700 for trip interruption but wouldn't pay for alternative travel arrangements.

I suspect the difference is that the customers already on board have had a a journey curtailed that was part-way through. Others have not yet embarked so that is a different class. Having cruised last year on long trips on QE which was all pieced together by me I was always aware that if for some reason the ship couldn't sail/ sailed without me because we had COVID - then it was my problem to get to the next part of our trip.

I'm sorry but I have little sympathy. Even as a backpacker who travelled until the last $1 and then got a job to fund the next leg I carried an AMEX card with unlimited credit. For emergencies. Now I do somewhat differently but I have access to much money (on credit) on demand if I really, really need it. That said given that you use a credit card to book hotels and accommodation and will have what 30-60- days free credit until you have to pay for it you have quite some time for Cunard to refund - iwould have thought they should do that within 10 days or so

Could you not just check your bags in at the cruise terminal? The cruise may leave at 5pm - but you'll probably have a departure time before that . We are staying inBostong but I was going to drop our bags off at the terminal if it was too early to board the ship

Best of luck!

Yes there are - see above - it must be repositioning season

Actually, rather unbelievably I think I've found an option- I assume Bayonne NJ is near you? (NBI'm not a TA - just checked one of my cruise search sites out of curiosity - not Cunard - but probably cheaper than flying at this stage

If anything the last few years have taught us all that havinga few backup plans is always good. Might be worth double checkingif there are alternative cruise ship heading in the general direction if you really can't fly.

You'd think it would be cancelled unless she steam across and full speed in 4 days or so (as they used to in the old days - not sure that QM2 can go that fast)