irishcraig

Thanks for the replies, just another quick question. Does the lido buffet stay open from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm or does it close during the day between meal times?

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Thinking of booking splendor in June, only been on Royal Caribbean cruises before. Does carnival charge for snacks (things like cookies and stuff like that) in their coffee shop, as it's free in the cafe on Royal. Or is there other places on the ship that has snacks.

Hi I posted the same question in the Barbados port of call forum but got no replies, anyone here help me out?

Stopping in Bridgetown on June 18th as part of our Southern Caribbean cruise with RCI.

We want to do the Agapey chocolate factory tour and go to The Boatyard afterwards, but the tour doesn't finish until around 11:00am, is that too late to go to the boatyard? What are the chances of getting a chair and umbrella in the boatyard at that time as I've read it gets very crowded (There'll be 4 of us)

Would it be a better option to try a different beach after the choc factory or is that tour even worth doing?

Other beach suggestions welcome

Stopping in Bridgetown on June 18th as part of our Southern Caribbean cruise with RCI.

We want to do the Agapey chocolate factory tour and go to the boatyard afterwards, but the tour doesn't finish until around 11:00am, is that too late to go to the boatyard? What are the chances of getting a chair and umbrella in the boatyard at that time as I've read it gets very crowded (There'll be 4 of us)

Would it be a better option to try a different beach after the choc factory or is that tour even worth doing?

Beach suggestions welcome

I normally find the best way is to get accurate info is contact them yourself or look up their official website. Here's a link, they have a good deal for cruise passengers which includes the journey back to the pier.

http://www.theboatyard.com/home.html

What kind of snacks are you thinking of? There will be plenty of "sweet" stuff, but very little "salty or savoury", like potato chips or peanuts unless you want overpay for them in the on board shop.

Do RCI realise that their current prices are forcing customers to look to alternative lines.

People might think they are loyal to RC but they are more loyal to their wallet and bank account.

Let's be honest if we could all afford it and not worry about price we'd all cruise with a more luxurious line, we cruise with RC as it's usually good value for what they offer, but not at the moment.

A lot of people are saying there's good prices if you can be flexible with the time of year that you cruise but not everyone can just go when they want with work and other things.

I'm chancing carnival for my Southern Caribbean cruise next June as it's around €600 less, and who knows if I enjoy carnival I might not come back to royal, and I'd be pretty sure I won't be the only one thinking the same thing.....

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the replies and opinions so far.....

From what we've read both companies have a lot in common, both have pros and cons, we were never going to get a straight cut answer.

I'd like to stay with RCI, but would have no problem trying carnival, especially for the Southern Caribbean as both itineraries are really port intensive with only 1 sea day.

It's probably the fact that an OVC is around €600 cheaper with carnival at the moment and we have the added expense of air fare from Ireland to take into account aswell.

I also know that prices on RCI will probably come back down or they'll have another "sale", just don't want to leave deciding too long incase carnival starts selling well and drives the price of that cruise up too!

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the replies and opinions so far.....

From what we've read both companies have a lot in common, both have pros and cons, we were never going to get a straight cut answer.

I'd like to stay with RCI, but would have no problem trying carnival, especially for the Southern Caribbean as both itineraries are really port intensive with only 1 sea day.

It's probably the fact that an OVC is around €600 cheaper with carnival at the moment and we have the added expense of air fare from Ireland to take into account aswell.

I also know that prices on RCI will probably come back down or they'll have another "sale", just don't want to leave deciding too long incase carnival starts selling well and drives the price of that cruise up too!

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the replies and opinions so far.....

From what we've read both companies have a lot in common, both have pros and cons, we were never going to get a straight cut answer.

I'd like to stay with RCI, but would have no problem trying carnival, especially for the Southern Caribbean as both itineraries are really port intensive with only 1 sea day.

It's probably the fact that an OVC is around €600 cheaper with carnival at the moment and we have the added expense of air fare from Ireland to take into account aswell.

I also know that prices on RCI will probably come back down or they'll have another "sale", just don't want to leave deciding too long incase carnival starts selling well and drives the price of that cruise up too!

We're 32 and 27, and have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean on 4 different ships; allure, freedom (east and west Caribbean), mariner and rhapsody in Asia and Australia.

We haven't cruised with another company.

We're looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise next June with RCI on adventure ots from San Juan but the price has gone up from around €1400 to €2000 in the past couple of weeks, so we had a look at other companies and found a similar itinerary with Carnival on their Valor ship priced around €1400.

Is there much of a difference between the 2 companies, does carnival have drinks packages, anytime dining, etc, etc....

Looking for advise from anyone that has experienced both lines or even better, been on both ships, adventure and valor.

We're 32 and 27, and have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean on 4 different ships; allure, freedom (east and west Caribbean), mariner and rhapsody in Asia and Australia.

We're looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise next June on adventure from San Juan but the price has gone up from around €1400 to €2000 in the past couple of weeks, so we had a look at other companies and found a similar itinerary with carnival on their valor ship priced around €1400.

Is there much of a difference between the 2 companies, does carnival have drinks packages, anytime dining etc, etc....

Would we be disappointed with carnival after 4 cruises with RCI?

Looking for advise from anyone that has experienced both lines or even better been on both ships, adventure and valor.

Not sure if this is the right section to post this but anyway......

We're 32 and 27, and have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean on 4 different ships; allure, freedom (east and west Caribbean), mariner and rhapsody in Asia and Australia.

We're looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise next June on adventure from San Juan but the price has gone up from around €1400 to €2000 in the past couple of weeks, so we had a look at other companies and found a similar itinerary with carnival on their valor ship.

Is there much of a difference between the 2 companies, does carnival have drinks packages, anytime dining etc, etc....

Would we be disappointed with carnival after 4 cruises with RCI?

Looking for advise from anyone that has experienced both lines or even better been on both ships, adventure and valor.

We were looking at Southern Caribbean on AOS in June 2015, price we originally got was around €1400 for OV including pre-paid tips for my time dining, now price has has gone up to over €2000.

Had a quick look at other companies and got a price of around €1500 carnival valor, but not sure if we'd be disappointed with that ship and company after 4 cruises with royal including one on Allure.

Is there much of a difference between the 2?

Should we wait and see if royals prices come back down or take the chance with carnival?

We're going on Rhapsody in March, have all the TVs in the rooms been upgraded to flat screens? Also have the HDMI ports been disabled so you can't connect a laptop or ipad to them?

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According to the Port of Brisbane website http://www.portbris.com.au/PortBris/media/General-Files/Shipping%20Operations/Cruise-Liner-Schedule-2014_1.pdf

 

The Rhapsody will be visiting Brisbane on 30th March 2014 and will be docking at the F1 Grain pier.

Rhapsody of

the Seas

30 March 2014

0800hrs

30 March 2014

1700hrs

279 ICS FI Grain

 

After looking at the posted tours for Brisbane the tour to Lone Pine is probably what I would recommend. It will take you via the city, southbank and up to the park and should be rewarding. Lone Pine is not that big, but has a lot of free roaming animals(kangaroos,emus,wallabies etc) that can be hand fed, ... and of course there is a specific place where you can cuddle and have your photo taken with a Koala (not many places in Australia allow this). There are also quite a few other exhibits and a nice place to have lunch. A two hour visit is generally ok.

 

cheers

Thanks for the port info, seeing that the ship doesnt dock at the main pier it would probably be easier just to do one of the ships tours from here.

I think the Brisbane and Lone Pine tour would probably suit us best, we'd get to see abit of the city and also the wildlife park on the same tour, which is probably better than just going to the Australia Zoo.

There is also a good case for a visit to the Gold Coast aswell:(

My only fear is that we'd get bored as ive mentioned before, we're not into lying on a beach all day (we could do that in Spain for 2 weeks and only cost us a quarter or less of what we paid).

I know theres theme parks on the Gold Coast but we've done the Orlando/Disney thing a few times already.

The "value" of these tours is for me largely dependent on what they do/where they go to -- but also HOW LONG they are .

 

Can you please tell us the lengths of these tours.

 

Barry

I wasnt able to edit the other post so heres the length of each tour.

Brisbane

Brisbane Sights & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary- $79, 5 hours

Day at the Gold Coast- $79, 8 hours

Australia Zoo Express- $145, 6 hours

Airlie Beach

Tropical Rainforest & Countryside- $150, 5 hours 30 mins

Whitehaven Beach & Aussie BBQ Lunch - $230, 6 hours

Crocodile Safari - $190, 7 hours

Great Barrier Reef - $300, 7 hours

Cairns

Cairns & Rainforest Village - $50, 4 hours

Jungle Train & Amphibious Army Duck - $165, 4 hours

Jungle Train, Kuranda and Skyrail - $200, 6 hours

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef - $340, 8 hours

IrishCraig,

 

The Aussie sun is fierce! Whatever you do make sure you have plenty of high SPF sunscreen and use it liberally. Also bring a hat with a big shady brim, a cap doesn't provide enough protection. Good sunglasses are a must as well. You also might like to pack a lightweight long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms. Outdoor stores often have shirts and hiking pants (that convert to shorts) that are made from fabric that protects you from the sun, and that dries quickly. They are very useful garments for any form of travel. We hate to see fried tourists :D

Thanks for the advice, I know alot of tourists dont use an high enough sunscreen and dont even notice that they are being burned until its too late.

But will it be that hot at the end of March, is it not the end of the Aus summer and more the autumn/fall?

Im a SPF 100 man myself, my wife got a bad burning in Thailand a couple of years ago so we're more that careful this these days :cool:

To the OP -- why don't you give us some quick descriptions of the things that are being offered as shore tours (including prices) and perhaps we can make comments on them. It is always difficult as locals to recommend places to people from overseas -- what we find boring (familiarity breeds contempt) you may find fascinating.

 

Barry

Heres a few samples and descriptions of the tours that RC are offering.

Ive just included the tours we're thinking about and what are most of interest at the momemt, love to hear your opinions on them.

Prices are in AUS Dollars and per person

Brisbane

Brisbane Sights & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary- $79

During your panoramic coach tour of Brisbane you’ll see how the city has been transformed into a beautiful and vibrant metropolis. The historic Parliament House, City Hall and other stately buildings are a wonderful contrast to the splendid riverside setting of the modern South Bank Parklands, State's Art Gallery and Performing Arts Complex.

You’ll make a delightful visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and get close to the animals in a beautiful, natural setting. In addition to all the other Australian birds and animals; with over 100 free roaming koalas, kangaroos and wallabies this sanctuary was the first and remains the largest of its kind in the world.

Day at the Gold Coast- $79

Queensland is the “Sunshine State”. When you combine that with the stunningly beautiful Gold Coast you have a tour perfectly tailored for guests who want to spend their day relaxing on the most famous stretch of beach in the state.

You’ll get a brief introduction to the highlights of Brisbane as your coach passes through the city. At the beach you’ll have plenty of time on your own to enjoy lunch, shop, swim or just work hard … on your tan.

At the designated time and place you’ll meet back up with your coach for the pleasant ride back to the ship.

Australia Zoo Express- $145

Travel north from Brisbane to visit the Australia Zoo, home to the late Steve Irwin, TV's "Crocodile Hunter". Then u will proceed to see the Croc Show. The giant crocs are menacing and awesome. The show is a lot of fun and it will educate you to the ways of the crocodile. Although the Croc Show is the main event, there is some limited free time to explore the zoo and its inhabitants. The Koala enclosure is a favorite and allows you to observe up close some of Australia's most famous animals.

Airlie Beach

Tropical Rainforest & Countryside- $150

Participate in a fully guided tour with the most experienced rainforest tour guides in the Whitsundays. Ride in comfort in a deluxe air conditioned vehicle as you tour the best highland tropical rainforest in the heart of the Conway Range. Conway National Park – This 22,500 ha park includes the rainforest-clad Conway Range and protects the largest area of highland Tropical Rainforest in Queensland outside Tropical North Queensland. Rugged, steep, rocky cliffs provide a spectacular 35 km long backdrop to the Whitsunday Passage. The park’s vegetation is totally different to that on the Whitsunday Islands because thousands of years ago the sea level rose, drowning coastal valleys and creating the islands. For thousands of years, the Ngaro and Gia people roamed these rainforests, harvesting the riches of the forests and the adjoining sea country. Today the adjacent waters are protected in marine parks. Cedar Creek Falls – Located just 19 km from Proserpine and 28 km from Airlie Beach are the picturesque Cedar Creek Falls. These falls are spectacular in the wet season and offer an almost year round natural swimming pool at the base of the falls. Set in a natural amphitheater, the flora and fauna will amaze you. Tropical Rainforest Walk – Rainforests are the richest of all the Earth’s environments in plant and animal life. Enjoy a walk beneath the canopy of the rainforest and experience the numerous plants as they compete for space, light and nutrients. Many plants, which include Bird Nest and Basket Ferns, with giant Elkhorn’s and woody climbing vines, decorate the colorful tree trunks.

Whitehaven Beach & Aussie BBQ Lunch - $230

Board your catamaran directly from the ship and cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. Your destination is world famous Whitehaven, "Australia's Most Beautiful Beach". As soon as you arrive you’ll experience a wonderful sense of escape and relaxation.

Whitehaven is located on the largest of the 74 islands which make up the Whitsunday Island group. Stretching over 7 km, it is well known for the natural beauty of its crystal clear water and pristine, white silica sand. You’ll have up to 3 hours of free time to join the walk to Solway Lookout and swim. The shallow water is full of marine life and it’s not unusual to spot turtles, manta rays, dolphins and giant fish.

A typical Aussie BBQ lunch will be served. A light, afternoon tea will be offered during the return sailing.

Crocodile Safari - $190

There's more to the Whitsundays than the reef and islands. Hiding in the Proserpine River you will find dangerous saltwater crocodiles living and breeding in the estuaries. You will see an amazing array of birdlife in the coastal wetlands. Nowhere else on the Queensland coast can you experience so much in one location. In complete safety and comfort you’ll cruise the pristine crocodile country and tour the Melaleuca forest and mangrove ecosystem of the freshwater wetland habitat. With the sound of nature as your background music you may feel like you are lost in the middle of the Australian bush.

Enjoy a traditional “Bush Tucker” BBQ lunch followed by a ride on an open-air, tractor drawn wagon train. Traveling through the Goorgana wetlands you will see the area as Captain Cook first saw it over two centuries ago. As you experience this unique Australian habitat, like the Captain and his men, you’ll marvel at the many species of flora and fauna.

Great Barrier Reef - $300

Board your exclusive catamaran for the 2 hour sail to the Great Barrier Reef, a wonder of the natural world. Your destination is a large, floating platform located on the outer reef. This snorkeler’s paradise is home to an abundance of tropical marine life and the colorful coral is breathtakingly beautiful.

Enjoy approximately three hours of free time to indulge in a wide range of activities. Snorkel the famous reef and take a semi sub ride. View the reef from a glass bottom boat, look through the underwater viewing chamber or just relax on the open deck.

Your catamaran is fully equipped with restrooms and will remain moored alongside the pontoon at all times. Both the pontoon and the catamaran have open sundecks and covered areas offering cool shade.

A buffet lunch will be served on the pontoon. Tea and coffee will be available. Other beverages are offered at an additional cost.

Cairns

Cairns & Rainforest Village - $50

Experience the charm of a real rainforest village and also see the sights of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland’s most well-known tourist city. You’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort as you take a panoramic drive through Cairns past many famous sights such as the Central Mall, The Navy Patrol Base, the shipyards and the Sugar Terminal. Your driver will relate the history of the area, providing a wonderful orientation to this historic city and its suburbs. There will be a brief stop in the suburb of Palm Cove.

The highlight of your adventure is a visit to the charming village of Kuranda. Established in the mid-1800s it became a well-known outpost, where miners and loggers stocked up on goods and travellers found diversion at the local hotels. Today you’ll find a variety of wonderful attractions for the entire family. You’ll have time to independently explore the village, enjoying the shops and cafes. Be sure to visit the world famous Butterfly Sanctuary or see the wide array of local birdlife at Birdworld. Don’t forget to select a special memento at the craft markets or perhaps pick up an aboriginal didgeridoo!

Cairns, Kuranda, Aboriginals & Army Ducks - $100

Embrace the nature, wildlife and indigenous people of Australia’s north land on this exploration that takes you through rainforest villages, up jungle waterways and into the world of Aboriginal culture.

You’ll begin with a brief tour and free time in charming Kuranda Village before heading to Rainforestation. Prepare for a unique experience as you board the World War II Army Duck, an amphibious vehicle that travels over land and in water. What a fun and unusual way to see the beauty of the World Heritage Rainforest! Your Army Duck will take to the water with propellers engaged, and cruise up the jungle shoreline. Keep your camera handy and be on the lookout for all manner of reptiles, fish and other wildlife.

Then get ready for a cultural treat as you settle in for a performance by the Aboriginal Pamigirri Dancers. The group is proud to share their heritage as they explain the movements and meanings of the dances. You’ll even have a chance to get in on the action when you head down the Dreamtime walk where you will witness demonstrations of boomerang and spear throwing, and even have a try at boomerang throwing yourself.

Jungle Train & Amphibious Army Duck - $165

Embrace the nature, wildlife and indigenous people of Australia’s north land on this exploration that takes you through rainforest villages, up jungle waterways and into the world of Aboriginal culture.

You’ll begin with a brief tour and free time in charming Kuranda Village before heading to Rainforestation. Prepare for a unique experience as you board the World War II Army Duck, an amphibious vehicle that travels over land and in water. What a fun and unusual way to see the beauty of the World Heritage Rainforest! Your Army Duck will take to the water with propellers engaged, and cruise up the jungle shoreline. Keep your camera handy and be on the lookout for all manner of reptiles, fish and other wildlife.

Then get ready for a cultural treat as you settle in for a performance by the Aboriginal Pamigirri Dancers. The group is proud to share their heritage as they explain the movements and meanings of the dances. You’ll even have a chance to get in on the action when you head down the Dreamtime walk where you will witness demonstrations of boomerang and spear throwing, and even have a try at boomerang throwing yourself.

Jungle Train, Kuranda and Skyrail - $200

Prepare yourself for amazing views of lush tropical scenery. Australia’s World Heritage-listed rainforest is yours to enjoy by train and cableway during this scenic adventure.

You’ll drive to the Freshwater Railway Station for the first leg of your journey, a ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Settle in and enjoy the leisurely 75 minute ascent to 1,076 feet above sea level. This breathtaking route features waterfalls, 40 bridges and 15 tunnels as you travel to Kuranda Railway Station. Once in the village of Kuranda, you’re free to browse the craft markets for that special souvenir, shop for Aboriginal art, or grab a snack.

Then comes your chance to experience a bird’s eye view of the lush forest canopy as you ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You’ll glide along the five mile route in cars that offer 360 degree views. Be on the lookout for birds and exotic plants in this veritable paradise.

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef - $340

This Great Barrier Reef experience is offered to cater to the more advanced snorkeler that would prefer to snorkel from the back of a purpose built reef vessel rather than a pontoon. Guests will visit two reef moorings on this full day exclusive charter allowing them the opportunity to experience the best the area and the daily conditions have to offer.

The day will include up to 4 hours of time in the water, a full Buffet Lunch, morning and afternoon tea as well as a lycra suit for each participant making it a perfect day for the more advanced reef enthusiast. This reef experience could not be any better utilizing the purpose built vessel accommodating a maximum of 100 guests adding to the exclusivity of the reef sights visited. Scuba diving is an optional extra for the divers in the group however it is best to pre book this onboard your cruise ship prior to the day of travel to ensure your tanks are in place and dive masters are ready to show you the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

I know its a long post but i didnt edit anything it was taken straight from the RC website.

 

If you are not confident swimmers, take a proper reef cruise. You will be given a noodle (floatation spongey foam stick) & snorkeling gear. Seriously & honestly. You just kick and breath. Nothing to it. PLEASE do not let your lack of confidence deprive you of seeing coral & fish etc.:) It really is another world, joyful, colourful & silent. I will beg & plead you to have a go at it if convinces you to try!

We'd both love to try snorkeling the reef but we'd probably look like complete idiots if we had to use a floatation device, people will be like "if you cant swim why the hell are you here, theres plenty to do on dry ground" :D

Yeah im nearly sure the ship berths in Hamilton for Brisbane

Thanks for all your replies,

Just letting anyone that suggested that we spend time in Sydney know we are spending 4 days in Sydney (2 days in Kuala Lumper before that) before the cruise.

I didnt ask about Sydney as we know theres plenty to do and see, but we are open to ideas. it was more the other ports we're concerned about.

When i said about the ships excursions being over priced, Its not that we're trying to do it on the "cheap", its just that I dont want to waste money if I could of got a better tour for the same price. And I totally agree about the ships tours being tailored for the passengers to get the most out of the time they have in each port and its must easier and safer to book with the ship.

But we were on an Asian Cruise last June and I felt embarrassed for RC as their excursions were so bad.

About the Great Barrier Reef, i know its kind of a "must see/do" but the thing is (dont laugh) we're not great swimmers, Im afraid of water in fact!! so that really puts that out of the question.

The Gold Coast has the beaches but being from Ireland, 30 minutes just lying on a beach and we'd need hospital treatment for 3rd degree burns :).

We've been to Orlando for the theme parks so not really too pushed about going to a park.

Would anyone second Flipper133's idea of the Brisbane tour and visit Lone Pine Koala sanctuary? Or would Steve Irwins zoo be a better choice? or would it be a waste just to spend the day in a zoo instead of seeing more of Brisbane?

Is it still possible to hold a Koala is some places, isn't it not allowed in some parts of Aus now?

Going by a few opinions, a definite in Cairns is going to Kuranda and the train trip.

Thanks for the ideas so far, but keep them coming as we haven't decided on anything just yet :confused:

Hey Guys,

Me and my wife (31 and 26) have booked an eastern Australia cruise on Rhapsody in March 2014.

The cruise is departing and finishing in Sydney and the ports of call are Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Newcastle. This will be our first time in Australia and we were having a look at the excursions off the ship that Royal Caribbean are offering and there doesnt seem to be much on offer and they seem really overpriced for what they have.

Could anyone that has been to the ports/cities recommend some good tours, activities, etc that we could do.....

We like to be fairly active, dont just want to sit on a beach all day also interested in local wildlife (zoos and parks).

Thanks for reading and looking forward to your opinions/ideas.

Hi Craig

Just wondering what you ended up doing? We are doing a trip with Mariner of the Seas and I was wondering whether to use their ATM, or get some currency here at the bank before I leave.

 

Thanks! Lyn

Hi Lyn,

I ended up using the ships ATM as I don't like carrying large amounts of cash. The ATM gave out US Dollars which I changed at customer services for each port, any cash that I had left over from the day in the country I just changed it into the currency for the next stop. Hope this helps and have a great cruise, I'm counting down the days until March.....

Craig

Im sailing on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas leaving from Singapore on June 8th 2013.

Port of call are Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Hong Kong, Naha (Japan), Jeju (South Korea) and finishing in Shanghai.

I've a couple of questions regarding money, instead of me bringing 4 or 5 different currencies for each port (im travelling from Ireland, if you didnt guess by the user name!!) its impossible to know how much to take for each port.

Does the ship have an ATM and if so will it give out the different currencies for each port or will it only give American Dollars or Singapore Dollars?

Or is there a bureau de change on the ship either, although I'll probably get charged alot in commission!!!

Ill be using my credit card to pay my sea account, for excursions etc, just dont want to have to use it for small things when in port, rather just use cash.

Thanks,

Craig.