Now we are into June, so the departure date seems really close as it is only next month. Gulp! We know that the last few weeks really fly so time to look closely at the "to do" and "to take" lists and also check out our plans for each port. At several ports, we are doing private tours with past cruisers; some we will do with Princess; one or two we'll do the HO-HO (Hop On - Hop Off bus); others we'll do no more than just wander around or catch local transport - or even a taxi into town.
The last post mentioned the Indian visa cost escalation and as we really couldn’t see the point in getting off on what is a short day anyway, (and paying $305 each) so there has been a fair bit of communication with the Indian High Commission in Wellington - and Princess.
We managed to get an email from the Indian authorities stating that although a visa was advisable, it wasn’t mandatory if we weren’t getting off the ship. So with my almost full passport and the Visa needing two adjacent clean pages, (not to mention the extortionate cost), we opted to not get visas. Meanwhile, forwarding an email to Princess followed by a telephone call to a senior Customer Service person, elicited the following:
If the Indian authorities change their stance, they could stop the ship docking in Mumbai if there are passengers without visas.
We could be put off the ship at the port before (Salalah) and then have to make our own way to Sri Lanka.
If there is a medical emergency, then we would not be able to be shipped to an Indian hospital without a visa.
If we accepted the risks, then we would be asked to sign a disclaimer, absolving Princess from any liability…
If we accepted the risks, then we would be asked to sign a disclaimer, absolving Princess from any liability…
Other than that, not too much to post other than our group name (by the slimmest of margins on a vote!) is “Dawn Nomads”.
On the personal front, I am trying to get my long term project car on the road. Long term? I acquired the car May 2004 and after many issues, we seem to be almost over the red tape and almost ready for the road. Not finished, but on the road. If you are interested, try this link: http://www.monza.org.nz/cars/8monza8/index.htm
Back to the cruising… My shopping is now complete with only two items on my list anyway. Another shirt for formal nights – the last one seemed to shrink after a visit to the laundry - and coffee. Why coffee bags? Well the on board free coffee is from a liquid concentrate and is not to my taste at all. In fact, I haven't come across anyone yet who does actually like it. Princess also sell coffee cards which are pretty good value and you then get a fairly good, on board, freshly made espresso type coffee. So we usually buy a coffee card and at breakfast, use the coffee bags. I say we, that really is a me, as Paula doesn't worry too much.
Now we are Elite status, we get the free minibar set up, but we'll probably trade the drink we don't really care for anyway, for two coffee cards.
Now we are Elite status, we get the free minibar set up, but we'll probably trade the drink we don't really care for anyway, for two coffee cards.
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