madfisher

Thanks to all who responded to solo sailing topic from me. I will be seeing my sister tomorrow and will give her this info. thanks again

hi GUT2407 , it's been a while since I was here. I am looking for info for a single woman, my sister who would like to cruise but is a bit unsure of what to do and pricing is an issue too for singles. Any advise would be appreciated . thanks michael

I want to Know how to get an upgrade. :p

I'd like to know how to get single cruise fares from Aus

Thanksmate, might run into you on the most beautiful waterway on earth one day.

just look for us on Maybelle

I wasn't going to post this, mainly because I hate it when people say "I'm leaving this group".

 

What changed my mind?

 

A few people contacted me direct expressing some concerns about my absence, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated it.

 

What has happened is my back has gone down hill, and I mean big time, a few ambulance rides, falling over almost every day, and some bodily control issues when I do fall that I'd rather not talk about here.

 

I had three cruises booked. Doctors said the only way I would be allowed go on them was in a wheelchair, and maybe not even then. For insurance purposes it counts as a pre-existing condition so I had to make a call while I could cancel without penalty (for the two night cruise it was already too late). So we pulled the plug. The other two I might have taken the risk if I'd been able to get an accessible cabin, but Princess, in spite of their promises, let me down and NCL was sold out.

 

Then there's the issue that Mrs Gut needs a mid ship cabin and even the accessible we managed to swap to on Solstice is too far forward for our liking, but she is prepared to give it a go for the two days.

 

It has been a hard time physically and mentally, my new pup has helped a lot with the depression.

 

To be honest posting became agonising as it just reminded me that my cruising career MAY be over as well as just how precarious my physical state is.

 

One member sent me a video of my beloved home town to give me a lift and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

 

I hope one day things will improve enough to at least let me post sometimes but for now, "I'll miss the friendship I've found here, thank you all."

 

Sorry to be a bit of a downer,

Sorry to here of your situation old salt. Maybe a trip around our Lake when the days get a bit warmer and you are feeling a bit better will help.

My old girl is eazy to board and slow enough to take in the sights. keep it in mind for later.

Best wishes Michael

Facebook??

Not only facebook but cruise critic don't list the Pacific Explorer when you search for the roll call. so I started this thread.

It would be better. But if Newcastle were to be a home port, I have doubts. In my opinion it should be down near Wickham, opposite where the floating dock was, walk to interchange, train and light rail, no harder to get ships turned to depart than at the OPT.

Sorry Gut, Wickham end is too narrow, too shallow and would be too expensive. Having said that it would not be too bad if the above were addressed.

Someone/some people has made a decision based on monetary issues and not on logic or usefulness..

My point exactly, they son,t have a clue

Most likely not possible with V8 Supercars now using the area for the next few years. Not much (no) room for a terminal either.

hi Lyndarra, super cars are for maybe one month per year, cruise season peak is about 5 months and off peak the rest of the year. there will be room for both with the right planning. Let's not get caught up in one event wonders being the savior of Newcastle. We also have the super boats on lake Macquarie, but that is also only a one week wonder.

hey everyone, I don't think anyone is going to listen to any of us. I have 65 years of experience in this region and over 50 years working in and around the harbour. I get so angry to see these decisions made people who don't have a clue. The work has begun and they won't change a thing.

I think if they do it right and have a good terminal along with a proper shuttle service to the CBD and an area for private transfers then that would work.

Mic, the problem with the current terminal postion is that there isn't enough land in the area that could be used for a terminal and the access is through other port facilities, eg, coal loader. This not a welcoming part of NEWCASTLE harbour. A bit like Neumea and as isolated as White bay and Neumea. Fremantle is about to loose business due to poor facilities and Sydney is getting too congested. Newcastle is the obvious choice but only if they do it right, as you say. They are not. No forward thinking here on the part of the planners or the port authorities. Oh let's not forgetthe politics of the State and Federal Governments who have always treated Newcastle with contempt.

Or the tenders could then transfer people directly to the surf life boats just outside the surf line, and people can row/surf into the beach.

There's an opening here for all cruise ships to introduce another water based excursion or two. Wind surfing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, whale watching,surfboarding, maybe get a few aamphibiouscraft to take people to the shopping areas.

Pity about where they're putting it but. Should be on the city side of the harbour not over Dykes.

Yes I mentioned that on another thread a few months ago.

My preferred option is East of Queens WARF where the tugs used to be. A terminal similar to White bay could be built and used as conference centre etc when no ships are around. Parking station could also help with congestion at the top end of town.

Tourist attractions would include , Vineyards, for wine tasting, Port Stephens, Whale watching/fishing, Hunter Tourist Drive Hunter Valley garden, Zoo, Lake Macquarie biggest saltwater lake in Southern hemisphere, boating fishing scenic drive. Oh and shopping too.:'). Maybe hunter based cruisers should lobby for this although I believe the deal is already done for the dyke end Carrington

Hi! We are heading off on a 7 day pacific island cruise on the Pacific Dawn and included in our booking is the premium drink package, which includes drinks under $12. I was wondering if anyone who has been cruising recently could let me know what cocktails this might include? Any other tips n hints for first timers would also be great, thank you!

My understanding is that most cocktails are included as are most beers and wines by the glass etc. Just beaware that if you get a drink outside the package you pat full price not just the difference. Have a great trip.

Would it be too much to ask, how many people would like to sail out of Newcastle?

What would you like to do when you get here?

What do you know about the region?

Ian,t it great to see Newcastle booming. New passenger facility and expanding the Airport to cater for OS planes. Suck it up Sydney.:')

The price of $68 is a good one, I know it is sometimes cheaper but compared to $65 USD once onboard, it is a saving of around $30 AUD a day.

Just booked on line for all inclusive drinks plus internet package $70.50 pp PD for both. Drinks alone were$72.50 pp PD. Oh and then there was 15%grats on top for the drinks. $560 For 7 nights, too late all done:rolleyes:

maybe it's just me. is anyone else going on this cruise;p

Yep got the ship to myself. Maybe they will let me fish off the stern:')

Thanks

:')Thanksppparea;53055056]They will normally have a $35 wash and fold bag (all you can stuff in the bag) for things like underwear, socks, t-shirts, etc.

Thanksfor the reply we are coming over from Aussie and will be doing 10 days on a coach before the cruise so may need to get some things washed.

Heading to Alaska and doing 7 nights on the Explorer of the sea. Does she have self serve laundry facilities.

Hi All, Is there anyone flying out of Sydney or Adelaide to join Emerald Princess for the Alaska Cruise's on 10 May, 13th or 21st May 2017.

hey Kiwi, no we are not on the Emerald unfortunately but will be on the Explorer of the Sea on the 2 june for 7 nights as part of a package deal. We were on the Emerald in March 2017 and enjoyed it very much . Have a great time.

is anyone else on this cruise

I haven't seen a roll call anywhere for this cruise so decided one should be started. Is anyone else going? We are a group of 38 from Newcastle. Looking forward to meeting up on board.

maybe it's just me. is anyone else going on this cruise;p

Check out on your cruise planner/personaliser what the rate is for Alaskan cruises, it may be charged at their normal conversion rate ($0.77) or if it is on special, buy it up now.

Thanks for the tip mic, we haven't got our tickets yet from the TA so can't access planner. It's part of a package deal so I don't know how it will go.

I am a bit surprised at the prices P&O Australia are charging. We are on the new Explorer (Dawn Princess)in August with the free drinks package. Not so free when you look at the overall prices.

Cheers and happy cruising