RosieCanberra

On 2/11/2023 at 8:43 PM, OzKiwiJJ said:

That's odd, quoting a USD price. In the past  ships repositioning to Asia stay as AUD onboard costs until they reach their destination. So the AUD prices would be in effect. I have heard rumours that they are going up in price sometime this month but aren't sure what the new prices will be. I'll find out next month when we cruise on Grand Princess.

The Royal Princess is not cruising here at the moment, which is why it's in USD.  I also heard the prices are going up soon. Our next cruise is Coral Princess 6 March so I guess I'll know sooner or later. 

We're on the same cruise. There is a 'Live from' thread in the Princess forum with the menu from Sabatinis showing USD25 per person. Not sure what that will be in 2024 though. 

1 hour ago, rabbit1971 said:

That would be the time of year we are interested in

How did you find the entertainment on the sea days?

We were on Celebrity Solstice, and it was great. 

5 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

Maybe a Radiance out of Melbourne?

There were a LOT of Victorians on our Quantum cruise. I think it would pay RCI to base a ship in Melbourne, even for part of a season. 

We sailed in October a few years ago, via Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and NZ ports. Smooth seas for all except for some rocking and rolling after Auckland. A great cruise. 

I'm assuming they must be updating the web page, very strange. 

Every time I have sailed into the Port of Melbourne, Public Transport Victoria have had a counter selling the cards and providing information and maps. When are you sailing?

Oh wonderful, have a great cruise. We've sailed Ovation to NZ, it was fabulous. 

Yes we have, the lead prices don't reflect taxes, port fees, gratuities so keep that in mind. But no issues. Great service, promptly respond to email, available on the phone too. 

3 minutes ago, resordanis said:

Recently on Ovation, the Captain stated that we would not get any Oasis class ships in this region! Personally I think we need a smaller ship, I would like to be able walk of a ship, not tender. 

I heard similar on Quantum last month. The passengers were keen for Radiance  to return to Oz. 

On Quantum last month the 'Dress to Impress' nights had everything from tuxedos and ball gowns to people in shorts and t-shirts. In over 50 cruises on various lines I have never seen anything like it. 

We disembarked Quantum 21 December. Mic was drinking Mojitos which I'm pretty sure are USD15 a pop and we didn't get charged anything additional. I usually had a Mud Slide at USD12. 

We love the new voucher system. 

We stayed at the Savoy Hotel which is a 3 star so very basic, but cheap with free breakfast and wifi. Cab to the port was under ten euro. 

Just catching up Uncle Les and sending best wishes from Spain. Take care!

Rosie and Mic xx

23 hours ago, NSWP said:

Something different all right, today I was diagnosed with severe renal failure after blood tests and ultrasounds the past few days. My kidney function has taken a big nose dive. Do not know where I go from here, specialist? Dialaysis? 
 

Suffice to say I am not well and could be a shot duck.

 

Not dwelling on it, bye for now.

 

Oh Uncle Les that's lousy news. Take care and we are happy to help out if you have treatment in Canberra.  Just shout out. Xx

We had been to Milford Sound a couple of times before, but one time we sailed in on Ovation of the Seas and I think it was the first time for the ship and the captain. It was a beautiful, beautiful day and we actually sailed into a couple of other sounds that were not on the itinerary as the captain was having such a fun time exploring. 

We were mainly on our balcony. A gorgeous day. We saw seals sunning themselves in Milford, and some sea birds. I don't recall seeing anything in the water. 

Oh wow, that's a shame. Hopefully they get their act together.

I cruised Spectrum December 2019, from Hong Kong. Japan and Philippines. Absolutely fabulous trip. The ship is beautiful, we had a silver junior suite which was lovely. 

I don't remember it being very different to cruising in other parts of the world, other than there were more Asian guests and some more Asian food options. But the vast majority of guests were caucasian and the majority of menu items were the same as other Royal Caribbean ships. 

We loved it. Couldn't fault the ship or the service. 

1 minute ago, arxcards said:

There are lots of empty balconies, but they also don't need to move you up to make your cabins available for new oceanview bookings either. There are plenty of those too.

Yes, exactly. Two of the couples are new to Princess, I was hoping they might get a free upgrade. 

3 minutes ago, B'Elanna said:

 

I'll be in this one too (that's the one on the 29th right?)

 

I was allocated my cabin yesterday. I paid for an inside and was hoping to get an 'upgrade', but nada....  I would have thought that with low numbers, I would have?

We are a group of four couples, all booked cheap oceanview cabins and all got oceanview cabins.

Once we booked an inside on Princess and got a balcony. It was just for two nights, from Sydney to Brisbane (which was why we booked an inside). 

10 hours ago, Matkai said:

Are you charged 18% on top of the cost of drinks / food when they charge it to your credit card... Was thinking Royal Caribbean was good value, but now may rethink which ship we go on.. are there any that charge in AUD?

Both Carnival and Princess have AUD on board when cruising out of Oz.

RCI have today announced an increase in gratuities to USD16 a day per person, converting to $23.09 per person per day.

Thanks for the laughs everyone, I will email Celebrity. It's very odd. We are sailing Azamara in October and joined their loyalty club with a status match. I noticed my points had reduced when I did this. Must have triggered something? I haven't done anything else. My next Celebrity cruise is over a year away. 

My husband also joined the Azamara club, and his balance is unchanged. 

Argh! My Captain's Club points have reverted back to pre-power up. Just disappeared. Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice on how to get them back? 

We were already Elite, so we haven't missed a tier. My husband still has his.

Most peculiar.

2 minutes ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

First time in elite lounge.

Underwhelmed.

No one speaks to each other.

Pianist playing for a while.

Nibbles are nice, scallops wrapped in bacon, smoked salmon, cheese etc. Cherry pie.

Great service but no atmosphere.

 

What drinks are available? 

1 hour ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

There's a medical  emergency  and the helicopter  will be here in 30 minutes to evacuate. No one on their balcony on Port side. Heading towards Rockhampton  to meet the helicopter 

Oh no! I hope all is ok

Did they ask to see evidence of your RAT result on boarding? Some are saying they were asked for proof, so they showed a photo of the negative result. Others have said they were just asked if they tested negative. 

I plan to take a photo of it anyway.