Just come off the Pacific Explorer Island Hopper and was good to know that we were well prepared for our first cruise, the only think that came to a surprise to us was the onboard app, but, preferred the paper documents anyways. Best thing about the cruise for us was the disconnection from the outside world.
Excellent tips ! Can I add re the shore tours. P & O have a shore tour guarantee- if you can find your shore tour cheaper they will refund the difference in on board credit. I’ve used this so that I get the better price as well as the guarantee of it being through P&O incase of any cancellations or delays. Looking forward to the next one!
No problem. Firstly I must say that on cruises sailing from and booked in Australia all tips are included in your fare (except for any optional spa treatments you may have) so there is no requirement or expectation of personal tipping. There is an exception of the transpacific relocation cruises which may not have tipping or gratuities included. However, many people feel that they would like to reward individual staff members who they feel have added to the enjoyment of their holiday. These are typically the room steward and any regular dining and bar staff that have looked after them. The amount that is given as tips ranges and is really a personal thing depending on individual circumstances. Some people will tip in goods rather than money. For example, they may be calling at a port and ask their cabin steward if there is anything they need that they can pick up for them whilst on shore e.g. toiletries, chocolates etc. One this we would say though is that because tipping is included in the fares from Australia it is not expected by the staff so anything you do give is always very gratefully received.
I have just realised from your comment about joining a Facebook group and the information you can get that we will be on the same cruise in a couple of weeks - the charity bike ride has made changes to our transport to the terminal as well. I will be a first time cruiser and really looking forward to it.
Hi Ellie. Thanks for watching and supporting us. We are off again on 7th June so we'll do a 'how to pack' video for that cruise as that is a longer one.
Most cruise lines will allow you to take some non-alcoholic drinks on board, this is usually 12 cans per person. Also, most cruise lines will not allow bottles (apart from a bottle of wine where this is allowed). They require you to carry the cans in your hand luggage so that they can check when you board that they are non-alcoholic and that they are not bottles. If you do put them in your checked luggage then it is likely that this will be picked up when your luggage is scanned. They will then hold your case on the ship and ask you to come and open it so that they can check the cans. Although they won't take them off you if they are within the guidelines it can be a while before they call you to check your case, holding up your unpacking.
Hi Victoria. Thanks for watching. Insurance is my (Rob) line of business with a large focus on travel insurance. As such, unfortunately, we are unable to recommend any particular insurer, I don't have an advice licence. There are a number of trusted companies out there though. What I would say is talk to them about what you need to make sure you get the right cover for you. Sorry I can't be more specific.
They say that your name should match your passport but we're not sure how critical that is. At the end of the day what matters is that they can satisfy themselves that it is the same person. If you can change the name on Cruise Control to match then I would but if not then maybe give them a call just to make sure. Hope this helps.
I just returned froma trip where I was watching a magician and got a bit bored so I returned to my cabin. Later I watched on another cruise channel the magician was hit by an audience member who was the partner of the woman on stage. The partner thought the magician was getting to flirtacious with his wife......I too am Australian and it happened on Quantum of the seas.......RUclips it or yourself.
Just come off the Pacific Explorer Island Hopper and was good to know that we were well prepared for our first cruise, the only think that came to a surprise to us was the onboard app, but, preferred the paper documents anyways. Best thing about the cruise for us was the disconnection from the outside world.
Excellent tips !
Can I add re the shore tours. P & O have a shore tour guarantee- if you can find your shore tour cheaper they will refund the difference in on board credit.
I’ve used this so that I get the better price as well as the guarantee of it being through P&O incase of any cancellations or delays.
Looking forward to the next one!
Hi there just wondering w t kind of proof do you need to give PnO to get a credit
@@jessieliu1731 you send them a copy of the receipt where you paid cheaper and they refund to OBC
You guys are the best. Really helpful the ship tours are $$$$ might go local.
Not a first timer but finding your videos really useful. Thank you
Thank you for great tips! Yikes the neighbours sounded like they were in your house. You poor things. No wonder you go away on cruises 🤣
Thank you for your excellent tips. I just wondered if you could share some tips about tipping please?
No problem. Firstly I must say that on cruises sailing from and booked in Australia all tips are included in your fare (except for any optional spa treatments you may have) so there is no requirement or expectation of personal tipping. There is an exception of the transpacific relocation cruises which may not have tipping or gratuities included.
However, many people feel that they would like to reward individual staff members who they feel have added to the enjoyment of their holiday. These are typically the room steward and any regular dining and bar staff that have looked after them. The amount that is given as tips ranges and is really a personal thing depending on individual circumstances. Some people will tip in goods rather than money. For example, they may be calling at a port and ask their cabin steward if there is anything they need that they can pick up for them whilst on shore e.g. toiletries, chocolates etc.
One this we would say though is that because tipping is included in the fares from Australia it is not expected by the staff so anything you do give is always very gratefully received.
Thanks Rob and Ali, as usual there were some great tips and I enjoyed your very informative video.
I have just realised from your comment about joining a Facebook group and the information you can get that we will be on the same cruise in a couple of weeks - the charity bike ride has made changes to our transport to the terminal as well. I will be a first time cruiser and really looking forward to it.
Powerboard I have found you can ask your stewards for one.
Very informative! Can you also do a how to pack for your cruise video? Thanks.
Hi Ellie. Thanks for watching and supporting us. We are off again on 7th June so we'll do a 'how to pack' video for that cruise as that is a longer one.
Royal allows powerboards if they do not have surge protector.
Why do you say your cans drink in your hand luggage? 😊
Most cruise lines will allow you to take some non-alcoholic drinks on board, this is usually 12 cans per person. Also, most cruise lines will not allow bottles (apart from a bottle of wine where this is allowed). They require you to carry the cans in your hand luggage so that they can check when you board that they are non-alcoholic and that they are not bottles. If you do put them in your checked luggage then it is likely that this will be picked up when your luggage is scanned. They will then hold your case on the ship and ask you to come and open it so that they can check the cans. Although they won't take them off you if they are within the guidelines it can be a while before they call you to check your case, holding up your unpacking.
You mentioned Cunard allowing you to take any alcohol on board, I checked with them and they told me one only bottle of wine per person….
It's ridiculous that White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal in Sydney has no long term parking.
Hi Mark, couldn't agree with you more. Even if it was away and there were shuttle buses it would be better than what there is now.
Is there a travel insurance company you guys would recommend
Hi Victoria. Thanks for watching. Insurance is my (Rob) line of business with a large focus on travel insurance. As such, unfortunately, we are unable to recommend any particular insurer, I don't have an advice licence. There are a number of trusted companies out there though. What I would say is talk to them about what you need to make sure you get the right cover for you. Sorry I can't be more specific.
hi! if my middle names are not used for the cruise control (i have them on my passport) will that affect my embarkation?
They say that your name should match your passport but we're not sure how critical that is. At the end of the day what matters is that they can satisfy themselves that it is the same person. If you can change the name on Cruise Control to match then I would but if not then maybe give them a call just to make sure. Hope this helps.
I just returned froma trip where I was watching a magician and got a bit bored so I returned to my cabin. Later I watched on another cruise channel the magician was hit by an audience member who was the partner of the woman on stage. The partner thought the magician was getting to flirtacious with his wife......I too am Australian and it happened on Quantum of the seas.......RUclips it or yourself.