The Prize for the most Indecisive Traveller

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds great. You know where I am; if you want to catch up or something.

 

[zanzibar138]

Sounds great. You know where I am; if you want to catch up or something.

Same here

 

[Tashinwdw]

True. I could even consider Perth since it's apparently now closer than ever.

In all seriousness, after a few hours researching, the top contender is a Celebrity cruise that begins and ends in Sydney with visits to Melbourne and Tasmania.
It's really cheap, and if I book before the end of the month, I can get the free classic alcohol package.
I have to do some quick thinking.

It sounds like a great cruise, Tasmania is another place I really would love to explore. I love Melbourne (but I was born there so I am a bit biased)

I can totally relate to not wanting to leave your son for too long. DH and I often talk about a holiday for just me and him but in reality I dont think I could do it yet, even though they are all getting older. I would be stressed the whole time. The most I have done is a weekend and it was just 2 hours away at the coast.

 

[gogo65]

True. I could even consider Perth since it's apparently now closer than ever.

In all seriousness, after a few hours researching, the top contender is a Celebrity cruise that begins and ends in Sydney with visits to Melbourne and Tasmania.
It's really cheap, and if I book before the end of the month, I can get the free classic alcohol package.
I have to do some quick thinking.

Ahhhh the free classic alcohol package, that's what swayed me to book my celebrity cruise, can't wait to board and throw my diet out the window. Celebrity would be my choice for a couples getaway

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Sounds great. You know where I am; if you want to catch up or something.

Thanks so much PIO and Zanzibar

If I end up on this cruise, which is looking like a high possibility at present, then I'd be keen to take you both up on that offer. Perhaps catch up in the city for a coffee. That is if you can escape from work as I think the cruise stops in Melbourne midweek. If not, I'll at least be picking your brains for a few Melbourne highlights that we should visit during the day we're there.

The only places I have been to in Australia are Darwin and parts of Queensland. DH has also been to Perth. Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania (the cruise stops in Hobart and Burnie) are all new locations for both of us.

 

[gogo65]

You haven't been to sydney
Then you definitely have to the cruise, as leaving Sydney on a ship, is amazing, Sydney is the best city in the world to fly into(I'm not biased) and sailing into/out of Sydney would be top 5 in the world

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Ahhhh the free classic alcohol package, that's what swayed me to book my celebrity cruise, can't wait to board and throw my diet out the window. Celebrity would be my choice for a couples getaway

The free alcohol package sold DH in a heartbeat

The cruise is on Celebrity Century which is Celebrity's oldest ship and isn't apparently getting a bit tired. It's due to be sold next year. However, I agree that Celebrity is a great option for a couples holiday and even on an older ship I think we'll have a blast.

Plus I happen to think it's pretty darn cheap. It works out at $1150 p/p for a 7 night cruise and this includes an outside cabin, all our food and entertainment, our onboard gratuities, and all of our drinks. Airfares aside, that works out at just over NZ$300 per day for both of us. I figure that these days you can spend that alone on accommodation.

So I have emailed the cruise agent to check the free alcohol deal is still valid and to see if I can put a 5 day hold on a room while I do a double check of the finances and logistics. I'm feeling quite excited by the prospect.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

It sounds like a great cruise, Tasmania is another place I really would love to explore. I love Melbourne (but I was born there so I am a bit biased) I can totally relate to not wanting to leave your son for too long. DH and I often talk about a holiday for just me and him but in reality I dont think I could do it yet, even though they are all getting older. I would be stressed the whole time. The most I have done is a weekend and it was just 2 hours away at the coast.

It is hard leaving your kids. I left my son for 5 nights when DH and I went to Fiji. We loved our adults only break, but I did spend many moments wondering how my son was. I also worry about him, but I know that deep down that is irrational. My son's grandparents did a perfectly fine job of bringing up DH and I, so they should be fine with my son. On our trip to Fiji I think my son was a bit disappointed when we came back. He was loving being spoilt by his Poppa.

 

[gogo65]

$300/day for accommodation, food and alcohol can't be beat
We are paying $1200 for 7 nights on celebrity reflection in a aqua class verandah cabin, obviously much better deals on carribean sailings due to competition.

We have sailed on p&O sky and sun and I can tell you century will be much better than that, and we still had a ball

 

[WanderlustNZ]

You haven't been to sydney Then you definitely have to the cruise, as leaving Sydney on a ship, is amazing, Sydney is the best city in the world to fly into(I'm not biased) and sailing into/out of Sydney would be top 5 in the world

I know! Just about everyone has been to Sydney except DH and I.

I think it's because, despite living in a big city, we're not really big city people. We much prefer nature and small towns. For example, we went to Italy, but never saw Rome. Greece, but not Athens. Germany, but not Berlin. Etc etc. You get the picture.

I actually think a cruise would be a great way to introduce myself to these big Aussie cities. We'll get enough of a taste to decide if we ever want to go back. Cruising out of Sydney would be a great experience. I wonder if because the Century is a smaller ship it might go under the bridge?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

$300/day for accommodation, food and alcohol can't be beat We are paying $1200 for 7 nights on celebrity reflection in a aqua class verandah cabin, obviously much better deals on carribean sailings due to competition. We have sailed on p&O sky and sun and I can tell you century will be much better than that, and we still had a ball

Those deals that you can get in the Caribbean are amazing! As are the ones in the Med. I so wish we had that sort of competition here. I would love to have tried the Solstice, but unfortunately it is twice the price.

I enjoyed the P&O Dawn, so I know what you mean. If the food is good, the cocktails are flowing, and there are plenty of trivia quizzes for me to attend, I'm happy.

 

[zanzibar138]

Thanks so much PIO and Zanzibar

If I end up on this cruise, which is looking like a high possibility at present, then I'd be keen to take you both up on that offer. Perhaps catch up in the city for a coffee. That is if you can escape from work as I think the cruise stops in Melbourne midweek. If not, I'll at least be picking your brains for a few Melbourne highlights that we should visit during the day we're there.

The only places I have been to in Australia are Darwin and parts of Queensland. DH has also been to Perth. Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania (the cruise stops in Hobart and Burnie) are all new locations for both of us.

Right now I'm between jobs so I have no idea what my work situation will be then! If it goes ahead, let me know what date you'll be in Melbs and I'll try to keep it free

Are you going to climb the bridge in Sydney? That's on my wishlist

Also, I've spent some time in Hobart (not been to Burnie yet though). There's a couple of posts about it on my (quite out of date at this point in time) blog. Just click on the Tasmania label to go straight there.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks so much PIO and Zanzibar

If I end up on this cruise, which is looking like a high possibility at present, then I'd be keen to take you both up on that offer. Perhaps catch up in the city for a coffee. That is if you can escape from work as I think the cruise stops in Melbourne midweek. If not, I'll at least be picking your brains for a few Melbourne highlights that we should visit during the day we're there.

The only places I have been to in Australia are Darwin and parts of Queensland. DH has also been to Perth. Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania (the cruise stops in Hobart and Burnie) are all new locations for both of us.

Right now I'm between jobs so I have no idea what my work situation will be then! If it goes ahead, let me know what date you'll be in Melbs and I'll try to keep it free

Are you going to climb the bridge in Sydney? That's on my wishlist

Also, I've spent some time in Hobart (not been to Burnie yet though). There's a couple of posts about it on my (quite out of date at this point in time) blog. Just click on the Tasmania label to go straight there.

When you're ready to, let me know your dates too. Sounds like you might only have one day in Melbourne?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Right now I'm between jobs so I have no idea what my work situation will be then! If it goes ahead, let me know what date you'll be in Melbs and I'll try to keep it free Are you going to climb the bridge in Sydney? That's on my wishlist Also, I've spent some time in Hobart (not been to Burnie yet though). There's a couple of posts about it on my (quite out of date at this point in time) blog. Just click on the Tasmania label to go straight there.

Your blog is great. So many entries - I'm impressed.

We have a bridge climb here in Auckland and it's just not my thing unfortunately. I'm really not sure what I'd do in Sydney as I've never taken the time to research the highlights. Same with Melbourne. I will need some advice from all you wonderful Melbournites.

 

[zanzibar138]

Your blog is great. So many entries - I'm impressed.

We have a bridge climb here in Auckland and it's just not my thing unfortunately. I'm really not sure what I'd do in Sydney as I've never taken the time to research the highlights. Same with Melbourne. I will need some advice from all you wonderful Melbournites.

PIO's probably got better ideas than me. Most of the things I enjoy are in the country and you probably won't have time for that

Do you know whereabouts the ship docks? And how long will you have on shore? I haven't cruised before and don't really know how these things work - do they shuttle you into the city or something, or do you have to make your own way there?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

When you're ready to, let me know your dates too. Sounds like you might only have one day in Melbourne?

I have a hold on a room until Thursday, and at this stage it's looking likely that we will go ahead and pay the deposit. I think I'm just a bit scared to commit to something so quickly. I only started the research on Saturday night. It's just that I've looked around and there is very little else as cheap for the time of year we want to travel. (Mid December or early-mid January).

The cruise does only stop in Melbourne for one day. Off the top of my head it's the 17th December from about 8am - 6pm. Besides a Dismeet, what should a visitor with only one day in Melbourne do?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

PIO's probably got better ideas than me. Most of the things I enjoy are in the country and you probably won't have time for that Do you know whereabouts the ship docks? And how long will you have on shore? I haven't cruised before and don't really know how these things work - do they shuttle you into the city or something, or do you have to make your own way there?

I'm not sure where it docks in Melbourne. I'll do some research. You can usually either opt for a cruise organised tour or taxi/walk yourself into the city. Hopefully the port is within walking distance.

I will do some research into tours into the country just so I can make an informed decision. I've already seen a trip I would love to do from Burnie to Cradle Mountain. Also, there is a day tour from Hobart to Port Arthur which looks good.

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm not sure where it docks in Melbourne. I'll do some research. You can usually either opt for a cruise organised tour or taxi/walk yourself into the city. Hopefully the port is within walking distance.

I will do some research into tours into the country just so I can make an informed decision. I've already seen a trip I would love to do from Burnie to Cradle Mountain. Also, there is a day tour from Hobart to Port Arthur which looks good.

Hmm I'm not sure that anywhere that allows large ships to dock would be within walking distance of the city. I'll be interested to hear what you find out about that.

And I lied. I have been to Burnie, it's Stanley I haven't been to. For some reason I always get them confused! We just passed through on the way to Strahan once, but it didn't seem like there was much to do there. I would DEFINITELY go to Cradle Mountain

As for Hobart, that's really tricky with only day. Port Arthur is definitely worth visiting, but Hobart itself is pretty great too! Although I'm guessing Port Arthur will be pretty different from anything you have in NZ? So that might just get it over the line.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I have a hold on a room until Thursday, and at this stage it's looking likely that we will go ahead and pay the deposit. I think I'm just a bit scared to commit to something so quickly. I only started the research on Saturday night. It's just that I've looked around and there is very little else as cheap for the time of year we want to travel. (Mid December or early-mid January).

The cruise does only stop in Melbourne for one day. Off the top of my head it's the 17th December from about 8am - 6pm. Besides a Dismeet, what should a visitor with only one day in Melbourne do?

I suspect you're docking at Station Pier, Port Melbourne.

There is a tram (from memory, it's the 109) that runs from Port Melbourne to the city. Problem is that with the new *wonderful* Myki system, you're going to need to find somewhere that will sell you a ticket. There might be a newsagent or 7-11 nearby to get one. [Something else to research].....and that stupid system doesn't offer a visitor card either!!!!!

Perhaps there is something else available at Port Melbourne. I think there used to be a free shuttle or something. Not sure if it operates anymore.


But when you confirm your travel, let me know. Perhaps one of those marvelously wonderful and friendly Melbournians might be persuaded to take a day off work and come show you round town.


What do you want to see? Check out the tour options and figure what appeals.


If you head into the city, there's buildings, museums, arcades, gardens, coffee/chocolate, food, Vic Market to go see. It'll come down to what you will want to do and see.

You might also consider Brighton beach/bathing boxes, St Kilda, Brunswick/Richmond, zoos and perhaps a show?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

And I lied. I have been to Burnie, it's Stanley I haven't been to. For some reason I always get them confused! We just passed through on the way to Strahan once, but it didn't seem like there was much to do there. I would DEFINITELY go to Cradle Mountain As for Hobart, that's really tricky with only day. Port Arthur is definitely worth visiting, but Hobart itself is pretty great too! Although I'm guessing Port Arthur will be pretty different from anything you have in NZ? So that might just get it over the line.

I googled Burnie, and I agree, it doesn't look like there is a lot to see there. So I looked through the Celebrity tour options and most take you to places like cradle mountain, or some kind of wildlife reserve, rather than Burnie itself. I think if we want to make that stop memorable, we will have to splash out on a tour.

I am getting more and more excited by the prospect of this whole cruise. I just need to first shake the worry that I am rushing into this holiday.