CruisingOz

It is only wishful thinking. Australia won’t be that lucky. There is an Australian movie, The Castle m, where the main character’s line is “tell them they are dreaming”

Yes, we are well. Been busy traveling. Recently returned from the US where we jumped on several cruises out of Florida, as well visiting the happiest place in Orlando (most expensive, lol)

We tend to take US cash with us, also you can buy (OBC) from Royal, like buying a shore excursion and pay for it locally and so no foreign transaction fees. The reate AUD to USD is $0.66, so $1000 USD is $1500 AUD. There are credit cards which have no foreign transaction fees, so you may wish to apply for one of those to us on board. We also have a HSBC foreign currency debit Visa card, and I can load it up with USD. It is the only card in Australia where I can go to one of there specific banks in Sydney and load physical USD with no exchange fees.

We tend to use USD for the crew, but they will happily take AUD or NZD

I would let dad not to worry about rising sea level. The Fort Denison high tide water marks since 1886 have virtyally no change over this time. Anyway not the place to discuss this. We are fortunate to have visited the usual islands a few times, so new destinations would be fantastic

We jumped onto Voyager end of November for the first cruise after the repositiong from Singapore. We loved the addition to the slides and Diamond liubge becoming the Suite lounge. We are booked on her in 2025 for Europe

I recieved a survey from Royal which was all about South Pacific options and to rate them. Places like Solomon Is. PNG, Apia, etc

Anthem will be here next season. Quantum is off to a full dry dock and Ovation is also due within the next uear or two

If I had an issue, calling that number got me nowhere. Australian office is predominantly offshore and considering our growing market, you would think they would have a functioning office. I call the US customer service and get issues sorted. Sick of waiting for replies to my emails which never get answered or replied to. I have noticed through a cruise job site, there had been a few roles recently advertised for Sydney. Combination of Celebrity amd Royal.

Us as well for a sailing in January. JS to an Aft corner GS. I thought it was a mistake but no.

Both Port Kembla and Newcastle are being looked at. They have rail transport hubs, good road access, and freeways from Sydney, and Newcastle has an airport, with majority of ship requirements in place. All they would need to build a shed like check-in area, like the one at Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro. The NSW Government will not spend the money on a second cruise terminal and although the Navy yard could be utilised, the traffic grid lock and lack of parking and street access rules it out. Port Botany could be considered however I believe they have ruled it out. We will be no different to Florida where you can board in Miami or around an hour to Fort Lauderdale, and both Port Kembla and Newcastle have hotels, beaches and shopping, etc. I wish they would make a decision so Royal can send Australia the third ship.

We are also on this cruise. So looking forward to Brilliance.

Hello RCB Community, We will have a few days in Miami and are thinking about staying in Little Havana to experience the culture and food. On previous trips we have spent time at the Kimpton on South Beach, Intercontinental and Doubletree Hilton; so looking for something different. Would appreciate any thoughts if you have stayed in this area before. BTW we are looking at the Lifehouse in Little Havana

Hello RCB Community, We are doing a Southern Caribbean cruise on the Rhapsody in March through the Panama Canal where we will disembark the ship at Fuerte Amador Panama City cruise port. We are looking at a possible midday flight from Panama City airport but are concerned whether we will have sufficient time to catch an international flight. If you have had any experience with getting to or from this cruise port / airport, or travel times in Panama, we would appreciate any insight or information.