Redking

Thank you Jim. Good point. Tried calling earlier but in X world everyone is still slumbering 😉the NZ # on the website even goes through to an Azamara answering service🙄 Fortunately I keep a full range of alternative X numbers!

The website states that the 100% refund policy if you test positive for Covid pre departure has been extended to April 2023. On reading tge Covid policy and protocols document it only applies to US residents. Does any one know if the refund policy as described on the website applies to all bookings regardless of country of redidence: Covid-19 Assistance Book any Celebrity Cruise that’s sailing between now and April 30, 2023, and you’ll have the following reassurance at no extra charge: 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Traveling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 10 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal https://www.celebritycruises.com/nz/health-and-safety Thank you.

As far as I can see, mandatory testing is no longer a requirement to enter Australia and New Zealand yet Celebrity has retained the negative test requirement for these itineraries. Go figure! Accordingly to Celebrity under its exception for our Jan cruise, you need a NZ visa to enter Australia, must have missed the official NZ takeover of OZ 🤣we're also exempted from vaccination requirements and yet last time I looked, Fiji part of our itinerary requires travellers to be vaccinated. All very confusing. Final payment tomorrow, perhaps we'll receive clearer instuction from X after that 🤣

Saw on FB that it's now a 5 hour delay. Never experienced that before. Best of luck and keep thinking about that feeling of stepping on board!

Someone posted the delay on FB. News of the Eclipse has been a bit quiet both here and on FB. Hope your embark goes smoothly and happy sailing to the GBR 🐠🥂

This brings back memories of when TV remote apps became a thing. Our sons, then teenagers would go outside and change the Channel when I was watching something. Got me quite a few times!

A great capture as always. Thank you. Please come back and share your experience should you choose Cunard. We have a similar wish list. We have also considered trying luxury lines but end up deciding not to because of the smaller ships possibly not being to our liking. I am taken with the modern look of Viking.

Glad I'm not alone. Another husband with a food photography aversion. Thank goodness for all the @groryjms!

My goodness how much Booze is included in your bar set up? Did you bring your own vermouth again?

That's a review I'm looking forward to reading. I think many of us are over long haul flying for a plethora of reasons.

Happy cruising and birthday! Your ears must have been burning. I was thinking your next adventure must be due about now whilst I was sipping my Naked and Famous the other night. Slainte 🥂

I really shouldn't admit to this, but one concern I would have about booking an Edge Villa is that I might get up in the night after a few too many sherbets, forget where I was and fall down those stairs🤣 sure someone has done it!

Very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for the very comprehensive review. I'm interested to know why you chose X shore excursions? We normally book independent. X are usually more expensive. Having said that in some ports there are more limited options. I'd be interested to know what influenced your decision especially since you sound like experienced travellers. Thanks.

@Norwaylady the Covid situation isn't sounding good for the return to Australia. No doubt there will be much attention on the cruise industry as ships return downunder. Celebrity won't want the finger pointed at them even though it's here to stay. On a happier note, enjoy your last day of your wonderful cruise. Feels like it lasted forever. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us. You really captured it from a personal perspective and what it meant for you. Happy onward travels. Slainte!

😢

Adding my thanks for your review. Great photos. Hope you enjoyed your celebrations and safe travels home.

@NorwayladyMore cruise industry bashing, this time in Norway https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1673346/cruise-rage-norway-stop-cruising-campaign-exclusive An academic published a similar article in NZ recently. I admit that my conscience struggles with the crew's employment conditions and then still get onboard so what kind of hypocrite am I! It would be good to see more balanced reporting including comparisons with other parts of the tourism sector. I'm submitting my research master's thesis today. Maybe I feel a new research project coming on?

🙄😯she you could hide that couple permanently in the hidden location 🤣

Gosh I can relate to the impacts of stress on sleep. Time to kick back and enjoy each moment of your travels.

The thought of you guys scoping out remote spots brought images of the Pink Panther to mind images.mp4

That's one cool cat🤭😉

Happy chappie 👌

@Suzi66 I have just read about your situation. That's awful thoughts are with you. 🤞you'll be back onboard by 3 October. Am I right in thinking you're on the Fiji Tonga roll call?

No Captain Theo? In the Webinar I watched yesterday he said he would be the captain for the TP. It was recorded a while ago, so things must have changed 🤔