Search

Placeholder Content Image

5 mistakes to avoid on a cruise

<p>Cruising is the fastest going travel sector in the world. If you haven’t been there’s never been a better time to get out on the water. But there are a few rookie mistakes that you don’t want to make.</p> <p><strong>Don’t pick the wrong cabin</strong></p> <p>Sure, the interior cabin is going to be the cheapest but it also means you’re spending a week or so without a window. For your first time out, it’s worth the extra money to have an ocean view or a balcony where you can get some of that fresh sea breeze. You also don’t want to be stuck in a cabin that’s directly below the nightclub or above the crew quarters when they start their day at 5am. First timers are also more likely to be seasick, so choose a cabin close to the centre of the ship to minimise the movement of the ocean. Study the deck plan carefully or, better yet, get an experienced cruise travel agent to help you pick out the perfect stateroom.</p> <p><strong>Don’t overdo it</strong></p> <p>Yes, all that food really is included in your fare. But that doesn’t mean you have to go nuts on the first day and eat everything on the buffet. Many people think they are sea sick or, worse, have contracted a bug on board when in fact they’ve just eaten more heavy, rich food in a day than they normally would in a week. Same goes for the alcohol. A few cocktails by the pool is fine but you don’t want to spend a day in your cabin with a deathly hangover.</p> <p><strong>Don’t skip the extras</strong></p> <p>Your fare will cover all the basics onboard, like the main restaurants and basic activities, but it’s worth splashing out a little extra cash to experience some of the other facilities onboard. Each ship will have a few specialty restaurants where, for $15-30 a head, you can dine on great gourmet cuisine for a fraction of what it would cost you on land. On some ships you can even dine at the signature restaurant of a celebrity chef, like Jamie Oliver on Royal Caribbean, Curtis Stone on Princess or Nobu on Crystal Cruises. To get into the holiday mode, book yourself a spa treatment or an afternoon in the thermal suite, making use of the sauna, hydrotherapy pools and private relaxation deck.</p> <p><strong>Don’t miss the ports</strong></p> <p>Modern megaliners are so packed with entertainment and gadgets that you could stay onboard the whole time, but don’t miss exploring the ports. Plan ahead and attend the port talks or lectures the night before you arrive – this will give you a good idea of what to expect, find out the logistics of getting into town and learn about the excursions. You are always welcome to visit the ports on your own, but check out the shore excursions for activities like diving, snorkelling, ATV rides, village visits or scenic flights. You can book these through the cruise line or a third party operator on the shore.</p> <p><strong>Don’t be too cool</strong></p> <p>A lot of activities onboard cruise ships are a bit, well, cheesy. With all the trivia, bingo, karaoke and dancing it can feel a bit like an RSA club on the water. But trust us, these activities are actually really fun. You might not want to participate in the “world’s sexiest man” competition by the pool, but they are pretty enjoyable to watch. Forget trying to look sophisticated, relax and join in the laughs. There’s a great community attitude on the ship so these activities are also a great chance to make new friends.</p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Cruise booking “don’ts” to avoid

<p>Don’t let your cruise trip run ashore: avoid these cruise booking “don’ts” for smooth sailing ahead.</p> <p><strong>1. Don’t pick the wrong cruise line –</strong> Make sure you really look into the cruise line with whom you’re booking. There are lines that cater especially to low/high budgets, singles, young people, families, couples, etc. and you don’t want to be caught at the wrong one for your demographic.</p> <p><strong>2. Don’t pick the wrong cabin –</strong> Not all cruise cabins are made equal. Options vary from windowless inside cabins, ocean view rooms, and suites with balconies. Some rooms come with extra perks, like butler service or spa treatments. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might also choose to book your room on the low deck.</p> <p><strong>3. Don’t forget to check visa requirements –</strong> Some cruise lines offer “blanket” visas, but others do not. If yours doesn’t, research the locations on which your ship will be porting and make sure you are able to possess all of the visa requirements accordingly before you book your cruise.</p> <p><strong>4. Don’t wait too long to book –</strong> If you wait to book last minute, you might save big on your cruise price. However, many deals last only a limited amount of time and cruises often book up well in advance. Don’t wait too long to book and miss out on your bon voyage.</p> <p><strong>5. Don’t pick the wrong date –</strong> Make sure you’re booking your cruise in the right year. Many cruises offer their itineraries a few years in advance, and you don’t want to be showing up to your cruise early. It sounds obvious, but it isn’t unheard of for people to show up to their cruise a year in advance. In addition, research the weather conditions in the areas you’ll be cruising and pick your date accordingly.</p> <p><strong>6. Don’t forget to read the fine print –</strong> While it’s so easy to ignore it, don’t forget to read the fine print when booking your cruise. It could include information on additional fees, payment schedule, cabin selection options, or whether the deal can be used in conjunction with others.</p> <p><strong>7. Don’t forget to do your research –</strong> Don’t pick the first deal recommended to you just because it sounds good. Spend a few weeks shopping around using travel comparison websites or travel agents to be sure you’re really getting the best value for your money.</p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Floating fracas: Hour-long brawl breaks out on cruise ship

<p>A mass brawl has broken out on a cruise ship heading into New York. However, it remains unsure if anybody will be charged.</p> <p>The brawl broke out on the dancefloor of a nightclub of the Carnival Magic cruise ship in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday the 28th of June.</p> <p>At the moment of the brawl, the ship was heading back to New York, but the exact location of the vessel will have a bearing on a criminal investigation depending on the jurisdiction of law enforcement it falls under. However, if it took place in international waters, it is possible everybody involved will get away scot-free.</p> <p>The NYPD has confirmed security on-board were unable to contain the fight and had to summon the Coast Guard. "Security onboard the boat attempted to de-escalate the situation and subsequently called for the Coast Guard," the police said in a statement.</p> <p>"The Coast Guard escorted the cruise ship to Pier 88, confines of the MTN Precinct. Uniformed personnel and Traffic Agents met the ship and the ship disembarked passengers without further incident".</p> <p>An eyewitness passenger Theresa James claims the fight began over a "threesome".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive brawl breaks out in nightclub of Carnival cruise ship just off New York harbor. It started because someone got jealous over a “threesome”. The Coast Guard was summoned to escort the ship back to New York. <a href="https://t.co/2Xnljgi3O9">pic.twitter.com/2Xnljgi3O9</a></p> <p>— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSington/status/1542467886223982592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>She said the fight lasted for an hour and stretched from the fifth floor to the first floor, involving up to 60 people.</p> <p>Carnival described the brawl as an "altercation".</p> <p>"Thankfully no serious injuries were reported and our onboard security team intervened."</p> <p>The brawl came at the end of an eight-day voyage, which went into various islands in the West Indies before heading back up the US east coast.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Readers Respond: What’s the best cruise you’ve ever been on?

<p dir="ltr">We asked our readers what was the best cruise they have ever been on after two years of no cruises thanks to the global pandemic.</p> <p dir="ltr">But thankfully, it was not that long ago cruises were given the green light to make their way back to our shores and sail away on a much-needed trip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Read what you all had to say about the best cruise you went on.</p> <p dir="ltr">Grace Boland - 3 River cruises through Europe -- did 10 on the big monsters before I discovered River cruises are so much more beautiful.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christine Taylor - The very first one. Regal Princess on her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. Everything was wonderful. Been on a few others since but nothing quite captures the awesomeness of those first impressions of a stunning ship and of course all the amazing places we visited.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marilyn Blott - Cruising the Inside Passage, Alaska. Very stunning and beautiful.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jill Harker - On the Orcades when we emigrated from the UK to Australia way back in 1970! Fabulous trip, great ship, wonderful food, amazing ports of call, and made some wonderful friends!</p> <p dir="ltr">Margie Barnes-Mayman - Love all cruises but have to say the month long cruise from China to Canada and up to Alaska was the best. So many experiences, so much to do on the ship even on the sea days. Even being in an inside cabin didn't dampen our great time on board the Celebrity Millennium. Sailed three times with Celebrity Cruises and twice with Princess cruises.</p> <p dir="ltr">Joy F Saker - Budapest to Amsterdam on a river boat. Bliss! Also enjoyed a Princess Cruise around NZ for Xmas - so much we did it again the next year. It was such a joyous experience, and the decorations shipwide are divine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bernadette Heckford - The one we went down the Suez Canal then onto Jordan to see Petra.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cheryl Quaass - Four day cruise of the Greek Isles way back in 1982. Loved every second, beautiful places.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christyna Dobbins - I've only been on two - one around Australia, and one from Australia to the USA to stay with friends I met on the cruise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Margaret McDonald - River cruising in Europe. Wonderful, go ashore every day and stretch your legs, Alaska was great but despite being told it would be smooth sailing we did get seasick for a short time...It was worthwhile any way.</p> <p dir="ltr">Maria Michailidis - The P&amp;O cruises within Australian waters. Not fancy, but enjoyed seeing different parts of Aussie land (excursions)plus the entertainment was top class. Have done a few different ones overseas, but for me, the Aussie ones beat them hands down.</p> <p dir="ltr">To leave a memory of your own, or to check out more of the amazing responses head <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtyNZ/posts/pfbid02YsefbBmuo1qsZt3ubsbZD4TTkW5aVAbGYBrKWLTDPhgpnS5U6bugs2QyXvpnzYJ1l" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Mysterious bodies turn up on ghost ship

<p>It might sound like a scene out of <em>Moby Dick</em>, but mysterious bodies have turned up on a “ghost ship”, which washed up off the northern coast of Japan this week.</p> <p>And while the emergence of the ship is still shrouded in mystery, a small detail hidden amongst the bodies has offered a clue to the origin of this skeleton-filled vessel.</p> <p>Senior local police official Hideaki Sakyo told <em>AFP</em> while there was little to identify the bodies by, boxes of North Korean tobacco and life jackets with figures in Korean script suggest the boat could’ve been populated by would-be defectors.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A ‘ghost ship’ containing 8 bodies washed up on Japan’s shore — and it may have come from North Korea <a href="https://t.co/Z8i8tlWGnB">pic.twitter.com/Z8i8tlWGnB</a></p> — NowThis (@nowthisnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/935615035014918144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>That said, there’s still no hard and fast proof.</p> <p>“Nothing else was found on the beach nearby, and so far we haven’t found anything (suggesting they may be defectors),” a Japanese coastguard spokeswoman told <em>AFP</em>.</p> <p>North Korean fishing vessels washing up on Japan’s coast isn’t an entirely uncommon occurrence, especially during winter where fishermen contend with high winds.</p> <p>North Korean fisherman often venture far and deep on government orders, and the old, poorly equipped vessels are prone to issues. Once something goes wrong, there are few rescue options available for people on the boat.</p> <p>Earlier this month a North Korean solider who managed to defect into the South made headlines after managing to cross the demilitarised zone (DMZ) despite being shot at five times.</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Twitter / The Independant </em></p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

11 islands you can buy right now

<p>If you want to join the ranks of rich-listers like Richard Branson and Leonardo DiCaprio, then you need to get your own private island.</p> <p>Luckily, there are many islands on the market for under US$1 million (AU$1.43million), which means your dream of having a completely private holiday spot could become a reality. Prices vary greatly based on where they're located, whether homes have already been built on the property, and how many acres are available.</p> <p><strong>1. Wild Cane Key Island</strong></p> <p>Wild Cane Key island, off the coast of Bastimento in Central America, is listed for US$360,000.</p> <p>The island is a total of 3.4 acres with multiple building spots available on the land. It's most easily accessed by helicopter.</p> <p><strong>2. The Swains Cay Andros Private Island</strong></p> <p>The Swains Cay Andros Private Island is in the Bahamas and offers a two-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow on its 2.2 acres of land.</p> <p>It's going for US$525,000.</p> <p><strong>3. Nukudrau Island</strong></p> <p>Nukudrau Island is part of Fiji. The 46 acres of land are surrounded by clear waters ideal for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Price is available upon request.</p> <p><strong>4. Lovango Cay</strong></p> <p>Lovango Cay is a five-acre island within the US Virgin Islands, and it's just a 10-minute helicopter ride away from St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport. Price is available upon request.</p> <p><strong>5. Cayo Iguana</strong></p> <p>Cayo Iguana is a private island off the coast of Nicaragua.</p> <p>The five-acre island is listed for US$750,000 and includes a large three-bedroom, two-bathroom house.</p> <p><strong>6. The Mavuva Island Lots</strong></p> <p>The Mavuva Island Lots are located on a 42-acre island in Fiji.</p> <p>The lots run between US$75,000 and US$125,000.</p> <p><strong>7. Frigate Caye</strong></p> <p>Enjoy fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, kite-sailing, and scuba diving off the coast of this 1.4-acre island near Belize.</p> <p>It's currently listed for US$225,000.</p> <p><strong>8. Aleutkina Island</strong></p> <p>For US$297,000, you can purchase this 1.81-acre island off the coast of Alaska.</p> <p>On it are several potential building sites and places to build a dock. It's perfect for those who love to fish for shrimp, crab, and clam.</p> <p><strong>9. Deadman Caye</strong></p> <p>The 1.4-acre Deadman Caye, located off the coast of Belize, is guarded from the waves by the surrounding coral reef.</p> <p>Here you'll have access to some of the best spots for bone fishing, and it's on the market for $299,000.</p> <p><strong>10. Tahifehifa Island</strong></p> <p>Tahifehifa Island is near the island group of Tonga in the South Pacific.</p> <p>At 1.09 acres, this island is listed for US$311,623, and it has a beautiful white-sand beach.</p> <p><strong>11. East Sister Rock Island</strong></p> <p>If you're looking to splurge a bit more, consider the US$11.5 million East Sister Rock Island. Located in the Florida Keys, this island features a three-bed, two-bath home, plus a guesthouse and a helicopter launch pad.</p> <p>Pink Pearl Island is 2.5 acres of land off the coast of Nicaragua. On the market for $500,000, this island's listing includes a house in the middle of the island.</p> <p><em>Written by Sarah Jacobs. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stuff.co.nz.</strong></span></a></em></p> <p><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">To arrange a quote, click here.</span></a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/get-paid-to-cruise-the-world/">This line is paying people to take a cruise</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/clever-ways-to-skip-the-queue-on-a-cruise/">6 clever ways to skip the queue on a cruise</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/new-report-details-true-cause-of-titanic-sinking/">New report details ‘true’ cause of Titanic sinking</a></strong></em></span></p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

13 ridiculous travel accessories that actually exist

<p>These travel gadgets are so ridiculous we wonder how they ever came to be made in the first place. </p> <p><strong>Motorised scooter suitcase</strong></p> <p><img width="437" height="264" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzE1L3N1aXRjYXNlLjRlMGIzLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/8af7905e/6d6/suitcase.jpg" alt="Suitcase"/></p> <p><strong>Travel coffee cup holder</strong></p> <p><img width="435" height="290" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2UxL3R1Z28uMmZkZWYuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/fc9d1491/223/tugo.jpg" alt="Tugo"/></p> <p><strong>The B-tourist strip</strong></p> <p><img width="436" height="477" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzhkL3N0cmlwMi4zOGNmMS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/d436896f/641/strip2.jpg" alt="Strip2"/></p> <p><strong>Inflatable footrest</strong></p> <p><img width="432" height="432" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzFiL2Zvb3RyZXN0Mi5iYTRiMC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/dce425b6/bdd/footrest2.jpg" alt="Footrest2"/></p> <p><strong>Collapsable boots</strong></p> <p><img width="426" height="266" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzY4L2Jvb3RzLmU2M2E3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/46155721/b64/boots.jpg" alt="Boots"/></p> <p><strong>Portable bidet in a bottle</strong></p> <p><img width="423" height="327" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2NhL2JpZGV0LjFhMzNjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/f8b44023/e86/bidet.jpg" alt="Bidet"/></p> <p><strong>The ostrich pillow</strong></p> <p><img width="420" height="280" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzQ1L29zdHJpY2guYjUxMDAuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/e4a70a33/c27/ostrich.jpg" alt="Ostrich"/></p> <p><strong>Washable plane seat covers</strong></p> <p><img width="373" height="497" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzJjL3BsYW5lc2hlZXQuODVjNjEuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/2eff7d1c/c92/planesheet.jpg" alt="Planesheet"/></p> <p><strong>Releaf neck rest</strong></p> <p><img src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzA3L25lY2tyZXN0LjUyZjkxLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/b7a80a17/6c6/neckrest.jpg" alt="Neckrest"/></p> <p><strong>Slot flop sandals</strong></p> <p><img width="436" height="258" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2U4L3N0YXNoZmxpcGZsLjViMmFjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/0b8f2aa0/3cb/stash-flip-flops.jpg" alt="Stash-flip-flops"/></p> <p><strong>Inflatable weights</strong></p> <p><img width="441" height="441" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzYzL3dlaWdodHMuYWRlNGMuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/202b304d/e0a/weights.jpg" alt="Weights"/></p> <p><strong>Skyrest travel pillow</strong></p> <p><img width="439" height="439" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzFmL3RyYXZlbHBpbGxvLjc5YmM5LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/33cc6d31/f6b/travel-pillow.jpg" alt="Travel-pillow"/></p> <p><strong>All in one carrier for 4-door vehicles</strong></p> <p><img width="444" height="444" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzA2L2RvZy4xZmYwYy5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/6f304fc3/343/dog.jpg" alt="Dog"/></p>

International Travel

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.