KWofPerth

Interesting times. I can't see cruises resuming before 2021, so that's gotta be a massive financial drain, with interest on debt compounding. Hmmmm

We can all do the first part...

No worries fella. Your post has literally nothing to do with the topic, but thanks for your input.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-04/nsw-police-largest-maritime-operation-over-cruise-coronavirus/12122030

This is basically thanks to the Ruby Princess debacle.

I agree largely with F1guynz. It's hard to see cruising starting anytime in at least the next 12 months. Australia is essentially in lockdown and the public is being primed to expect this to remain for a good 6 months. After that, it will be a softly softly approach to re-opening society, with the possibility of retreating again if secondary outbreaks occur. I'm seeing a lot of posts on these boards about cruisers optimistic about their August cruise, or their September cruise, or whenever. I don't see that as realistic. Not even close. It makes me wonder if the messaging in North America from the authorities is not as urgent as down here?

I don't doubt it.

Cruise ships don't have to parallel park, do they?? Jokes people, jokes! ?

Oh that's easy. Just jack up the prices at CocoCay. $5,000 for a floating cabana anyone? ?

With the cracking weather that you've enjoyed, you were due for a bad day ? Thanks for this thread. Loved it. Safe travels home.

@twangsteryou have done exceptionally well with the weather at Milford Sound. It's usually overcast and drizzly which is quite dramatic in its own right, but to see it in full sunshine looks spectacular!

Excellent news about Milford. The big daddy of the 3 !

I believe that is the famous "Hole in the Rock" (not sure why they call it that ? ). I have sailed through it on a jetboat on a tour I did back in my misspent youth. I enjoy your blogs Twangster, but I am especially enjoying this one!

Dropping your bags off will not be a problem. Check what time the all-aboard is for the ship. They are required to have the manifest prepared by a certain time.

Factoid: There are some 3 million rivets used in the making of the Eiffel Tower, whereas there were 6 million rivets used to make Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ergo, SHB is twice as rivetting as the Eiffel Tower! Ba-dum, pisshhhh.

PS. You can request an ice bucket at one of the bars too.

There'll be mini fridges. Not sure if they'll hold a bottle standing up, but certainly on its side will be worst-case scenario.

Pancakes on the Rocks is a Sydney institution. It's been the go-to venue when I have been in town for a cruise. Along with a stay at The Holiday Inn (now Rydges??). It's nice to follow a live blog with familiar landmarks. ("I've been there! I've done that!") Thanks Twangster!

What a spectacular choice of time. You have done really well.

I'm not a Diamond member so I can't speak to those concerns, but your other views on Quantum struck a chord with me. I found it a bit soulless too, although the Solarium was gorgeous. A floating shopping mall is spot on. The Windjammer was without fail mega-crowded, port days and sea days alike. And bars were always empty. However, a cruise is a cruise and we still had a lovely time. I loved the indoor pool, and 270* was a beautiful space. There is always somewhere you can find that you enjoy. All those other concerns are just minor irritants.

I'm not a fan of this change in policy. There are huge differences - physically and mentally - between a 6yo and a 12yo. I suspect the primary reason for the change is because it makes it easier/cheaper for Royal somehow.

The bulk of passengers on my recent Quantum cruise were Westerners. However, it was not described as a "culturally immersive" cruise, so maybe yours will be different. I don't know why some cruises out of Singapore are designated as such, maybe it's just that they expect more Chinese clients to book on certain dates?? Regardless, I don't think you need to stress about offending anyone. It's a cruise, everyone is having a good time. You'll be fine ?

" It is Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. policy that any Guest who will have entered her 24th week of pregnancy or greater, at any time during the cruise, will be prohibited from sailing. " We reached the 24th week during our very first sailing. We even emailed a doctor's letter giving the dates (and stating my wife was a low-risk pregnancy). I was worried we would be turned away at check-in, but nothing.

Just watch out for the infamous drop bears when you're in Sydney, Twangster. Those things are vicious... https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-13/uk-journalist-pranked-into-holding-a-drop-bear-during-bushfires/11863942

I appreciate that there are benefits to a cabana, and $317 is reasonable. 'ish. $2,500 is not, no matter what else is thrown in. As a comparison, my last cruise (7nts) only cost $700US.