Worldtraveler 4727

We will be with friends on the Grandeur in February. Our friends love Indian food and would like to request the chef create a dinner for us one evening. 
Will you give us details of your experience with this, please?

To whom do we speak?

How far in advance?

What were your favorite dishes?

Thank you. 

@Princess Cruises Fann As always, thanks so much for the added bit of information. 
Sure wish the itinerary had such details…if only to happily look forward to things like this. 

Difficult to know which one to trust…

Copied and pasted from the itinerary provided to us.

No "letter" notations are included.

/23Uluru (ayers Rock), Australia
-Hide Details

TRANSFER: AIRPORT TO HOTEL 

Transfer: Airport to hotel

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR 

Aboriginal Cultural Tour This evening you'll be introduced to the culture and 40,000-year history of Australia's Aboriginal people on an enlightening cultural tour. Walk along the base of Uluru and watch the colors on the rock shift at sunset.   (Please note that some tours have the demonstrations and base walk the following morning after breakfast).

SAILS IN THE DESERT 

Sails in the Desert Resort Yulara Drive Ayers Rock Resort, NT 0872 Phone: 011-61-8-8957-7888 Fax: 011-61-8-8957-7474   All rooms feature air-conditioning, hair dryers, tea/coffee making facilities, television, and private balconies. Facilities include a pool, tennis court, and three restaurants. Located deep in the Outback, sightings of "critters" (lizards, flies, ants, etc.) are not uncommon on the grounds. Your accommodations are the highest available in the region.

Sun, 10/29/23Uluru (ayers Rock), Australia
-Hide Details

ULURU SUNRISE TOUR 

Uluru Sunrise Rise early to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of the sun rise over Uluru and the Red Center. Be mesmerized by the changing colors of Uluru at first light and experience the wonder of the Australian Outback as the dawn emerges.

BUFFET BREAKFAST 

Buffet breakfast

TRANSFER: HOTEL TO AIRPORT 

@compozer So true.

The SINGULAR time Bob Woods Tour Group responded to an email or via FaceBook was to respond:

Please contact Princess Land Tours with any questions you may have.

Have you ever spoken to anyone at Princess Land Tours?

They have the exact same information posted on the tour's itinerary--and nothing more. 

They respond by reading to you what is there, and when you ask a question or for clarification, they read you the paragraph again--word-for-word from the itinerary you already have.

Don't waste your time.

I do not want to count the minutes--dare I say hours--that I will never get back by trying to deal with Bob Woods and Princess Land Tours. 

We leave on this same land tour in just ELEVEN days. 

NO WHERE on our itinerary is there a "read more" that will list "B" "L"or "D"

There IS a "view details" on the itinerary that is VERY BRIEF, and most often just lists BUFFET BREAKFAST at the hotels we will be staying at  (including Sails in the Desert)

As for trying to GUESS what this itinerary might include (i.e. dinner etc) GOOD LUCK! My traveling companions and I have been begging for information and clarifications here on Cruise Critic for months as well as MULTIPLE attempts in trying to contact Bob Woods Tour Group for bits of information. 

EXAMPLE: One gentleman who did this tour last January said that they were taken on a tour of the Sydney Opera House before boarding the ship. No where in their itinerary was this mentioned (and it is not on our itinerary either) so I attempted to contact Bob Woods Tour Group through their FaceBook page AND via the contact information on their website to simply ask the question: Will there be an inclusion of the Sydney Opera House Tour? I have made reservations for a tour, but would like to cancel it if we will do the tour with your group. No sense in seeing the same tour twice.

Answer: Radio Silence.

How difficult would it be to simply rely: Yes, it is included OR No, it is not.

SIGH!
Good luck finding any answers here or with the tour group. 

I am tempted to do a day-by-day blog of this trip as I did for the land and sea Alaska trip we took in 2018, for the same reasons: not enough information for travelers who would like to plan and see things on their bucket list. 

It is unconscionable of these tour groups to not be responsive to travelers in their group regarding simple requests.

2 hours ago, RELS said:

 

Here is how we did it, since we couldn't add our other party until they became eligible:

- We booked for not-shared table for 2 when we were eligible

- On the day she (one person) became eligible, we canceled and rebooked including her in the new booking.

- We were able to get our same days/times except for one restaurant, but were able to get that restaurant for our desired time on another day.

 

If you don't get what you want before boarding, you can definitely try to rearrange when you get on board. I believe 2-tops are in highest demand, so if you release a 2-top for a 4-top, you might have a good chance later.

 

They do use 4-tops for sharing. I was cruising solo on Voyager, specified "share" on my specialty restaurant reservations, and ended up sharing with two others at a 4-top in Chartreuse. These were two friends traveling together. I have no proof, but I suspect the restaurant folks will try not to put a solo with a couple (with multiple couples, sure, but not 3 people total), because that's just so awkward.

 

Thank you. Most helpful. 

Let me try to understand…

THEY, booking at a later date should indicate they wish to share?

(We’d of course like a four-top, same venue, same date, same time.)
I’m thinking any indication of sharing might put us at a 6 or 8 top?
🤔

Fingers crossed though that friends at the later date can get the same venue, date, and time as ours that we make weeks earlier. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Thank you. 

I hope that even though they would not be able to make their own reservations until weeks later, I will simply be able to add them to mine when I make them.

What is your best advice for two couples traveling together and wanting to dine together each evening with regard to specialty dining reservations when one of us has loyalty and the earlier chance to reserve tables and the other couple does not. 

(This is the Grandeur next February, if that makes a difference.)

TIA

8 minutes ago, ScottishRobbie said:

Assuming you're docking at the OPT, If you're going to to the straight to the airport at the end of the cruise, it would probable also be a good idea to research getting the train from Circular Quay.

*Looking for best advice from CC members who have used the Uber service from the airport to a CBD hotel and from the cruise port to the airport. Thanks.

8 minutes ago, arxcards said:

Lol. All that may be possible, and not all Uber drivers are angels either.

 

I can't say I have experienced any of that. For coming in from overseas, pre-paying Uber makes much sense though. Sorry, I haven't used Uber at the airport or cruise terminals.

Perhaps there are Uber drivers who are not angels, but I'd rather "dance with the devil I know" i.e. charges known upfront with Uber.

*Looking for advice from CC members who have used the Uber service from the airport to a CBD hotel and from the cruise port to the airport. Thanks.

2 hours ago, Hogbay said:

Why ? I would just get a taxi . You cannot book ahead they work on a first in first serve  . Anyway here is a link to uber .

https://www.uber.com/au/en/drive/sydney/airports/syd/#:~:text=There is a Limo Pickup,the International Terminal (T1).

Why NOT get a taxi?? This is just one of the bits of information available from a local in Sydney:

"I have caught hundreds/thousands of taxi's in my lifetime for work. The sad reality is that the majority of taxi's will try to overcharge you if they can.

Here are the most common ways in my experience:

1. They put the night rate on during the day time (you can check this on the meter. Depending on the meter, 1 = day time rate, 2 = night time rate). You need to check this at the beginning of the trip and call it out immediately if you spot they're on the wrong rate.

2. They will add extra tolls at the end of the ride. FYI, the NSW taxy levy is $1.20, this is automatically added to the fare

3. If you are crossing the Harbour Bridge, they may try to add the toll twice (you're only supposed to pay once regardless of which direction you are travelling)

4. They may try to charge you the airport fee twice

5. If you are catching a maxi, they can only charge you the higher rate IF you have 5 or more passengers. Otherwise they must charge you as if you have caught a regular taxi

6. When paying by credit card, they may try to input a higher fare amount into the EFTPOS system, please check before you pay. Note that there will be a credit card fee added on top automatically (don't let them add additional on top).

Things to watch out for:

1. If they obstruct the view of the meter (e.g. by placing a water bottle in front, their hand resting on the gear stick etc.)

2. If they make chit chat with you just BEFORE you arrive at your destination (this is to distract you and a chance for them to add extra charges to the fare without you knowing)

If you end up in a situation where you feel you have been overcharged:

1. Check that you are on the appropriate rate (day vs night)

2. Ask them to explain the breakdown of additional fees (and cross check with above list)

3. Take note of their taxi number

4. Threaten to report them if they don't charge you the correct fare

Any complaints can be made directly to their taxi company (as long as you have their taxi number and time of trip)"

Thus...with Uber I like knowing the total cost up front. I don't need the above potential hassles. 

And, thank you for the link, but I can Google information as well as anyone.

I am looking for "best advice" from CC members who will kindly give me first-hand information.

Thank you.

Is an UberX big enough for two people and two suitcases each? Or is an UberXL necessary?

TIA!

Best advice for booking an Uber at the Sydney International Terminal upon arrival to get to the CBD hotel? And again at the end of the cruise back to the Sydney International Airport?

Where does Uber pick up from at the airport and at the dock?
TIA

1 hour ago, lahore said:

Thanks for the input everyone.   @Worldtraveler 4727 unfortunately the vast majority of that sub form relates to USA insurance which is utterly different to Australia.  I had a look though, so thank you.

@lahore Actually my comment was directed at the OP, who is in the US, and who really needs insurance advice. The subform I mentioned will lead him to the source he needs to find reliable insurance at 39 days out. 

There is a forum dedicated to this subject.   Link:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

There is excellent advice in the Subforum on that page!

47 minutes ago, yarramar said:

A note regarding codeine as described in above link. Some OTC pain killers contain paracetamol plus codeine and don't need a prescription in some jurisdictions. If brought into Australia, they must have a prescription from a doctor.

Many years ago, codeine was legally obtained OTC in Australia and some travellers to Greece had problems where at the time it was prohibited there.

Thank you. We will be sure to take note of this. 

1 hour ago, possum52 said:

We always carry a letter with a list of all medications prescribed by our doctors. We have never been asked to produce the medications although we always have them in our carry on luggage. 

 

This is a copy of the Incoming Passenger Card you will complete before going through customs and immigration. Incoming Passenger Card

 

As you can see, you only have one box to tick. I have included the advice from the Australian Office of Drug Control for you to read. Just ensure all medication is in its original packaging, including over the counter.

 

Information re bringing in medications - Bringing Medications into Australia

Thank you, Leigh.

Incredibly helpful! 

Much obliged. 

~Kathy

We are laving for AU & NZ soon.

Can anyone who has been there recently tell us exactly what you had to do regarding prescription and over the counter (OTC drugs)?

I understand all prescription drugs must be declared on a form before landing in AU.

Does one have to declare the OTC drugs you are bringing in? (i.e. Advil, Pepto Bismol, motion sickness medication, cold medication etc)

Upon landing, does Customs ask to see the drugs AND is it absolutely necessary to be carrying the prescription drug(s) script(s) or written authority from your doctor?

I understand the thought process of: Bring scripts or a letter for each drug "just to be safe."  We'd really love to hear from people who have been through the process recently. 

Thank you for your time.

4 hours ago, Princess Cruises Fann said:

On our tour, we flew back from Cairns to Sydney the day before the ship was scheduled to disembark. In the morning, we stopped at a couple of sites in Sydney and toured the Opera House and got on the ship early afternoon. 

@Princess Cruises FannThanks for the added note. I checked our itinerary again, and we do fly back to Sydney and board the ship on the same final day of the land tour.

I emailed Bob Woods Tour Group through their website to ask about the Opera House Tour.

🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻hoping they will respond so I will know whether to cancel the tour reservations we have or not.

Interesting!

After the 3 hour flight from Cairns, the time spent retrieving luggage, boarding the motorcoach, driving into Sydney, that there is also time for this tour before boarding the ship that day. 
Once again, I wish this tour itinerary was more specific! We do not want to miss the tour of the Sydney opera house, and have tour reservations for it before the land tour begins, but it is silly to tour it twice if this is going to be a part of the land portion tour.  However, it is not listed anywhere. 🫤

So kind of you! 😀

We leave October 22. We might have a few more questions before then.

Thank you!!

Thank you. Your time and advice is greatly appreciated.