Standing Ovation from the Land Down Under - New Zealand 11 Nights Feb. 2, 2020

[twangster]

Ovation of the Seas, 11 Nights departing from Sydney Australia to New Zealand

For many years I avoided Alaska cruises on the premise that bikinis are better than parkas.  Then I finally did an Alaskan cruise.  Just wow!  Why did I wait so long? 

That experience got me looking even farther from home and I realized the same could be said for Australia and New Zealand.  Learning from Alaska I decided to just do it. YOLO! 

I've always wanted to visit both Australia and New Zealand so hopefully this will be a rehearsal for more cruising down under.  Practice makes perfect.

This is me doing my single digit dance.  

It's a long flight to Australia,  I take off early one day and land two days later.   Somehow it ended up being 2 days and a few hours to get there with a connection.  Fortunately it takes less than 6 hours to fly home.  Strong tailwinds I guess.

With the time change it's already well into tomorrow there.  I can never keep that straight.   All I know is that this cruise is costing me two days of my life just to get there so I have high expectations. 

This is an 11 night cruise but weather permitting we'll have one day sailing through Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds.  With the three sounds all on day 9 the itinerary looks longer than it is.  Here's hoping for good weather.

Just one tender port so that's a plus.  I tendered on Ovation in Hawaii so that doesn't concern me. 

With the time change it seems that Sydney always celebrates New Years Eve before North America so on that basis I'll get to watch the Super Bowl a day before you folks in North America.  I'll post the outcome here, get ready to place your bets.  Super Bowl Monday here we come.  The game starts mid-morning so there may be some day drinking involved.  At least it's on a sea day.  

Flying into Sydney two days prior and staying downtown my plan is to take the train into the city and sleep for the rest of the day.  Other plans include the Sydney Bridge Climb and a tour of the Sydney Opera House after which I'll either crash hard or have some gas left in the tank to explore a little bit more.  If I have time I may try to find Alice.  Maybe I'll get up early (or be up already) to watch Ovation come into port.

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go... 'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane...

[JohnK6404]

Jealously following! 

Have an amazing time!

 

[IRMO12HD]

Barangaroo Reserve is a great place to walk -- with great views of the Sydney Bridge from the other side.  Have a great time; I, too, will be avidly (and enviously) following :-)

 

[SpeedNoodles]

+3 on the entire envy issue - can't wait to follow along!

[Blundeni]

Now this is a live blog that I am looking forward too!

We are on roughly the same cruise in October - similar ports - with the addition of Auckland and an extra day cruising between Dundin and Wellington - also the ports for us are in reverse order - so the Sounds are first not last.

I am a Sydney local and going on a Voyager 3 night 'trip to nowhere' (also called a booze cruise) departing on the 31st Jan and returning on the 3rd Feb - just in time to visit a pub in the Rocks area (right next to the Cruise terminal) to watch the SuperBowl on Monday morning - great minds think alike!

Enjoy the cruise!

 

 

[F1guynz]

I have done that itinerary on Radiance. You will love it.

i can recommend the Early Settlers museum in Dunedin for a look at the history of the region. If you have time Speights Brewery is also worth a visit.

Enjoy your time down under. The weather has been great for the last two weeks in NZ. Around 28 degrees celsius most days .

[WAAAYTOOO]

Wow !  You’re getting very adventurous.  Safe flight and fun all around.  

[WannaCruise]

Wow....what an amazing cruise!  It's incredible how you are able to experience all these different Royal ships and locations around the world.  

So crazy to think of the time change (or day change) and the difference in your travel there vs travel back.

Safe travels.  I look forward to following along...as always!

[GregD]

Another great cruise that I am looking forward to reading. Time to clear my schedule. Have a great time. I cant wait to see the pictures.

[JLMoran]

Wow, what a trip! I'm impressed that Ovation goes to so many ports and sounds. I thought a port-intensive trip like that pretty much had to be done on a Radiance class ship like @F1guynz did, so I'm going to be following this with extreme interest. And, yeah, jealousy.  

Have a safe flight and a fantastic trip!

[Lovetocruise2002]

This is going to be fabulous and breathtaking blog!  I already know it! 

Jealous and envious as always....

[melmar02]

Ohhh! One of my bucket list cruises! I can't wait to see your amazing photos!

[Lolospringmann]

Can’t wait to follow along. So excited for your adventure! 

[Ampurp85]

New Zealand and Australia used to be my bucket list....until I watched Animal planet. As a chubster I am good eating for all the beasties, don't want to die down under. But your photography skills make everything look enviable. So they may go back on the list which be an feat.

[Srp431]

19 hours ago, JohnK6404 said:

Jealously following! 

Have an amazing time!

 

following as well. This is on my bucket list for cruises 

[Guy Gadwa]

Following.  Have a great trip!!!

[twangster]

Excursions

I've watched the cruise planner for months and booked these very early on.  With regular checking I've managed to get several price drops and great pricing on all of them.  A big lesson here is to understand that excursion pricing can fluctuate over time regardless of announced sales or major holidays.  Check often and rebook when needed for the best deals.

My general strategy is book something through Royal then begin to review 3rd party options.  At the same time I check the cruise planner for price changes frequently.  In doing so I often save anywhere from $5 to $75 per person on excursions by cancelling and rebooking when I see price drops.   Quite often I end up sticking with Royal's excursion unless I see something that jumps out at me through a 3rd party.

Bay of Islands - Lunch cruise

Our first stop is a tender port.  On a large ship like Ovation I always try to do a Royal excursion at tender stops simply because it makes the tendering process seamless.  If it's anything like past tender days, my excursion will meet in the theater and we'll be escorted down to a tender used just for Royal excursions.

Tauranga - Deluxe Rotorua

Booked through a 3rd party this tour operator picks up right outside the cruise port area.  Only downside is a 24 hour cancelation policy so if there are last minute itinerary changes I may be out this money.  The Māori culture run deep in New Zealand heritage so this guy alone sold me on this excursion.  Can't wait to meet him

 

With watching sales the next three were good deals versus anything offered through a 3rd party and it will hopefully give me an area overview and local awareness for another future visit.

Napier - Hawkes Bay Panorama

Wellington Panorama

Dunedin - Taieri Gorge Train

I wanted to do this through a 3rd party but their times didn't work for me so I accepted taking it through Royal at a slightly higher cost for timing and convenience.  At least my sale pricing came close to the 3rd party.  It went up after that and stayed up.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Eek. That Maori looks pissed !

[KWofPerth]

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

[twangster]

For any non-resident looking at cruising out of Sydney there are some documentation requirements to consider.  An eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization is required.  Delta wouldn't check me in for the flight without proof of an Australian eTA so I'm glad I had a printed copy with me.  I also have a separate eTA for New Zealand.

I don't normally cruise with the eDocs booklet or things like hotel confirmation printed out but traveling internationally I've bought printed copies of everything in case immigration asks for them.

Here is a copy an email recently received from Royal:

 

ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS

Dear Guest,   We can’t wait to welcome you onboard for our February 2nd Ovation of the Seas sailing. Before you board, we’d like to remind you to have your travel documentation ready. We want to kick off your vacation right and ensure your boarding is as smooth as possible, so below we’ve shared some packing and check-in tips to help you get ready.   TRAVEL DOCUMENTS   Since we’ll be visiting New Zealand, you’ll need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and you may need to pay an International Visitor Levy. To check your requirements, please click here. And, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your sailing as some countries we visit will deny you if it expires sooner. Traveling with a minor who is not your child? In addition to their travel documents, you'll need to bring a letter of permission. Click here to learn more. PACKING TIPS   Don’t forget to pack your camera, a comfortable pair of shoes, and a thirst for adventure!  There are some items like, travel irons, steamers, and power strips, that must remain on land to ensure we maintain a safe environment. So, click here to check out the entire list of prohibited items so that whatever you bring isn’t taken by security!  An adapter is a must! Onboard, we have US and European outlets. If you need a power cord to operate any medical equipment, your Stateroom Attendant can provide you with one for the sailing. Keep your passport book handy until you’ve completed your check-in at the terminal. Then, feel free to secure it in one of your bags. CHECK-IN TIPS   If you haven't already done so, please check-in online at www.royalcaribbean.com/onlinecheckin and print the SetSail Pass for everyone in your party. You can do this up to 72 hours prior to your sailing. Online check-in is the best way to expedite your embarkation. Then, on boarding day, arrive to the pier at your selected time for a breezy check-in! Securing the right travel documentation is very important. We want to ensure you enjoy your vacation and that nothing gets in the way! Governmental rules require that guests who do not have the proper documentation be denied boarding and we really don’t want that. We want your time with us to be perfect!   Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you soon!   Sincerely,   Royal Caribbean International

[twangster]

Day -4 (or is it -2?)

I booked my flights on Delta using Skymiles.  Then as we got closer and with the thought of 14 hours in one airplane seat on my mind I upgraded to Premium Select.  This gets you more legroom, more space between seats, a larger TV and an upgraded meal service.

The menu:

Somewhere around the equator the pilot couldn't line up with the equatorial gate so we had to run along near the equator until he found it.

We crossed a few time zones along the way.

With 90 minutes left it was time for our breakfast so last map photo, I promise.

While boarding I spotted some Royal luggage tags on some carry on bags.  The couple across the isle where boarding HAL on Saturday and the lady next to me was taking a sampler cruise on Voyager next. 

Coming off the plane... smack.  There's that summer heat and humidity that Australia if famous for. 

Walking through the duty shops towards immigration I spotted a passport kiosk just after the shops on the right that was empty so I did the passport scan thing and got my ticket.  That got me through to luggage where 10 minutes later our luggage started flowing.  

I queued up to leave and handed my ticket and passenger record I filled out in flight and that was it.  My passport already had the eTA so it was all very easy.  

This morning I would take the train to downtown.  The train was packed with morning commuters but I managed with my suitcase and backpack.  No opportunity to take pictures when you are a sardine in a sardine can.

Coming off the train at the Circular Quay station and low and behold... Voyager of the Seas!

I walked towards my hotel in the direction of the ship spotting a very good doggie.

[WAAAYTOOO]

So glad you made it. That’s a LOOOONG flight.  Is it your first time down unda ?

[The Cruise Junkie]

Glad You Made It Down Under Safely @twangster. I  Have To Say Voyager Looks Great With Her Paint Job. I Wish Royal Would Do That To More Ships.  

[Cruzinfun]

You made it! I wish it was warm here.  

[JLMoran]

Happy to hear you had an uneventful flight, apart from that problem with the equatorial gate. 

It's odd seeing Voyager with a hull the same (or very close) shade of blue as Anthem.

[DRLPP]

I am so excited to follow this blog. Wife and I have a B2B on Radiance to NZ and South Pacific in March/April. Flying out of Pittsburgh to Sydney via SFO and returning thru Houston. Any info you provide will be appreciated.

[twangster]

Day -2 continued...

My hotel for this stay in the Holiday Inn.

At least I booked the Holiday Inn.  My confirmation email says the Holiday Inn.  However at 55 George Street one will find the Rydges hotel.  Fortunately they had a reservation for me.  My room wasn't ready at 9am which I already knew it most likely would not be but they offered to store my luggage.  

The Rydges is very convenient to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the entire Circular Quay area.  Located in "The Rocks" area it's very convenient to a lot.

With a cruise ship in port I took the opportunity to look around so I could plan my luggage drop off and arrival for my cruise. Around 9am there were debarking guests still coming out of the terminal.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal entrance.

The other end of the terminal has a restaurant/bar.

[twangster]

Campbells Cove and the Circular Quay area has some historical interest.

This is where the first colonist arrived in Australia. The area has recently been transformed and is very pleasant to walk around.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a dominant landmark in the area.  I'll be climbing it in the morning.

[twangster]

Some more pictures as I walked around with my backpack loaded with camera stuff and my valuables while I waited for my hotel room to be ready.

Did I mention it's hot here and with the sun rising higher in the sky it was getting hotter before noon when many of these pictures were taken.

I had a 4:35am bridge climb booked so I wanted to find the meeting place in the daylight today.

I had also learned you can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge so I then set off to find that path.

Looking back and down to the Campbells Cove area I walked around before.

Great views of the Sydney Opera House from here.

If you look through the mesh of the fence you will some bridge climbers getting ready for their ascent.   I'm not sure I'd want to do the bridge climb in the heat of the day so make sure you plan your booking times carefully if you are thinking about doing this in the summer.

Constant ferry traffic into and out of Circular Quay.

[DRLPP]

Fantastic photos!! Keep the pictures coming. Taking any of the ferries? It is in my pre-cruise plans.

[twangster]

Just as I was coming off the bridge the hotel called to let me know my room was ready.  The Rydges is an older hotel but that's understandable being that I am in Old Sydney.   The hotel has worked out fine and it has blessed air conditioning.   It's been well used on these 1,000° days with 10,000% humidity.  And to think I thought Cuba in July was hot.  

King deluxe room:

What a relief getting my albatross (camera equipment and backpack ) off my neck.  

[twangster]

Friendly reminder, please don't quote photos and repeat them.  Thank you!

With just my camera around my neck it felt great walking around.  With a fresh batch of sunscreen on I wandered back down to the cruise terminal to see how it was going.

2:18pm:

A few guests still arriving but it appears the majority are already on board.

Photographers note - the sun has come around from this morning.  Earlier the sun was on the Opera House side of Circular Quay but in the afternoon it is on the bridge side of the Quay.

I had visions of watching Voyager sail away from the bridge but I could feel the time zones starting to weigh on me so I decided this park would suffice.

I spotted some bridge climbers beginning their ascent.  Good lord people, could you pick a hotter time of the day to climb the bridge?

My stomach knew what time it was so I went back to James Squires right beside the ship.

Fish and Chips:

From my air conditioned and beer laden bar seat I noted the group had made it to the summit. 

Voyager was supposed to sail at 4:30pm so I went back to the park near the base of the bridge and waited.  And waited.  Maybe if I just rest my eyes for a minute.  Maybe falling asleep in a public park with my camera wasn't a great idea.  Half hour overdue I gave up and wandered back to my hotel.  

The Rocks area was decorated for the Lunar Festival.

Street vendors along the back side of my hotel.

From my hotel Campbells Cove is just down that road to the right about 100m.

The hotel has a rooftop pool so I thought I'd check it out while I was sticky and hot from walking around.

With that a long cold shower was in order and time for a nap.  I later learned that Voyager didn't leave until after 7pm.  She's on a cruise to nowhere I think.  Absent of the PVSA they can do those cruises down under.  I suspect that's why she took her time departing.   I'm glad I didn't hang around the park for her departure.

[IRMO12HD]

My daughter and I stayed at a Rydges in Cairns -- what an awesome hotel!  The concierge and desk folks were so friendly and helpful :-).  Thanks for the pictures -- they brought back so many memories of our stay in Sydney.  We, too, did the Bridge Climb.  

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, twangster said:

Friendly reminder, please don't quote photos and repeat them.  Thank you!

 So true!!!

And those Fish and Chips look so delicious!

[bretts173]

Voyager left late due to extra cleaning because of a minor bug outbreak on the previous cruise. 

[Cruising to Retirement!]

16 hours ago, twangster said:

 

 

Have so much fun climbing tomorrow at 4:45!  I can't wait to hear all about it.  Your pictures are even more breath-taking than your last cruises!  You really have the gift with the camera!

 

Michelle

[twangster]

Day -1

Early start but with my body split between time zones it wasn't a problem.  This morning would be the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.  

I chose a 4:35am reservation in hopes of clear weather and a nice sunrise.  I also wanted to avoid the heat of the day so getting this done early checked that box as well.

It takes about an hour to go through orientation, suiting up and a test climb on a small rig within the event facility.  They supply everything and everything gets clipped onto the jump suit they supply so nothing can fall off and land on the cars driving below. 

No cameras allowed.  No anything allowed really.  Just eyewear if you need them including sunglasses and they use special straps to secure them in place.

Emerging onto the bridge lower structure around 5:15am I could see a faint hint of building red sky.  By the time we reached the upper arch of the bridge to begin the climb up the steepest part the sunrise was in full effect. 

In this picture you can see a ship coming around a point in the distance.  Based on the folks across the aisle from me on the plane I guessed that was the HAL ship they were embarking today.

We climbed and stopped for individual pictures that I'm not including here.  With each passing moment the sunrise was getting better and better.

By the time we reached the summit and did another round of photos including a group photo the Noordam was getting ready to dock.  At this point we were right under the flags at the top of the bridge.

It was a pretty incredible experience and the perfect weather day.  The sunrise was pretty spectacular and we took a lot of breaks to take it all in.  

We crossed over to the west side of the bridge at the summit and began our descent, down more ladders and across the lower span back to our starting point.  

We were provided headsets and our guide would occasionally provide commentary about the area and the bridge itself.

We were also given tickets for the Pylon climb that we could later or on another day by ourselves.  It's a little pricey but I am very glad I did it and will forever remember seeing the bridge up close everytime I see Sydney NYE fireworks year after year.

[KWofPerth]

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

[twangster]

My climb excursion ended around 8am.  I had a tour of the Sydney Opera House reserved at 10am.  That left two hours to fill so I stopped by Pancakes on the Rocks for breakfast.  It's a 24 hour eatery that specializes in pancakes but has other food.  It's 3 minute walk from my hotel. 

I didn't have my camera with me since I couldn't take it on the bridge climb but I stopped here again so pictures will be coming up soon.

[Sweety]

I am following. I see another bucket cruise coming. At this rate I have to work another year.