Cruise Tips - Going to PNG Soon

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  Muzeeb on 08/04/2023 - 12:27

  +5

  First question - did you sign up for the drinks package?

  Muzeeb xxoo

  • 

    DashCam AKA Rolts on 08/04/2023 - 13:37

    +2

    Thanks for asking. Definitely "Cheers!"

  • 

    Ocker on 08/04/2023 - 13:59

    Dont forget you need to buy the same package for each person in the cabin

  • 

    lilyesp on 08/04/2023 - 15:46

    ah didnt ..yet..should i?

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  Pelicannn on 08/04/2023 - 12:51

  Yes you can do your own thing when the boat docks. You just need to be back by a certain time, that being said they won't always leave you if you're a few minutes but it's a real possibiltiy. If you are late and they decide to wait you could be fined quite a substantial amount. Don't be that person.

  It would be cheaper to organise a local guide and they will hawk the ship terminal / area the tender drops you off at. Plus there are benefits that more of the money is going to the local tourism and guide's pocket, vice the Cruise Line's.

  FWIW, I have spent a lot of time in PNG and it isn't always the safest place. Crime, including kidnapping is not uncommon, theft and robbery moreso. Travelling in a bigger group is definitely safer and if you are going to go on a private tour be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for possible scams.

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  orion2013 on 08/04/2023 - 12:57

  Having been on a P&O cruise not long ago, I can say you’ll love it!
  There are activities hourly and a ton of food!
  There will usually be a few restaurants that are included in the price, and it’s suggested to book them, a day in advance (you can sort that out after boarding).
  I’d strongly recommend to download the P&O app called P&O cruises (from the App Store or Google play) as it will help you make bookings, view your expenses, and check out the ships itinerary for the day, eg what’s happening entertainment wise).

  In terms of shore tours, you can go either way - book what’s offered through P&O or do your own thing. I know the prices for some tours are rather steep, so you can try to arrange them yourself, just make sure you arrange those well in advance (via internet for instance). You will have limited time on the shore, so if you decide to do your own thing, make sure to get back to the ship before the departure time (which is usually about 6pm).
  The ship will not wait! (Some performers on my cruise were late and they had to fly to the ships next port of call!).

  Regarding the drinks package - it may not be worth getting it, unless you really like to drink. On my cruise, I worked out that to take full advantage of the fee paid for it, I would have to have 13 drinks/cocktails every day! If I were to do that, I may not be able to do any shore tours the next day due to headaches, queasiness, etc.

  Internet may or may not be worth it, depending how addicted you are to the phone :) I decided to get an international sim for my cruise which worked out much cheaper (although you won’t be able to use it on sea days and would only be able to use it ashore ie PNG)

  Oh and be sure to get cruise insurance - they will ask you if you have it.

  • 

    lilyesp on 08/04/2023 - 15:54

    great thanks for all that info!- yes i am worried about missing the boat back- if anything i'll arrive back to the ship prob latest 430pm - that's enough time - is there much traffic in PNG?
    With tour groups /guides- can you arrange for them to pick you up from the boat?

    • 

      orion2013 on 08/04/2023 - 18:31

      From what others have said about PNG, it sounds like you may encounter issues there, so perhaps it would be prudent to book a tour via P&O - that way you know you will get to do the activity and return back to the ship on time.

  • 

    d-hunterz on 22/04/2023 - 14:48

    Hi thanks for the info, Is insurance a must? How much is it roughly. I will be on cruise from Cairns to Auckland.

    • 

      orion2013 on 23/04/2023 - 19:53

      For international cruise travel, it is mandatory to have some sort of medical cover for the duration of the cruise, especially COVID.
      As to the cost - it varies from company to company and I suggest you get a few quotes and decide which is best for you.

      To give you an idea - a 2 week international cruise insurance costs about $150-$200 per person.

• 

  Gnostikos on 08/04/2023 - 13:42

  -1

  Fair warning from a friend of mine who went on a P&G cruise a month ago; the local prices for everything are hideously expensive.

  P&G's tourism industry hasn't recovered since covid so the locals are charging extortionate amounts for tours, travel guides, accommodation, souvenirs, basic grocery items, etc.

  In one of the major cities that this friend docked in, the locals remarked to them they were the second cruise ship since early 2020 that has visited their town.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 08/04/2023 - 13:58

  -4

  Pseudo cruise traveller stories will undoubtedly abound

  • 

    bobwokeup on 08/04/2023 - 15:29

    Look who just likes to have a go at everyone’s posts. Being helpful would be to tell OP not to pay for the day trips but to bring your own swimming gear and walk or get transport to the closest beach.

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 08/04/2023 - 15:44

      Huh? I've paid for day trips whilst on holidays so why would I recommend OP not to do so?

      Who doesn't bring their own swimming gear when they go on holidays where they expect to go swimming? How else are you meant to get to the closest beach unless you can walk or get transport there?

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  pharkurnell on 08/04/2023 - 19:47

  -3

  Be prepared to spend your cruise locked in cabin with gastro outbreak or Covid outbreak..

  and post plenty of piccys when you get back