gingera

Hi, we will be going on this ship in March this year....some questions:
1. How are the lines in getting off the ship to do the ports of call?
2. Is there a cover charge for room service?
3. Can you purchase laundry soap to do laundry on ship? Do you pay for the washing and drying?
4 And, any recommendations from those of you who have been on this ship or who have done this cruise?
Thanks in advance.

Schnitzel

We did the same cruise last March on the Sapphire. Some lines were quite long for ship's excursions. You had to meet in one of the lounges, and it took forever for the crew to check that you had the right ticket for the right time. --Like trying to herd cats.
There are a lot of private tour companies in every port. You might check out cruisecritic.com and the Australia board for recommendations.
There is no extra charge for room service, although we did tip if we used it.
Yes, you can do laundry on the ship. You can buy detergent, but often the little box wouldn't drop from the machine (at least on the Caribe deck). You have to reach in and pull the box out. Wash and dry were each $1 US.
I can't remember the exact names of the excursions, but we really enjoyed the animal park in Tasmania, the kiwi farm, and the winery tours. Also the jetboat in Christchurch was great.
Our trip out to see the penguins was a bust (one lonely penguin at 100 yds),but the scenery was amazing.
We spent a couple days pre-cruise in Sydney and loved the trip to the Blue Mountains.
You'll like the Sapphire. We're booked again on that ship for Alaska.

jacketwatch

First of all we sailed this ship for an Alaskan cruise and really enjoyed it. I hope you will too. Secondly do look into booking tours outside of the ship. You will save time and money. Ships excursions tend to be more pricey and more crowded. We cruised for the first time to the Med. and did all the excursions on our one. We simply got off, got a cab and went and have done it this way whenever possible. Some may not be comfortable doing it this way but many are. it depends on you. In any case look into doing tours outside those offered by the ship. Cheers, Larry

Schnitzel

--Forget to mention that if you get the chance, climb the Syndey Harbor Bridge. We climbed the bridge the morning we embarked, and it was thrilling to see the Sapphire Princess and the Sydney Opera House from a couple hundred feet in the air. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
Book one of the climbs early in the day, as it gets hot in the climbing suit.

gingera

Thanks all who replied, this will help in planning.

gingera

Schnitzel,
I think you will love the Alaska cruise,
Make sure you go inland for a week...that is fun, too

gingera

We plan to stay an extra nite in Sydney and a couple extra nites in Aukland...we plan on going on a wine tour in Aukland.
I just got done taking a wine class on New Zealand and Australian wines and hope to enjoy that aspect...
Also plan to see a zoo, and a couple museums...