DRLPP

My wife and I did our first European cruise in 2016 with the same apprehension you have shared. Language is not an issue. We did not run into any language barriers. Barcelona is my choice. We did the 12 night Venice cruise out of Barcelona. We arrived 3 nights early to time adjust and see the beautiful city. You don't need to stay very close to port as anywhere in city is just a short taxi ride. Airport was a 20-30 minute taxi ride to town.  Europe opened up a whole new world of cruise travel. Next we head to Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific in 2020. Relax, enjoy and you will have a great time!!

5 hours ago, SouthernYankee said:

We are taking the Radiance this September from Honolulu to Sydney.  It is a eighteen night Transpacific and when we dock in Sydney we have reservations to stay at the Rendezvous Hotel in the Rocks area.  We have several excursions booked while we are in Sydney including an all day trip (Blue Mountain & Wildlife with Cruise - 10 hours) to the Blue Mountains which is by AAT Kings Day Tours. Other excursions booked are Australian Wildlife 4WD Tour from Sydney by Boutique Tours and a Sunset Dinner Cruise (Captain Cook Cruise).  We are then going to Cairns and after several days end up in Melbourne before returning home. 

As for the B2B disembarking, we have found that many ports vary their handling of this process.  Having never been to Australia, we are not sure how and what customs require.  Normally you would probably meet in a lounge and they will walk everyone together to customs and board the ship with your new seapass card.  We have sometimes had Custom Agents come on board to review documents.  There is usually a private lunch for people doing B2B sailings (provided there is a large group).  The lunch would be one of the perks for doing a B2B and also the privilege to access your stateroom anytime during the day.  

After we return we can let you know about the hotel and excursions we did or any other "must sees".

Hope this may help. Welcome to the Blog.

Thank you for the info. I would really appreciate your reporting on the trip and especially on the hotel and the excursions. One of the Blue Mountains tours is also on our list as well.

 

 

Posting my first topic as I finally created a profile. Needed to, as the first thing I do in the morning is check the RCblog.  Recently retired and my wife and I are doing a B2B, 11 night, out of Sydney to NZ and then 11 night to South Pacific on Radiance in March/April of 2020. We are Diamond level so we know the basics. We are spending 5 nights precruise in the Rocks area of Sydney.  Have a few questions to put out there. 1: we have same balcony cabin, with B2B do we need to disembark ship or are we assigned to a lounge to wait out boarding?,  2: On an 11 night, does menu repeat after 7 days?  We will probably do some of the specialty restaurants especially on second cruise but wanting to plan out for possible packages. 3: Should we expect any extra perks from RC other than typical Diamond since we are doing B2B? 4:Any "must do" ideas for Sydney, NZ or South Pacific? 5: Anyone stayed at the Rendezvous Hotel in the Rocks area? I have already gotten lots of ideas online from different sights but wanted some other input.  I know, lots of questions. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or ideas. DRLPP  (Larry)

Brilliance is my favorite ship. I love the Radiance class. Park Café is my favorite spot for breakfast and lunch.