Inaugural AFF Cruise 25 - 29 Jan 2018

[sinophile888]

There has been enough initial interest in the Inaugural AFF Cruise that moderators have decided that “this seems the best option that those who want to should go ahead and book the trip.”

So the 4 day cruise on the Golden Princess from Adelaide to Melbourne on the 25/01/2018 has been chosen. Prices are currently starting from $609 pp twin share in an Interior cabin.

The cruise is scheduled to leave Adelaide on Thursday, January 25[SUP]th[/SUP] at 9pm and arrive in Melbourne at 6am on Monday, January 29[SUP]th[/SUP]. This will be over the Australia Day long weekend with Friday being Australia Day, making the dates easier for some cruisers. Also, starting and ending at different ports may be better for some.

For a first-time cruiser, I would recommend an Oceanview or Balcony cabin or higher. My +1 and I chose an Oceanview for our first cruise and have chosen Balcony or higher for all our subsequent cruises. On the other hand, some people purposely choose an Interior cabin for price or a very dark room for sleeping. Another point is to look at the deck plans of the Golden Princess and choose a cabin which has cabins above and below.

There are a number of booking options. A good travel agent can be invaluable, the cruise line website of course and also other websites such as ozcruising, ecruising and some others. Different booking options can have extras such as included onboard cabin credits, gratuities or drinks packages.

 

[Simo]

Will put it on the radar...

 

[samh004]

There has been enough initial interest in the Inaugural AFF Cruise that moderators have decided that “this seems the best option that those who want to should go ahead and book the trip.”

Which moderators?

I don't see any comments in this thread with words to that effect.

Edit: I see what was meant now. No worries

 

[samh004]

I know these are all really soon, but I'd imagine next year will have similar prices at this time. Or up to 6 months out.

 

[Anna]

*sad face* I have slept in an interior cabin before and won't be doing it again. So at current pricing $879 x 2 = $1758. Ugh.

Not hugely better but on princess.com it's coming up as $1695 for one person, and $879 per head for 2. A small reduction.

Update - it's also offering obstructed ocean view for $1355 for one person, or 'oceanview guarantee' for $1695. The last time I booked a guarantee cabin on Princess, they offered me a full refund if I agreed to take an inside cabin instead of the guaranteed one - and the inside one actually ended up being better because it was as midship as you can get and the weather wasn't good so I had one of the least-moving cabins onboard.

 

[Anna]

Update on my update - I have booked an obstructed ocean view on deck 8 aft and the final price it came up with was $1,275, having said $1,375 right up to the final page of booking. No idea why it dropped another $100.

I didn't go for the $1,355 obstructed view cabins which are forward on deck 8 and have the promenade deck continuation right outside, so will possibly get foot traffic past the window. The one I've booked has a nice view of a lifeboat

 

[Pushka]

Update on my update - I have booked an obstructed ocean view on deck 8 aft and the final price it came up with was $1,275, having said $1,375 right up to the final page of booking. No idea why it dropped another $100.

I didn't go for the $1,355 obstructed view cabins which are forward on deck 8 and have the promenade deck continuation right outside, so will possibly get foot traffic past the window. The one I've booked has a nice view of a lifeboat

Orange is your new best friend. Just remember to check outside before opening the curtains in your full glory in case there is maintenance happening.

 

[Pushka]

How did you get a single price Anna? Won't let me proceed without adding a second guest. Maybe might work on a laptop?

 

[JessicaTam]

Well I have put down a deposit for a mid deck 8 obstructed view cabin. I guess I am going cruisin'.

 

[Anna]

How did you get a single price Anna? Won't let me proceed without adding a second guest. Maybe might work on a laptop?

I clicked on oceanview cabin, and I think it was on the same screen that I could either choose my own cabin or take their suggestion that there was a drop down box to change the number in the booking to 1, 3 or 4 people. Then the price display adjusted accordingly. I was using an iPad.

 

[Pushka]

Possible AFF Cruise Options

Well I have put down a deposit for a mid deck 8 obstructed view cabin. I guess I am going cruisin'.

For some reason I find this hilarious.

I clicked on oceanview cabin, and I think it was on the same screen that I could either choose my own cabin or take their suggestion that there was a drop down box to change the number in the booking to 1, 3 or 4 people. Then the price display adjusted accordingly. I was using an iPad.

Ah. Found it. Currently holding obstructed Oceanview forward on Deck 8. MrP will not be attending. He was invited though. Final price $1255. Will confirm later. Tentative going. I sometimes cancel and rebook if price falls. And full cancellation up to 90 days prior I think?
Dame? Are you around?

 

[Pushka]

Helpful. https://sites.google.com/site/cabinviewbyrenmar/golden-grand-star-princess/cabins-201--231

 

[JessicaTam]

For some reason I find this hilarious. 

<snip.

You are going to have to elaborate.

... I think.

 

[Pushka]

You are going to have to elaborate.

... I think.

It's just, just, I didn't picture you being up for it. On the other hand think of it as a four night lounge crawl maybe.... no free booze though.

 

[JessicaTam]

It's just, just, I didn't picture you being up for it. On the other hand think of it as a four night lounge crawl maybe.... no free booze though.

You should have realised that I would go to the opening of an envelope!

Paying for grog - I am sure we will cope.

 

[straitman]

You should have realised that I would go to the opening of an envelope!

No arguments there.

Paying for grog - I am sure we will cope.

Make sure you are fully aware of when and where the happy hours are. (..and I do) :shock:

I forgot to mention we have booked.

 

[Glider_]

After the rollicking good time I had at the Perth AFF annual, I'm putting the hard sell on Mr Glider to join in this one.

Being cruise newbies, I'm not sure which avenue to book through. Ozcruising looks really easy, $999pp twin share for the cheapest balcony room and with $25 onboard credit. Trustworthy and decent? Or is there a better way?

 

[Pushka]

Possible AFF Cruise Options

Oz cruising is fine. Just be aware of any cancellation penalties if you change your mind.

Also to newbies - be aware that you will need travel insurance as normal Medicare/private cover doesn't work if something goes wrong while on the ship and you need medical attention. Obviously fine once you are on land. And photo id required at checkin for the cruise.

 

[sinophile888]

Being cruise newbies, I'm not sure which avenue to book through. Ozcruising looks really easy, $999pp twin share for the cheapest balcony room and with $25 onboard credit. Trustworthy and decent? Or is there a better way?

I have just had a look at the Qantas website and the cruise in question can be booked there. Qantas is also offering double points if the cruise is booked during this January.

Inside from $644
Oceanview from $692
Balcony from $973
Suite from $1148

May be well worth following up. Good luck, Glider.

 

[Steady]

I have just had a look at the Qantas website and the cruise in question can be booked there. Qantas is also offering double points if the cruise is booked during this January.

Does anyone know if booking cruises through QF triggers Amex statement credit? (I think it is likely another will come along in the next 3 to 9 months)