intel

I am looking for information from anyone that has been on QM2 when it was docked at Garden Island in Sydney. Were ferries provided to get you to Circular Quay? Were you able to walk off the ship and walk around or were there security issues? I would appreicate any info from anyone who has experienced with this.

We joined QM2 at Garden Island 2010. It is a naval depot and the access was only by ferry provided by Cunard. All the checking in was done else where. Cannot remember. It has possibly changed now because of White Bay and that is not walkable to town but it was not Circular Quay. Saying all that in 2015 we are on QV docking the first day at the Overseas Terminal and going to anchorage 5.00 am the next morning for QM2 to dock. I thought QM2 was too big for the berth.

Cunard and Princess share the same database so if you are registered as a veteran on one, it will automatically show up on the other. DH and I are both veterans so this is a very big deal for us, and we are very appreciative.

I wish I could report the same in Australia. This year we sailed Brisbane/Southampton on QV and received an OBC for service. This year we are doing basically the same trip with a FCD and effectively Cunard are saying we have enough OBC and wont apply it on this one for service. I might add they have given an OBC instead of a discount for the FCD which they wont change. This is an ongoing dispute I am having with them

Relating to Princess, on "My Princess" it shows an FCD we have and entitlement to Military Benifits until 2021, no arguement with them when booking

Thanks one and all for the info, appreciated.

Brian

I have just read we in Australia are no longer protected by the TCF fund if your licenced travel agent goes under. This became effectiveon 1 July 2014. Travel Agents are now not required to be licenced. Apparently not sure of this, it was the previous Labour Government idea.

To my mind not a good move taking into account the scams often being uncovered.

Where to from here for some peace of mind.

To what post are you referring, please?

Perhaps I was not clear, I am trying to locate the post as I have been unable to identify it in my searching. It gave an alternative to sighting seeing in New York whilst the ship was in port.

I read recently a post relating to leaving the Cunard pier turning left, across a road etc, etc. It aroused our interest as we have undertaken the ship tours previously and this gave a different insight into New York.

Can some one point me in the right direction for this previous post.

We have used Europcar at West Quay Road many times and would agree they are reliable and nearby. We also just take a taxi from port to depot - or vice versa.

I have used Hertz on West Quay Rd close to Eurocar no problem drop off at LHR. Prices very good

QM2 will berth at Fisherman's Wharf (Grain Terminal) not the Portside Wharf because of its size. This also applies to the other Cunard ships. There will be free shuttles to the city provided by Cunard. It is about 1/2 hour dependant on traffic.

No, P&O UK does not offer military on board credit like Princess etc. Not for any nationality of former/serving armed forces people. I asked a couple of years ago when on Arcadia WC and asked again this year re Arcadia in April, stlll not offered. There has been a lot of debate about this issue on this board.

Thanks, you would think as part of Carnival they would offer it. On world cruises on both Cunard and Princess I have been given OBC

Does P & O offer the Military Benifit OBC on world cruises similar to Cunard and Princess

New to Cunard...just wondering when we get informed as to the actual time of arrival and time of departure at each port? Find it confusing when our itinerary says "Arrive early morning, depart afternoon or early evening".

Try this site, change for the ship your on and the month

http://ships.cruisett.com/schedule/Cunard/Queen_Victoria/January_2014/

I am going to remove the auto tipping as soon as I board and will tip those staff who I feel truly deserve it.

Some opinions conflict on this hardy annual. I suggest you do want you wish and if you feel like tipping do it to the level you can afford. I would ask people to be aware especially those in the US that the fares are much dearer and conditions set in concrete once you book in Australia than else where. It is not a level playing field.

"Book your visit at H.Stern Workshop Tour now."

;)

It would not be worthwhile contacting Cunard. It is nothing to do with them. I dont see how you could arrange it with the people on the boat.

Do as "paulista1950" suggests as they run tours from the hotels etc.

We used them in 2010. Vehicle was late model air conditioned minivan for only the two of us.

We used Rameses for Luxor trip last November. Just the 2 of us. Had heard of problems of tour guides not wishing to take a small group because of the limited tips. Decided to chose our guide, he wasnt available. They promised the best. The car was a small and cramped, not a minvan. Beside going the wrong way when we started we didnt travel in a convoy as advised. The reson we used Rameses was all the good reports out of Cario but Safaga is not Cario.

Would I use them again, no. It is cheaper than the ship but suggest if you do have a small group and ensure you have extra room in the van. We are not going to Luxor on our next trip in July and at Alexandria we wil use the the ship's tour. We have in the past been on a mixture of ships and private tours without problems but getting there and back to Luxor with Rameses I would not repeat

We are arriving in Safaga by ship and have 2 days there. I have contacted Ramses who have provided details of their day trip to Luxor which looks great. Would appreciate any comment or advice from anyone who has been on this trip. Also what is there to see in Safaga.

Brian and Toni