CHart Posted March 23 Report Posted March 23 Staring the live blog! Don't know how active I will be on the blog, but we shall see how it goes! 1st Trans(Pacific/Atlantic) cruise. Excited for this one as everything will be new (except Seattle)! I do plan on working on part/most of the trip, but with the time difference, it should allow me to enjoy the ship. Not the 1st time on Voyager though. JohnK6404, SGlazylife, WAAAYTOOO and 8 others 10 1 Quote
CHart Posted March 23 Author Report Posted March 23 There has been some chatter on the Facebook groups about fuel surcharge. Hope that will not be a thing as it could get expensive on this trip! I did book a USS Arizona Memorial time as well the Grand Circle Island Tour in Honolulu. I have prepurchase 3 bags of laundry to go with my Diamond Plus of a free bag. Anything that I should look at do while in Sydney or Brisbine or any of the stops? BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA PAPEETE (TAHITI), FRENCH POLYNESIA MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA HONOLULU (OAHU), HAWAII KAILUA KONA, HAWAII HILO, HAWAII VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Lovetocruise2002, WAAAYTOOO, VC22 and 4 others 6 1 Quote
Matt Posted March 24 Report Posted March 24 Wow, a live blog starting 3 weeks early. Clearly @Lovetocruise2002 is rubbing off on others Ogilthorpe, ScottishRobbie, GatorCruiser and 2 others 1 4 Quote
Matt Posted March 24 Report Posted March 24 May I suggest a live blog title of "25 night cruise, casino or bust! Cruising with the poors" Cactus527, Ogilthorpe, lovetheplaya and 1 other 4 Quote
twangster Posted March 24 Report Posted March 24 On 3/24/2026 at 9:19 AM, Matt said: Cruising with the poors" I resemble that remark but I'll try to stay out of @CHart's way in the casino. Ogilthorpe, Curt From Canada and Cactus527 3 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted March 24 Report Posted March 24 7 hours ago, Matt said: Wow, a live blog starting 3 weeks early. Clearly @Lovetocruise2002 is rubbing off on others Umm, did you see that one that is like over a year out?! lol Curt From Canada, ScottishRobbie, Cactus527 and 7 others 10 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted March 24 Report Posted March 24 37 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Umm, did you see that one that is like over a year out?! lol The one that's 18 MONTHS!!!!. I was super shocked. Ogilthorpe, asquared17, Cactus527 and 1 other 2 2 Quote
Matt Posted March 25 Report Posted March 25 21 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Umm, did you see that one that is like over a year out?! lol BRB, need to check if @Lovetocruise2002 has a second smurf account asquared17, Southern Dan, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 4 Quote
twangster Posted March 25 Report Posted March 25 2 minutes ago, Matt said: BRB, need to check if @Lovetocruise2002 has a second smurf account Classic @Lovetocruise2002 deflection. Use a ghost account to start a live blog 18 months out... shameful. Matt, Southern Dan, Cactus527 and 3 others 5 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted March 25 Report Posted March 25 2 hours ago, Matt said: BRB, need to check if @Lovetocruise2002 has a second smurf account 2 hours ago, twangster said: Classic @Lovetocruise2002 deflection. Use a ghost account to start a live blog 18 months out... shameful. That's not me! I promise twangster, OCSC Mike, MaryS and 6 others 9 Quote
CHart Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 On 3/24/2026 at 9:19 AM, Matt said: May I suggest a live blog title of "25 night cruise, casino or bust! Cruising with the poors" I'm not @AshleyDillo! Cactus527 and Matt 2 Quote
CHart Posted March 30 Author Report Posted March 30 It is a Monday, but one less Monday until I board the ship! Time to book more cruises today! Ogilthorpe 1 Quote
CHart Posted March 30 Author Report Posted March 30 Also, any bets on how many points I'll rack up this sailing in the casino? The most I have ever done was 25000 on an 8 night. My most recreant sailing was 9000 on a 7 night. Let's hope the casino treats me nicely and I can lock in my 2027 status! Hoppy2BHere, lovetheplaya, Ampurp85 and 1 other 4 Quote
twangster Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 Casino should be smoke free since it starts in Australia and ends in Seattle. Unlike some previous TP that terminated in Hawaii, the next cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver allowed smoking since it didn't originate in Australia. Casino host has been telling Voyager guests this one will be smoke free for all 25 nights. Hoppy2BHere, BigKarl, CHart and 2 others 3 2 Quote
CHart Posted March 30 Author Report Posted March 30 4 hours ago, twangster said: Casino host has been telling Voyager guests this one will be smoke free for all 25 nights. All the more reason I will be in there for hours a day, that and the free drinks! Hoppy2BHere, AshleyDillo, Ogilthorpe and 1 other 3 1 Quote
twangster Posted March 31 Report Posted March 31 As far as things to do... Not sure when you arrive into Brisbane or if you'll a way to get around but the last time I was in Brisbane I had a friend drive me to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. There you can see Koalas and feed Kangaroos which is pretty much a must do Australian experience. It's about 30 minutes and 26km from the airport so not exactly close to downtown. We have a long day in Papeete and I'm hoping they repeat what Quatum did last year by bringing a local Polynesian dance group onto the ship for a one night performance that shouldn't be missed. The waters of French Polynesia are teaming with life so a boat excursion with snorkeling is a fantastic way to spend a few hours if you are into that sort of thing. With Moreea the next day so close we will have a late night departure. The arrival into Moreea is pretty cool as the ship will sail through a natural break in the reef into a natural deep water harbor in close proximity to the reef on either side of the ship and the towering hills surrounding the harbor where we will anchor and tender. Since it is a tender port a ship excursion makes life easier. There will be some local shops at the dock but not a lot nearby so some sort of excursion is ideal. In Hawaii, on the big island I booked an excursion to a National Volcano Park. Some of these were sold out before but they've opened back up. On a previous visit I did the Kahuka Unit so I'm trying a different excursion this time. You can read about my last TP here: MaryS, FloatyBoaty, Southern Dan and 3 others 6 Quote
Cactus527 Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 On 3/23/2026 at 10:40 AM, CHart said: Anything that I should look at do while in Sydney or Brisbine or any of the stops? HILO, HAWAII When we were in Hilo for a land vacation a few years ago, we discovered the cruise port near our rental. We were on Carlsmith Beach, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Literally within 2 miles of the cruise port. There are sea turtles just hanging out in the water, and it's quite shallow for a portion to explore (bring water shoes). It's free! My daughters also highly recommend Daiichi Ramen for food in Hilo. It's in the Prince Kuhio plaza (which is a mall). Ogilthorpe and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote
twangster Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 Back in July Hilo was removed and Victoria was added. Although it does still appear in places but you'll not find Hilo under shore excursions to book anything. July 25,2025 email: Dear Guest, We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard for your April 14, 2026, Voyager of the Seas sailing! Before you start counting down the days until your vacation begins, we wanted to inform you about some changes to your itinerary. Due to a berthing conflict, we’ll now skip our visit to Hilo, Hawaii on Day 20 and enjoy a Sea Day instead. Additionally, on Day 25, you’ll get to explore Victoria, British Columbia from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and wordell1 1 2 Quote
wordell1 Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 39 minutes ago, twangster said: Back in July Hilo was removed and Victoria was added. Although it does still appear in places but you'll not find Hilo under shore excursions to book anything. July 25,2025 email: Dear Guest, We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard for your April 14, 2026, Voyager of the Seas sailing! Before you start counting down the days until your vacation begins, we wanted to inform you about some changes to your itinerary. Due to a berthing conflict, we’ll now skip our visit to Hilo, Hawaii on Day 20 and enjoy a Sea Day instead. Additionally, on Day 25, you’ll get to explore Victoria, British Columbia from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Wow! Victoria is nice, but thats not a good trade. twangster, WAAAYTOOO and Cactus527 3 Quote
Jamesszy94 Posted April 6 Report Posted April 6 I'm so jealous. I want to do a transpacific. But alas. This time next week, I'll have my mouse ears on for the 10th cruise of the season on board Disney Adventure. Quote
OCSC Mike Posted April 6 Report Posted April 6 8 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: I'm so jealous. I want to do a transpacific. But alas. This time next week, I'll have my mouse ears on for the 10th cruise of the season on board Disney Adventure. CHart, Southern Dan, ScottishRobbie and 3 others 6 Quote
Jamesszy94 Posted April 6 Report Posted April 6 1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said: I'm getting back on Anthem in November.... WAAAYTOOO and OCSC Mike 1 1 Quote
CHart Posted April 6 Author Report Posted April 6 This is my last full week of work. Monday has been okay. It was a little nice to have a 12 o'clock RCB YouTube live. This will allow me to start packing tonight. 2 more days until my flight to the land down under! WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527, MaryS and 2 others 5 Quote
twangster Posted April 7 Report Posted April 7 I made it to Australia earlier today and just woke up from a wonderful nap. I've got a train ride across the continent first then will fly to Brisbane the day before the cruise. WAAAYTOOO, OCSC Mike, Jamesszy94 and 10 others 8 3 2 Quote
OCSC Mike Posted April 7 Report Posted April 7 8 minutes ago, twangster said: I've got a train ride across the continent I'm ignorant of most things Aussie (sorry @Jamesszy94, I still need to try Tim Tams). Is this a train ride with stops in towns/cities to see/do stuff along the way or just a means of travel? I only ask b/c we spent 10 days taking the train from Fairbanks to Seward in Alaska with several stops along the way in different areas and loved it. The rides were not only scenic but I'm not one who would want to deal with renting a car and driving myself so I found the train very relaxing (there may have been a nap here and there; we crammed an awful lot of activities into those 10 days and were sometimes up very early to start them). Ogilthorpe and Jamesszy94 1 1 Quote
twangster Posted April 7 Report Posted April 7 40 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: I'm ignorant of most things Aussie (sorry @Jamesszy94, I still need to try Tim Tams). Is this a train ride with stops in towns/cities to see/do stuff along the way or just a means of travel? I only ask b/c we spent 10 days taking the train from Fairbanks to Seward in Alaska with several stops along the way in different areas and loved it. The rides were not only scenic but I'm not one who would want to deal with renting a car and driving myself so I found the train very relaxing (there may have been a nap here and there; we crammed an awful lot of activities into those 10 days and were sometimes up very early to start them). Google "Indian Pacific train". Cactus527, Jamesszy94, MaryS and 2 others 5 Quote
Jamesszy94 Posted April 8 Report Posted April 8 12 hours ago, twangster said: Google "Indian Pacific train". I would love to try the Indian Pacific one day. That and the Ghan. But alas, train travel is a lot more expensive than a cruise. twangster and Ogilthorpe 2 Quote
CHart Posted April 8 Author Report Posted April 8 Officially packed and checked in for my flight tomorrow! Has not set in yet, but I think it will once I land in Sydney, if it does not, it better when I fly to Brisbine on Monday!. WAAAYTOOO, MaryS, J3N and 5 others 8 Quote
CHart Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 Flight one almost complete! Glad Royal does not do on ship credit card promotions like AA does. Way too many ads. Also, we should be able to skip the WiFi add if we have AT&T. Dinner was quite nice. Beef Wellington. Now a few last minute work things to complete after I land and some shut eye in the next flight. Lovetocruise2002, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 5 others 8 Quote
CHart Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 Just under 3 hours to go on the flight. Managed to get some sleep, but this is a long flight. One day I’ll do the project sunrise flight, which is the longest flight, if I recall is 19 hours! This time change should not be too bad, but I have a feeling I’ll be in bed by 5 pm local time. TJP, Lovetocruise2002, MaryS and 5 others 8 Quote
CHart Posted April 9 Author Report Posted April 9 At hotel, shower taken, now time to head out and explore Sydney! Insider call in about an hour, but I’ll take from downtown! You too could join starting at the $10 level. Here Cactus527, Matt, J3N and 3 others 5 1 Quote
Curt From Canada Posted April 9 Report Posted April 9 On 3/23/2026 at 1:40 PM, CHart said: I did book a USS Arizona Memorial time I was not ready for this tour when I went last year. Prepare yourself. It was a very special experience. Some quick thoughts: - The Arizona experience cannot be explained with words. The sacrifice was obvious. What we were not ready for was the silence. No one said a word. We could not. I have never felt so insignificant in my life. You will be as close to angels as you will get on this earth. - The rest of the Pearl Harbour displays are extremely well done. I could have spent the entire day and not seen it all. We will go back. - The last thing that surprised me, and I was not prepared for … was the names. All of the people who perished were remembered there in many groupings of plaques. They were everywhere. I had to read every name … I spent hours doing so. I did not plan to, but once I started I could not stop. As I said … a very special experience. Be Ready … they were not allowed the advantage of being ready. Curt from Canada MaryS, Lovetocruise2002, CHart and 4 others 5 2 Quote
CHart Posted April 10 Author Report Posted April 10 G’day in Sydney. Pro tip to just use public transport and a tap to pay card or express transit on your iPhone. Since it was a Friday it cost me under $7USD for all transit in the city. The ferry’s give a great view of the harbor and dare I say I felt at home on a boat? Cactus527, wordell1, WAAAYTOOO and 7 others 10 Quote
Cactus527 Posted April 10 Report Posted April 10 OMG you went all the way to Australia and FOUND A KMART?!?!??? What a rare and spectacular sighting! Seriously though, the opera house is so beautiful. Definitely on my bucket list to see someday. The weather looks fantastic! Ogilthorpe, WAAAYTOOO and MaryS 3 Quote
CHart Posted April 10 Author Report Posted April 10 45 minutes ago, Cactus527 said: OMG you went all the way to Australia and FOUND A KMART?!?!??? The only reason is I was asked by a friend to get a case of Aerthlings and KMart must stock them. But I could not find any even asking the workers. I did however pick up another adapter for $6 AUD as I only brought on. I then had a nice lunch and got some snacks from Aldi. That is another thing I like to do when traveling on land is get snacks once I arrive as I don't want to hall that on the plane, and you get to try out some local things like vegemite! WAAAYTOOO, VC22, MaryS and 3 others 5 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted April 10 Report Posted April 10 They have an Aldi too ? Ampurp85, Cactus527, Ogilthorpe and 1 other 2 1 1 Quote
Ampurp85 Posted April 10 Report Posted April 10 When we went to Germany they had a Woolworth. We were shocked and excited. WAAAYTOOO, Ogilthorpe, Cactus527 and 1 other 1 1 2 Quote
CHart Posted April 10 Author Report Posted April 10 40 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: They have an Aldi too ? Ogilthorpe, MaryS, Cactus527 and 1 other 3 1 Quote
Cactus527 Posted April 10 Report Posted April 10 I love the excitement that surrounds finding Kmart, Aldi, and Woolworths in other countries. I remember being surprised to see Costco in Japan! @CHart, you sound like me with the snacks. I'll typically do a DoorDash/Instacart order to get snacks for the time I need when I arrive at a destination. I wonder if those exist over there? But it definitely sounds more fun to wander the stores and find interesting goodies. Ogilthorpe and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote
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