Pushka

I'm really keen to try Virgin and will be in Europe in 2026 so might look at some of their offerings. Australia is being impacted hugely by changes to Suez Canal transits. Can't believe we made it safely through just over a year ago.

It's not an app but in Apple Wallet it's called Travel card or similar. Add it to your Apple wallet then transfer funds to it.

I'm in. Love the detailed reports and especially those posters who already helped you with theirs.

I'm checking on Australia site and which also includes tips. Currently it is $147Aud a person a day which is £75 and $96 USD and that's supposedly with 20% discount.

It seems to be date based. Nothing so far for Sakura season and I keep checking. Obsessively. Later cruises in summer seem fine.

Celebrity doesn't like giving flash sales to Japan cruises I see. Again.

I think the original cruise has pretty much been cancelled as the new itinerary is very different. If I'd been on the original cruise I'd be cancelling as the replacement one offers nothing new to me.

Yes we get that link but even though we can book them, they 'aren't available yet.' 😂

It will depend on the airlines you are flying with and the fares that have been ticketed. You should be fine with Qantas but may have issues with Jetstar if a cheaper fare booked. On Qantas 50ib (23 kilograms) is the maximum for Economy so be aware you are ready at the limit. 10 kilo luggage limit on usual Qantas but only 7kilo on dash 8.

I read the crew hates them and disposes of them. Wastage.

Cruise after ours in May gets it but not the ones before. Japan. April 2025.

We’ve seen suite guests asked to stand aside for any Aqua guests in the queue which we were. I’m guessing they got in later but Blu was always busy when we were there.

Australian here. I've transferred booking from one cruise to another with payment of $100 pp fee. Refund? Nope. As per this. 31. Changing your booking Subject to clause 29 (Price changes) and availability, some changes (excluding changes to ship or sailing date) can be made to your booking. You may request changes via your travel agent up to 45 days before departure. We will make every effort to meet your change request; however, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make any requested change. Please note: any booking that is modified after the promotion has ended will result in the loss of the promotion. Examples of changes that will result in the promotion being forfeit are including, but not limited to; change of ship, sail date, category booked, amending the travel agency ID or selecting an alternate price/promotion. Up to 45 days before departure an administration fee of AU$50 per booking will be payable for each change requested. If you request a change within 45 days of departure, this will be treated as a cancellation of your original booking and cancellation charges as set out in these terms and conditions will be payable. The changed arrangements will then be treated as a new booking. If you book a promotion cruise which stipulates that the deposit is non-refundable, a change fee of AU$100 per person per change will apply up to 151 days prior to departure. Inside of 150 days, ticket contract cancellation conditions will apply.

Well, at least it keeps those interested in such activities away from the solarium etc and Martini bar which is we where we like to hang out. We rarely participate in any of them.

I was particularly pleased to see your French Balcony as we opted for that too. On the same level as you. I think we have exactly the same thoughts on many aspects of the trip. We plan to get in some R&R time at both the hotels and also on the boat itself which means we will limit some of the extra sightseeing at markets etc. And relax at the pool. Do you think you got the value from the SSP?

What an excellent report. Thankyou. Doing this trip next year.

Another one waiting for the Med in 2026. I have two cruises for April 2025 that I want to transfer over (with fee of course).

After reading the most recent posts today, including those commenting on your credibility I totally understand why you were reluctant to even raise the matter. Please ignore them. You will know who they are.

And for some recovering alcoholics that might just be the situation that comes at a cost.

No means No. In any situation. Society must come to terms with that.

Unfortunately that means a multi entry visa then. Is the cruise line of any help? Sometimes they get a blanket visa although if departing from Bali you will need at least a single entry visa to get into the country.

Thats called the EVOA. Which we did last month and is done online. Yesterday we returned to Bali and did the VOA which means lining up after arrival paying the fee, getting the stamp and then through immigration. If you get the EVOA in advance you can use the egates which are much quicker than the VOA. EVOA is always our preference. You also need a customs clearance and this is always done online and is much better done 3 days prior to arrival than queuing up at a computer at the airport. Most people would apply for the single entry 30 day visa. Either doing it in advance, EVOA. Or on arrival. VOA. We go to Bali around twice a year.

It’s Australian law that all costs are included in the price presented and has been that way always. So makes no difference to us.

I'd expect many Aussie cruisers are already booked on Australia Port cruises only in 2025 which is after the expiry date.

I cannot imagine the Govt not renewing this. The TA's will be lobbying furiously.