happysnapper

Last visit to Vanuatu/Port Vila we took 1/2 suitcase full of colouring in books & pencils and exercise books. Careful who you give them to, they can go astray! The Manager of our resort (Nasama) hand delivered them to a school near bye. The schools are desperate for equipment.

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You spoil-sport Gut, I was pmsl enjoying the pedant hunting exercise from the all for one, one for all free for all from the "harry half arsers" club. ;) :p

 

It never ceases to amaze me of the pack mentality on these boards turned on anyone who has a different opinion, opposite way of looking at or reading anything that doesn't follow the mob majority "norm for normal, nutters" accepted take on absolutely anything... even if it just a good old taking the urine or a good dose of pedantry! :rolleyes:

 

Hope you & your family had a joyful festive season and a happy new year mate.

 

Cheers r.

 

:cool:

 

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I truly wish I had had an English teacher like yours. I usually have to read your posts 2-3 times, laughing all the way, until I finally have a light bulb moment and all is revealed.

LOL,The golden has a promenade 4 mtrs wider, that must make it close to 8 mtrs wide.

Now one thing we do know is that a sun-lounger will fit through the panama canal.(maybe that's wrong also).

But the main question that needs to be resolved RIGHT NOW, is are there sunloungers in the Atrium.:eek::rolleyes:;):)

I have been know to lounge in many grand & golden Atriums after too much sea and sun, particularly at dawn.:D

On cruises out of Australia they are called Beverage Packages. All inclusive beverage package is currently AUD59. Does not include bottled wine but they can be purchased in the dining room at 40% discount. For more details Google Princess Cruises Australia.

As above, tick a time that is convenient to you. When we stay overnight in Sydney I always tick the latest time box to disembark.

One of the previous posts is purely academic, anyway who gives a toss. They are two different class of ship....

Have been on both class of ship and enjoyed both. All of above information to consider. Also Golden has anytime dinning whereas Sun has traditional. I would consider itinerary, price and dinning preference. Have fun which ever you choose.

I have an Emerald Princess Tender Ticket 001 for sale .... does someone want to start the bidding ??? LOL

You naughty little Elf.

I have sailed on two of their ships Preziosa and Orchestra, beautiful ships. As mentioned very port intensive but fabulous ports. Crew sometimes offhand, but maybe that's just European. My impressions, we sailed in what must have been school holidays, lots of nonnas with the littlest. Don't get in their way, they will run you over with the pram. Swimming pools kids dive bombing and everyone had a blow up ball or toy in the pool. Jam packed. Eastern Europeans seeing sun for first time since their winter, this was April. The men wear budgie smugglers but very loose ones, the ladies wear bikinis, quite old ladies, quite large ladies, they lie in the sun all day, I was still wearing a coat. Bingo in four or was it five languages, not to be missed. Buffet ran out of food one day when everyone came back from excursions at same time. The drama as only Italians can do it, forget the lack of food, this was entertainment.

At dinner in MDR you will be offered water, you will be charged for it, just be aware, some Australians at our table were upset by this.

It is quirky, different from main stream Princess and other lines. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely. Go with an open mind, beautiful ships, fantastic ports, chance to meet and chat, sign language with other people, most can speak a little English, I can't speak any other language unfortunately, food generally good.

Just enjoy

Have to agree with all of the above. Sailed on the Poescia (? spelling) around Med & Greek Islands. Beautiful ship great itinerary but the European staff and some of the Px where a bit off putting for an Aussie. Just enjoy the wonderful ports.

Be mindful the allocated boarding time "rule" can be enforced when necessary. We did a short pre Christmas cruise out of Brisbane and our boarding time was 12.30pm (1st boarding time) with preferred check in. Hundreds of Px arrived hours ahead of their allocated time and due to the congestion many where told they would have to wait. Most times it is not a problem and you can be lucky and board early but just be aware.

Check out Wynyard Travelodge.

Terrible reviews. Once they drop below 70%,its a concern, but at 54% id be worried.

I would have to agree with those review results. The ship we were on for a Transatlantic cruise was indeed beautiful vessel. However the cruise company, at least on this cruise, was brought down by their senior, Italian, staff who were mostly unpleasant and unfriendly. The service crew were mainly from the Philippines and were so stressed and lived in fear of the officers. One poor waiter was verbally abused by an Italian officer in the middle of the MDR.

Announcements over the public address system are something we have never encountered before. They are very lengthy. Starts with Italian, then French then after 10mins of listening comes English. :eek:

15% non refundable deposit two years two months in advance!

That's pretty rough. Think of the interest they are making. Beautiful ships but...

I do believe there are some lockers at Southbank. Not sure the exact address but I would contact Qld or Brisbane tourist centre they should know.

Obviously not many kids on the longer Princess Cruises but have seen heaps on the short ones. On a 12 day Med/Greek Is cruise half the pax on The Grand Princess where children of all ages. Naturally there was no room in the pool for me. Some I wanted to keel haul along with their mothers. But I stopped myself and remembered way back when I was...

Have an idea! Decontamination room as one exits the restrooms. Oh just had a thought...what to do about people who pick their nose then...Just enjoy the cruise, there are things in this life you just can't control.

DH & I, like many, incorporate a bit of a road/train/plane trip before or after a cruise and including space consuming formal wear does become problematic. We do our best. As mentioned above it's really about enjoying the holiday and doing what suits you best. Within reason of course.

Family have managed to make contact with an elderly aunt who lives in Wellington and information from her is distressing. Difficult to sleep, constant tremors, stress and anxiety. Worrying about everyone on south island. On top of this she has had to contend with very heavy rain and flooding. Great to see international help on the way. Not much coverage in our local news media, getting more information on social media. Please keep our neighbours in your prayers.

I think maybe Oaktree was referring to formal nights and dinning . I don't believe anyone wearing shorts will be permitted entry to the MDR on formal nights on the majority of cruise ships. Elsewhere on the ship this expectation does not apply.

Some fine examples of the have and the have nots. Most of us belong to the "nots" and don't we have a ball.:D

The Blue Lagoon is not connected to the Cascades Waterfall. You can easy hire a mini bus and driver to take you to The Blue Lagoon. They will be in abundance near the wharf. On Trip Advisor search in forums for Vanuatu or Port Vila. There are regular contributors on these forums with heaps of local knowledge.

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions which we have taken "onboard"

 

We fly out to Singapore tomorrow (Qantas of course) and I attached a photo of the outfit I will be wearing on the flight in case any other fellow Solstice cruisers from Perth are on the flight.

 

If so, please come up and say hello and buy me a drink to calm the nerves, as I hate flying.

I'd say you will fit in well at Walmarts and no one will even bat an eye. Have a good trip.

Now that they are banned from major airlines and now stating to ban them on cruise ships, Samsung should do a total recall, before homes start burning down.:(

14 night Sydney roundtrip cruise onboard Emerald Princess

 

Departure Date: 28 Nov 2016

 

Oceanview - $1339 with up to $425 OBC

Princess site "Sold out".:(