CruisingOz

@Pooch I wonder with a few beers under your belt would you be thinking differently???

@Pooch I wonder with a few beers under your belt would you be thinking differently???

@Pooch I wonder with a few beers under your belt would you be thinking differently???

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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 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.   

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

I have watched the Cruise and Travel guy video where he had attended a recent cruise conference and there were some tentative announcement that the first stage of perfect day at Lelepa is scheduled to open in 2026.
Royal also indicated they have heard our disappointment regarding ship choice. One of the long term aims is to have a ship here year round and 4-5 ships over the summer. I really hope we end up with a Freedom class ship here eventually as this is my favourite class of ship. 
I guess it will be a while before we see this eventuate as one would assume it would be tied to PDL being operational.

I’ve been following Vanuatu media and not a word of Lelepa. I even emailed the local paper and they haven’t heard anything. 
 
We might have a new cruise terminal for Sydney ,not the most desirable as it’s about a hour or more from Sydney.
I don’t know how big a ship it could take but Celebrity solstice has been there .
 
https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/australian-cruisers-could-sail-out-of-wollongong-while-foreigners-enjoy-our-harbour-views/