Bit of a Blog : Solstice : Auckland – Fremantle – Sydney : February 14th 2016

[I'm from Oz]

I am travelling to Australia with my family at the end of February for 3 weeks, then on to Bali for 1 week. Our TA has assured us that there is no longer any visa to pay in Bali unless you are planning to stay more than 30 days.

I'm afraid your agent has it wrong. You may be faced with having to pay for a visa upon arrival in Indonesia.

 

The visa is required for all visitors who are then eligible to stay "for up to 30 days"

 

Here is the information from the Indonesian embassy.

 

For cruise passengers, in most cases, Indonesian authorities will board the vessel the port prior to arrival (in this case Perth) and you will be asked to present to the authorities (usually in the Main Dining Room) to have your passport processed. Alternatively, you may be asked to hand in your passport to Guest Services and the processing will be done prior to arrival in Benoa.

 

It is also the case that you will have to pay for the visa even if you do not plan to go ashore. The cruise line cannot be expected to monitor any passengers who elect not to to ashore.

[I'm from Oz]

Linda - I'm so excited to be able to follow your blog. I can relive all the ports we have just visited! :D

 

Please do let me know if you need any help at all with any ports you are still contemplating - you know I've been to them all (except Cairns, but have stayed there, just not visited on a ship :o)

 

In Auckland - I do recommend the harbour tour with Fullers - their ticket costs $NZ42 and that includes a return ticket to Devonport ($NZ12 on its own). We thought it was well worth it. We loved our 4 days in Auckland, but that was more than enough.

 

Enjoy :)

[chemmo]

Just an idea for Bay of Islands day...We did the Hole in the Rock trip and it really was great, lots of dolphins, seals and sea birds as well as cruising through the hole!

[NorbertsNiece]

Staggered at how many views this blog has acquired already.

 

Absolutely delighted to see previous cruise friends following... I miss you already lol.

 

Thanks for all the info you're posting here.... I know it will come in useful and will be appreciated by many others.

 

Flight was a tad bumpy but I have a retired submariner sat next to me and he's a Scot so very friendly. He's also flying on to Sydney.

 

I changed into onesies before take off and fell asleep straight after take off. I mean straight after..... as soon as I was able to set the bed up!! Missed dinner altogether. Woke up 3 hours later. Went for a walk and cabin crew took care of a tray of food for me which included a salmon dish from First Class :D Watched some of a film and went back to sleep for another 3 or so.

 

We're currently sat in the BA lounge at Changi Airport availing ourselves of the free wifi and a decent cup of coffee..... wish I'd not had breakfast on board as the Indonesian fare here looks so appetising.. There's a Victoria's Secret in the amazing mall they have at the airport but it doesn't sell clothes (this is for the info of DD1)

 

Heading back to reboard the plane now

[vulcan1971]

I am following as well since I cannot be there. :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

Edited February 11, 2016 by vulcan1971

[Wriggler]

Hi Linda

 

I'm following along too :)

 

Pleased your second of 4 flights went well - loved the photo of you in your onesie on Facebook.

 

A trip like this is something we'd love to take but will have a wait a few years so excited to 'see' it all with you.

 

Take care

Carol

[Clarea]

Looking forward to this one Linda!:)

[kobecat]

We did this itinerary 2 years ago and loved it.

 

As Elite you will have breakfast with fresh juices and smoothies provided, plus "proper" coffee. Can't remember the location on the Solstice, think it is one of the specialty restaurants at the stern of the ship..

 

Our last Celebrity cruise, Europe on the Constellation in August last year, there was just elite drinks, no drinks vouchers but maybe it depends on the number of elites? You are not permitted to take drinks out of the lounge on Celebrity, unlike Royal.

 

The Solstice will dock at Circular Quay, not sure about the reference above about a Tender to Circular Quay.

 

Have a fantastic time.

 

Beryl

Edited February 11, 2016 by kobecat

[jakethecruiser]

Nice!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[NorbertsNiece]

Breakfast in the Qantas lounge, this last flight is a codeshare.

 

I got a lovely sunrise pic from my phone camera but can't get my head around it being to starboard....

 

Carol!! Bob!! More friends have found me here. Wonderful :D

 

Beryl, on this cruise we tender in Sydney as there are two other ships in town that day. This is a long day visit for us, not a disembarkation day.

Edited February 11, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[chermilo]

Hi Linda!

 

I'll be following your blog! Great to see that you are doing this like you did on the Rhapsody cruise last year.

 

Have a fantastic cruise!!

 

Mark

[NorbertsNiece]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement.

 

Here are some pics..... I've lost a day.....

 

The flight out of Newcastle was delayed as there was Ice on the wings that had to be dealt with..... looking back I've gone from one extreme to another!!

 

 

Flying backwards into Singapore

 

 

Sunrise over Sydney

 

 

My first sight of New Zealand

 

[NorbertsNiece]

The BA crew were insistent that I needed to fill out the immigration form for Sydney. I needn't have. The transit to the next flight was clearly signed and the form was never requested. Had to go through security again and forgot to get out my clear plastic bag of liquids. That caused a bag search. The couple behind me were also stopped..... they are cruising out on HAL Noordam tomorrow. Sydney is one huge airport...... the Qantas lounge was about as far from the departure gate as you could get! Was quite impressed with the flight in to Auckland.

 

I do try not to have expectations before I go anywhere..... Auckland is a surprise. Flew through immigration control; my luggage came through very quickly. I'd declared my meds and an edible gift I'd bought for a New Zealand friend. I was then subjected to bag Xray. A driver had been booked by my TA and she was waiting for me. I'm not sure how long the drive in took. Maybe 20 / 25 minutes through residential neighbourhoods. She's an ex-Brit and pretty much shared her life story with me.

 

I've a huge room in this modern hotel.....view of buildings. I hinted at an upgrade to a room with a view but was quoted NZ$40 per night. I passed. The driver had recommended that I go to eat at the Orbit 360 restaurant at the Sky Tower, a revolving restaurant with quite a high minimum spend for my budget. I've no need to eat a meal tonight..... two dinners and two breakfasts in 24 hours more than enough.

 

I try and sort myself out case-wise..... I think an attempt may have been made to get into the big one..... I'd left the combinations on the locks on specific numbers..... they'd been changed and the zips not closed up together. I don't pack anything of value in my suitcases.

 

I've been out for a walk and a shop. I went up the Tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 12, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Tomorrow my plan is to head down to the sea front after breakfast (included so not about to skip!) and take the harbour tour at 1030am.... I have to be back at the hotel by 120pm for the following excursion :

 

Depart from your accommodation to commence your half day Auckland West Coast Afternoon Tour. Be amazed by Auckland's famous West Coast with its subtropical rainforest including magnificent Kauri trees, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and stunning black sand beaches. Walk along the deserted shore, with the sound of the sea in your ears, the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face.

 

Tour highlights: Drive through Titirangi (Maori for Fringe of Heaven) - the artists’ enclave on the Manukau Harbour, The Arataki Visitor Centre at the gateway to Auckland's famous West Coast, spectacular ocean vistas in the famous Waitakere Ranges, unique indigenous flora and fauna, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and spectacular, volcanic black sand beaches; visit famous West Coast black sand beaches, ancient native rainforest including our New Zealand Christmas Trees (Pohutukawa Trees) and the amazing Kauri Trees. Tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Edited February 12, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[elena7seas]

Hi Linda:

 

I am another who will be following your blog closely. I have two dear friends who are sailing with you, so I am excited to think that I can follow along on their trip!!

 

Thanks you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and observations, and for posting your wonderful photos. Thanks also to everyone else who is posting tips and suggestions. We are taking a trip to Australia and New Zealand ourselves in the fall, so are also very interested in any information that anyone is willing to share.

 

Have a spectacular journey!!

 

Fair winds, and following seas!

Edited February 12, 2016 by elena7seas

[Wriggler]

 

Carol!! Bob!! More friends have found me here. Wonderful :D

 

 

Yes - we're here and waiting for every post to learn and see more.

 

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every minute :)

 

Carol

Edited February 12, 2016 by Wriggler
Can spell - can't type!

[Beanb41]

["If there is a problem in Bali it is to do with the Balinese authorities. "

 

Problem is not with Indonesian authorities the issues lie with Celebrity. As the Solstice only comes to Bali once a year it is the only time many of the crew are able to get home as a lot of the crew are Balinese Indonesians. As is right and proper these crew members are the first ashore to see their families followed by Ships excursions, Elite and above and then us plebs as we were. Bali is also a port where everyone wants to go ashore and on our visit last year there was only one shore based tender in addition to the ships boats.

With the best part of 3000 passengers all wanting to go ashore early and about 600 max at a time with a 45- 50 minute round trip it is going to take quite a long time to get all who want to go ashore, ashore. We had tender ticket 5 and it took us over 90 minutes after tenders started to get ashore. Tendering ashore in large numbers is not a Solstice forte as found in Esperance (Now discontinued) and Yorkeys Knob. Understand this trip will also include Airlie Beach another Tender port.

[vickykay]

What company did you take your west coast tour with? Thanks.

[NorbertsNiece]

What company did you take your west coast tour with? Thanks.

 

Good morning all..... 430am here Saturday here, 330 pm Friday at home...... You know that scene at the end of 'Moonstruck' where the grandpa is crying and his son asks, 'Why are you crying pops?' and he replies, 'I'm confused'..... I'm a bit like that!!!

 

According to the voucher the tour is operated by 'Time Unlimited Tours'; there will be 12 of us. And thanks for reminding me that I need to take the voucher out with me today!!

[queenslander]

Enjoy the tour Linda!

 

Joyce

[I'm from Oz]

["If there is a problem in Bali it is to do with the Balinese authorities. "

 

Problem is not with Indonesian authorities the issues lie with Celebrity. As the Solstice only comes to Bali once a year it is the only time many of the crew are able to get home as a lot of the crew are Balinese Indonesians. As is right and proper these crew members are the first ashore to see their families followed by Ships excursions, Elite and above and then us plebs as we were. Bali is also a port where everyone wants to go ashore and on our visit last year there was only one shore based tender in addition to the ships boats.

With the best part of 3000 passengers all wanting to go ashore early and about 600 max at a time with a 45- 50 minute round trip it is going to take quite a long time to get all who want to go ashore, ashore. We had tender ticket 5 and it took us over 90 minutes after tenders started to get ashore. Tendering ashore in large numbers is not a Solstice forte as found in Esperance (Now discontinued) and Yorkeys Knob. Understand this trip will also include Airlie Beach another Tender port.

We did not have problems tendering in to Benoa on Radiance of the Seas and have not experienced problems with tendering in to Akaroa and Bay of Islands (where the weather was horrendous I might add) on Solstice.

 

Everything was well managed and there did not seem to be huge lines as we have experienced on other ships simply trying to disembark without tender.

 

Perhaps they have improved. We shall wait and see how Linda goes. :) She will be doing all of them!! :D

[I'm from Oz]

The BA crew were insistent that I needed to fill out the immigration form for Sydney. I needn't have. The transit to the next flight was clearly signed and the form was never requested. Had to go through security again and forgot to get out my clear plastic bag of liquids. That caused a bag search. The couple behind me were also stopped..... they are cruising out on HAL Noordam tomorrow. Sydney is one huge airport...... the Qantas lounge was about as far from the departure gate as you could get! Was quite impressed with the flight in to Auckland.

 

I do try not to have expectations before I go anywhere..... Auckland is a surprise. Flew through immigration control; my luggage came through very quickly. I'd declared my meds and an edible gift I'd bought for a New Zealand friend. I was then subjected to bag Xray. A driver had been booked by my TA and she was waiting for me. I'm not sure how long the drive in took. Maybe 20 / 25 minutes through residential neighbourhoods. She's an ex-Brit and pretty much shared her life story with me.

 

I've a huge room in this modern hotel.....view of buildings. I hinted at an upgrade to a room with a view but was quoted NZ$40 per night. I passed. The driver had recommended that I go to eat at the Orbit 360 restaurant at the Sky Tower, a revolving restaurant with quite a high minimum spend for my budget. I've no need to eat a meal tonight..... two dinners and two breakfasts in 24 hours more than enough.

 

I try and sort myself out case-wise..... I think an attempt may have been made to get into the big one..... I'd left the combinations on the locks on specific numbers..... they'd been changed and the zips not closed up together. I don't pack anything of value in my suitcases.

 

I've been out for a walk and a shop. I went up the Tower.

Have you seen the 'jumpers' off the Tower! Check for them off the Bridge too when you do the harbour tour :eek:

 

New Zealand loves giving people the opportunity to jump of things :rolleyes:

[I'm from Oz]

Tomorrow my plan is to head down to the sea front after breakfast (included so not about to skip!) and take the harbour tour at 1030am.... I have to be back at the hotel by 120pm for the following excursion :

 

Depart from your accommodation to commence your half day Auckland West Coast Afternoon Tour. Be amazed by Auckland's famous West Coast with its subtropical rainforest including magnificent Kauri trees, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and stunning black sand beaches. Walk along the deserted shore, with the sound of the sea in your ears, the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face.

 

Tour highlights: Drive through Titirangi (Maori for Fringe of Heaven) - the artists’ enclave on the Manukau Harbour, The Arataki Visitor Centre at the gateway to Auckland's famous West Coast, spectacular ocean vistas in the famous Waitakere Ranges, unique indigenous flora and fauna, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and spectacular, volcanic black sand beaches; visit famous West Coast black sand beaches, ancient native rainforest including our New Zealand Christmas Trees (Pohutukawa Trees) and the amazing Kauri Trees. Tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

That sounds like a terrific tour to take Linda. You will really get a sense of the North Island. When we drove up to Bay of Islands we went via the West Coast further up and drove through the Kauri Forest - amazing.

 

If you haven't been to Hawaii, experiencing black sand beaches is fascinating. If you get the opportunity to put your feet in the water at a black sand beach, do so. Wiggle your feet around and you will have a free pedi!

 

When I've finished my blog I'll email you. We did this in Taupo and there the black sand was warm because of the thermal activity.

 

You'll be on your harbour tour now. So enjoy the rest of your day and have fun tomorrow when you board!

[NorbertsNiece]

My day so far.....

 

Woke at 4am.

Got up 530am as body clock refused to cooperate.

 

Went to breakfast at 630..... was delicious.....

 

Headed out straight away on a walking tour which set off near the hotel.... I won't be recommending this tour as it took me in the wrong direction..... ok ok I should have printed off the map that came with it as every reference point was numbered but left is left regardless of the hemisphere yes? It also sent me towards a humongous flight of steps and that was never going to happen.

 

The plan had been to do the walk and head down to catch the HoHo at 9, sit for an hour then take the Harbour tour at 1030 and be back in time for my escorted tour this afternoon.

 

I can hear you laughing from here.

 

One of my friends who shall not remain nameless, Valerie, said that walking Auckland is easy. It is easy. If you're a goat.

 

From the tour material : Auckland sprawls across the cones, hills, ridges and valleys of an old volcanic field. Emphasis should be on the word HILLS. Factor in the humidity and my pace was not it's usual vibrant self. I had water with me and a banana from breakfast stashed away to keep me going. Oh and a Tilley hat proved quite useful. More about Tilley later.

 

I got to the pier around 930am. All harbour tours were fully booked. Seriously. Well the 'Fuller' ones were..... don't know if there's others. Was too hot and bothered to find out. Lovely chap at the ticket office suggested taking the ferry to Devonport instead; the ticket included a guided tour. Took that. Loved it.

 

On the ferry over sat next to some people from Adelaide who are embarking Solstice tomorrow..... they are disembarking in Adelaide.... and they tell me that people are boarding in Adelaide for the run to Fremantle......

 

On the tour bus in Devonport there were some French people sitting behind me who were struggling with the commentary. I did some translation for them (2nd language here) and it turns out they are also on Solstice tomorrow.

 

I've uploaded 74 pics today. Already. Will be as selective as I can so as not bore you too much. Stopped off at the Countdown Supermarket on the way back and have enjoyed some sushi and cut up coconut for lunch. Meeting roll call friends for dinner at an Irish Pub tonight!

 

More later x

[I'm from Oz]

My day so far.....

 

Woke at 4am.

Got up 530am as body clock refused to cooperate.

 

Went to breakfast at 630..... was delicious.....

 

Headed out straight away on a walking tour which set off near the hotel.... I won't be recommending this tour as it took me in the wrong direction..... ok ok I should have printed off the map that came with it as every reference point was numbered but left is left regardless of the hemisphere yes? It also sent me towards a humongous flight of steps and that was never going to happen.

 

The plan had been to do the walk and head down to catch the HoHo at 9, sit for an hour then take the Harbour tour at 1030 and be back in time for my escorted tour this afternoon.

 

I can hear you laughing from here.

 

One of my friends who shall not remain nameless, Valerie, said that walking Auckland is easy. It is easy. If you're a goat.

 

From the tour material : Auckland sprawls across the cones, hills, ridges and valleys of an old volcanic field. Emphasis should be on the word HILLS. Factor in the humidity and my pace was not it's usual vibrant self. I had water with me and a banana from breakfast stashed away to keep me going. Oh and a Tilley hat proved quite useful. More about Tilley later.

 

I got to the pier around 930am. All harbour tours were fully booked. Seriously. Well the 'Fuller' ones were..... don't know if there's others. Was too hot and bothered to find out. Lovely chap at the ticket office suggested taking the ferry to Devonport instead; the ticket included a guided tour. Took that. Loved it.

 

On the ferry over sat next to some people from Adelaide who are embarking Solstice tomorrow..... they are disembarking in Adelaide.... and they tell me that people are boarding in Adelaide for the run to Fremantle......

 

On the tour bus in Devonport there were some French people sitting behind me who were struggling with the commentary. I did some translation for them (2nd language here) and it turns out they are also on Solstice tomorrow.

 

I've uploaded 74 pics today. Already. Will be as selective as I can so as not bore you too much. Stopped off at the Countdown Supermarket on the way back and have enjoyed some sushi and cut up coconut for lunch. Meeting roll call friends for dinner at an Irish Pub tonight!

 

More later x

LOL :D

 

Linda I know exactly the steps you are referring to, even with my knee I managed - and in the rain! We saw the guided walking tour pausing under those beautiful pohutukawa trees (get your tongue around that one, you'll need it ;)). We were staying down on the waterfront, so walking was not a problem for us as we walked back downhill to our accommodation after walking uphill to the tower and Aotea Sq etc.!

 

Sorry you missed the the harbour tour - all those pesky Solstice people in town :rolleyes:. Isn't Devonport lovely. I presume the tour took you up to Mt Victoria - great views - we walked :eek:

 

Keep up the good work - following with great interest. I know how fiercely independent you are, but do message me if there is anything I can help with in advance :)

Edited February 13, 2016 by I'm from Oz