Murray River Part 3
First night: Our allocated evening dining table was easy to find as the number was written on the corner of our name badge, which we were given on check in. This made introductions a breeze when meeting our fellow passengers.
Why you should be considering a cruise
Is anyone heading off this week on a cruise somewhere? Unfortunately I’m not, but with the Easter holidays looming in a few days, I have been thinking about the options for getting away from it all at key times of year.....
Murray Princess Part 2
After a delicious breakfast in the Club Lounge at Adelaide's InterContinental, best scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, it was time to get ready for a leisurely stroll across the road to pick up the bus for the 1 hour, 15 minute drive through very green countryside to Mannum, where we were to join our Captain Cook Cruises Murray Princess paddle steamer.
Exploring ashore: Do your shore excursion research!
I was going through a menu of shore excursions available on our next cruise- Oceania Marina from Barcelona to Copenhagen - and it got me thinking about the whole topic. Exploring ports of call is one of many reasons why we cruise.....
Never pack your medication in your check-in!
Whether you are headed directly to your cruise embarkation point or to the airport for a flight to a cruise on a distant shore, it is most important to heed this warning: I have seen so many people make the fatal mistake of packing their medication in their checked luggage. One should always transport this potentially life saving cargo in one's carry on luggage and do not let it leave your side.
Why cruising in Australia has never been better
In spite of the GFC and other global dilemmas, cruising holidays are still on the up!
Why ziplines lines are all the rage for cruisers in Alaska
Ziplines have become all the rage in Alaska since the first one opened in 2005. And as the zipline has gained in popularity over the past decade, it has spread throughout the Southeast region, where the heavily traveled Inside Passage is almost entirely covered in temperate rain forest — making it the perfect environment for an exhilarating ride through the tree tops.
Cruise line WiFi: Why it’s a bust even on luxury ships
I am back from my last amazing cruise just 10 days, and although I miss many things about life on the Seven Seas Voyager....the butler service, the cocktails, having a steward to make the bed every day..... I am really happy to be back to my broadband connection....
Is it good that more luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages?
It’s really great to sail on a cruise with “all-inclusive options”... Or is it?
Seven Seas Voyager – Week 4, The Wrap up
Back in Sydney writing this after three days of torrential rain, and am so missing the Voyager! No steward to pick up our towels and make our bed, no butler to bring us canapes.......
Why cruising singles have it tough
It's not easy to find single cabins on most cruise ships, usually singles have to pay a single supplement. When one books a cruise, you normally pay a per person, double occupancy price. The single supplement is usually quite expensive - 50 percent+ or more of the total cruise cost because it is designed to recoup the income lost by not having a second traveller in the cabin.
Roll to it: Why carry on luggage will make or break your trip
What you pack in your carry on bag can make or break your vacation. Most cruisers think that cruise lines never lose bags, which is correct, they just misplace them – sometimes for a few hours, occasionally for a few days.
Seven Seas Voyager Week 3
It's been a week of high drama on the high seas for a variety of reasons! First I had to see the doctor on board Seven Seas Voyager; only the second time I have seen a ship’s doctor in more than 20 years of cruising, but my second visit in six months!
Seven Seas Voyager – Week 2
I am writing this second blog from the Seven Seas Voyager, on a sea day heading from Bali to Borneo. So much has happened I hardly know where to start!
My gripe with cruise ship laundry prices
Some 5-star ships offer free laundry in suites and most lines offer complimentary laundry for those with special award points, earned by frequent cruises on the one line. I don't believe this should dictate which line you choose - "I am on this cruise because I got a great laundry deal" is probably not the ideal situation!
Meet the couple reliving memories on the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth
My parents, Ken and Norma Gladstone, were honoured to be invited onboard the Queen Mary 2 last week to attend a ceremony to commemorate the Australian troops who sailed off to war on two Cunard liners – the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth - 70 years ago.
