new kiwi girl

Sorry Oakridge/Nancy, buy not true. We just got off the Westerdam and we were on for 27  days and NOT one lobster night the whole time unless you were prepared to pay for it. And as for a shrimp cocktail there were some appetizers that were shrimp but very small with just a couple on the plate and maybe there were 4 nights with an actual shrimp cocktail consisting of 4 shrimp! Seafood was definitely not a big part of the menu. 

Hi, I’m just wondering if anyone can tell me if they sell Apple watches on board and especially on the Westerdam? 
im wanting to buy one but I’m on board the Westerdam in three weeks and wondering if I should wait?

Can someone tell me if frozen margaritas are under the $11 price limit?

20 hours ago, Aus Traveller said:

The previous comment about smoking in the casino when a ship is in the northern hemisphere would apply to cruises that start and end there. A large part of the WC on the Coral Princess is in the northern hemisphere, but the 'Australian' rules on smoking don't change when the ship crosses the equator. 😁

 

On Princess cruises out of Australia the same rules apply - no smoking inside (just in two designated deck areas) or on balconies. The currency stays as AUD, drinks prices are as on the menu (no added 18%) and for Aussies and NZers, the gratuities are built into the fare.

That is great isn’t it? I love sailing out of Aussie and NZ for exactly those reasons. And so grateful for no smoking on balconies! I plan to really enjoy this trip and the balcony is a real treat for us. Just pray to God that there is a vaccine by then!

On 9/14/2020 at 8:45 PM, Porky55 said:

If you are looking at a cruise on Coral Princess from Australia or NZ - smoke from the casino won’t be a problem because of our laws. While cruising in this part of the World there is No Smoking inside a ship anywhere. So it won’t be a problem unless you are heading to the Northern Hemisphere. 🤔 Hope this help.

Thank you for your help I much appreciate it . I finally did book but did decide on a balcony as it’s such a long cruise plus lots in the northern hemisphere. 

My understanding is booking for elites opens on sep 15 and all the rest of us is sep 16.

Thanks for that Azbirdmum and Thrak. I’m probably wishful thinking that I’ll even get on the ship and it’s cruise but we can hope!

Can anyone help me re the Coral Princess. We have tentatively booked a cabin on the Fiesta deck which is along side the casino. I’m not a smoker at all and hate the smell and wondering if anyone can tell me if it will be a problem?

On 12/12/2019 at 2:09 AM, bonship said:

Hi, Carla-

We are going to be in Dunedin on Jan. 5 on the Ruby Princess and I had the same dilemma as you when making decisions about what to do in port.  The train ride is very expensive and many of the reviews are lackluster.  After looking at many possibilities, the four of us decided to book the Elm Wildlife tour to see penguins, sea lions, and albatross.  The tour lasts about seven hours and has great reviews and appeals to our love of nature. 

My personal opinion is that the train ride is too long and on the return portion most everyone was either asleep or falling asleep. It’s a great Reid but an hour is enough. But do take a look into the train station as it is a beautiful building especially inside.  I also, have been to see the albatross penguins etc and thought it was much more interesting. Larnarch castle is also a great one to see. Hope this helps

Hope there is someone out there who can help me out. We arrive in Copenhagen July 5 and I'm sure I read somewhere about how slow driving it is there with all the roadworks etc. I'm trying to decide on taxis vs bus etc as we have 4 of us splitting the cost. But if lots of hold ups any idea which method of transportation will be best?

Thanks for any and all help.

Cheers. Jennifer

You will love Vancouver as it's a beautiful city and so easy to get around in. I always stay at the Blue Horizon as it's on a main shopping, eating, cafe kind of street. Reasonably priced and great views. The hop on and hop off bus is really great if it's your first visit as it takes you to all the major must sees such as Stanley Park which is fabulous. Right on the water with great walking and biking trails, cafés, totem poles etc. plan on a few hours there. Granville island is another must see and you could easily spend a day there, and the hop off and on bus drops you at the little 5 min ferry that takes you there. Lots of restaurants and cafés that are well known for great food and atmosphere. I'm staying 3 days there before my cruise as it's one spot I really miss since I moved over to New Zealand. Lots of info on the internet so have fun!

When I lived in southern Alberta Canada, we frequently saw northern lights and that's much farther south than Alaska. Usually happens when no full moons, a clear night, and see them much better when no artificial lights are around you. Such as out in the countryside away from street lights. We were fortunate to be able to see them in the summer and winter, and just magical. Now that I've moved to NZ it's one of the things I miss the most.

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with a sony Hd one with the stabiliser and not too expensive so don't need to worry about it all the time. The go pro sounded good but decided I need more an everyday one. (read not active enough). Thanks for your all your help.

This will be my first cruise to Alaska, and I'm pulling out all the stops and taking all the main excursions etc, so I can make sure I try to see and do it all!! LOL

I'm taking my mother with me and between us all we have is a Canon sure shot camera, my iPad, and smart phone and all will do some kind of videos, but I'm not sure they will be good enough.

I'm going on the Neets Bear Watch, where I thought having a decent (read not horribly expensive) camcorder will be nice. Also have 2 days sailing thru the Glacier Bay as we are on a 14 day cruise, and I've seen some of the videos people have taken, and they are impressive. Will they work well on some of the helicopter and plane rides I've booked?

I know you can spend many many dollars on these, but I'm hoping to find something decent for under $400 as not sure how much I'll use it after this trip.

Any help will certainly be appreciated!

I have just finished reading all nine pages and it made for such a lovely afternoon for me. I have just booked my cruise for July 20 taking my Mother with me for the 14 day return cruise on the Oosterdam. So now, I'm so excited about going. Need to book my excursions though before they all sell out. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort this must have taken. I do hope the rest of your trip is as enjoyable for you.

Hello you two Aussies, I'm a Canadian Born Kiwi, and maybe I can help a bit. The snow and cold in Banff and Jasper is a very dry cold, not a damp cold, and therefore very easy to dress for. Dress in layers and you will be fine, no need for snow pants, just put a pair of long johns underneath is needed, but in April I doubt if it will be required. We've had days of 75 F in april and also snow, so impossible to predict. Murphys law though, I would think, a sweater, light fleece/nylon lined jacket, and jeans with long johns would be plenty. If you have time to shop in Jasper before tour, you will be able to buy whatever you need before, as the shops cater for every need. You will love Banff and Jasper as they are two of the jewels of the Rockies and so majestic. If you get to Banff try and get into the natural hot springs as such a wonderful way to end the day. Don't even need a swimsuit or towel as they rent them there!