buchhalm

I am not sure why this is in the AUSTRALIAN forum...🙂

In your 30s? Celebrity wins. Nothing wrong with HAL, but a bit reserved. That doesn't mean that Celebrity is rowdy or boisterous. Just a lot more "funky".

I don't expect any kids come knocking next year. We made chocolate dipped Brussels sprouts with sprinkles on skewers. (Full disclosure: that's not my photo 🙂)

I think the smoking section should be on a life raft, towed 600 meters behind the ship.

Another glorious day in New Zeulund. I don't know about you, but I ALWAYS assume that the weather will be nice, wherever I go when I'm on holiday. A few year ago we did a 2 week or so cruise around Ireland and Scotland. Literally 7 minutes of rain in Belfast. Other than that, SUNNY. The Irish newspapers were freaking out and talking about drought, because it hadn't rained for 3 weeks.

Not only in small towns. Take Venice in summer. After 4 pm, when most of the big ships are gone, and the crowds with them, Venice is much more beautiful

18.30 at the OPT

I often fear that all our well-intended replies and info to a cruiser's question are only confusing them. 😉

True, the train from the airport to Circular Quay (for OPT) is also an option. The cost is just shy of AUD 20.00 per person. That is because of a 🤬 station access fee we have to pay at the airport. The train ride itself is less than $5. It is a bit of a schlepp to the station at the airport, regardless That It is within the building. There are lifts on both ends to get to/From the platform. Note that there are NO dedicated airport trains. They are all regular commuter trains. There is NO dedicated luggage space, so you need to keep your stuff with you.

Ok. Taxi. From the airport to Circular Quay (Overseas passenger terminal) a fare of around AUD 60 (+/- a few $l) is realistic. No idea how much if your embarkation is at White Bay. The taxi rank at the airport is very efficient, and at busy times they have a dispatcher there to allocate you a car. Bear in mind that most Australian taxis have a quite limited boot space. (They often have large gas tanks there)With more than 2 large suitcases it can get tight. For 2 pax it is still ok. Some luggage can go on the back seat with one of you. Taxis take credit cards. No tips are required, but a few $ will delight the driver, especially if he helped with loading your bags).

I might be wrong here, but for none of the cruises I have booked in the past can I remember seeing a note in the itinerary section or the excursions program that mentions a shuttle service from the ship to a point in town. Not a free shuttle nor a paid shuttle. At best you find out when on board if such a service will be provided for certain ports.

I just found THIS on Google: https://www.cruisecrocodile.com/dunedin-cruise-port/

I just found THIS on Google: https://www.cruisecrocodile.com/dunedin-cruise-port/

I received this yesterday.... Hello xxxxxxx Thank you for your enquiry. We are delighted to advise that The Taieri Gorge Train Tour is definitely going ahead this season. This is now a 5 hour tour from Port Chalmers into the Taieri Gorge (Hindon Station). (sample itinerary, see below, differs according to ship arrival time) Board Port Chalmers 09:30am Depart Port Chalmers 10:00am Arrive Dunedin Railway Station 10:45am Depart Dunedin Railway Station 11:00am Arrive Hindon Railway Station 12:10pm Depart Hindon Railway Station 13:10pm Arrive Dunedin Railway Station 14:20pm Depart Dunedin Railway Station 14:35pm Arrive Port Chalmers 15:00pm Taieri Gorge Train Tour An iconic rail journey through the remote mountain scenery of the world-famous Taieri Gorge. Inspired by the famous Central Otago gold rush of the 1860’s, plans were drawn up for an Otago Central railway line to Cromwell from Dunedin - the largest and richest city in New Zealand at the time. Experience an epic rail journey over white water rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels along the remote Taieri Gorge. Your 5 hour journey begins at Port Chalmers in Dunedin. Travel in the comfort of contemporary carriages, fully enclosed with air conditioning, table seating and panoramic windows. The trains are hauled by powerful 1960s DJ diesel electric locomotives. Detour via Dunedin Railway Station, which is one of the country's most prominent architectural landmarks, taking pride of place in the central city. Continue to the Taieri Gorge, all the way through to Hindon Station, along the way taking in the magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts and bridges, with sheer drops plunging down to the river gorge far below. Weave your way through no less than eight tunnels carved into the mountain rock, including the famous Caversham Tunnel which is 1,407 metres long, making it the 3rd longest in the South Island. Traverse the historic Wingatui Viaduct, a marvel of 1880s construction that remains the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand. Absorb the history, stories and culture of the region with our onboard commentary. All of this and much, much more in between. https://www.taierigorgeshoreexcursion.com/ All bookings are available for purchase direct with your Cruise Line. If you are visiting Picton, The Marlborough Flyer is also recommended https://www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz/ (also available direct with your Cruise Line). If, closer to the time, you still cannot access bookings direct with your cruise line then please let us know and we will follow this up for you. Kind regards Paul From: mailer@multiscreensite.com <mailer@multiscreensite.com> On Behalf Of form-processor Sent: Thursday, 27 October 2022 9:50 PM To: info@pounamutourismgroup.com Subject: Taieri Gorge Train Message: Hi there. Is that Taieri Gorge train operating or not? We will be in town on a cruise ship on January 8th and would like do see something lovely. And your train comes highly recommend by Kiwi friends Thank you for your reply, Paul. Are tix available directly from you guys? From experience, booking through the CRUISE LINE, doubles the prices. I'd like to forward all the info to a blog on "Cruise Critic". Many people would be interested to know. 🙂 Show quoted text

Along a similar line. I had confirmation from the operator of the Taieri Gorge train yesterday that they will be operating the trains. Tours are 5 hours from/to the port. They suggested to book via the ship. I am waiting for a reply to my question if that tour can be booked directly via THEM (the operator), as I don't fancy paying the ships mark-up.

So. The locals complain when there are no tourists coming to spend their money in town. When the tourists DO come, they complain that their bus is full. But that's not only a kiwi problem.... Hey, Dunedin tourist board. You guys know when the ships come. You know how many passengers they carry. You know that at least half of them will need to get into your little town independently. How hard is it to organise a shuttle schedule for free or a modest fee?

🙄🙄🙄

Even the pope needs a visa to come to Australia.

Luckily, the Philippine staff have a better grasp of the English language than about 85% of the population here in Hurstville or Bankstown. Just saying... Not so much if you are redirected to India.

For breakfast? 👍🏻😎

There was a snipped on one of the channels, "the first cruise ship back in WA. Passengers and crew with active Covid " https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/101571326

And then there is the fabulous "Finish fish slapping dance" from Monthy Python's musical "Spamalot"...

Leura is fabulous. I think the nicest village in the Blue Mountains. Some of the best restaurants are there. As for the HoHo bus, dont expect any great frequency. It's not London or Paris. 😉 Also, some of the nicest lookouts/sights are not on the HoHo route. I think it's well worth renting a car to explore the region.

I had to Google that. I thought "Luminosa" was a Costa ship. 🤷🏻‍♂️