yes!yes!yes!

I'm on coral Princess now. This is my first Princess cruise. I had 4 cancelled due to covid. I have cruised on royal Caribbean many times. I'm travelling with my mother who is elite and cruises on many different cruise lines. I'm not really using the medallion, except what you would use a key card for previously. I'm not tech savvy and happy to speak to staff when I need to order something. We had 11.30am boarding time, got to the terminal before 11am. Got in the elite queue straight to the front and on board as soon as they processed the usual stuff.

I'm on coral now. I didn't book anything ahead for dining and haven't waited so far for a table. Always asked at the entrance, would you like to share or a table for two. I can ask to be seated in the same area to get the same waiters for dinner. Your medallion tracks where you have been sitting. I wouldn't bother prebooking. This is the first cruise I haven't done traditional dining.

If the 80 year old doesn't turn 81 while on holiday you can use platinum visa free travel insurance if you pay for the trip on your visa card.

A bit disappointed, I was looking forward to the carpetbagger steak and some fried green tomatoes.

Thank you Sinbad the Porter and arxcards. I will search the link you posted Sinbad. Arxcards, ESPN often shows F1 when travelling in Asia.

Thank you Arxcards. Fingers crossed I can get it. Isn't the same watching a replay a week later.

Thanks Aus Traveller. Its only available on Foxtel in Australia. Usually on cruises they show it on a sports channel in your room or at a bar. I have till the 26th to work out foxtel on my phone.

Thanks for the help. I'm on board for 22 nights, its only one race. I don't watch the MUTS or tv in my room, But I will watch that race. Even if I have to figure out how to put foxtel on my phone and watch it there.

Does anyone know if there is a sports bar on the Coral princess that will show the F1?

I hope its not too empty. I like a bit of atmosphere. They messed around with the itineraries too much when they removed Conflict Islands. Most people don't want cold climate cruises. I have stuck with it. Got a free upgrade for the last 3 cruises.

I have tried a pie with mushy peas from one in Sydney about seven years ago. It was a bit bland.

What is Harry's? The Pie thread is pretty long.

Thanks everyone. Will be in Newcastle on the 21st and 25th of August and on the 2nd of September. I saw the tunnel tour on their website. I will see if I can book that in for the first stop. Thanks for the tips on Eden too. I will let my mum know about the pokies at the country club, she's the gambler.

Thanks everyone. I googled the fort and that looks worth a visit. Will make sure we are there for the cannon going off.

Thank you Arxcards/Geoff. I might try most of what you suggested on the first day, Walk, ice cream, fort and ferry ride, weather permitting. Maybe do one of the action tours on one of the other days. The good thing about going 3 times is I get to hear off fellow ship mates what was a good day trip after the first stop.

Thank you NSWP. I might do a ship tour one day and a wander around the dock area another.

Due to Princess rescheduling, my b2b2b next week has become a b2b2b2b with visits to Newcastle three times and Eden twice. I have been to Newcastle on Radiance of the seas a few years back and did a bit of shopping and then went for a nice lunch at a bar on the water front with friends from Newcastle. Any suggestions on things to do at either locations? Will be in Newcastle on a Sunday, Thursday and a Friday. Eden on a Wednesday both times. I'm travelling with my mum who is active and up for most things. Thank you in Advance

Thank you for posting this.

Thank you It will be on the Coral Princess.

Thank you Aus Traveller.

Thank you Aus Traveller for that information. Do you know if we have to test during B2B cruises, I'm B2B2B2B from August the 12th and wondering if I need to test 4 times? If so, are self administered RATS tests okay? I can bring plenty from home.