Saturday, February 28, 2009
My posts
Well, the computer issues are resolved. All my posts show up on the blog and on CruiseCritic. I wish there was a way to insert new posts so that the reading would be in chronological sequence. But, at least the posting has been completed and I can back to the "almost live" posts I anticipated.
Tue 0224 - embarkation
Embarkation day - at last!!!
We arrived at the port at approximately 11:30 and I was surprised to see so many people there already. The dox said boarding would begin at 3:30 and we would sail at 6:30. They also said you must be on board at least 2 hours prior to sailing. That left a one hour window during which 2000+ people were to board. Not likely. I guess I'm not the only one to figure out that their timetable was unrealistic. None-the- less, we were seated in the Windjammer by around 12:15. There was no announcement at 1pm advising that cabins were available, but we found that the doors were had been opened. We probably had our luggage by 3-3:30pm. So far, so good.
Reading the welcome aboard dox, I found a few surprises. One thing (actually no surprise if you think about it) was the price of the soda card - $117.30 for the entire trip. It's the same old $6/day plus 15% but what a high total!
Then I discovered info about the shuttle in some ports. Brisbane $8 one way - Cairns $7 - Broome $7 - Exmouth $5 - unlimited use $47per person. This could have been useful to know in advance. That's why some people have scouting parties.
Then, the bad news. There are shore excursions for Papua New Guinea after all. Let me review the history of this disappointment.
There were no shorex listed for PNG long after there were excursions listed for the other ports.
I sent an email to RCCL's Shorex Department and was advised that there would be no excursions. I was also advised that the ship was required to get visas for all people in the PNG waters, whether they got off the ship or not. The cost was estimated as under $50US and would be added to the shipboard account.
After much consideration, I finally agreed to a private tour arranged by an Aussie on CruiseCritic. She was using a company that deals exclusively with PNG tours. That company has an office in Sydney, where we paid for our reservations. We were booked as a group of 12, in a van for 7+ hours sightseeing including lunch. The price is $155AUD which comes to about $98 US.
PNG has been the subject of US State Department warnings cautioning tourists about the safety issues there, but their advisories have moderated in recent months. All advisories cautioned about travelling alone, without a local guide.
We are booked with a local guide and have been cautioned not to stand out - to try to blend in. As if our skin color, style of dress, and cameras draped around our necks make us look like locals
Overall my concern was that RCCL would be pushing their own tours in the previous and following ports - claiming that only their drivers, etc, have been checked for proper licensing, etc. They’re saying we'll get to PNG and it's "goodbye and good luck." Frankly, I couldn't forget the Millennium tragedy in South America an few years ago.
When it comes to RCCL and PNG, I'm not a happy camper.
*******************
Both sailing and first sitting dinner were at 6:30. Service was slow but attentive. The table was pre-arranged for 6 people, 3 of whom were CruiseCritic posters. Before we realized it, it was 8:30. The 8pm show was completely overlooked, and probably would have been too difficult even if we had planned on attending.
We arrived at the port at approximately 11:30 and I was surprised to see so many people there already. The dox said boarding would begin at 3:30 and we would sail at 6:30. They also said you must be on board at least 2 hours prior to sailing. That left a one hour window during which 2000+ people were to board. Not likely. I guess I'm not the only one to figure out that their timetable was unrealistic. None-the- less, we were seated in the Windjammer by around 12:15. There was no announcement at 1pm advising that cabins were available, but we found that the doors were had been opened. We probably had our luggage by 3-3:30pm. So far, so good.
Reading the welcome aboard dox, I found a few surprises. One thing (actually no surprise if you think about it) was the price of the soda card - $117.30 for the entire trip. It's the same old $6/day plus 15% but what a high total!
Then I discovered info about the shuttle in some ports. Brisbane $8 one way - Cairns $7 - Broome $7 - Exmouth $5 - unlimited use $47per person. This could have been useful to know in advance. That's why some people have scouting parties.
Then, the bad news. There are shore excursions for Papua New Guinea after all. Let me review the history of this disappointment.
There were no shorex listed for PNG long after there were excursions listed for the other ports.
I sent an email to RCCL's Shorex Department and was advised that there would be no excursions. I was also advised that the ship was required to get visas for all people in the PNG waters, whether they got off the ship or not. The cost was estimated as under $50US and would be added to the shipboard account.
After much consideration, I finally agreed to a private tour arranged by an Aussie on CruiseCritic. She was using a company that deals exclusively with PNG tours. That company has an office in Sydney, where we paid for our reservations. We were booked as a group of 12, in a van for 7+ hours sightseeing including lunch. The price is $155AUD which comes to about $98 US.
PNG has been the subject of US State Department warnings cautioning tourists about the safety issues there, but their advisories have moderated in recent months. All advisories cautioned about travelling alone, without a local guide.
We are booked with a local guide and have been cautioned not to stand out - to try to blend in. As if our skin color, style of dress, and cameras draped around our necks make us look like locals
Overall my concern was that RCCL would be pushing their own tours in the previous and following ports - claiming that only their drivers, etc, have been checked for proper licensing, etc. They’re saying we'll get to PNG and it's "goodbye and good luck." Frankly, I couldn't forget the Millennium tragedy in South America an few years ago.
When it comes to RCCL and PNG, I'm not a happy camper.
*******************
Both sailing and first sitting dinner were at 6:30. Service was slow but attentive. The table was pre-arranged for 6 people, 3 of whom were CruiseCritic posters. Before we realized it, it was 8:30. The 8pm show was completely overlooked, and probably would have been too difficult even if we had planned on attending.
Mon 0223 - Sydney
Today was a bit disappointing. We took the HOHO and should have recognized there was a problem from the very beginning. I knew there were two companies, but I didn't realize that there was a signficant difference between them. I merely looked at the two as competitors. I was wrong.
One company advertises a $39AUD package including both the Sydney and Bondi routes. The other advertises $30. It turns out that the 2nd company also advertises a $20 senior rate. OK, so one advertises that, surely the other matches it, right? I don't know.
I got on the bus first and paid my $20. Then Toni presented a $50 bill and the driver refused to accept it, saying he didn't have change. I had already given him $20. Did he really not have another $10? We should have realized that something was amiss at that point, but we didn't.
The narration has not been updated in a few years. For example, there is a reference to a Hard Rock Cafe, but there is a sign posted advising that there no longer is a Hard Rock in Sydney.
The driver often did not play the narration at the proper time. We frequently heard "welcome" statements before we reached a particular stop.
On the Bondi route, the driver was scheduled to have a 30 minute break in the middle of the trip, at which point we were told we had to get off the bus. Contrary to experiences in other places, there was no snack bar, no souvenier shop, no T-shirt vendors - nothing where we had to wait.
When we were waiting to change back to the Sydney bus, there was a rather unpleasant dispatcher who refused to help an Asian woman who was trying to find out which bus was right in front of us and how long the trip would be.
Then, the most disappointing part of the day took place when the Sydney Explorer bus pulled up behind us. What a nice, air-conditioned bus that was with very comfortable-looking seating.
The moral of the story clearly is that you get what you pay for. Take the Explorer, don't take the so-called Official City Sightseeing tour. If your concierge tells you there are 2 companies but one is better than the other (as reported by fellow passengers), listen to him. If your concierge tells you to taken the HOHO, find out if there is more than one, and if so, which is better.
The other disappointment was the Sydney Tower. There was nothing particularly wrong, it just was not a satisfying experience. I wouldn't tell you not to go there, but rather to moderate your expectations and you'll be ok.
One company advertises a $39AUD package including both the Sydney and Bondi routes. The other advertises $30. It turns out that the 2nd company also advertises a $20 senior rate. OK, so one advertises that, surely the other matches it, right? I don't know.
I got on the bus first and paid my $20. Then Toni presented a $50 bill and the driver refused to accept it, saying he didn't have change. I had already given him $20. Did he really not have another $10? We should have realized that something was amiss at that point, but we didn't.
The narration has not been updated in a few years. For example, there is a reference to a Hard Rock Cafe, but there is a sign posted advising that there no longer is a Hard Rock in Sydney.
The driver often did not play the narration at the proper time. We frequently heard "welcome" statements before we reached a particular stop.
On the Bondi route, the driver was scheduled to have a 30 minute break in the middle of the trip, at which point we were told we had to get off the bus. Contrary to experiences in other places, there was no snack bar, no souvenier shop, no T-shirt vendors - nothing where we had to wait.
When we were waiting to change back to the Sydney bus, there was a rather unpleasant dispatcher who refused to help an Asian woman who was trying to find out which bus was right in front of us and how long the trip would be.
Then, the most disappointing part of the day took place when the Sydney Explorer bus pulled up behind us. What a nice, air-conditioned bus that was with very comfortable-looking seating.
The moral of the story clearly is that you get what you pay for. Take the Explorer, don't take the so-called Official City Sightseeing tour. If your concierge tells you there are 2 companies but one is better than the other (as reported by fellow passengers), listen to him. If your concierge tells you to taken the HOHO, find out if there is more than one, and if so, which is better.
The other disappointment was the Sydney Tower. There was nothing particularly wrong, it just was not a satisfying experience. I wouldn't tell you not to go there, but rather to moderate your expectations and you'll be ok.
Sun 0222 Sydney
My roommate Toni arrived from Seattle Sunday morning and we began to explore Sydney. On the way out of the hotel, we asked the concierge the best way to get to the vicinity of the Opera House. We decided to take a city bus and were advised that the fare is approximately $2AUD per person. Toni then asked if exact change is necessary and we were told no but the driver would not be able to give change for a bill as large as a $20. We felt we were OK with a $10 bill. We were wrong. The driver said he didn’t have enough change and we should just take seats. We subsequently checked our coins and were able to put together the $3.80 but the driver refused our money. At our stop, another woman was getting off also and she offered to direct us to the Opera House. She did so and she also told us that the drivers always accommodated passengers who did not have the proper funds. We were quite surprised to hear that.
We explored the Opera House area and inquired about the High Tea which includes a performance. Unfortunately it takes place only on Wednesday afternoons - when we return after the b2b it will be a Tuesday and Toni will leave the next morning. I thought I might be interested, since I’m staying an additional day, but when I heard that the cost is $155AUD, I wasn’t so sure. If I meet people on the hip who are staying in Sydney afterwards, I’ll consider it, but I think it unlikely at this time.
Our next destination was the flea market in the Rocks area. Along the way, because it was so hot today, we decided to take a 45 minute harbor cruise. It turned out, however, that neither of us was comfortable stepping into the water taxi (it required a step considerably more difficult than the worst tender), so we got our money back. It was suggested that we take one of the big boats instead, and we will probably do so upon our return next month.
We explored the Opera House area and inquired about the High Tea which includes a performance. Unfortunately it takes place only on Wednesday afternoons - when we return after the b2b it will be a Tuesday and Toni will leave the next morning. I thought I might be interested, since I’m staying an additional day, but when I heard that the cost is $155AUD, I wasn’t so sure. If I meet people on the hip who are staying in Sydney afterwards, I’ll consider it, but I think it unlikely at this time.
Our next destination was the flea market in the Rocks area. Along the way, because it was so hot today, we decided to take a 45 minute harbor cruise. It turned out, however, that neither of us was comfortable stepping into the water taxi (it required a step considerably more difficult than the worst tender), so we got our money back. It was suggested that we take one of the big boats instead, and we will probably do so upon our return next month.
Sat 0221 Sydney
Well, it's 8pm Saturday evening and my first day in Sydney is drawing to a close. I'm not really a party pooper, but it's been a very long day which has lasted well over 40 hours.
It was 32 hours from the time I left home until I got into my room at the Swissotel. I made the travel time slightly longer than it had to be by starting in West Palm Beach rather than Miami. This meant an extra connection but that let me get a ride to the airport which is certainly preferable to having to get to Miami.
I was concerned about a legal but nonetheless tight connection in DFW, but it was a piece of cake. LAX, on the other hand, was horrendous. In order to change from AA to UA, I had to exit the terminal, take a free shuttle bus to United and go through security again. At least my luggage was checked through. The only good thing about it is that the process ate up 1 of the 5 hours scheduled between flights.
I don’t understand the E-Visa required in Australia. When I checked in at American, I was asked for an ID and showed my driver’s license. When I checked in at United, I used my passport at the self-service check-in station for identification purposes only. I was never asked about my visa. I was travelling with the printout of the email telling me the visa application was approved and the approval number was referenced. I did not have a copy of the visa itself, nor was I ever asked to produce it. I thought, perhaps I’d be asked at Australian immigration, but they didn’t ask either. In all probability, they saw that I had a visa when they scanned my passport, but it was never mentioned.
It was 32 hours from the time I left home until I got into my room at the Swissotel. I made the travel time slightly longer than it had to be by starting in West Palm Beach rather than Miami. This meant an extra connection but that let me get a ride to the airport which is certainly preferable to having to get to Miami.
I was concerned about a legal but nonetheless tight connection in DFW, but it was a piece of cake. LAX, on the other hand, was horrendous. In order to change from AA to UA, I had to exit the terminal, take a free shuttle bus to United and go through security again. At least my luggage was checked through. The only good thing about it is that the process ate up 1 of the 5 hours scheduled between flights.
I don’t understand the E-Visa required in Australia. When I checked in at American, I was asked for an ID and showed my driver’s license. When I checked in at United, I used my passport at the self-service check-in station for identification purposes only. I was never asked about my visa. I was travelling with the printout of the email telling me the visa application was approved and the approval number was referenced. I did not have a copy of the visa itself, nor was I ever asked to produce it. I thought, perhaps I’d be asked at Australian immigration, but they didn’t ask either. In all probability, they saw that I had a visa when they scanned my passport, but it was never mentioned.
Random thoughts - tipping
Random thoughts - tipping
Tipping is the exception here rather than the norm. When I checked into the
hotel, I talked to the desk clerk about tipping the bellhop. She said Americans
are expected to tip, and suggested $5AUD. When the same bellhop delivered my
roommate’s bags 24 hours later, he seemed quite surprised to get another tip.
We took a taxi from a restaurant back to our hotel. The driver refused my tip.
When we went to the port, the cab driver took our luggage out of the car. I
asked him where the porters were. He didn’t know and offered no suggestions.
I didn’t tip him.
When I found the porters, the one who helped us refused my tip. He even walked
away.
Tipping is the exception here rather than the norm. When I checked into the
hotel, I talked to the desk clerk about tipping the bellhop. She said Americans
are expected to tip, and suggested $5AUD. When the same bellhop delivered my
roommate’s bags 24 hours later, he seemed quite surprised to get another tip.
We took a taxi from a restaurant back to our hotel. The driver refused my tip.
When we went to the port, the cab driver took our luggage out of the car. I
asked him where the porters were. He didn’t know and offered no suggestions.
I didn’t tip him.
When I found the porters, the one who helped us refused my tip. He even walked
away.
Sat 0227 Hamilton Island
Sat 0227 – day 5 – Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands
In Brisbane we took an all day tour, costing $125US, which was disappointing,
to say the least. I had my doubts about today’s @2 hour $80 Cruising and High
Tea. It was great!! Good scones, good service, good commentary. Pretty place,
it reminded me of the Virgin Islands because there were so many islands near
each together, perhaps the way Pillsbury Sound at St Thomas might have been
before all the development and without lots of harbor traffic.
After the tour we took the free island-sponsored shuttle sightseeing tour. It
was less than 1/2 hour, but it gave us a good taste of the area. Lots of
controlled development, very pretty.
Hamilton Island was a nice surprise.
In Brisbane we took an all day tour, costing $125US, which was disappointing,
to say the least. I had my doubts about today’s @2 hour $80 Cruising and High
Tea. It was great!! Good scones, good service, good commentary. Pretty place,
it reminded me of the Virgin Islands because there were so many islands near
each together, perhaps the way Pillsbury Sound at St Thomas might have been
before all the development and without lots of harbor traffic.
After the tour we took the free island-sponsored shuttle sightseeing tour. It
was less than 1/2 hour, but it gave us a good taste of the area. Lots of
controlled development, very pretty.
Hamilton Island was a nice surprise.
Fri 0227 – day 4 – at sea
There were 2 destination lectures today. The first, about The Great Barrier
Reef, was presented by the pilot who will be with us all the time we are within
the reef. Well worth the time. The second was about Hamilton Island and the
Whitsundays. The speaker was the same gentleman who did the Australia overview
two days ago. It turns out that he is a journalist and not the professor I
thought he might have been. His presentation, unfortunately, was more of a
travelogue than the subject would lead one to believe. It was probably a talk
he had given before, but it should/could have been tailored to the ship and
itinerary. It was mostly interesting and somewhat self-serving for the speaker.
I walked our knowing things I didn’t know before, so it was worth the time,
Tonight’s show was a tribute to some of the better-known divas. Much better
than last night.
There were 2 destination lectures today. The first, about The Great Barrier
Reef, was presented by the pilot who will be with us all the time we are within
the reef. Well worth the time. The second was about Hamilton Island and the
Whitsundays. The speaker was the same gentleman who did the Australia overview
two days ago. It turns out that he is a journalist and not the professor I
thought he might have been. His presentation, unfortunately, was more of a
travelogue than the subject would lead one to believe. It was probably a talk
he had given before, but it should/could have been tailored to the ship and
itinerary. It was mostly interesting and somewhat self-serving for the speaker.
I walked our knowing things I didn’t know before, so it was worth the time,
Tonight’s show was a tribute to some of the better-known divas. Much better
than last night.
Fri 0227 – day 4 – at sea
There were 2 destination lectures today. The first, about The Great Barrier
Reef, was presented by the pilot who will be with us all the time we are within
the reef. Well worth the time. The second was about Hamilton Island and the
Whitsundays. The speaker was the same gentleman who did the Australia overview
two days ago. It turns out that he is a journalist and not the professor I
thought he might have been. His presentation, unfortunately, was more of a
travelogue than the subject would lead one to believe. It was probably a talk
he had given before, but it should/could have been tailored to the ship and
itinerary. It was mostly interesting and somewhat self-serving for the speaker.
I walked our knowing things I didn’t know before, so it was worth the time,
Tonight’s show was a tribute to some of the better-known divas. Much better
than last night.
There were 2 destination lectures today. The first, about The Great Barrier
Reef, was presented by the pilot who will be with us all the time we are within
the reef. Well worth the time. The second was about Hamilton Island and the
Whitsundays. The speaker was the same gentleman who did the Australia overview
two days ago. It turns out that he is a journalist and not the professor I
thought he might have been. His presentation, unfortunately, was more of a
travelogue than the subject would lead one to believe. It was probably a talk
he had given before, but it should/could have been tailored to the ship and
itinerary. It was mostly interesting and somewhat self-serving for the speaker.
I walked our knowing things I didn’t know before, so it was worth the time,
Tonight’s show was a tribute to some of the better-known divas. Much better
than last night.
Thurs 0226 addition
Thurs 0226 – addition
The show Thurs evening had the theme of “Piano Man” and was a tribute to
Billy Joel and a few others. I didn’t know it was a production show, and
might not have gone had I known it was, since I am not a fan of production
shows. This was probably the worst production show I ever went to and I
didn’t have an aisle seat to vacate graciously.
The show Thurs evening had the theme of “Piano Man” and was a tribute to
Billy Joel and a few others. I didn’t know it was a production show, and
might not have gone had I known it was, since I am not a fan of production
shows. This was probably the worst production show I ever went to and I
didn’t have an aisle seat to vacate graciously.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thurs 0226 - Day 3 - Brisbane
Thurs – Day 3 – Brisbane
When I first boarded, I learned that my Brisbane tour was cancelled by the tour operator, presumably for technical reasons. It was cancelled too early to have been lack of participation. I was looking forward to Vistas, Ferry, and Aboriginal Experience. I did not know what to book instead, so I went to the Shorex desk. I was asked what I was interested in, replied culture rather than animals, and she suggested Mt Tamborine and Gold Coast for approximately the same cost and the same duration. What a mistake!!
The tour was run as described – no more, no less. We left Brisbane heading for Gallery Row. I bought a key chain for someone who has a key chain collection and a coffee for me. I’m not into antiques. Then we got on the bus for the 5 minute drive to a winery – nice tasting, and nice shopping. Then another 5 minute drive to the St Bernard Hotel for a nice lunch. We go back on the bus 4 hours after we started and, as far as I’m concerned, all we did was a wine tasting and lunch. Not exactly what I would consider a tour.
Then we drove to the Gold Coast. We were dropped off in a touristy area that could have been Miami, Waikiki, anywhere where there are tourists, shops and beaches. We were probably there 45 minutes before heading into Brisbane for a very brief city tour – actually just an overview.
After hitting traffic, we got to the ship just at 5:30 which was the time we were due and we were the last to return to the ship. The only good thing about our late arrival was the fact that they didn’t argue very long regarding the wine we were carrying back.
The tour was very disappointing even though it was exactly as advertised. I guess we expected more.
I’m afraid I’m sounding negative. We’re really enjoying the cruise so far. I’ve only been reporting the unusual things, and they are the negatives.
When I first boarded, I learned that my Brisbane tour was cancelled by the tour operator, presumably for technical reasons. It was cancelled too early to have been lack of participation. I was looking forward to Vistas, Ferry, and Aboriginal Experience. I did not know what to book instead, so I went to the Shorex desk. I was asked what I was interested in, replied culture rather than animals, and she suggested Mt Tamborine and Gold Coast for approximately the same cost and the same duration. What a mistake!!
The tour was run as described – no more, no less. We left Brisbane heading for Gallery Row. I bought a key chain for someone who has a key chain collection and a coffee for me. I’m not into antiques. Then we got on the bus for the 5 minute drive to a winery – nice tasting, and nice shopping. Then another 5 minute drive to the St Bernard Hotel for a nice lunch. We go back on the bus 4 hours after we started and, as far as I’m concerned, all we did was a wine tasting and lunch. Not exactly what I would consider a tour.
Then we drove to the Gold Coast. We were dropped off in a touristy area that could have been Miami, Waikiki, anywhere where there are tourists, shops and beaches. We were probably there 45 minutes before heading into Brisbane for a very brief city tour – actually just an overview.
After hitting traffic, we got to the ship just at 5:30 which was the time we were due and we were the last to return to the ship. The only good thing about our late arrival was the fact that they didn’t argue very long regarding the wine we were carrying back.
The tour was very disappointing even though it was exactly as advertised. I guess we expected more.
I’m afraid I’m sounding negative. We’re really enjoying the cruise so far. I’ve only been reporting the unusual things, and they are the negatives.
Wed 0225 - Day 2 - first sea day
Wed 0225 – Day 2 - first sea day
All in all, this was a delightfully uneventful day. The Meet and Mingle, listed on the web site for 12:15 was held at 11am. It was hosted by Carly, the CD. It was the first time I had seen her, since I didn’t go to the show on the first night. She made a point of saying we should all make an effort to get to know the staff since she believed it would make a better cruise experience, so, when she worked the room, I told her the one person I wanted to meet was the Concierge. She told me there are currently no plans to retro-fit the Rhapsody.
I told her I had read about a private Cocktail Lounge, actually right where we were at the time (in the upper portion of the Viking Crown Lounge) and she seemed vaguely familiar with that history, but, again, there are no plans to do that again.
Then I told her how unhappy I am with the PNG situation. She was not aware of the debacle. BTW, I have since heard of people who were wait-listed fir or the PNG tours shortly after boarding.
There was the first of several destination lectures in the afternoon. I got there a few minutes late, and did not hear the gentleman‘s credentials, if, in fact, there was any introduction. He seemed to be an aging historian, perhaps a retired professor, got lost several times, was frequently contradicted (quietly) by Aussies in the audience. Overall, it was an enjoyable presentation.
I didn’t go to the show because I was still trying to get my computer working – I should have gone through the whole process before leaving home. Suddenly it is working without being plugged in, so I may not have to get it repaired. Right now, I am using my roommate’s laptop and she will email this document to me and then I will post it. That plan must have worked if you’re reading thus!!
So, day 2 ended with no blogging, no show, and, surprisingly, no trivia yet. I’m on vacation. All in all, a delightfully uneventful day.
All in all, this was a delightfully uneventful day. The Meet and Mingle, listed on the web site for 12:15 was held at 11am. It was hosted by Carly, the CD. It was the first time I had seen her, since I didn’t go to the show on the first night. She made a point of saying we should all make an effort to get to know the staff since she believed it would make a better cruise experience, so, when she worked the room, I told her the one person I wanted to meet was the Concierge. She told me there are currently no plans to retro-fit the Rhapsody.
I told her I had read about a private Cocktail Lounge, actually right where we were at the time (in the upper portion of the Viking Crown Lounge) and she seemed vaguely familiar with that history, but, again, there are no plans to do that again.
Then I told her how unhappy I am with the PNG situation. She was not aware of the debacle. BTW, I have since heard of people who were wait-listed fir or the PNG tours shortly after boarding.
There was the first of several destination lectures in the afternoon. I got there a few minutes late, and did not hear the gentleman‘s credentials, if, in fact, there was any introduction. He seemed to be an aging historian, perhaps a retired professor, got lost several times, was frequently contradicted (quietly) by Aussies in the audience. Overall, it was an enjoyable presentation.
I didn’t go to the show because I was still trying to get my computer working – I should have gone through the whole process before leaving home. Suddenly it is working without being plugged in, so I may not have to get it repaired. Right now, I am using my roommate’s laptop and she will email this document to me and then I will post it. That plan must have worked if you’re reading thus!!
So, day 2 ended with no blogging, no show, and, surprisingly, no trivia yet. I’m on vacation. All in all, a delightfully uneventful day.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I'm still trying to get a usable internet connection. I have kept daily notes on my new laptop and stored them on a flash drive. I haven't been able to get on the internet w/my laptop. Will try to get help and/or find an internet cafe. All I have to do is connect and then transfer the word files, but no luck yet. Worst case, I will post everything when I'm home.
It's 10 pm Wed here and we're 9 hours until Brisbane.
To be continued, I hope
Beth
It's 10 pm Wed here and we're 9 hours until Brisbane.
To be continued, I hope
Beth
Monday, February 16, 2009
3 more sleeps
I set this blog up with comments disabled so that I may use my time (read that as "money") more efficiently while on the Rhapsody. There have been comments on CruiseCritic where I'm cross-posting, at least for now. I have been reading your reponses on CC, and I thank you for the kind words.
I will try to chronicle the experiences, hopefully the experiences that make this trip unique. I see no point in talking about the menus, for example, because it will be pretty much the standard RCCL fare and everybody has an opinion. Besides, menu discussions get as boring as the menus themselves do while on a long trip!
On the other hand, there are several things that make this trip one of a kind. Some of them are personal - meaning individualized, not meaning secret. Some are global. Some are confusing. Some are anxiety-laden.
For example, I am concerned about leaving my 93 yo father for so long. He is in an assisted living facility, but he depends on me for so much. He is the first to say, go and have fun. He managed when I was in Europe last summer - that was 33 days compared to this 42 day trip. Fortunately I have 4 specific wonderful friends who checked up on him last year and will do so again now.
On the global level, how does one pack for 42 days without a washing machine?
As for the confusing items, I spent alot of time putting together a spread sheet with the itinerary, the port times, the probable tour times, the corresponding time at home, and, subsequently the best time to make phone calls between OZ/NZ and home. (I've got to check w/Dad and/or his babysitters!) Plus, to add to the confusion, Australia's daylight savings time is not national, but rather it's local. They have rather weird time zones, some are in 1/2 hour increments from the neighboring zone. I found one area that abuts 2 time zones which are an hour and a half apart, so that area is actually 45 minutes different than it's neighbors!
The most difficult issue is Papua New Guinea. The US State Department reports are scary although they seem to have moderated in recent days. This is their most recent update: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1757.html I have been very concerned for quite awhile because Royal Caribbean has been ambivalent about the port. Remember the Millennium passengers involved in an accident in South America a few years ago? Celebrity implied that nothing would have happened had the passengers taken a ship's tour, because the line checks out safety issues, licensing, etc. Well, Royal Caribbean has decided not to offer any tours in PNG, even though we are required to have a PNG visa simply because we are in PNG waters. "Welcome to PNG. Don't let the door hit you on your way out. Good bye and good luck." Are they going to have the nerve to push ship's tours in the ports before and after PNG? Meanwhile, I am weakening and I am on the verge of choosing between 2 tours, each organized by a different fellow Aussie passenger. The irony is that the Aussies are very cavallier about these tours, the Americans are rather nervous, and the truth is somewhere in between. Right or wrong, only time will tell which is the correct attitude.
Anyway, I guess you see what I mean when I talk about what makes a trip unique.
I will try to chronicle the experiences, hopefully the experiences that make this trip unique. I see no point in talking about the menus, for example, because it will be pretty much the standard RCCL fare and everybody has an opinion. Besides, menu discussions get as boring as the menus themselves do while on a long trip!
On the other hand, there are several things that make this trip one of a kind. Some of them are personal - meaning individualized, not meaning secret. Some are global. Some are confusing. Some are anxiety-laden.
For example, I am concerned about leaving my 93 yo father for so long. He is in an assisted living facility, but he depends on me for so much. He is the first to say, go and have fun. He managed when I was in Europe last summer - that was 33 days compared to this 42 day trip. Fortunately I have 4 specific wonderful friends who checked up on him last year and will do so again now.
On the global level, how does one pack for 42 days without a washing machine?
As for the confusing items, I spent alot of time putting together a spread sheet with the itinerary, the port times, the probable tour times, the corresponding time at home, and, subsequently the best time to make phone calls between OZ/NZ and home. (I've got to check w/Dad and/or his babysitters!) Plus, to add to the confusion, Australia's daylight savings time is not national, but rather it's local. They have rather weird time zones, some are in 1/2 hour increments from the neighboring zone. I found one area that abuts 2 time zones which are an hour and a half apart, so that area is actually 45 minutes different than it's neighbors!
The most difficult issue is Papua New Guinea. The US State Department reports are scary although they seem to have moderated in recent days. This is their most recent update: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1757.html I have been very concerned for quite awhile because Royal Caribbean has been ambivalent about the port. Remember the Millennium passengers involved in an accident in South America a few years ago? Celebrity implied that nothing would have happened had the passengers taken a ship's tour, because the line checks out safety issues, licensing, etc. Well, Royal Caribbean has decided not to offer any tours in PNG, even though we are required to have a PNG visa simply because we are in PNG waters. "Welcome to PNG. Don't let the door hit you on your way out. Good bye and good luck." Are they going to have the nerve to push ship's tours in the ports before and after PNG? Meanwhile, I am weakening and I am on the verge of choosing between 2 tours, each organized by a different fellow Aussie passenger. The irony is that the Aussies are very cavallier about these tours, the Americans are rather nervous, and the truth is somewhere in between. Right or wrong, only time will tell which is the correct attitude.
Anyway, I guess you see what I mean when I talk about what makes a trip unique.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
OZ/NZ Circumnavigation Cruise - Live (almost)
On Thursday 02/19/09 I will begin a most exciting journey. I will fly from Florida to Sydney, arriving early Saturday morning. On Tuesday 02/24/09 I will board the Rhapsody of the Seas for 35 nights (2 cruises back-to-back), returning to Sydney on 03/31/09 and staying there an additional 2 days before returning to Florida.
I have never done a blog before. Furthermore, I never had a laptop before either. If the laptop holds up, if the internet connection is reliable, and if the cost is not prohibitive, I plan to post my thoughts as often as possible. I am also planning to have a thread on the general Royal Caribbean board, called "Live from the Rhapsody - Around Australia" or something equally recognizable.
If you're not familiar with the itinerary, here it is. If you are familiar with it, sorry but I don't mean to be rubbing it in. As a matter of fact, when I first saw the itinerary, I knew I was in trouble. I booked the cruises before anyone I know had even heard about them. That was 16 months ago. Now I only have to wait 5 more days until the journey begins.
Date/Port
19-Feb
20-Feb
21-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
24-Feb Sydney, Australia
25-Feb CRUISING
26-Feb Brisbane, Australia
27-Feb CRUISING
28-Feb Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands
1-Mar Cairns, Australia
2-Mar CRUISING
3-Mar Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
4-Mar CRUISING
5-Mar CRUISING
6-Mar Darwin, Australia
7-Mar CRUISING
8-Mar CRUISING
9-Mar Broome, Australia
10-Mar CRUISING
11-Mar Exmouth, Australia
12-Mar CRUISING
13-Mar Perth (Freemantle), Australia TURNAROUND DAY
14-Mar Bunbury, Australia
15-Mar Albany, Australia
16-Mar CRUISING
17-Mar CRUISING
18-Mar Adelaide, Australia
19-Mar CRUISING
20-Mar Melbourne, Australia
21-Mar Burnie, Tasmania
22-Mar Hobart, Tasmania
23-Mar CRUISING
24-Mar CRUISING
25-Mar Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Dusky Sound
26-Mar Dunedin
27-Mar Christchurch
28-Mar Wellingon
29-Mar CRUISING
30-Mar CRUISING
31-Mar Sydney
1-Apr
2-Apr
I have never done a blog before. Furthermore, I never had a laptop before either. If the laptop holds up, if the internet connection is reliable, and if the cost is not prohibitive, I plan to post my thoughts as often as possible. I am also planning to have a thread on the general Royal Caribbean board, called "Live from the Rhapsody - Around Australia" or something equally recognizable.
If you're not familiar with the itinerary, here it is. If you are familiar with it, sorry but I don't mean to be rubbing it in. As a matter of fact, when I first saw the itinerary, I knew I was in trouble. I booked the cruises before anyone I know had even heard about them. That was 16 months ago. Now I only have to wait 5 more days until the journey begins.
Date/Port
19-Feb
20-Feb
21-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
24-Feb Sydney, Australia
25-Feb CRUISING
26-Feb Brisbane, Australia
27-Feb CRUISING
28-Feb Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands
1-Mar Cairns, Australia
2-Mar CRUISING
3-Mar Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
4-Mar CRUISING
5-Mar CRUISING
6-Mar Darwin, Australia
7-Mar CRUISING
8-Mar CRUISING
9-Mar Broome, Australia
10-Mar CRUISING
11-Mar Exmouth, Australia
12-Mar CRUISING
13-Mar Perth (Freemantle), Australia TURNAROUND DAY
14-Mar Bunbury, Australia
15-Mar Albany, Australia
16-Mar CRUISING
17-Mar CRUISING
18-Mar Adelaide, Australia
19-Mar CRUISING
20-Mar Melbourne, Australia
21-Mar Burnie, Tasmania
22-Mar Hobart, Tasmania
23-Mar CRUISING
24-Mar CRUISING
25-Mar Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Dusky Sound
26-Mar Dunedin
27-Mar Christchurch
28-Mar Wellingon
29-Mar CRUISING
30-Mar CRUISING
31-Mar Sydney
1-Apr
2-Apr
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