We are no longer earthlings we are now cruiselings according to our Entertainment Director. But first to explode the myth that once you have paid for the cruise the main expence is over. Whilst in the boarding area we all were told that no water or alcohol could be brought on board and a very limited number of soft drinks was allowed. In the entertainment areas where the welcome activities were held it was like Phuket or Kuta Beach with cold drinks everywhere at exhorbitant prices.
The internet is available but at a cost, there are several options the cheapest being 55c per minute but you have to commit for $150, I have nominated pay as you go and it costs 75c per minute. I will be checking emails, The Grey Nomad's Forum and my blog with facebook on the back burner and preparing posts on wordpad for pasting across. I took the option of using my laptop instead of using the internet lounge and I can use it in all public areas. The phone is of no interest to me but there are costs and restrictions on it's use.
Once we were settled in it was time to take adantage of the smorgasbord lunch and unpack, by then it was the compulsary emergency drill. Followed by the Sailaway Party on the Lido deck then a time to look around the ship. We returned to the cabin and checked out the tour options for Noumea and Lifou and got changed for the evening. Made a couple of tour bookings and went to the Waterfront Restuarant for the evening meal, didn't know about booking for dinner but was fitted in no problems.
Then it was the Welcome Aboard Show in the Marquee Deck and afterwards there were many other musical options and a late movie but we had a big day and decided it was time to give it all away. So that was the first day at sea and a long one starting with the drive from the Gold Coast and negotiating the parking and boarding hassles. We are on the 6th floor and very convenient to the reception area where booking and checking accounts takes place.
Sunday morning and onto the newly created internet account and after a quick look into my various accounts I was able to log off 7 minutes later. The day moved smoothly along with a served breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant followed by more exploring then buffet lunch at the Plantation Restaurant. A lazy afternoon sunbathing on the pool deck filled out the afternoon whilst June investigated the casino.
We had booked at the same table for dinner as the previous night and was pleased to see another couple escorted to the same table, as it happened they were also travellers in a Transit van and like Keith and Alice (Kandagal) from the GN forum who also regularly go on cruises. We had plenty to talkabout with Bob and Hazel not THE Bob and Hazel from the political arena. An enjoyable meal was had by all and we hope to repeat it later on the cruise.
Another concert was held at the Marquee Deck then we spent time moving around the various musical venues and eventually returned to our cabin after another excellent day at sea. Have to listen to the announcements because the time moved on by one hour overnight and it is easy to get out of step.
Monday morning and the usual trip through the internet took 8 minutes and if I can maintain the past couple of day's average my decision to take the dearer minute cost per minute instead if the bulk deal will be vindicated. But I have yet to post any of the above so that will be the test after the Noumea tour later today, hopefully the sun will shine and some photos will be available. So up to the 11th floor pool deck for a cup of coffee and to watch the energetic souls marching around keeping fit on this dull and windy day.
Had the now usual day of breakfast then lunch before docking at Noumea and going through the formalities of leaving the ship to our waiting bus. We had booked for the Noumea in a Nutshell tour a comprehensive tour of this picturesque peninsular with a guided overview of Noumea's city, hills, bays and beaches. We enjoyed the commentary and had time for photos with stops at the Church of La Conception and Palm Beach before being taken back to the ship in time for dinner.
Met up with Bob and Hazel again to go to the counry and western hour followed by a program of music representing the 50's and each decade up till now. That was the plan but the music was pathetic and impossible to dance to and as soon as it was apparent that the same band was carrying on through the change over we decided to give it away and head to our cabins for the night. Not impressed with either of the past 2 night's entertainment. John
jules47 said
08:27 AM Feb 10, 2015
Oh dear John, country music - not your cup of tea at all!!!!! Glad to see you two so happy, and having a good time. We are in Coffs. (Tuesday).
Dougwe said
09:23 AM Feb 10, 2015
Well done John. Happy to see you have both made it on board the "Love Boat".
johnq said
09:48 AM Feb 10, 2015
Thanks John.
Having never been on a cruise the detail is interesting. From what I have heard before the 'extras' can amount to a lot of $$. 'Putting it on the tab' mounts up.
KFT said
09:51 AM Feb 10, 2015
Excellent report John,
great to see you are enjoying your time on the high seas.
I love aussie country music but it must be played properly.
enjoy
frank
Clare46 said
10:39 AM Feb 10, 2015
John
Keep on enjoying your cruise.
Cruising is a great way to holiday. It can be as busy or as lazy as you want all up to you .I've had three cruises on the Pacific jewel and have another one booked for June cruising from Singapore to Brisbane.
As my son works in Kuala Lumpur, and works in Singapore a lot he has arranged to work In Singapore that week so I'll spend a few days with him prior to the cruise. I've only spent one night in Singapore before so I'm looking forward to it.
Clare46 said
10:41 AM Feb 10, 2015
johnq wrote:
Thanks John.
Having never been on a cruise the detail is interesting. From what I have heard before the 'extras' can amount to a lot of $$. 'Putting it on the tab' mounts up.
I'ts really up to you how much extra you spend. If you like to drink or use the internet a lot, play bingo or go to the Casino it can add up quickly
jules47 said
05:25 PM Feb 10, 2015
Hey John and June - Billeeeeeeee says - don't go getting too excited now - some say excitement is overrated! Happy is the new way to go, apparently!!!
-- Edited by jules47 on Tuesday 10th of February 2015 05:26:20 PM
If you can't get excited Dazy boy just be a happy camper mate.
Glenelg said
09:04 PM Feb 10, 2015
Happy Happy, Happy.
yeoeleven said
01:25 AM Feb 11, 2015
Thanks for all the comments. Have just had an excellent exciting day in Lifou and will report Part 2 after Vila.
John
msg said
02:28 AM Feb 11, 2015
HI john. Good to hear you are having an exciting time. Look forward to hearing more about your trip.
Glenelg said
05:17 AM Feb 11, 2015
Happy,Happy,Happy
Lesley F said
09:08 AM Feb 11, 2015
This is how it "use to be", of course it may change over the years.
stress less about country music - my experience was having a theme for the day, from restaurant to floor show, giving variety and making each day different.
I booked into the late dinner, it's a sit down, usually 5 course meal, but you don't have to eat there, and if you don't like your table guests, you can discreetly change table, or if your not into formal dining, return to the buffet upstairs.
You will also discover when you purchase drinks etc. there's an automatic tip added. If you visit the "office", (I can't recall the name), you can have these tips removed.
The staff are paid very little, they rely on tips.
Book land tours early, they fill up quickly. Lastly, have an awesome time.
frangipani said
09:11 AM Feb 11, 2015
Sounds like your having a ball, John its great to read and see your pics., keep enjoying, keep them coming.. Fran
I have put up a blog about cruise preparations you may be interested in http://yeoeleven.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/preparing-for-cruise.html
We are no longer earthlings we are now cruiselings according to our Entertainment Director. But first to explode the myth that once you have paid for the cruise the main expence is over. Whilst in the boarding area we all were told that no water or alcohol could be brought on board and a very limited number of soft drinks was allowed. In the entertainment areas where the welcome activities were held it was like Phuket or Kuta Beach with cold drinks everywhere at exhorbitant prices.
The internet is available but at a cost, there are several options the cheapest being 55c per minute but you have to commit for $150, I have nominated pay as you go and it costs 75c per minute. I will be checking emails, The Grey Nomad's Forum and my blog with facebook on the back burner and preparing posts on wordpad for pasting across. I took the option of using my laptop instead of using the internet lounge and I can use it in all public areas. The phone is of no interest to me but there are costs and restrictions on it's use.
Once we were settled in it was time to take adantage of the smorgasbord lunch and unpack, by then it was the compulsary emergency drill. Followed by the Sailaway Party on the Lido deck then a time to look around the ship. We returned to the cabin and checked out the tour options for Noumea and Lifou and got changed for the evening. Made a couple of tour bookings and went to the Waterfront Restuarant for the evening meal, didn't know about booking for dinner but was fitted in no problems.
Then it was the Welcome Aboard Show in the Marquee Deck and afterwards there were many other musical options and a late movie but we had a big day and decided it was time to give it all away. So that was the first day at sea and a long one starting with the drive from the Gold Coast and negotiating the parking and boarding hassles. We are on the 6th floor and very convenient to the reception area where booking and checking accounts takes place.
Sunday morning and onto the newly created internet account and after a quick look into my various accounts I was able to log off 7 minutes later. The day moved smoothly along with a served breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant followed by more exploring then buffet lunch at the Plantation Restaurant. A lazy afternoon sunbathing on the pool deck filled out the afternoon whilst June investigated the casino.
We had booked at the same table for dinner as the previous night and was pleased to see another couple escorted to the same table, as it happened they were also travellers in a Transit van and like Keith and Alice (Kandagal) from the GN forum who also regularly go on cruises. We had plenty to talkabout with Bob and Hazel not THE Bob and Hazel from the political arena. An enjoyable meal was had by all and we hope to repeat it later on the cruise.
Another concert was held at the Marquee Deck then we spent time moving around the various musical venues and eventually returned to our cabin after another excellent day at sea. Have to listen to the announcements because the time moved on by one hour overnight and it is easy to get out of step.
Monday morning and the usual trip through the internet took 8 minutes and if I can maintain the past couple of day's average my decision to take the dearer minute cost per minute instead if the bulk deal will be vindicated. But I have yet to post any of the above so that will be the test after the Noumea tour later today, hopefully the sun will shine and some photos will be available. So up to the 11th floor pool deck for a cup of coffee and to watch the energetic souls marching around keeping fit on this dull and windy day.
Had the now usual day of breakfast then lunch before docking at Noumea and going through the formalities of leaving the ship to our waiting bus. We had booked for the Noumea in a Nutshell tour a comprehensive tour of this picturesque peninsular with a guided overview of Noumea's city, hills, bays and beaches. We enjoyed the commentary and had time for photos with stops at the Church of La Conception and Palm Beach before being taken back to the ship in time for dinner.
Met up with Bob and Hazel again to go to the counry and western hour followed by a program of music representing the 50's and each decade up till now. That was the plan but the music was pathetic and impossible to dance to and as soon as it was apparent that the same band was carrying on through the change over we decided to give it away and head to our cabins for the night. Not impressed with either of the past 2 night's entertainment. John
Having never been on a cruise the detail is interesting. From what I have heard before the 'extras' can amount to a lot of $$. 'Putting it on the tab' mounts up.
great to see you are enjoying your time on the high seas.
I love aussie country music but it must be played properly.
enjoy
frank
John
Keep on enjoying your cruise.
Cruising is a great way to holiday. It can be as busy or as lazy as you want all up to you .I've had three cruises on the Pacific jewel and have another one booked for June cruising from Singapore to Brisbane.
As my son works in Kuala Lumpur, and works in Singapore a lot he has arranged to work In Singapore that week so I'll spend a few days with him prior to the cruise. I've only spent one night in Singapore before so I'm looking forward to it.
I'ts really up to you how much extra you spend. If you like to drink or use the internet a lot, play bingo or go to the Casino it can add up quickly
Hey John and June - Billeeeeeeee says - don't go getting too excited now - some say excitement is overrated! Happy is the new way to go, apparently!!!
-- Edited by jules47 on Tuesday 10th of February 2015 05:26:20 PM
msg wrote. ! --- I prefer "Excited''
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's Ok for you msg, ! = because you are a Girl, ! - Us Men get embarrassed if we walk around ''Excited''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for all the comments. Have just had an excellent exciting day in Lifou and will report Part 2 after Vila.
John
This is how it "use to be", of course it may change over the years.
stress less about country music - my experience was having a theme for the day, from restaurant to floor show, giving variety and making each day different.
I booked into the late dinner, it's a sit down, usually 5 course meal, but you don't have to eat there, and if you don't like your table guests, you can discreetly change table, or if your not into formal dining, return to the buffet upstairs.
You will also discover when you purchase drinks etc. there's an automatic tip added. If you visit the "office", (I can't recall the name), you can have these tips removed.
The staff are paid very little, they rely on tips.
Book land tours early, they fill up quickly. Lastly, have an awesome time.