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Penthouse Suite
Unwind in modern spaces that will make you feel on top of the world. Relax in ultimate comfort in a whirlpool on...-
Penthouse Suite - Category PS
PSAUD $13,537
total per person
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Penthouse Suite
Unwind in modern spaces that will make you feel on top of the world. Relax in ultimate comfort in a whirlpool on your private veranda. Soak up the suite experience in a marble bath. Enjoy VIP treatment with butler service, expansive lounge areas and much more.
Available in the Penthouse Suite:
- Unlimited dining in specialty restaurants
- Separate living area with Baby Grand Piano
- Complimentary Premium Beverage Package
- Private veranda with whirlpool and lounge seating
- Complimentary unlimited internet
- Marble master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower
- Stateoom: 1,291 sq. ft
- Veranda: 398 sq. ft.
Each suite on board Celebrity includes the following world-class amenities that all contribute to your modern luxury experience. Enjoy attentive butler service. Savor exclusive dining experiences and see the world from your veranda.
- Luminae-private restaurant
- Priority check-in & debarkation
- In-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Michael's Club-exclusive lounge
- Luxury Bulgari bath amenities & plush robes
- Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights
- Personal butler service
- Fresh Flowers
- Priority Tender Service
- Our signature, personalized service
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- 24-hour room service
- Complimentary tote bag
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding
- Private mini-bar
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television
- Private safe
Deck 11
Penthouse Suite - Category PS
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Sydney Depart: Tue, Jan 14, 2020 @ 18:45 -
Day 2
NewcastleArrive: Wed, Jan 15, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Wed, Jan 15, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 3
At SeaThu, Jan 16, 2020
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Day 4
At SeaFri, Jan 17, 2020
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Day 5
Airlie BeachArrive: Sat, Jan 18, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Sat, Jan 18, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 6
CairnsArrive: Sun, Jan 19, 2020 @ 09:00
Depart: Sun, Jan 19, 2020 @ 20:00
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Day 7
Port DouglasArrive: Mon, Jan 20, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Mon, Jan 20, 2020 @ 19:00
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Day 8
Willis Island (Scenic Cruising)Arrive: Tue, Jan 21, 2020 @ 11:00
Depart: Tue, Jan 21, 2020 @ 13:00
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Day 9
At SeaWed, Jan 22, 2020
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Day 10
BrisbaneArrive: Thu, Jan 23, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Thu, Jan 23, 2020 @ 20:00
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Day 11
At SeaFri, Jan 24, 2020
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Day 12
Sydney Arrive: Sat, Jan 25, 2020 @ 06:30
Onboard experience
Grand Épernay Dining Room - The magnificent and luxurious main dining room of Celebrity Solstice. With a two-story glass wine tower and dazzling chandeliers, this quintessential dining area has a decidedly Hollywood aura. Serving savory World & Continental cuisine, complete with Celebrity's famed European-style service.
Oceanview Cafe - Enjoy the same world-class cuisine Celebrity is known for in a more relaxed buffet-style cafe environment. You'll find yourself going back for more - but remember to save room for dessert. You'll find delectable treats you won't want to miss.
AquaSpa Café - Nestled in the Solarium, the AquaSpa Café serves a light and healthy cuisine from breakfast until evening. Tranquility permeates the atmosphere lending to a fulfilling casual dining experience.
24/7 Room Service - Perhaps a day of kayaking, shopping or golfing has you feeling pleasantly languid-or was it the afternoon spent relaxing with a novel that has you so serene? Either way, when you're in the mood to relax and dine in the comfort of your stateroom, Celebrity offers complimentary 24-hour in-stateroom dining.
Mast Grill - Pool-side dining at this casual eatery will allow you to indulge in juicy burgers and chips.
Blu - Mediterranean-inspired, Blu is open for Breakfast and Dinner serving delicious, light healthy meals*
*Available to AquaClass Guests only
Luminae - Open morning, noon and night offeing a range of dished from local seafood to fresh pasta *
*Available to Suite Guests only
Murano - Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous crystal, and exquisite china provide an elegant backdrop for this more magnificent specialty restaurant. A delectable blend of Classic and modern french cuisine is freshly prepared in multi-course meals, as exquisite European-style service attends to your every need.
Sushi on Five - Offering a range of handmade sushi rolls, sashimi, udon and ramen bowls, this ala carte experience is sure to delight.
Silk Harvest - An exotic blend of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, offers culinary pleasures meant to be shared in a relaxed environment.
Tuscan Grille - A hearty selection of juicy steaks and artisan dishes celebrating bold Italian flavours with a contemporary twist.
Specialty Dining Venues incur a small cover charge and can be booked onboard or before you cruise via your Set Sail account.
Bars and Lounges
Ensemble Lounge - Start your evening off right with a soothing backdrop of instrumental or vocal sounds and the palpable air of anticipation as you gather with newfound friends. The lounge is also a great place to drop in for a nightcap and plan your next fabulous evening aboard Celebrity Solstice.
Martini Bar - With an atmosphere inspired by ice and snow, the enchanting frosted bar is the place to be in the heart of the "coolest" setting on the ship. An absolute must-visit for its hip and classy feel, swing by The Martini Bar and grab a drink before dinner or make a night of it. This bar has a vibe like no other, which makes it the perfect spot to chill out with friends all night long.
Sky Observation Lounge - Don't look back, look forward and be amazed by the breathtaking views in ultimate observation lounge. The floor to ceiling windows will captivate and the expansive space will please you as you relax in the comfy seating all around. The lounge is versatile and can be transformed to suit any occasion.
Sunset Bar - Located at Celebrity Solstice's highest point aft, the Sunset Bar provides breathtaking views of the length of the ship and the entire world around you. With its Country Club inspiration and relaxed atmosphere, you'll experience comfort from a point of view you've never before imagined.
Mast & Pool Bars - The perfect place for poolside drinks. Available from sunrise to sunset , enjoyu a range of drinks while listening to live music on the Pool Deck.
Michaels Club - A private lounge for those in Celebrity, Signature, Royal, Penthouse and Reflection Suites, as well as for Captain’s Club Zenith members. This luxurious club features a large-screen TV, reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers, and books, plus a premium continental breakfast. Complimentary pre-dinner drinks and tapas are served 5–8 PM daily.
Cellars Masters - Wine is the word at the inviting Cellar Masters, where you will sample tastes from around the world. Refill your glass with the Enomatic dispensing system using your SeaPass card. And feel free to ask the expert commerliers for advise.
Passport Bar - Enjoy live music with a drink in hand in the centre of the Grand Foyer. People watch, unwind or soak up the atmosphere.
Quasar - The sophisticated nightspot onboard where you can sit back withe a drink or dance the night away.
Entertainment - Shows and Performances
Solstice Theatre
The grand Solstice Theatre is the premier live performance venue aboard Celebrity Solstice. While accommodating a generous audience, it retains a comfortable, intimate atmosphere, bringing you production shows, beautiful musical arrangements, and sidesplitting comedy.
Silent Disco
Dance to your own tunes in the Quasar retro-chic Night Club or Martini Bar as the DJ plays 3 music genres.
Fortunes Casino
Light up the night with Lady Luck by your side in Celebrity's world-class casino. With European-style ambiance and captivating sights and sounds, their casinos offer exhilaration for experienced high rollers and those trying their luck for the first time.
iLounge
Yes, you're miles out at sea but that doesn’t mean you need to be lose touch with friends and family on land. Celebrity Solstice features wireless Internet access so you can check your social feeds, upload photos, chat online, and access your email.
Also Available:
- The Library
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Video Arcade
- Art Gallery
- Trivia Games
Spa and Fitness
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub
One of the world’s leading spa and wellness brands, has partnered with Celebrity Solstice to bring you the indulgent Canyon Ranch SpaClub® on your luxury cruise holiday. Treatments Include:
- Ageless Oxygen Boost
- Deep Cleansing Facial
- Medi-Peel Facials
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Couple Massages
- Reflexology
- Acupuncture
- Body Scrubs
- Detoxifying Body treatments
Persian Gardens - Thermal Suite with heated beds to completly relax and unwind.
Beauty Salon
A wide range of services are on offer including:
- Hair design
- Hair Colour
- Manicure and Pedicures
- Waxing
- Lash Extensions
Fitness Centre
A state-of-the-art fitness facility that offers all the latest cardio machines as well as a dedicated weights area.
- Fitness Assessment
- Personal Training
- Classes such as Yoga, Spin, Zumba and Boot Camp
Charges apply to use the Spa Facilites and vary from treatment to treatment.
AquaClub guests can use the Persian Garden complimentary.
Kids Club
All programs are geared to specific age groups and supervised by experienced youth staff members. Celebrity kids are happy, engaged, and entertained.
Fun Factory & Shipmates - Designed exclusively for junior cruisers, Fun Factory is a place where magic happens. Children age 3-12 will thrive in this environment, which features Leapfrog Schoolhouse educational tools for knowledge and play and fun organised activites from arts & crafts, pizza parties and cartoon trivia.
X Club Teen Entertainment - Young Adults can cut loose and kick back the way they want in hip VIP area geared specifically for teens. From teen-oriented explorations to the dance club and coffee lounge designed with them in mind, X Club is sure to be a hit with all of the teenage guests.
Toddler Time for Under 3 - Toddler time allows parents and toddlers to interact with other children, in the Fun Factory, their age only with parental supervision.
Babysitting Services - For a fee of $6 per hour per child, children ages 3-11 can participate in the Afternoon Party from noon-2PM on port days and/or the evening Slumber Party from 10PM-1AM. For a fee of $19 per hour, for up to three children within the same family, parents can arrange for a private, in-stateroom babysitter, subject to availability.
Note: Childrenmust be fully toilet trained and pull-up/nappy-free to utilise pools onboard.
Shopping
Onboard Shopping - An array of boutiques offers luxury watches, fine jewelry, famous beauty and fragrance products, liquor, and Celebrity Cruises exclusive Blue Collection—private label themed apparel.
Shopping Ashore - Make the most of your time ashore by planning your Port Shopping spree now. Once onboard, meet your Port Shopping Guides, who share time-and-money-saving tips about each port of call.
Swimming
Celebrity Solstice has two main pool areas on Deck 12.
The main outdoor area with 2 x pools, 4 x whirlpools and a wet zone.
There is also the Solarium, with a rooftop that is Adults only, offering 1 x pool and 2 x whirlpools
Lawn Club
The Lawn Club - A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck of Celebrity Solstice. Enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, and let the grass between your toes take you places no cruise has gone before.
Relax on the soft grass outside the Lawn Club for a Concert on the Green.
Hot Glass Show - Witness the incredible art of glassblowing with intimate live demonstrations held at the studio on the Lawn Club.
Lawn Games at the Lawn Club - Join a friendly game of croquet or bocce or try your hand at golf putting and other lawn games on our freshly cut grass at the Lawn Club on the top deck of the ship.
A Taste of Film - Watch a featured film and enjoy a tasting of foods and drinks inspired by the movie, while relaxing on the lawn or in the cabanas. A charge of US$20 applies.
Ship info
Having first set sail in March 2008, the Celebrity Solstice is relatively young by global cruise standards. This makes her a real trend-setter; the cruise ship was the first to launch features such as a ‘Hot Glass Show’ (live glassblowing demonstrations) and an on board Lawn Club.
Trend-setter she may be, but you will still find all of your favourite cruise classics on board. From pools and day spas to fine dining and first-class entertainment, the Celebrity Solstice offers it all – and a little bit more.
Inside Celebrity Solstice
Taking inspiration from the sun, the Celebrity Solstice manages to feel like summer all year round, especially at the Lawn Club. Here you will find a half-acre of living grass, the perfect place to relax on a warm sunny day. The sun theme continues throughout the ship. Keep an eye out for sun symbols as you explore its many rooms and decks – even the Casino has its own homage to our favourite star.
Meanwhile the cabins complement this theme perfectly, with warm browns, tans, reds and golds creating stylish, welcoming interiors.
Celebrity Solstice specs
The largest Celebrity cruise ship, the Solstice weighs 122000 tonnes and is 1041 feet in length. She has a maximum occupancy of 2850 passengers and her cruise speed is 24 knots.
Celebrity Solstice restaurants and bars
The expression ‘spoilt for choice’ takes on a whole new light on board this vessel. There are 10 eateries to choose from, of which seven are open for dinner, six for breakfast and five for lunch. A range of international cuisines are served throughout the ship, from Italian classics to Asian fusion.
After dinner, you’ll want to grab your dancing shoes and head to one of the Celebrity Solstice’s many bars and lounges. The Sky Observation Lounge is the place to go if you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, while the Cellar Masters Wine Bar is perfect for those who enjoy discovering new flavours.
Activities and entertainment on board Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Life, the cruise line’s enrichment programme, offers activities galore during the day, such as culinary classes and wellness lectures. By night, the Solstice Theatre and Sky Observation Lounge both offer excellent live entertainment.
There is also a Casino on board, as well as several public rooms, including a card room, a library and an internet café.
Celebrity Solstice itineraries and shore excursions
The Celebrity Solstice has a busy schedule, splitting her time between destinations such as Alaska, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Bali and Singapore. The shore excursions available will therefore depend on your cruise route. Some examples include scuba diving in the Bahamas, a historical walking tour in Denmark and wine tasting in Oregon.
Cabins on board the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship
The cabins on board Celebrity Solstice cater for every budget and preference. At the luxury end, guests can choose from a Penthouse Suite, Royal Suite, Celebrity Suite or Sky Suite. All the Celebrity Solstice suites feature a European-style Butler service.
One step down from the suites are the Aqua, Concierge and Veranda Class staterooms. The AquaClass comes with exclusive access to amenities such as Blu Restaurant and the Persian Garden spa, while the Concierge and Veranda rooms include plenty of extra touches to make your stay that much more comfortable.
For the budget-conscious cruiser, the Celebrity Solstice interior rooms and Ocean View cabins are both excellent options. All rooms include a flat-screen television, which interfaces with a small Mac computer to allow guests to browse dining options, menus and find other cruise information. They are also all well-equipped with basic amenities such as shampoo and conditioner, and include ample storage space.
- Vessel: Celebrity Solstice
- Year: 2008
- Beam: 121
- Cruising speed: 24
- Bars/Lounges: 14
- Crew: 999
- Gym: Special classes available
- Kids Club: For 4 different age groups
- Onboard Currency: US Dollars
- Passenger Capacity: 2850
- Show Lounge: Daily Shows
- 24-Hour Room Service
- All Main Meals Onboard Included
- Art Auctions
- Basketball Court
- Casino
- Dance Classes
- Duty Free Shopping
- Florist
- Internet Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Library
- Live Music
- Security Safe in Cabin
Decks
Celebrity Solstice - Deck Plans
Cruise reviews
28 passengers have reviewed this ship
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"Twelve days of pleasure"
We had two objectives To have a rest and enjoy great food and service, Our second objective was ri visit friends and relatives across New Zealand. We were able to meet with long time friends in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Tauranga..We would not have been able to do this in the time other than by sea. There were many highlights one of which was cruising in Milford Doubfoul and Dusky Sounds. We had visited the area by road and on foot but the day crusing was a lifetime memory. The quality of service provided by the ship and the staff was excellent . We started most days wirth with room service breakfast and then enjoyed the best of what the ship had to offer. A lite lunch on the rear deck of the café the excellent dinning options offered in the range of restaurants. Naturally the opportunity to enjoy a pre dinner drink in one of the many bars served by interesting and informative staff was an enjoyable experience I enjoy research and before deciding to select this cruise I completed a simple cost benefit anayalsis of all cruises being offered for early Nov Dec 2015. This cruise was on paper the best value of all those on offer. Once we had experienced the cruise that decision was reinforced. For what we paid there was no other cruise that offered and delivered such a wonderful experience
Read morejohn W - Mar 2016
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"Fabulous, great fun!"
First time on Celebrity cruises and it was fantastic! We went Aqua class and our classic drink package was part of the deal. Great value. Dining in Blu was the way to go -out of the crowds! Staff were friendly and very relaxed, lots of fun. Will definitely sail with them again.
Read morechristine n - Nov 2014
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"Mrs"
The staff were excellent looked after U.S. The food was excellent cleanliness was great as they had staff everywhere with hand sanitizer making sure everyone washed their hands before meals and after shore excursions.the entertainment was great something new every day and night and a huge variety of entertainers plus my heart stand loved the cooking shows they showed us how to fillet fish to cooking prawns.malso, our rooms were cleaned twice a day with chocolates on our pillow every night, there was plenty of room for three of us in the room plenty of cupboard space as well .the navigation on TV was great we could see were we were at all times .our 15 year old was nor excited about the cruise but went to the x club and made lots of friends we did not see much of him and when it was time to get off he wanted to stay on ship very sad he was that it was over, there was a warm pool enclosed so on cold days you could still swim and lay around. We boarded smoothly and quick same when we disembarked .my ports arrived at our rooms within an hour of us boarding the ship I would sail with celebrity cruises again
Read moreSherry S - Feb 2016
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"As good as it gets"
Every thing was perfect the weather and sea conditions. We were cruising with lots of Americans and Aussies who loved our country. We were so proud to be cruising our own country New Zealand and it was hitting home runs with the visitors. Celebrity Solstice is a fine ship those who say otherwise have probably done too many cruises and can only remember the good thing on previous ships. The food was great. As usual, But I did find the MDR even better for lunch. Murano is simply our favourite spot to dine. Pity it has no view on Solstice. Couldn't think of what a cruise would be like with no drinks package. We almost lived at the Martini bar. Wonderful staff. We did not use the Celebrity shore tours. Our room was great but don't see value in the Conceiage room. Except it got us a helipad viewing of the entry to Milford sound. Oh yes all 3 perks so may be worth it. Afternoon canapes not up to those on Century 2 years ago. Entertainment brought onto ship very high standard. Pre purchasing all photos and having 195 prints to take home a flash drive and a DVD all for $220 was awesome. We loved posing for photos at every opportunity.
Read moreKelvin H - Dec 2016
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"Bill H"
1st time cruiser...so wasn't sure what to expect Food - very good (plenty of it & far too rich) but very "american" - if there is such a thing. Entertainment - plenty & varied. Cabin - Starting to show signs of wear & tear but overall excellent. Crew - could not be faulted. Nothing was too much trouble, courteous, polite.
Read moreWilliam H - Dec 2014
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Cruise code: SL11K080
11 nights
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Departing from Sydney
- Celebrity Solstice
- Private ensuite
- TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- All main meals onboard
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
- Fully supervised children's programs for ages 3 to 17 years
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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