jessandarnie

Other cruise lines have been adversely affected by these new tough hull cleaning requirements by New Zealand. Even though the cruise lines have utilised recommended contractors by NZ to complete the hull cleaning job. Unfortunately the standards have not been acceptable. I don’t think it’s totally the cruise lines making or fault. There are limited ports and facilities that cruise ships can change to in this part of the world.

The ferry system around Sydney harbour is used for commuting but, it is seriously the best way to tour the harbour waters. So many places to get to, get off wander around, stop for lunch, get back on. Key places are Watsons Bay as described above. in the other direction is Manly, the Ferry is famous…for its beach, a walk from ferry thru The Mall to this iconic beach is the best day out. So many choices to eat along the way and also trendy cafes etc along the beachfront. All for the cost of a ferry ticket. Another stop to do is the ferry to Taronga Zoo, it has amazing views the animals are extremely well valued, plus they have views to do for. A Harbour cruise with lunch would be a good introduction to what goes on around the Harbour. https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry#/

Yes you will to a certain degree. Google maps will show you the layout of Sydney Harbour in relation to White Bay and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The fireworks are massive and can be seen from afar. Enjoy 👌👌

Australia Day fireworks are held after dark, usually around 9 pm or thereabouts. Sydney harbour is cleared of boating around the Bridge as this is used extensively for the fireworks displays. Circular Quay where ships use is next to the bridge, so depending on where you are in port and what time you depart you may or not be in luck. Sydney harbour fills up with boats of all descriptions and I imagine any ships that are departing would do so as early as possible to have a clear passage out. Hopefully you be fortunate to stay right in Circular Quay and if so it will be an amazing spectacle. So check with Regent as to where you will be.

We have cruised a number of other cruise lines, we really appreciate ( at a substantial cost way above others), what Regent offers us..one total cost up front, knowing that we are not paying out for additional expenses, e.g, tours, alcohol, dining, taxes and importantly gratuities. Yes we are from Australia where we are not accustomed to tipping. We also are paying a lot more to cruise with Regent, we can do this in AUD $ here, then everything is taken care of. It is comforting know Regent Seven Seas values their crew and rewards them accordingly. When we have cruised with other lines, we are subject to extra costs which are generally in USD, our exchange rate can vary, between 50% to generally 80% on these additional expenses. This has been and is always a consideration whenever we head to USA, we don’t have a unlimited budget consequently we always have to take this into account when we travel. There are lots of opinions and viewpoints to this story.

It would be very wise to get your negative test if they have recommended. We have already missed out on 5 days of our cruise in quarantine, due to picking up Covid. We boarded in Vancouver 21 Sep, everyone had to provide a negative test, but this obviously is not fool proof. We will allowed to leave our cabin to dis embark in LAX on 3 Oct. A total of 7 days missed on a 12 day cruise. I can tell you it’s not very nice sitting in a port looking out and seeing people enjoying themselves when you can’t, especially right now in SFO. We did all the right things to get on this cruise, we are from Australia , and it’s cost us a bomb…yes we do have travel insurance , but do they cover $2000 per night.. No..they do not. Medication yes they will cover with a excess. This whole excessive has been a total waste of money and time for us. So I strongly recommend to do as Regent advises.

To do a Covid test before boarding in Vancouver gave us re assurance that we would be Covid free on our 21 Sep departure. Absolutely NOT the case, as we have been in isolation in our cabin since day 4 of this cruise. We are not alone as there now a few of us isolated. it’s now back to masks for all on board whom are allowed out of their cabins, including crew. Please people take responsibility for your conditions, social distance and wear masks and wash hands all the time. It’s not a nice situation to miss out on over half your cruise because of Covid spread.