buchhalm

CruiseS? Plural? So: Cruise 1 was completed and the patient was disembarked and taken to a local hospital? The OP seemed surprised that the on-board medical bills had to be settled before leaving. I believe that medical services are NOT provided by the cruise line, but third-party suppliers. So no point blaming a cruise line. Was the cruise cut short because of the illness? That should/could be a case for the travel insurance. Were subsequent cruises that were booked cancelled for medical reason or death of a close relative (as seems to be the case here). Definitely a case for a travel insurance. No travel insurance, or bare-bones budget policy? Tough.

Champion! That worked!! Thanks👍👍

Sorry, Posted in the wrong forum. In Australia, instead of Celebrity. I re-posted this there.

buchhalm Posted 46 minutes ago #1 So, we are booked on the Edge in early January and will be trying "Any time dining " for the first time. On all previous cruises we chose a set dining time. My question is, can you pre-book certain dining rooms for certain days? (If so, how?) Or do we have to chance it every night and see where they might have seats available? Thanks!

So, we are booked on the Edge in early January and will be trying "Any time dining " for the first time. On all previous cruises we chose a set dining time. My question is, can you pre-book certain dining rooms for certain days? (If so, how?) Or do we have to chance it every night and see where they might have seats available? Thanks!

I misread. I was thinking EDGE!!! 🙊🙉🙈

Any idea how the MDR tables are allocated? Say you have the late seating. Do you have any choice in which restaurant they will put you? I don't think it's possible to chose that before departure.

....and Martinis!

Ahh, those ear patches. I told my wife that people wearing them are swingers. Because EVERYONE knows about the pineapples

Bingo. Your turn.

Sorry, I DID miss that... OK, something easy:

Good idea! I keep forgetting to go there

From PLOOS... 😋

In Barangaroo (that's where the Crown hotel/casino is, adjacent to the old Darling Harbour precinct), you will find several very good places to eat. Whereas Darling Harbour used to be a major tourist trap, Barangaroo does things differently. All eateries are pretty decent. Not exactly "cheap", but the quality matches the prices (and v.v.) Standouts, where we never were disappointed are LOTUS BARANGAROO (they have a few branches around town, which are all very good), a "modern Chinese " restaurant with excellent food. Fabulous vegetarian dishes! Many Chinese customers, which is a good sign. They do have "banquet " options, which are great for small groups or the undecided. ANASON is a fabulous Turkish restaurant. Great lamb dishes and a few vegetarian options. Leave room for an ice cream at RIVARENO Gelato. Sensational Italian style icecreams. The dark chocolate sorbet and pistachio gelato are an orgy in a cone! In Clarence Street you'll find a small French bistro, BISTRO PAPILLON. Traditional French fare in a cosy spot. No "views ", but solid French food. They have been there for many, many years. In circular quay, the modern Greek "PLOOS", is a standout. By a million miles the best Greek food I have found in any restaurant in Australia. Service can be a bit dizzy, but the food is spectacular. From the outdoor tables you can JUST see the tail-end of the cruise ships and the Opera house across the quay. As always, the prices of wine and cocktails will SIGNIFICANTLY increase the cost of all meals everywhere. You will be offered 'sparkling or still' water. That means nearly everywhere bottled water, which ALSO can add up! Don't get embarrassed by just saying "tap is fine, thanks". No eyebrows will be raised and Sydney water is totally fine to drink. Oh, the choices...

Yes, same group. I find the service and atmosphere at Circular Quay better. The food is similar in quality.

I concur. Chat Tgai (as in chit-chat) is excellent. They have several branches, but the one in Circular Quay is the best. This group of restaurants has actually THAI chefs! And if it says 🌶🌶🌶 on the menu, they MEAN it. Fabulous food, as authentic Thai as you can get.

You are about to open a can of worms! To narrow the field, what type of cuisine are you interested in? Sydney has pretty much everything you could wish for. Despite continued moaning from the hospitality industry about declining business, MANY restaurants (especially the more upmarket ones) are booked out a long time in advance, especially Thursday to Saturday evenings. Restaurants will impose a surcharge of 10 to 15% on SUNDAYS and public holidays. Tipping is NOT mandatory but always appreciated. It is becoming increasingly common for restaurants to "suggest" certain tip amounts or percentages on those hand-held payment devices. Feel totally free to completely ignore those suggestions (as I always do in protest against Americanisation of our hospitality sector), tip any amount you chose or nothing at all. When I tip, I give cash. Never by card. Pretty much every restaurant will accept credit cards. They may impose a small surcharge (around 1 5%, a little more for American Express). You may be asked if you would like pay in AUD or your home currency. Always pay in local (AUD in this case) currency. Don't necessarily limit yourself to the Central Business District (CBD). There are lovely restaurants just outside that area as well. Oh, and many restaurants (especially the better ones) WILL require your credit card details to secure a reservation! This is to avoid no-shows. You MAY be charged a certain amount if you do not cancel in time. EVERYTHING will be clearly explained during the booking process. And most of the time you can opt in/out to receive a reminder of an upcoming reservation by email or SMS

Followed now by P&O

Yep, Carnival just passed my window 10 minutes ago. Nearly 6 hours late.

What happened to "Do I have to give my credit card details "???? I prefer the celo over the violin. Might as well....

Glenorchy, Scotland

A.B.C.

Reminds me of the Thsi Cooking School of the Oriental hotel in Bangkok.

Anybody bringing Creme de Menthe should be barred from boarding anyway!😉

I was under the impression that passengers who's luggage shows something illegal at the xray checks are asked/paged to go to a certain location to open their bags and show the alleged item. Opening cases without the owner being present seems rather harsh.