WE0325 - day 13 - NZ Sounds
The past 2 days, sea days in the Tasmanian Sea, were expected to have the roughest seas. It
was bumpy at times, but not rough at all. The last TransAtlantic I took (Jewel OTS) last
September was rougher than this and that wasn't rough either.
Today we have a "Sea Day" in the NZ sounds. We got up early and rushed up to the Viking
Crown Lounge to get good seats - right above the swimming pool, facing forward, with a good
view of both sides. Even though sunrise was not until after 8am, I was able to get a decent
picture as early as 6:15.
People are funny. Some came into the lounge saying we were surrounded by cliffs and they
claimed they didn't understand why the Captain wasn't entering the sound, why he was wasting
time just sitting there. They didn't understand that the viewing would be spectacular, once
there was light to see by! What did they expect the sounds to be? Just a canyon?
There was a shore excursion leaving from the ship by tender about 7am, with an overnight on
land to be sure to capture the full impact of the sounds. I don't know how many people were
on it. They'll rejoin the ship tomorrow in Dunedin. The cost is $495 per person double,
$595 single.
Narration began around 7am and continued intermittently until we left Milford Sound after 9.
The landscape, on the port side, could have been anywhere there are volcanic islands,
except so far (it is now almost 10:30) there are no signs of any settlements.
The commentator mentioned that we would go to 4 sounds - the itinerary only said 3. It
turns out that the 4th, Thompson Sound, is only the entrance to Doubtful Sound. By the time
we got to Doubtful, the weather had worsened. Glad we were in Viking Crown.
The weather continued to deteriorate - light rain, limited visibility both before and at
Dusky Sound. Milford Sound is the best, and, fortunately, that's where the weather and
viewing were the best.
Despite the weather, I managed to take almost 150 pictures. Maybe I could do that because
we kept our excellent seats for over 9 hours.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
SU - day 10 - Hobart, Tasmania
SU0322 - day 10 - Hobart, Tasmaia
Yesterday's bus driver said he lived about 150km from Burnie and 220 from Hobart and he was
scheduled to meet us again today. Well, he was my driver again.
Today's tour was Hobart Highlights. The morning was quite cloudy but you could see the top
of Mt. Wellington from the pier. Our bus went directly to the mountain because the fog
could have covered the top again. We got there in time to have a good view, but it was
quite windy and chilly.
The road up there was narrow and winding, but there was almost no traffic from the opposite
direction at that hour. On the way down, however, there were many tight squeezes. I don't
know how long it took to get up the mountain, but I timed the descent and it was about 25
minutes getting down.
While we were at the peak, a group of bicyclists arrived by van from the ship. They were
being dropped off to bike down the mountain. No thanks.
We spent some time at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Australians seem to love their
flowers. The vast majority of homes we've passed on all the excursions have meticulous
landscaping and gardens. Every city seems to have Botanical Gardens and they're very proud
of them. Frankly, I'm rather tired of the gardens. I won't say when you've seen one you've
seen them all, but enough already!
Because we were leavng port late, there was a show consisting of a local Police band. First
sitting dinner was earlier than usual and there was only one show, between sittings. We knew
the show was being taped for TV and the band would also be on the pier as we left, so we
went to dinner at the regular time and skipped the show.
Yesterday's bus driver said he lived about 150km from Burnie and 220 from Hobart and he was
scheduled to meet us again today. Well, he was my driver again.
Today's tour was Hobart Highlights. The morning was quite cloudy but you could see the top
of Mt. Wellington from the pier. Our bus went directly to the mountain because the fog
could have covered the top again. We got there in time to have a good view, but it was
quite windy and chilly.
The road up there was narrow and winding, but there was almost no traffic from the opposite
direction at that hour. On the way down, however, there were many tight squeezes. I don't
know how long it took to get up the mountain, but I timed the descent and it was about 25
minutes getting down.
While we were at the peak, a group of bicyclists arrived by van from the ship. They were
being dropped off to bike down the mountain. No thanks.
We spent some time at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Australians seem to love their
flowers. The vast majority of homes we've passed on all the excursions have meticulous
landscaping and gardens. Every city seems to have Botanical Gardens and they're very proud
of them. Frankly, I'm rather tired of the gardens. I won't say when you've seen one you've
seen them all, but enough already!
Because we were leavng port late, there was a show consisting of a local Police band. First
sitting dinner was earlier than usual and there was only one show, between sittings. We knew
the show was being taped for TV and the band would also be on the pier as we left, so we
went to dinner at the regular time and skipped the show.
SA0321 - day 9 - Burnie, Tasmania
SA0321 - day 9 - Burnie, Tasmania
The Burnie Highlights tour was scheduled for 7:30am with the usual meeting time of 7:15 in
the theater. Again, with a fairly long port call, with some of the other tours scheduled
for about 7 hours and leaving at about the same time, and with no afternoon tours, it makes
little sense to have this 3 hour tour leave so early.
Once again, breakfast was rushed due to the early hour of the tour. The dining room didn't
open until 7 and the WJ at 6:30.
To make matters somewhat worse, it took a long time for us to be cleared by the local
authorities. Why? We were still in the same country.
Our stay in Burnie was extended by an hour, although I understand that not all passengers
knew that and some ended up cutting their trips short.
The Highlights tour covered everything listed. I almost didn't take this tour because it
was described as strenuous, with approximately a mile of walking - that is, in my opinion, a
lot of walking in 3 hours in addition to the activities listsed. Even allowing for walking
the entire Pioneer Museum and the entire showroom at the Cheese Tasting Centre and the
showroom at the Creative Paper factory, I don't think the total walking was 1/4 mile. Glad
I didn't cancel!
When my bus came back to the pier, we were subjected to the most stringent security check I
had seen this trip. We were stopped twice, at two different gates, and security people got
on the bus and checked all Sea Passes. Also, at the first gate they searched the baggage
compartment and looked at the undercarriage of the bus with a mirror on a pole - picture a
large dentist's mirror!!
When we got to the dock, the Burnie Highland Pipe Band played for us. I watched them from
the open promenade later and they greeted all the busses. I happened to be outside as we
were preparing to leave. With a revised departure time of 3:30, at 3:29 a port security
car arrived with the pilot. I guess he's alllowed to cut it close!
The Burnie Highlights tour was scheduled for 7:30am with the usual meeting time of 7:15 in
the theater. Again, with a fairly long port call, with some of the other tours scheduled
for about 7 hours and leaving at about the same time, and with no afternoon tours, it makes
little sense to have this 3 hour tour leave so early.
Once again, breakfast was rushed due to the early hour of the tour. The dining room didn't
open until 7 and the WJ at 6:30.
To make matters somewhat worse, it took a long time for us to be cleared by the local
authorities. Why? We were still in the same country.
Our stay in Burnie was extended by an hour, although I understand that not all passengers
knew that and some ended up cutting their trips short.
The Highlights tour covered everything listed. I almost didn't take this tour because it
was described as strenuous, with approximately a mile of walking - that is, in my opinion, a
lot of walking in 3 hours in addition to the activities listsed. Even allowing for walking
the entire Pioneer Museum and the entire showroom at the Cheese Tasting Centre and the
showroom at the Creative Paper factory, I don't think the total walking was 1/4 mile. Glad
I didn't cancel!
When my bus came back to the pier, we were subjected to the most stringent security check I
had seen this trip. We were stopped twice, at two different gates, and security people got
on the bus and checked all Sea Passes. Also, at the first gate they searched the baggage
compartment and looked at the undercarriage of the bus with a mirror on a pole - picture a
large dentist's mirror!!
When we got to the dock, the Burnie Highland Pipe Band played for us. I watched them from
the open promenade later and they greeted all the busses. I happened to be outside as we
were preparing to leave. With a revised departure time of 3:30, at 3:29 a port security
car arrived with the pilot. I guess he's alllowed to cut it close!
FR0320 - day 8 - Melbourne
FR0320 - day 8 - Melbourne
I originally planned to take the City and River tour. On the first leg, however, we met a
couple from Melbourne who offered to pick us up and take us around the city. How could we
refuse?
During the drive we noticed a tourist bus which we learned is free and takes about an hour
and a half to make the circuit. I didn't take it, but it seems to be a good way to see the
essential sights, unless you're lucky, as we were. After complaining about the HOHO in
Sydney, a free one would have made up for it quite well, thank you very much!
From what I heard from other passengers, Melbourne was a very good port.
I originally planned to take the City and River tour. On the first leg, however, we met a
couple from Melbourne who offered to pick us up and take us around the city. How could we
refuse?
During the drive we noticed a tourist bus which we learned is free and takes about an hour
and a half to make the circuit. I didn't take it, but it seems to be a good way to see the
essential sights, unless you're lucky, as we were. After complaining about the HOHO in
Sydney, a free one would have made up for it quite well, thank you very much!
From what I heard from other passengers, Melbourne was a very good port.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
TH0319 - day 7 - sea day
TH0319 - day 7 - sea day
I haven't been writing about sea days, because there's been nothing to differentiate them from other cruises. But tonight's show was so unique it warrants discussion.
Danny Elliott was promoted as an instrumentalist. His picture, with multiple instruments surrounding him, made me think he was a puppeteer until I heard the promo information. Then, considering the picture and the promo, I thought one man band.
Instead, he was a very talented musician. He played ordinary brass, woodwinds, etc. He also played bagpipes, pan flute, harmonica, mouth organ, piano, etc. Plus, he sang very well. What a nice show.
I haven't been writing about sea days, because there's been nothing to differentiate them from other cruises. But tonight's show was so unique it warrants discussion.
Danny Elliott was promoted as an instrumentalist. His picture, with multiple instruments surrounding him, made me think he was a puppeteer until I heard the promo information. Then, considering the picture and the promo, I thought one man band.
Instead, he was a very talented musician. He played ordinary brass, woodwinds, etc. He also played bagpipes, pan flute, harmonica, mouth organ, piano, etc. Plus, he sang very well. What a nice show.
WE0318 - day 6 - Adelaide
WE0318 - day 6 - Adelaide
The City Wine and Aboriginal Culture tour was an interesting tour. We went to the Tandanya Aboriginal Insititute and the National Wine Centre. The latter was part of the (Adelaide?) University and featured interactive displays about wine making. There also was a nice Botanical Garden.
The museum featured a lot of the Aboriginal designs we had seen at so many shops throughout the trip. Normally they have a yidaki (didgeridoo for those who are uninformed) presentation at 12:30 but we were scheduled to leave the museum at 11:15. The gentleman who had been explaining the art work was also involved with the music, so he did a special presentation for us. I suspect he was the main part of the show anyway.
The City Wine and Aboriginal Culture tour was an interesting tour. We went to the Tandanya Aboriginal Insititute and the National Wine Centre. The latter was part of the (Adelaide?) University and featured interactive displays about wine making. There also was a nice Botanical Garden.
The museum featured a lot of the Aboriginal designs we had seen at so many shops throughout the trip. Normally they have a yidaki (didgeridoo for those who are uninformed) presentation at 12:30 but we were scheduled to leave the museum at 11:15. The gentleman who had been explaining the art work was also involved with the music, so he did a special presentation for us. I suspect he was the main part of the show anyway.
SU0314 - day 3 - Albany
SU0315 - day 3 - Albany
Albany ("Al" like Alan, not like all) is normally sleepy on Sunday. This time, they went all out to welcome us. There was one entertainer on the pier, John the Piper. The shuttle was free, supposedly sponsored by the town. The shops, which are usually closed on Sunday opened for our business. I heard about the owner of a shoe store who didn't think she'd have many sales, so she didn't open, but most of the other stores, including ordinary drug stores, were open to meet our needs.
I took the Southern Wineries and Albany Sights tour. It was a little early for wine tasting, but, hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere! We stopped at 2 local wineries which were nice - very hospitable, and the wine was quite nice. Considering we cannot really bring wine back on the ship, the owners really put themselves out for us. The wineries were small, with little or no exports, so even if you found something you liked, you wouldn't be able to get them at home.
A nice tour, but it would have been better appreciated later in the day.
Albany ("Al" like Alan, not like all) is normally sleepy on Sunday. This time, they went all out to welcome us. There was one entertainer on the pier, John the Piper. The shuttle was free, supposedly sponsored by the town. The shops, which are usually closed on Sunday opened for our business. I heard about the owner of a shoe store who didn't think she'd have many sales, so she didn't open, but most of the other stores, including ordinary drug stores, were open to meet our needs.
I took the Southern Wineries and Albany Sights tour. It was a little early for wine tasting, but, hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere! We stopped at 2 local wineries which were nice - very hospitable, and the wine was quite nice. Considering we cannot really bring wine back on the ship, the owners really put themselves out for us. The wineries were small, with little or no exports, so even if you found something you liked, you wouldn't be able to get them at home.
A nice tour, but it would have been better appreciated later in the day.
SA0314 - day 2 - Bunbury
SA0314 - day 2 - Bunbury
The dining room is normally open for breakfast at 7:30 on sea days and 7:00 am when we are in port; the WJ is usually 1/2 an hour earlier. Neither was especailly good for a 7:30 tour when we were asked to meet in the theater at 7:15. There's certainly room for improvement here.
Furthermore, we were in port all day. There was a 7 hour tour scheduled to leave an hour after mine. The other morning tour also had an afternoon departure as a second choice, so why did my tour have to be so early?
Despite several maiden calls to ports on the first leg, we were never officially welcomed by the locals - at least the passengers were not. There were, of course, the usual behind-the-scenes Plaque and Key ceremonies, as well as inspection tours by local travel industry personnel.
Bunbury was the first port that had any semblance of a welcome for the passengers, in the form of a small band that played familiar songs on the pier and they did rather well.
We took the Bunbury and Busselton tour which was pretty much as described. At one point we had the option of getting off the bus near the Busselton tourist office and walking down the main street to the jetty where the bus would be waiting. The main street looked like any beach-side tourist area, so we opted to stay on the bus and stroll around the jetty. Some people took advantage of being able to wade in the Indian Ocean for the first time in their lives.
The dining room is normally open for breakfast at 7:30 on sea days and 7:00 am when we are in port; the WJ is usually 1/2 an hour earlier. Neither was especailly good for a 7:30 tour when we were asked to meet in the theater at 7:15. There's certainly room for improvement here.
Furthermore, we were in port all day. There was a 7 hour tour scheduled to leave an hour after mine. The other morning tour also had an afternoon departure as a second choice, so why did my tour have to be so early?
Despite several maiden calls to ports on the first leg, we were never officially welcomed by the locals - at least the passengers were not. There were, of course, the usual behind-the-scenes Plaque and Key ceremonies, as well as inspection tours by local travel industry personnel.
Bunbury was the first port that had any semblance of a welcome for the passengers, in the form of a small band that played familiar songs on the pier and they did rather well.
We took the Bunbury and Busselton tour which was pretty much as described. At one point we had the option of getting off the bus near the Busselton tourist office and walking down the main street to the jetty where the bus would be waiting. The main street looked like any beach-side tourist area, so we opted to stay on the bus and stroll around the jetty. Some people took advantage of being able to wade in the Indian Ocean for the first time in their lives.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Summary - first leg
There were lots of problems on the the first leg which RCCL should be able to rectify by the time they have the same itinerary in Sept 09, and certainly before so many of my friends do this same trip a year from now.
The underlying problem is the lack of experience with the northern ports. Well, that excuse will no longer be valid!!
There are secondary problems also associated with the newness. Without having visited a port previously, the various departments cannot know what to expect. The best such example was mentioned by the Food and Beverage manager when we met with him. In any new port they have no idea how many people will return to the ship for lunch and how many will remain ashore. How do you cook and staff for such a scenario?
The people from the new markets make new demands on the foods and drinks - local fish, local wine, etc. Hopefully those provisions will be handled better next time. I still cannot understand how you run out of staples such as frozen yogurt and iced tea.
Then there are the shore excursions. There is room for improvement - more busses, more frequent stops (as opposed to driving long distances and seeing/doing nothing. If a tour operator cannot get enough busses, then drop that tour and/or that tour operator. Add photo stops at some of the scenic lookouts rather than just driving by when going between two destinations.
The policy against allowing wine to be brought onto the ship for consumption on the ship must be revisited. There was a great deal of frustration among people who took ship's excursions which included wine tasting adnd specfically mentioned buying bottle to bring back to the ship who did buy and then had their purchases taken away only to be returned at the end of the trip. Furthermore, post 9/11 rules in America make it more difficult to transport wines.
The PNG situation remains thde most deplorable. Let me recap my story. I have an email from the RCCL shorex office stating that thenere would be no tours in PNG. I reluctantly joined a group taking a private tour. Upon boarding the ship, I discovered that there were
shorex provided by the ship after all. These trips quickly sold out, probably because there were very few seats available.
I have been told that there is a Revenue Act which seems to be similar to our Jones Act. A non-Australian carrier must visit a non-Australian port. Otherwise sales on board ship cannot be duty free.
If this is true, what would the $ consequences be if duty were added to onboard purchases? I have no idea how bad it would be compared to the $40 US added to everyone's onboard account if they did not get a PNG visa in advance.
I feel that there should be more tours in PNG, offered by the ship, with more of a semblance of safety. Otherwise, the port should be dropped and replaced with an overnight in Cairns and overnight trips to Ayer's Rock.
Exmouth was a complete waste of time. It should be dropped. I understaned there are other ports between Broome and Fremantle, but I think there should be an overnight in Fremantle/Perth instead.
Now let me put all the negativity aside. Do I regret having taken this trip? Not at all. I think RCCL let me down in several ways, but I'm still glad I did it. I do feel, however, that if one only has the time for one leg of this trip, the "bottom" is a far superior trip. Of course, I would suggest the full circumnavigation!!
The underlying problem is the lack of experience with the northern ports. Well, that excuse will no longer be valid!!
There are secondary problems also associated with the newness. Without having visited a port previously, the various departments cannot know what to expect. The best such example was mentioned by the Food and Beverage manager when we met with him. In any new port they have no idea how many people will return to the ship for lunch and how many will remain ashore. How do you cook and staff for such a scenario?
The people from the new markets make new demands on the foods and drinks - local fish, local wine, etc. Hopefully those provisions will be handled better next time. I still cannot understand how you run out of staples such as frozen yogurt and iced tea.
Then there are the shore excursions. There is room for improvement - more busses, more frequent stops (as opposed to driving long distances and seeing/doing nothing. If a tour operator cannot get enough busses, then drop that tour and/or that tour operator. Add photo stops at some of the scenic lookouts rather than just driving by when going between two destinations.
The policy against allowing wine to be brought onto the ship for consumption on the ship must be revisited. There was a great deal of frustration among people who took ship's excursions which included wine tasting adnd specfically mentioned buying bottle to bring back to the ship who did buy and then had their purchases taken away only to be returned at the end of the trip. Furthermore, post 9/11 rules in America make it more difficult to transport wines.
The PNG situation remains thde most deplorable. Let me recap my story. I have an email from the RCCL shorex office stating that thenere would be no tours in PNG. I reluctantly joined a group taking a private tour. Upon boarding the ship, I discovered that there were
shorex provided by the ship after all. These trips quickly sold out, probably because there were very few seats available.
I have been told that there is a Revenue Act which seems to be similar to our Jones Act. A non-Australian carrier must visit a non-Australian port. Otherwise sales on board ship cannot be duty free.
If this is true, what would the $ consequences be if duty were added to onboard purchases? I have no idea how bad it would be compared to the $40 US added to everyone's onboard account if they did not get a PNG visa in advance.
I feel that there should be more tours in PNG, offered by the ship, with more of a semblance of safety. Otherwise, the port should be dropped and replaced with an overnight in Cairns and overnight trips to Ayer's Rock.
Exmouth was a complete waste of time. It should be dropped. I understaned there are other ports between Broome and Fremantle, but I think there should be an overnight in Fremantle/Perth instead.
Now let me put all the negativity aside. Do I regret having taken this trip? Not at all. I think RCCL let me down in several ways, but I'm still glad I did it. I do feel, however, that if one only has the time for one leg of this trip, the "bottom" is a far superior trip. Of course, I would suggest the full circumnavigation!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
FR 0313 - Day 18/Day 1
FR 0313 - Day 18/Day 1 - Fremantle and Perth
Turnaround day was handled very well. We had been told that b2b people could have room service for breakfast (normally there is no room service on a departure day), but we took a chance and went to the dining room which has always been our preference. We must have been well after the rush, since the service was quite good and the room was not crowded at all. Reports from the WJ indicate that they were busy all morning.
Those b2b'ers on tour were escorted from the ship from deck 4, whereas disembarking passengers used deck 2. As a result, we did not have to contend with long lines and other pasesengers' carryon bags. We went straight from the theater to the busses.
Toni and I took different tours - mine was both cities and hers was both cities plus a river cruise. We both saw enough of each city to know that we want to go back to both of them. That's why I think it would be a great idea if RCCL were to drop Exmouth and do an overnight in Fremantle instead. There really wasn't enough time to do justice to either city - now that we had a decent port, we wanted more.
We had no problem getting back on the ship, bypassing newly arriving passengers.
I've already reported about the disappointments at dinner the first night of the second leg, so you alreeady know that the situation has been rectified.
Again, with only one show between both sittings, we didn't even try to go.
Despite the wrong table that night and the single show that night, we already knew that this leg would be better than the first.
Turnaround day was handled very well. We had been told that b2b people could have room service for breakfast (normally there is no room service on a departure day), but we took a chance and went to the dining room which has always been our preference. We must have been well after the rush, since the service was quite good and the room was not crowded at all. Reports from the WJ indicate that they were busy all morning.
Those b2b'ers on tour were escorted from the ship from deck 4, whereas disembarking passengers used deck 2. As a result, we did not have to contend with long lines and other pasesengers' carryon bags. We went straight from the theater to the busses.
Toni and I took different tours - mine was both cities and hers was both cities plus a river cruise. We both saw enough of each city to know that we want to go back to both of them. That's why I think it would be a great idea if RCCL were to drop Exmouth and do an overnight in Fremantle instead. There really wasn't enough time to do justice to either city - now that we had a decent port, we wanted more.
We had no problem getting back on the ship, bypassing newly arriving passengers.
I've already reported about the disappointments at dinner the first night of the second leg, so you alreeady know that the situation has been rectified.
Again, with only one show between both sittings, we didn't even try to go.
Despite the wrong table that night and the single show that night, we already knew that this leg would be better than the first.
shows - 1st leg, part 2
Day 10 - James Bustar - juggler - did not go - heard show was ok
Day 11 - Terry Tull - vocalist in production company - only so-so - left early
Day 12 - Bernard Walz - Australian pianist - classical, gypsy (almost Klezmer), show tunes - excellent
Day 13 - Greg Arthur - off-key Australian vocalist - left early
Day 14 - Rikki Jay - Australian comedian - ok
Day 15 - Ballroom Fever Production show - went hoping for better - remember I don't like production shows - don't understand why there was so much Spanish in a show in Australia - left over from Caribbean cruises? - left early
Day 16 - Sounds of the Supremes - good show but I don't remember the originals screeching so much
Day 17 - Cameo Rascale - acrobatic family, including 2 young children (10 and 12?) - excellent
Day 11 - Terry Tull - vocalist in production company - only so-so - left early
Day 12 - Bernard Walz - Australian pianist - classical, gypsy (almost Klezmer), show tunes - excellent
Day 13 - Greg Arthur - off-key Australian vocalist - left early
Day 14 - Rikki Jay - Australian comedian - ok
Day 15 - Ballroom Fever Production show - went hoping for better - remember I don't like production shows - don't understand why there was so much Spanish in a show in Australia - left over from Caribbean cruises? - left early
Day 16 - Sounds of the Supremes - good show but I don't remember the originals screeching so much
Day 17 - Cameo Rascale - acrobatic family, including 2 young children (10 and 12?) - excellent
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Crown and Anchor, etc
Crown and Anchor, b2b, D+, etc
On the first leg we didn't go to the first welcome back event, but we did go to Platinum/Diamond/D+ party. We also went to the Captain's welcome. Both were ordinary.
There was a D/D+ lunch hosted by the Cruise Directors's staff which was quite good. I guesstimate that there were about 175 people there.
There was also a reception for b2b 3 days before the end of the first leg. The best b2b I came across previously was last September on the Jewel OTS between the Members' cruise to the Baltics, and the TransAtlantic cruise from Harwich to Boston. At that time, most of us got new sign/sail cards in the cabin on the last night. This time we had new cards 72 hours before boarding would begin. We also had all the tour informtion, local maps, local bus info, etc. Kudos to Sue and her Guest Relations Department!
Early into the 2nd leg I met Danney, the (in)famous Loyalty Ambassador. What a difference! I subsequently learned that Lynn, the LA on the 1st leg had left the company. It was obvious that she was not happy and her attitude was certainly evident in her work.
On this leg there are only 16 D+ and somewhat over 60 Diamond members. I was not at the first C/A party, so I don't know what the numbers were previously, but I know they were higher than this leg.
There were approximately 10 children on the first leg, now it's up to 50. Do you think that's why there are so few D+?
On the first leg we didn't go to the first welcome back event, but we did go to Platinum/Diamond/D+ party. We also went to the Captain's welcome. Both were ordinary.
There was a D/D+ lunch hosted by the Cruise Directors's staff which was quite good. I guesstimate that there were about 175 people there.
There was also a reception for b2b 3 days before the end of the first leg. The best b2b I came across previously was last September on the Jewel OTS between the Members' cruise to the Baltics, and the TransAtlantic cruise from Harwich to Boston. At that time, most of us got new sign/sail cards in the cabin on the last night. This time we had new cards 72 hours before boarding would begin. We also had all the tour informtion, local maps, local bus info, etc. Kudos to Sue and her Guest Relations Department!
Early into the 2nd leg I met Danney, the (in)famous Loyalty Ambassador. What a difference! I subsequently learned that Lynn, the LA on the 1st leg had left the company. It was obvious that she was not happy and her attitude was certainly evident in her work.
On this leg there are only 16 D+ and somewhat over 60 Diamond members. I was not at the first C/A party, so I don't know what the numbers were previously, but I know they were higher than this leg.
There were approximately 10 children on the first leg, now it's up to 50. Do you think that's why there are so few D+?
Shuttles - 2nd leg
The shuttle information this leg is better than that on the first leg.
We were given the shuttle prices on embarkation - Bunbury $7 each way - Adelaide $8 - Dunedin $7 - Christchurch $7 - Wellington $5 - unlimited pass for all ports $59.
Albany will have complimentary shuttles, provided by the town.
No shuttles in Melbourne.
Burnie, the same as Albany.
Hobart, no shuttles.
In addition, we were given other information at the same time - shuttle schedules, travel time and frequency - drop off location - distance from town, etc. Good information to have, but it would have really been appreciated in advance.
Of course, some people are not happy. They ask why RCCL is getting us this far and then charging us to get into the town. Good question.
We were given the shuttle prices on embarkation - Bunbury $7 each way - Adelaide $8 - Dunedin $7 - Christchurch $7 - Wellington $5 - unlimited pass for all ports $59.
Albany will have complimentary shuttles, provided by the town.
No shuttles in Melbourne.
Burnie, the same as Albany.
Hobart, no shuttles.
In addition, we were given other information at the same time - shuttle schedules, travel time and frequency - drop off location - distance from town, etc. Good information to have, but it would have really been appreciated in advance.
Of course, some people are not happy. They ask why RCCL is getting us this far and then charging us to get into the town. Good question.
Dining - update
Previously, on March 13th (just before the first dinner of the second leg), the Maitre d' told Toni that Ioana's station was filled by passengers from the first leg who had been with her and asked to stay with her. I found it hard to believe that 100% of her prior passengers were b2b, since, shipwide, the repeat rate was approximately 20%.
On March 17th we found out from Ioana that she only had 2 people who had been with her on the first leg. Why did the Maitre d' have to lie? Why couldn't he just say they messed up?
By the time we learned the truth we had already left a message for the Food and Beverage manager that we wanted to see him. After learning the truth, we wanted to see him more than ever.
Trevor, the F/B Mgr called shortly after we left our message. He spent about 45 minutes with us and I think both sides were pleased with the discussion.
He was not pleased to hear our story, and a few times I felt that we were confirming his opinion, and possibly even giving him ammunition. I had given him a copy of what I had previously posted.
He, in turn, gave us some added insight into some of causes for our dissatisfaction.
We had heard that there was a new provisioning manager. That was true. He has not been involved with repositioned ships doesn't understand that, as you change markets, tastes change. The best example is the fact that the Aussies really like their local fish. A few cruises ago, they ran out of fish at dinner.
On the other hand, there really is no excuse for running out of iced tea or frozen yogurt. Just poor planning, poor management.
As for the table assignments for b2b, because of the impending transition to My Time Dining fleetwide, tables are being handled by both Miami and the ship's personnel. To further complicate this situation, Guest Services was planning a b2b party and was getting information ready for that meeting. On the previous cruise, prior to our first leg, there were only about 30 people continuing on to our cruise - now they had over 400, so the impact was greater.
Trevor did not, however, realize that we had been "reassigned" to the same table per the 2nd communication. He wondered whether anybody had received a correct reassignement or the same information and will look into that further.
Trevor told us to feel free to contact him if we have other issues, but I have a feeling that we (and our treatment) are being watched. Thanks, Trevor!
On March 17th we found out from Ioana that she only had 2 people who had been with her on the first leg. Why did the Maitre d' have to lie? Why couldn't he just say they messed up?
By the time we learned the truth we had already left a message for the Food and Beverage manager that we wanted to see him. After learning the truth, we wanted to see him more than ever.
Trevor, the F/B Mgr called shortly after we left our message. He spent about 45 minutes with us and I think both sides were pleased with the discussion.
He was not pleased to hear our story, and a few times I felt that we were confirming his opinion, and possibly even giving him ammunition. I had given him a copy of what I had previously posted.
He, in turn, gave us some added insight into some of causes for our dissatisfaction.
We had heard that there was a new provisioning manager. That was true. He has not been involved with repositioned ships doesn't understand that, as you change markets, tastes change. The best example is the fact that the Aussies really like their local fish. A few cruises ago, they ran out of fish at dinner.
On the other hand, there really is no excuse for running out of iced tea or frozen yogurt. Just poor planning, poor management.
As for the table assignments for b2b, because of the impending transition to My Time Dining fleetwide, tables are being handled by both Miami and the ship's personnel. To further complicate this situation, Guest Services was planning a b2b party and was getting information ready for that meeting. On the previous cruise, prior to our first leg, there were only about 30 people continuing on to our cruise - now they had over 400, so the impact was greater.
Trevor did not, however, realize that we had been "reassigned" to the same table per the 2nd communication. He wondered whether anybody had received a correct reassignement or the same information and will look into that further.
Trevor told us to feel free to contact him if we have other issues, but I have a feeling that we (and our treatment) are being watched. Thanks, Trevor!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Carly
Carly is one of the best CDs I've ever met. She is personable and available. She makes a point of saying that the stage belongs to the entertainers (probably because she was originally a dancer) and she intentionally minimizes her stage time. She also, rightfully (in my opinion), feels that her stage duties represent a small portion of her job and she can go a better job by concentrating on other areas.
Her sea day morning chats are enjoyable. Her willingness to change is refreshing.
I know that the personality that works on a long cruise is not the same personality that most people want on a short cruise. I wish there were a way to get someone like Carly on the short Florida cruises instead of the clowns they now have!
Her sea day morning chats are enjoyable. Her willingness to change is refreshing.
I know that the personality that works on a long cruise is not the same personality that most people want on a short cruise. I wish there were a way to get someone like Carly on the short Florida cruises instead of the clowns they now have!
Guinea pig
I have several CruiseCritic friends who will be taking this same trip next year. When I told them I would be going this year, I also told them that I would be blogging and would be their guinea pig. The response was that I would be more like the advance scouting party. It turns out that "guinea pig" is the more accurate description.
The major reason for saying that is the fact that there are no port talks - no shopping talk, no port lectures advising points of interest or local history/government/culture, no discussion about the shore excursions (other than the TV broadcast which is really the audio for the printed material). The consistent response from ship personnel is that they (the people, the ship, and the line) had never been to these ports. The ship was not ready for the ports and the ports were not ready for the ship.
Guinea pig.
There was a series of Destination lectures each sea day afternoon. They were, however, an aging journalist's travelog - interesting, but irrelevant. There was no focus on our ports. (Note: the lecturer was scheduled to stay on board for all 35 days, but left in Perth due to a serious illness in his family. His "Destination" lectures have been replaced by "Enrichment" lectures, so I expect that they, too, will not be port-specific.)
Every sea day morning, Carly has a "Chat with the Cruise Director" session. She is very personable and very open to suggestions. She did not originally know about the problems with PNG (visas, info, security, tours) and certainly agreed that the overall situation was poorly handled. In several other instances, she has already incorporated changes suggested at these sesssions.
Carly is a guinea pig also, The only advantage for her is the fact that she will be able to benefit from this experience because she will be back in the fall and again year from now.
The major reason for saying that is the fact that there are no port talks - no shopping talk, no port lectures advising points of interest or local history/government/culture, no discussion about the shore excursions (other than the TV broadcast which is really the audio for the printed material). The consistent response from ship personnel is that they (the people, the ship, and the line) had never been to these ports. The ship was not ready for the ports and the ports were not ready for the ship.
Guinea pig.
There was a series of Destination lectures each sea day afternoon. They were, however, an aging journalist's travelog - interesting, but irrelevant. There was no focus on our ports. (Note: the lecturer was scheduled to stay on board for all 35 days, but left in Perth due to a serious illness in his family. His "Destination" lectures have been replaced by "Enrichment" lectures, so I expect that they, too, will not be port-specific.)
Every sea day morning, Carly has a "Chat with the Cruise Director" session. She is very personable and very open to suggestions. She did not originally know about the problems with PNG (visas, info, security, tours) and certainly agreed that the overall situation was poorly handled. In several other instances, she has already incorporated changes suggested at these sesssions.
Carly is a guinea pig also, The only advantage for her is the fact that she will be able to benefit from this experience because she will be back in the fall and again year from now.
For the first several nights, our dinner service waS less than what I would normally expect. The "waiter" (waitress Nancy) had 3 tables, with what looked like a total of 16 people. Each night our table was the last to be served. Our food was generally luke warm, at best. We asked Nancy if she could serve us first once in a while, perhaps rotating which table she started with. She said ok, but she did not.
Then, one night when the food was cold, Toni, with her knife and fork in her hands loudly declared "that's it." She certainly got the attention of our Head Waiter. All the food was removed from our table, and, along with the food still on the serving tray, all food was returned to the kitchen and quickly replaced with hot food.
From that point on, our dinner was supervised by Sam, the Head Waiter, and often served by him. The other 2 tables were served before us, but our food was not waiting at the serving station. When it was brought from the kitchen, it was rapidly served to us.
About the same time b2b people received a very nice request in the cabins. If we wanted a specific dining arrangement, we should notify our head waiter. Since Toni and I had been served lunch and dinner by a delightful Romanian couple, we requested the wife Ioanna in writing (and, as back up, the husband Daniel verbally). Bill and Lila at our table were also b2b and wrote on their card that they wanted to sit with us. I personally handed both cards to Sam.
Then we got our new Sea Pass cards for the second leg, and it showed the same table number. When we questioned that we were told not to worry, since the waiters were moved each sailing. That has not been my experience - clearly some are moved, but certainly not all. We were subsequently confused when we got another notice in the cabin, advising us to ignore the table number on the new pass, and, instead, our new table would be ... the same table anyway!!
When we questioned this, were told to see the Maitre d' on Embarkation day. Toni did (actually, it was an Assistant), and she was told we had to wait until they knew how many others wanted to change. We were to go to the assigned table and come back the next day.
Needless to say we were not happy, but complied. Also, needless to say, Nancy was again our server. Toni immediately went to talk to the Maitre d', which she eventually did. She was told again to come back the next day. She asked him to come to our table, he said he would but he didn't. To this day, I have not had one word with him.
This time the service was terrible. Nancy apologized that a cheese appetizer was not hot, but if it were hot, it would melt! Huh? When she delivered the next course, she told us to be careful because the plate was hot - the plate was indeed hot, but the food was the coldest we had received for the entire trip.
Then Sunnil, our new Head Waiter stopped by and asked how everything was. I don't think he expected the earful that he received. He was very concerned, very caring. He said he would look into it, and do what he could. We believed him.
He delivered! The next evening, he told us immediately that he had 2 seats at Ioanna's station. He said he may have 4 but would not know definitively until the next day. With little hesitation, we accepted the change, after apologizing to Lila, Bill, and our new table mates.
Sunnil escorted us upstairs, showed us to our new table. Ioanna came over right away and gave us a big welcome. Colin, the Head Waiter in that section came over a few minutes later to check on us, and repeatedly assured us he would take care of us. Later, Sunnil came back to check again.
It turns out that there was a table for 4 near Ioanna's station but the people did not show up the first evening. That table was changed to Ioanna's.
All's well that end's well. Thank you Sunnil, Colin, and Ioanna!!!
Then, one night when the food was cold, Toni, with her knife and fork in her hands loudly declared "that's it." She certainly got the attention of our Head Waiter. All the food was removed from our table, and, along with the food still on the serving tray, all food was returned to the kitchen and quickly replaced with hot food.
From that point on, our dinner was supervised by Sam, the Head Waiter, and often served by him. The other 2 tables were served before us, but our food was not waiting at the serving station. When it was brought from the kitchen, it was rapidly served to us.
About the same time b2b people received a very nice request in the cabins. If we wanted a specific dining arrangement, we should notify our head waiter. Since Toni and I had been served lunch and dinner by a delightful Romanian couple, we requested the wife Ioanna in writing (and, as back up, the husband Daniel verbally). Bill and Lila at our table were also b2b and wrote on their card that they wanted to sit with us. I personally handed both cards to Sam.
Then we got our new Sea Pass cards for the second leg, and it showed the same table number. When we questioned that we were told not to worry, since the waiters were moved each sailing. That has not been my experience - clearly some are moved, but certainly not all. We were subsequently confused when we got another notice in the cabin, advising us to ignore the table number on the new pass, and, instead, our new table would be ... the same table anyway!!
When we questioned this, were told to see the Maitre d' on Embarkation day. Toni did (actually, it was an Assistant), and she was told we had to wait until they knew how many others wanted to change. We were to go to the assigned table and come back the next day.
Needless to say we were not happy, but complied. Also, needless to say, Nancy was again our server. Toni immediately went to talk to the Maitre d', which she eventually did. She was told again to come back the next day. She asked him to come to our table, he said he would but he didn't. To this day, I have not had one word with him.
This time the service was terrible. Nancy apologized that a cheese appetizer was not hot, but if it were hot, it would melt! Huh? When she delivered the next course, she told us to be careful because the plate was hot - the plate was indeed hot, but the food was the coldest we had received for the entire trip.
Then Sunnil, our new Head Waiter stopped by and asked how everything was. I don't think he expected the earful that he received. He was very concerned, very caring. He said he would look into it, and do what he could. We believed him.
He delivered! The next evening, he told us immediately that he had 2 seats at Ioanna's station. He said he may have 4 but would not know definitively until the next day. With little hesitation, we accepted the change, after apologizing to Lila, Bill, and our new table mates.
Sunnil escorted us upstairs, showed us to our new table. Ioanna came over right away and gave us a big welcome. Colin, the Head Waiter in that section came over a few minutes later to check on us, and repeatedly assured us he would take care of us. Later, Sunnil came back to check again.
It turns out that there was a table for 4 near Ioanna's station but the people did not show up the first evening. That table was changed to Ioanna's.
All's well that end's well. Thank you Sunnil, Colin, and Ioanna!!!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
WE0311 day 16 Exmouth
WO0311 - day 16 - Exmouth
When I spoke to my father before arriving at Exmouth, he said he couldn't find Exmouth on a map. Neither could I. Now I know why. There's nothing there.
One of the main advantages to Australia is probably the biggest disadvantage to the tourist at the same time. The country is so vast and undeveloped. When you go from point A to point B, you go from A to B. There is nothing in between.
I took a tour called "Cape and Canyons." We got onto the bus at the tender pier and went through a tiny town. Then we went to a cape. Nice lookouts, etc. Nothing really new except for the connection to the Pacific theater in WWII. I could have been at any of a number of places on the Maine or Mass coast.
Then we went back to the town, past the town and on to the canyon. No stops in between as we went from point B to point C. The canyon could have been on the north shore of Aruba - canyon, water view, desert vegetation. Then we went back to the tender pier - from point C - you guessed it - through the town.
The tour was both exactly as described and boring.
There were other disappointments that day. The tenders were not running as continuously as was claimed and the buses did not adhere to their schedules.
Toni and I chose to leave the theater ahead of our group rather than be herded like cattle down the 4 flights of stairs. When we got to the tender gangway, we said we were ahead of our tour group but we were told to go ahead and get on the tender that was about to leave. We did.
At about the same time, it was announced that our departure was delayed due to the late arrival of the bus. We ended up waiting on shore (at least under a tent) for over an hour. Shuttle busses ran constantly and they were also using full size busses. All the time we kept hearing the dispatcher talking to our driver regarding his eta.
We waited about 20 minutes for the tender - mostly in direct, midday sun. By the time we got onto our tender, the staff member helping shoreside had radiod'd that there were 200 people waiting. The tenders seemed to be on a schedule rather than running continuously.
I know this all sounds very negative, but I'm reporting what happened. Let me diminish the negativity with a preview of Perth/Fremantle. (I can do that because I'm running behind in my writing.)
We loved both Perth and Fremantle!!!
We think Exmouth should be eliminated and there should be an overnight in Fremantle instead. Are you listening, Royal Caribbean?????????
When I spoke to my father before arriving at Exmouth, he said he couldn't find Exmouth on a map. Neither could I. Now I know why. There's nothing there.
One of the main advantages to Australia is probably the biggest disadvantage to the tourist at the same time. The country is so vast and undeveloped. When you go from point A to point B, you go from A to B. There is nothing in between.
I took a tour called "Cape and Canyons." We got onto the bus at the tender pier and went through a tiny town. Then we went to a cape. Nice lookouts, etc. Nothing really new except for the connection to the Pacific theater in WWII. I could have been at any of a number of places on the Maine or Mass coast.
Then we went back to the town, past the town and on to the canyon. No stops in between as we went from point B to point C. The canyon could have been on the north shore of Aruba - canyon, water view, desert vegetation. Then we went back to the tender pier - from point C - you guessed it - through the town.
The tour was both exactly as described and boring.
There were other disappointments that day. The tenders were not running as continuously as was claimed and the buses did not adhere to their schedules.
Toni and I chose to leave the theater ahead of our group rather than be herded like cattle down the 4 flights of stairs. When we got to the tender gangway, we said we were ahead of our tour group but we were told to go ahead and get on the tender that was about to leave. We did.
At about the same time, it was announced that our departure was delayed due to the late arrival of the bus. We ended up waiting on shore (at least under a tent) for over an hour. Shuttle busses ran constantly and they were also using full size busses. All the time we kept hearing the dispatcher talking to our driver regarding his eta.
We waited about 20 minutes for the tender - mostly in direct, midday sun. By the time we got onto our tender, the staff member helping shoreside had radiod'd that there were 200 people waiting. The tenders seemed to be on a schedule rather than running continuously.
I know this all sounds very negative, but I'm reporting what happened. Let me diminish the negativity with a preview of Perth/Fremantle. (I can do that because I'm running behind in my writing.)
We loved both Perth and Fremantle!!!
We think Exmouth should be eliminated and there should be an overnight in Fremantle instead. Are you listening, Royal Caribbean?????????
Broome update
MO0309 - day 14 - Broome Update
It turns out that, starting with the pier operations, Broome wasn't really ready for 2000 extra people. There was no shade on the pier, neither from fixed structures nor from temporary tents. And it was hot - close to 100 degrees.As a result, except for those of us who had early tours, everybody was subjected to considerable delays.
(I was off the ship early, so what follows is what I heard. I cannot vouch for this part 100%, but I'm reasonably sure it is accurate.) Everybody was held until there was a bus on the pier - either a shuttle bus or a tour bus, whichever was appropriate for them. There was no general announcement explaining the delay, so even those people who had private arrangements with cars picking them up were not given the opportunity to get off.
My table mates reported that their private tour - camel riding on Cable Beach at (close to) sunset - was quite a success.
It turns out that, starting with the pier operations, Broome wasn't really ready for 2000 extra people. There was no shade on the pier, neither from fixed structures nor from temporary tents. And it was hot - close to 100 degrees.As a result, except for those of us who had early tours, everybody was subjected to considerable delays.
(I was off the ship early, so what follows is what I heard. I cannot vouch for this part 100%, but I'm reasonably sure it is accurate.) Everybody was held until there was a bus on the pier - either a shuttle bus or a tour bus, whichever was appropriate for them. There was no general announcement explaining the delay, so even those people who had private arrangements with cars picking them up were not given the opportunity to get off.
My table mates reported that their private tour - camel riding on Cable Beach at (close to) sunset - was quite a success.
Monday, March 9, 2009
MO0309 Broome
MO0309 - day 14 - Broome
We were originally scheduled into Broome at 8am but were advised when we boarded that wewould not arrive until 10:30 and apparently all tours were resecheduled. My 8:30 tour would now be leaving at 11:15.
It turned out that we were even later than the revised schedule. This was due to both the tide and the wind. It didn't seem terribly windy, but the port is not sheltered and the wind plus the rapidly changing tide made the approarch less than desirable. In 58 prior cruises, I do not remember a delay due to winds for a pier-port - for a tender port, of course, but never when docking.
Despite the delay, my tour, Broome Explorer, left at 11:30. Capt Stein was already on the pier, making sure the early tours got off ok.
Shortly before the tour, I went to my cabin (on deck 2) and we were at pier-level, but, by the time I got back to the ship around 3pm, we were well below the pier. The tide certainly was changing rapidly.
The tour was as described, but we travelled in circles quite alot in order to see everything listed. In contrast, we had heard about PNG tours which seemed to be going in circles to stretch those tours to the allotted number of hours.
It was a good tour and both Toni and I enjoyed it. I guess her major disappointment previously was the wasted time in getting from the ship to the first point of interest. This time we stopped quite often because Broome is fairly small and compact.
During the tour we ran into our table mates who had taken the shuttle into town in order to meet a local friend for lunch. They did not get off the ship until well after 12 because they had to wait until all the tour participants left. They will be taking a private tour this evening - a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach - so they will not be at dinner. I'll report on their experiences, but I don't know when I'll see them next.
We were scheduled to leave Broome at 8:30pm, per the revised schedule, but I have heard that we may be even later than that due to our late arrival this morning.
------------
PS: Hi, Steve. Are all my buddies from work followint along with you?
We were originally scheduled into Broome at 8am but were advised when we boarded that wewould not arrive until 10:30 and apparently all tours were resecheduled. My 8:30 tour would now be leaving at 11:15.
It turned out that we were even later than the revised schedule. This was due to both the tide and the wind. It didn't seem terribly windy, but the port is not sheltered and the wind plus the rapidly changing tide made the approarch less than desirable. In 58 prior cruises, I do not remember a delay due to winds for a pier-port - for a tender port, of course, but never when docking.
Despite the delay, my tour, Broome Explorer, left at 11:30. Capt Stein was already on the pier, making sure the early tours got off ok.
Shortly before the tour, I went to my cabin (on deck 2) and we were at pier-level, but, by the time I got back to the ship around 3pm, we were well below the pier. The tide certainly was changing rapidly.
The tour was as described, but we travelled in circles quite alot in order to see everything listed. In contrast, we had heard about PNG tours which seemed to be going in circles to stretch those tours to the allotted number of hours.
It was a good tour and both Toni and I enjoyed it. I guess her major disappointment previously was the wasted time in getting from the ship to the first point of interest. This time we stopped quite often because Broome is fairly small and compact.
During the tour we ran into our table mates who had taken the shuttle into town in order to meet a local friend for lunch. They did not get off the ship until well after 12 because they had to wait until all the tour participants left. They will be taking a private tour this evening - a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach - so they will not be at dinner. I'll report on their experiences, but I don't know when I'll see them next.
We were scheduled to leave Broome at 8:30pm, per the revised schedule, but I have heard that we may be even later than that due to our late arrival this morning.
------------
PS: Hi, Steve. Are all my buddies from work followint along with you?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Other stuff
I forgot to mention something that happened 3 days ago (the morning after PNG). We suddenly
lurched to avoid a fishing boat which was probably an illegal boat from Indonesia. The
movement woke several passengers (it was 6:40 am) but I was up and simply wondered why the
sea momentarily seemed so rough.
Later that day, during his noon report, the Captain told us what hade happened, but he
didn't tell us the consequences. A great deal of water flowed out of the swimming pools.
There was water in the elevator shafts and repairs continued that day and the next day.
Ultimately, after much vacuuming and extraction, carpeting in the WJ had to be replaced.
During that same report, Capt Stein also repeatedly talked about our arrival in Darwin the
next morning. The only problem with that is the fact that the next day was scheduled as a
sea day. (Many of us checked the itinerary to confirm the fact that the Capt was wrong and
we were right.)
Nobody dared to criticize or correct the Capt publicly, but Carly did refer to the itinerary
carefully in her next public announcement, reviewing the day's activities and indicating
that there would be more of the same tomorrow, which would also be a sea day.
That evening there was a notice in the cabins "reminding" us of the intinerary for the
balance of the trip.
During his next noontime report, Capt Stein said we would indeed be in Darwin the next day.
lurched to avoid a fishing boat which was probably an illegal boat from Indonesia. The
movement woke several passengers (it was 6:40 am) but I was up and simply wondered why the
sea momentarily seemed so rough.
Later that day, during his noon report, the Captain told us what hade happened, but he
didn't tell us the consequences. A great deal of water flowed out of the swimming pools.
There was water in the elevator shafts and repairs continued that day and the next day.
Ultimately, after much vacuuming and extraction, carpeting in the WJ had to be replaced.
During that same report, Capt Stein also repeatedly talked about our arrival in Darwin the
next morning. The only problem with that is the fact that the next day was scheduled as a
sea day. (Many of us checked the itinerary to confirm the fact that the Capt was wrong and
we were right.)
Nobody dared to criticize or correct the Capt publicly, but Carly did refer to the itinerary
carefully in her next public announcement, reviewing the day's activities and indicating
that there would be more of the same tomorrow, which would also be a sea day.
That evening there was a notice in the cabins "reminding" us of the intinerary for the
balance of the trip.
During his next noontime report, Capt Stein said we would indeed be in Darwin the next day.
FR 0306 Darwin
FR0306 - day 11 - Darwin
I took the Glimpse of Darwin tour. At 10 degrees from the equator, I wanted an easy tour. It was pretty much like the old Grey Line City tours - a drive around the city with limited on/off. It ended back at the ship or you could get off in town - at the Smith St Mall in the CBD - which is what I did.
The Mall is like a pedestrian street, rather than the huge single-building malls that we think of. Several restaurants and cafes, fine jewelry stores, gift shops, drug stores, even a dollar store. The only thing you wouldn't find at an American mall was the tobacco and bong shop.
On my way to the shuttle, I ran into Toni. She had takent the walking tour and loved it,
There were shuttles between the ship and the end of the mall. I didn't know that we would have a free entree into town until last night, but I do not regret having taken the tour I took.
I took the Glimpse of Darwin tour. At 10 degrees from the equator, I wanted an easy tour. It was pretty much like the old Grey Line City tours - a drive around the city with limited on/off. It ended back at the ship or you could get off in town - at the Smith St Mall in the CBD - which is what I did.
The Mall is like a pedestrian street, rather than the huge single-building malls that we think of. Several restaurants and cafes, fine jewelry stores, gift shops, drug stores, even a dollar store. The only thing you wouldn't find at an American mall was the tobacco and bong shop.
On my way to the shuttle, I ran into Toni. She had takent the walking tour and loved it,
There were shuttles between the ship and the end of the mall. I didn't know that we would have a free entree into town until last night, but I do not regret having taken the tour I took.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TU0303 - day 8 - PNG
TU0303 - day 8 - PNG
There were written warnings and announcements from the Captain and the Cruise Director about the safety precautions needed in third world countries. Stay with a group, avoid public transportation (including taxis), avoid crowds, don't go to remote places such as the cemetaries.
Well, we survived PNG!!!
There were 12 of us on a private tour arranged by two CruisteCritic posters - Angie in OZ and Glor stateside - 6 Aussies, 4 Americans, 2 Canadians. We paid $155AUD each (just under $100US) in advance - the Aussies handled their arrangements locally and the other 6 went into the tour agency in Sydney and paid by credit card in person. The tour was to be 7 hours, including lunch.
We were met promptly at the pier by two gentlemen, one (Jack) a regular employee of the company and the other the son of one of the other employees - Rex normally works for a hotel in the hospitality industry. Rex's roles became obvious in due course.
We were in a 15 passenger van - the 12 of us, the two of them, and a cooler with bottled water in the space of the 15th seat.
Our first stop was a market. Three of us instantly decided not to get out of the van. The other 9 went with Jack and a security guard - those of us who remained on the van did not know about the guard, but we were not too thrilled with how so many people seemed to follow the group with their eyes. Rex stayed with the van. It was unclear whether he was guarding the van or us, but we were locked in.
Then we went to the ANZAC cemetary. Very well done. Apparently the Aussie equivalent of the Normandy cemetaries and equally important to them.
Our lunch was at the March Girls - both a hotel and restaurant owned by a family from Rex's villate. The place is so-named because the daughters were all born in March. Nice lunch. Coconut welcome. Native dances by the daughters and other relatives.
We spent some time in Rex's village where we were offered more coconut drinks as well as shell necklaces. Wonderful hospitality which we didn't really expect.
Our final stop was a craft shop with native handicrafts. Good shopping if you're into maaks and carvings.
We made it back without incident. I'm glad we found a satisfactory arrangement, but I still think my anxiety was warranted.
There were written warnings and announcements from the Captain and the Cruise Director about the safety precautions needed in third world countries. Stay with a group, avoid public transportation (including taxis), avoid crowds, don't go to remote places such as the cemetaries.
Well, we survived PNG!!!
There were 12 of us on a private tour arranged by two CruisteCritic posters - Angie in OZ and Glor stateside - 6 Aussies, 4 Americans, 2 Canadians. We paid $155AUD each (just under $100US) in advance - the Aussies handled their arrangements locally and the other 6 went into the tour agency in Sydney and paid by credit card in person. The tour was to be 7 hours, including lunch.
We were met promptly at the pier by two gentlemen, one (Jack) a regular employee of the company and the other the son of one of the other employees - Rex normally works for a hotel in the hospitality industry. Rex's roles became obvious in due course.
We were in a 15 passenger van - the 12 of us, the two of them, and a cooler with bottled water in the space of the 15th seat.
Our first stop was a market. Three of us instantly decided not to get out of the van. The other 9 went with Jack and a security guard - those of us who remained on the van did not know about the guard, but we were not too thrilled with how so many people seemed to follow the group with their eyes. Rex stayed with the van. It was unclear whether he was guarding the van or us, but we were locked in.
Then we went to the ANZAC cemetary. Very well done. Apparently the Aussie equivalent of the Normandy cemetaries and equally important to them.
Our lunch was at the March Girls - both a hotel and restaurant owned by a family from Rex's villate. The place is so-named because the daughters were all born in March. Nice lunch. Coconut welcome. Native dances by the daughters and other relatives.
We spent some time in Rex's village where we were offered more coconut drinks as well as shell necklaces. Wonderful hospitality which we didn't really expect.
Our final stop was a craft shop with native handicrafts. Good shopping if you're into maaks and carvings.
We made it back without incident. I'm glad we found a satisfactory arrangement, but I still think my anxiety was warranted.
No chocolates
No daily newspaper
Daily chat w/cruise director Carly
To WolfCatHOrse: Capt Stein leaving April 13th - 2nd child due in May - vacation 10 weeks
Loyalty Ambassador leaving next week in Perth - Danny next
400+ b2b
To Gladys: everything fine - having a good time - reporting the differences and unusual things, so appears more negative - not reporting the normal things which are fine
To Bev/Nate: we're getting along just fine
Port security/customs: no open water bottles were allowed in at the Australian ports so far - we were also told no food products, not just fruits but including sealed packages of snacks - bottles confiscated first port - bottles and snacks second port - no overt confiscation third port, but dog sniffing all packages - this is all upon exiting the ship - normal xray and liquor procedures upon return
Gambling - no gambling in Western Austalian waters - today (day 10, Thurs 0305) is the last day for bingo and casino games until Adelaide 0318 or possibly when we are in Adelaide waters
No daily newspaper
Daily chat w/cruise director Carly
To WolfCatHOrse: Capt Stein leaving April 13th - 2nd child due in May - vacation 10 weeks
Loyalty Ambassador leaving next week in Perth - Danny next
400+ b2b
To Gladys: everything fine - having a good time - reporting the differences and unusual things, so appears more negative - not reporting the normal things which are fine
To Bev/Nate: we're getting along just fine
Port security/customs: no open water bottles were allowed in at the Australian ports so far - we were also told no food products, not just fruits but including sealed packages of snacks - bottles confiscated first port - bottles and snacks second port - no overt confiscation third port, but dog sniffing all packages - this is all upon exiting the ship - normal xray and liquor procedures upon return
Gambling - no gambling in Western Austalian waters - today (day 10, Thurs 0305) is the last day for bingo and casino games until Adelaide 0318 or possibly when we are in Adelaide waters
Shows
Day 1 - Los Pampas Gauchos - did not go - dinner ran late - one show combined for both sittings - good reports
Day 2 - Jonathan Clark - comedian/impressionist - did not go - rave reports - sorry I missed him - will not miss him next time
Day 3 - Production show - Piano Man - don't like production shows - went anyway - hated it
Day 4 - Colleen Austen - Divas - good show - Jonathan's wife
Day 5 - Fluoresence - by Los Pampas Gauchos - hard to describe but excellent........Professional dance duo - no wonder I donb't dance!........Jonathann Clark - now I know what they were raving about - he and Colleen leaving tomorrow - thought I could seen him on second leg
Day 6 - No show - Mamma Mia in showroom - Brisbane - later departure
Day 7 - Martin Lass - violinist - classical, Romanian, Fiddler on the Roof - enjoyed
Day 8 - Country Western Prodcuction show - don't like c/w - don't like productions shows - didn't go - heard it was better than previous production show
Day 9 - John Taylor - scheduled after Crown and Anchor platinum/diamond/d+ reception - no seats by the time I got to the theater
Day 2 - Jonathan Clark - comedian/impressionist - did not go - rave reports - sorry I missed him - will not miss him next time
Day 3 - Production show - Piano Man - don't like production shows - went anyway - hated it
Day 4 - Colleen Austen - Divas - good show - Jonathan's wife
Day 5 - Fluoresence - by Los Pampas Gauchos - hard to describe but excellent........Professional dance duo - no wonder I donb't dance!........Jonathann Clark - now I know what they were raving about - he and Colleen leaving tomorrow - thought I could seen him on second leg
Day 6 - No show - Mamma Mia in showroom - Brisbane - later departure
Day 7 - Martin Lass - violinist - classical, Romanian, Fiddler on the Roof - enjoyed
Day 8 - Country Western Prodcuction show - don't like c/w - don't like productions shows - didn't go - heard it was better than previous production show
Day 9 - John Taylor - scheduled after Crown and Anchor platinum/diamond/d+ reception - no seats by the time I got to the theater
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunn 0301 - Day 6 - Cairns
Sun 0301 - Day 6 - Cairns
This was another tender port as well as a shuttle port. I’m a little surprised that the tender docks so far from the city. I don’t like tenders, especially getting into and out of them. On the other hand, considering the rough water after my excursion, I was glad to be in a local twin-hulled cat rather than the ship’s tenders. I understand that tender operations were suspended for about 2 hours later in the day,
My tour was Cairns City Tour and Rainforest Village. We drove through residential areas and the beach areas. Of course there were rough surf warnings at the beaches. There is also an area where the swimming area is roped in - there is netting to keep the jelly fish away from the swimmers.
The drive through the rainforest on the way to the village was lovely. Quite reminiscent of driving through St John USVI although the road was more windy as in St Thomas. The shopping was flea market style, local crafts, nothing spectacular.
The tour itself was adequate and as described. Nothing spectacular. I guess the biggest dissatisfier is due to the distance between the tender pier and the sights. There seems to be so much wasted time, just sitting on the bus.
Toni took a different tour and she was really upset. Again, too much time on the bus and too little time at the venues she had been looking forward to. She said there were snippets of 5 or 10 minutes that were worthwhile.
It’s becoming quite obvious that this is her first and last cruise on Royal Caribbean.
This was another tender port as well as a shuttle port. I’m a little surprised that the tender docks so far from the city. I don’t like tenders, especially getting into and out of them. On the other hand, considering the rough water after my excursion, I was glad to be in a local twin-hulled cat rather than the ship’s tenders. I understand that tender operations were suspended for about 2 hours later in the day,
My tour was Cairns City Tour and Rainforest Village. We drove through residential areas and the beach areas. Of course there were rough surf warnings at the beaches. There is also an area where the swimming area is roped in - there is netting to keep the jelly fish away from the swimmers.
The drive through the rainforest on the way to the village was lovely. Quite reminiscent of driving through St John USVI although the road was more windy as in St Thomas. The shopping was flea market style, local crafts, nothing spectacular.
The tour itself was adequate and as described. Nothing spectacular. I guess the biggest dissatisfier is due to the distance between the tender pier and the sights. There seems to be so much wasted time, just sitting on the bus.
Toni took a different tour and she was really upset. Again, too much time on the bus and too little time at the venues she had been looking forward to. She said there were snippets of 5 or 10 minutes that were worthwhile.
It’s becoming quite obvious that this is her first and last cruise on Royal Caribbean.
Hamilton Island - additional tour info
Hamilton Island Tours
Our table mates did not do the same tour that Toni and I did. One couple just took the tender, the free island sightseeing shuttle, and then the free shuttle to a hotel and used the pool there. They commented that most of the towels on the lounges appeared to be from the ship.
The other couple took the all-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. They were very disappointed. First of all, there was a problem with breakfast. They had an early departure which coincided with the opening time fof the Windjammer. The dining room was still closed. The only thing available was the Continental breakfast outside the WJ, but the food was gone very early. I remember the same thing happening to me in St Petersburg on the Jewel OTS last summer.
Then they had an long trip to the Reef. It is unclear why the Reef is an excursion from Hamilton when the trip from Cairns is shorter.
A full wet suit was required but there were no private changing facilities. There were just 2 large, open rooms with no privacy. After donning the wet suits, they said they looked like teletubbies.
Due to weather conditions, their snorkeling was disappointing. Also due to the weather the sea conditions were terrible and most people got ill on the way back.
I’m really glad I took the High Tea excursion.
Our table mates did not do the same tour that Toni and I did. One couple just took the tender, the free island sightseeing shuttle, and then the free shuttle to a hotel and used the pool there. They commented that most of the towels on the lounges appeared to be from the ship.
The other couple took the all-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. They were very disappointed. First of all, there was a problem with breakfast. They had an early departure which coincided with the opening time fof the Windjammer. The dining room was still closed. The only thing available was the Continental breakfast outside the WJ, but the food was gone very early. I remember the same thing happening to me in St Petersburg on the Jewel OTS last summer.
Then they had an long trip to the Reef. It is unclear why the Reef is an excursion from Hamilton when the trip from Cairns is shorter.
A full wet suit was required but there were no private changing facilities. There were just 2 large, open rooms with no privacy. After donning the wet suits, they said they looked like teletubbies.
Due to weather conditions, their snorkeling was disappointing. Also due to the weather the sea conditions were terrible and most people got ill on the way back.
I’m really glad I took the High Tea excursion.
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