gdlamberth

I expect to have to pick up bags to go thru Customs and Border Control. It would be nice though if we could check our bags through to Cairns and just clear customs, drop bags off and go catch the shuttle with just our carry ons.

Looking for recommendations on minimum time between international arrivals and connecting domestic flight. We'll be arriving on a QANTAS flight from LAX and then connecting on to a Jetstar (probably) flight to Cairns. What's a recommended minimum time between scheduled arrival time and scheduled domestic departure? Appreciate any help or suggestions, Greg

Only vendors who've gone thru all the hoops (including fees) actually get to drive into port areas as they tend to be restricted access. However, there are several convenient meeting points within 300M. Say the Kauai Athletic Club for instance. Greg

We've used Turo a couple of times and plan on using it in a couple of weeks on our cruise. Here's some thoughts/observations: Most Turo providers have some flexibility in where cars are picked up and dropped off. So as part of your request to book ask the provider if you can pick up and drop off somewhere more convenient for you. Run the booking trapline to make sure you know the final all in cost. Cancellation is free usually up until the day before. Use all you "filters" for number of seats, age of car etc. Makes searching much easier. Hope that helps. Greg

In a little different vane; what sort of wines and beer are available using the Select package? Is it a select set of brands (e.g., Bud, Stella, Corona, the proverbial "House" Red/White) or wines and beers off the bar menu less than some specified price? Thanks, Greg

Getting off the corkage fee issue for a moment: Since you're on a port intensive itinerary, you probably won't be having much time for lunch on board; but, if you can I'd highly recommend trying The Waves Grill. Specifically, Surf 'N' Turf (my take on this is to order two hold the turf and hold the bun🙄); and The Maguro (grilled Tuna) You can check out their whole menu at: Waves-Menu.pdf (oceaniacruises.com) Greg

If possible and you have time could you please list the MUTS on your cruise? We're on this itinerary in April and assume we'll have the same MUTS. Thanks, Greg

What are the changes? Anything one "needs" to have? Anything really useful? Or, just look and feel? Thanks, Greg

Me too. After many failed attempts on phone, succeeded with Web Version first time. Also applied Specialty Dining Credit with reservation. Greg

I was able to book a Specialty Dining reservation using the Web Version of the Medallion App on my laptop.

We have same problem regarding Crown Princess cruise to Hawaii in April.

Just out of curiosity, did you try the "Surf 'N' Turf sandwich at Waves. DW is GF so she orders Surf 'N' Turf no bun and has the best steak meal we had on the ship. As you suggested in your review we have been on 4 Oceania cruises so far (though all were in South Pacific). I, on the other hand, order 2 Surf "N' Turfs hold the bun and hold the Turf and have a great Langostino lunch😉😋. BTW, very well written review! Greg

We've also used the "Rent-A-Wreck" multiple times and that has always been a good idea. Another idea: Have you considered "renting" using a peer to peer thru someone like TURO? For our trip in April they had availability on all islands and a less expensive rate. We've used them before in Hawaii and had a very positive experience. Just a thought. Greg

We are on this same itinerary in April. I would appreciate it if one of you could post what days are Formal Nights on your cruise. That will help me plan and book Specialty Dining nights. Thanks in advance, Greg

We are on this same itinerary in April. I would appreciate it if one of you could post what days are Formal Nights on your cruise. That will help me plan and book Specialty Dining nights. Thanks in advance, Greg

Do not bet your 401(k) on that one! I'd recommend asking the VERY SPECIFIC question: "Does your tour INCLUDE a timed ticket for the launch out to the USS Arizona itself?" On two cruises through Honolulu I've seen a whole pea pot full of people disappointed that their tour did NOT include the launch out to the USS Arizona itself.

Has anyone been on oceanic cruise that stopped in Whangerei? If so do you remember where your ship docked in relation to the town? Thanks, Greg

Thanks for the great information, everyone. The Abbey Caves are the ones I'd seen on the Tourism website. What sparked my interest was the no cost opportunity to see glow worms. This will be my wife and my third trip to New Zealand, but it will be the first trip for my brother-in-law and his wife. I did want to make sure they saw the glow worms somewhere and this looked like a reasonable opportunity. I'm certainly glad this was not an audio website my pronunciation would have embarrassed me significantly. As a teaching moment is wh typically pronounced as f in Maori based words?

We're on a small ship cruise (Oceania's MS Regatta) next year stopping in Whangerei. Looking for some insights regarding where ship might dock? DIY sights to see? Recommended sights that require taking a tour of some type. NZ's Tourist Pamphlet recommended waterfall and cave system. We'll be there in late Feb if that matters. Appre any assistance provided, Greg

Does anyone have any experience with visiting Whangerei by cruise ship? It looks like the terminal is aways from town? Do they run shuttles to the visitor center? Any thoughts on "must dos?" Tourism site mentioned Waterfalls and caves; local transport or should do ship/DIY excursion? Thanks, Greg

Has anyone seen this or know any details? I already have my Veteran OBC, no problem there; but, this looks like something extra. Thanks, Greg

Shelly, Any chance you have a citation for this?

I've been down as early as 0715 or so. No hours posted as best I can tell

The Majestic Pri currently has at least 3 cabins on board with COVID. As best I tell none seem to have severe symptoms.