Aussieflyer

Pity - we found the food quite acceptable last week. There is always a speciality restaurant if you don't like the offering in the MDR. We did both Bayou and Sabatini's - both were very good. I was not keen on the buffet as I thought it was quite limited and only popped up there for dinner once. MDR was fine though nothing of a wow factor - certainly the chicken we had was good though.

Interesting - they only asked this once - on the first night - after that always just took us to a table for two. We were opposite and didn't want to share a table and had booked on the app beforehand. Guess it depends on who is on the door.

Excellent news for them.

A lot of standing around as they are keen for you to get off the ship to allow them to prepare for the new pax.Our group at 9am was the last group although there were people still on board. We looked at a private transfer but didn't get round to organising it and had booked a debarkation tour to show my friend a bit of Brisbane - sadly that was cancelled.

Now you mention it I think it was Airlie Beach.

The reef excursion used Quicksilver and out to their pontoon at Agincourt Reef - maybe check their website. I didn’t snorkel so can’t comment on that. There was also an excursion to the Low Isles which is soft coral and from what I remember is lovely. we had to shuttle in to Port Douglas the join the regular Quicksilver day trip - it did make it a long day. I remember QM2 had the excursion pick up direct from the ship though not Port D just can’t remember where.

The cruise director mentioned there were only 2 current cases on board. He did make quips about making the news…..again for different things.

No easy way to get to airport from BICT - have to go up and around so even though airport is close as the crow flies it’s a pain to get there. I used app quite a bit to check things but did not use for ordering food etc. it did hang quite a few times so the technology doesn’t seem to be quite there yet. Only way out was to tun off phone. we frequented Crooners for pre dinner drinks - Sometimes it was really busy but always did get a seat. International Cafe was often full esp on sea days and people seemed to settle in. The buffet was its usual bun fight at breakfast and at lunch but generally quieter if you went outside peak - about 2pm and after the late show.

I did it onboard at excursions desk as they had canceled the tour we originally booked. But yes, can do on the app or can also just tick the box on the disembarkation questionnaire that comes round. Transfer disembarkation was at 9am - latest group off. By the time you collect luggage etc maybe 45 mins to get from on board to airport.

And sadly we are not. At the airport for flight home now. As my friend hadn’t been to Brisbane before we booked a disembarkation tour just for her to get a bit of an idea. This was canceled as not enough takers. We took the ship airport transfer which at $40 seemed somewhat expensive but as we left we saw the taxi queue snaking all the was back to the entry and only one taxi to be seen. They really need to do something g about the transport options for the new port.

And we have had lovely hot weather with hardly any wind - hope I didn’t just jinx myself.

Yes I remembered you saying that and so did do a log off and log on at the beginning. The problem is I have set iPad up for internet and have to remember it’s only one device at a time. I did notice quite a few maskless or under noses numbers on the water shuttle into Port Douglas yesterday. There was quite a large group who all seemed to be not wearing masks. And of course no masks on way out to reef as not required by Quicksilver. I have to remember masks are not required on the outside decks as I tend to get a bit harumphy but forget not required. In the buffet I did see a pax reminded by a crew member. Obligatory stop at Willis Is - 15 mins - to meet international waters requirement. On our way south again now. A couple of lovely humpback whales on the way out to the reef yesterday and also some turtles while there so good sightings.

Onboard as well at the moment. A few different experiences from the OP. Yes, have seen some under the nose masks but mist people we have seen have been compliant. Think only one person seen in left not wearing properly. Main area where not enforced seems to be theatre or other Sip and Cover bars. The fire was very small from what I have heard - handled quickly. Have not seen a lot of drunk pax though really not looking for them and OP might be frequenting different places to us and seeing issues. Medallion net drives me nuts as have to change between phone and iPad for internet depending on what I want to do. Tried to check dinner booking on the App this morning and it told me “no an do, have to have paid for cruise in full” LOL. App just seems quite flakey.

That was my first thought.

I am wondering if there is something up with Port Arthur. We were notified that the guided walking ship excursions were cancelled for our late Nov cruise ('for operational reasons'). Other PA activities are off the excursion list as well.

Just because a person has had COVID does not mean they are immune to future infections - in fact there are reports that reinfections are increasing and also increase the risk of long COVID or other complications. A fourth vaccination will not stop you contracting COVID - I and a number of others I know have had four (and comparatively recently) but still got COVID - luckily not a severe case but still not a walk in the park as the fatigue and cough lingered. I can see why places without top notch health systems are less keen on an influx of visitors.

I have a work colleague on the Coral this week and I and a friend board on Friday for the QLD cruise - just miss her as she is disembarking early and lives in BNE. Hope she has been having a great time - no doubt will find out soon.

We are arrival group A and start at 11am. The time, as OzKiwiJJ says, is in the travel checklist section.

The 12 August cruise is showing only a couple of minis and suites are all sold. A handful of balconies only.

As a friend and I have as well for later this week - like you arrive late and we are in the first boarding group so not spending much time there. The airport Ibis is next door to the Pullman.

We were booked on a Silversea Muse 6 day itinerary in Australia earlier this year which was cancelled due to restrictions still in place. Most of its cruises are at least 14 days so this short one was going to be a lovely little break as the ship is gorgeous. Sadly it did not happen. We did a short 4 day on QM2 (Adelaide to Sydney) when she did the first circumnavigation of Australia (that's where my avatar picture comes from). Out from Warrnambool we met the Young Endeavour and she let off a cannon volley to welcome us and we replied with a very loud ship's horn. A helicopter flew over taking photos. I remember it was a special cruise as the commodore was onboard being the first time QM2 had circumnavigated the country. It was a really big deal. The only downside was that we had an inside (something we almost never do) and it was really really dark. We have a Queens Grill coming at at the end of January on Queen Elizabeth for 5 days so that should be pretty special too.

Depending on your timings and how long Regatta is in port, you might want to look at a ship excursion. If Regatta is late for some reason you might find that you will miss the Great Adventure departure for the day.

It's funny but we prefer a table to ourselves - though they are usually so close we can chat with others around easily. I have been on shared tables on Cunard - one time was lovely as it was a 'hosted' table with an officer on formal nights and I got on so well with the other people. One though was a bit of a disaster - a particular couple (well her really) was quite unpleasant and tried to be the queen bee. My travelling companion noted later we should have asked for another table. I have booked private tables for the Coral next week to QLD as the person I am going with much prefers that and gets a bit overwhelmed.

Many of the cruises I have booked have not had OBC - it's a sort of an extra perk offered from time to time (except if using a FCC booked on board when they do throw in a bit). It's not something I ever count on. You can bet the overall price where OBC is included is not super cheap.

Oh come on Uncle Les, you know we Canberrans are tough and minus 6 - phat no problem at all. It is the thin blooded ones on the coast who feel it. Minus 1 would be short sleeves for us.😂❄️