We are Ian & Pauline and we will be sharing our holidays and cruises with you, showing the good, the bad and possibly the ugly.
We both watched our parents age and then pass away after spending their last few years broke and bored. We didn’t want this to be our future.
Working hard allows us to spend our money on holidays, cruises and life experiences that we will never forget and so should you. We try for 2 holidays per year. 1 of these has to be a cruise and the other could be anything. We will try everything possible over the coming years, including planes, trains, 4 & 5 star hotels and resorts and ships.
On our channel and blog we share our holidays, trips and adventures to inform and encourage you to also enjoy everything the world has to offer.
The NEW Terminal is in a great position long term. Great geographic location - just needs some adjustments as time moves forward. ( cruised to NZ earlier in yead ).
Thank you for sharing this very in depth view of a balcony room. 💕 We are sailing on this ship in Sep 24 on deck 8 mid ship balcony so this was very helpful to see. I wonder if the bed had a topper on it and if it was comfortable. Now I have a better idea of what to bring and what to leave home…again, Thank you!
😊absolutely fabulous video really enjoyed, I ended up booking the Riverview Motel upon your recommendation, I travel to Australia next week, and have watch this tutorial twice, gives me alot of confidence on what to expect at this new terminal.
The only thing I agree with you on is the location. Next to the poo plant is ridiculous. But have you ever boarded a cruise from Sydney? Parking is next to nothing in Sydney at both ports. Circular Quay you have to walk just as far if not further if coming by train. The airport is further away. And there is absolutely no undercover waiting areas in Sydney. People are there to board a cruise, they are not there for fine dining and shopping.
Thanks for watching and your interesting comment @jessicabarn Yes, we have cruised from Circular Quay and found it amazing. We have flown in on the day of the cruise and walked from the train station and flown in the day before and grabbed an Uber. Both times we sat under one of the huge trees for shade as we were early. It was very pleasant. We haven’t cruised from the other terminal which sounds pretty bad
Great review... thx so much... We're on this ship soon and looking at the specialty restaurants. Never really thought about the Chef's table but maybe I need to book that!
Hi Ian, great video. You have provided tons of info for fellow travellers. Great effort. Got lots of info in regards to our RCL Quantum of the seas in March 2024. We as family of 7 are staying at "View Brisbane Hotel" on Kingsford Smith Drive, in Hamilton, near the Portside Wharf. Getting lots of persons including yourselves, suggesting getting a transfer to the BICT, but looking online Nobody has transfers, listed only Airport to BICT. Con-X-ion would recognise BICT or Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. (Only the old Cruise Terminal) Uber refuse to go there, because of the "BUSH TRACK" between the turnoff bitumen road thru the Swamp, so called Industrial area to finally arrive at the Security Gates on the Newly Constructed BICT carparking area 3. This "BUSH TRACK STILL NOT COMPLETED YET" after nearly 3 & bit years, after BICT is Operational with HUNDREDS of Cruises leaving & Returning since 2020. Nobody has bothered to show "Video of the Bush Track unsealed section" of this Prestigious BICT out in a Swamp, next the "Biggest Brisbane Sewerage Treatment Plant". "Oh those sweet scents on Hot Summer's Day", must be heaven for the 4500 visitors. QLD must be so proud. No comments about the trip how to get to the BICT, Feedback is All about Drive & Park, Great for Locals, Not much good for interstaters, yes some Cabs, Rideshare, No Hire Cars, No Buses, No Public Transport, No Water Taxis, No Brisbane River Ferries, No River Cat. So simple to construct a small Floating Wharf, like at Portsea Wharf. So what do you suggest ??. Having visited several times, you make NO Comments in regards to why the Access, was not fully completed, as a sealed road, bypassing the industrial area. Only that the BICT is in the middle of NoWhere. There are Better Port Accesses in Outback of WA, NT, FarNorth QLD. Update I found that the "Satellite view on Google Maps", appears to be "Sealed Road" from Cnr of Main Main Beach Rd & Marine Rd Pinkenba, straight road - heading south-east, left hand bend heading North- East on to Cruise Terminal Drive, around roundabout (for Carpark 3), then follow the LHS divided road, pass turnoff for Carpark 2, then onto the Cruise Terminal Building, stopping just before the Uturn Loop to disembark from Transit Bus, Taxi, Uber, or Locals Dropoff. After Cruise, or people getting Dropped Off can return back into Brisbane, via the RHS Divided Road back to Roundabout to Cruise Terminal Drive, or leave Vehicle in Parking Areas. (That is All Sealed Bitumen with road markings etc.) to Marine Road back to Main Beach road (State Route 25). so looking at Google Maps it appears to not be a Bush Track as others have described in comments on many RU-vid Videos I have reviewed. Even some 3 weeks ago, saying the so called track thru the Industrial area is atrocious, rough, potholed, boggy track. Any Comments or Video would be appreciated. I find it hard to believe, after 2 years, at least 50 Cruises this season as well as previous year. All the Transport Traffic with Loading up each Cruise with Supplies, for up to some 4000 Passengers each cruise Embarking & Disembarking, Staff, Security, Emergencies, etc. This Access is still as bad as some mention in comments. Anyway Thanks. Cheers Bob.
Hi Bob. The road is 100% sealed the whole way but it is in bad shape with lots of potholes and rough edges. We have caught an Uber from home to the port 3 times without issue. For a large group I would recommend booking 2 Maxi Taxis Enjoy your cruise!
@@Over50travelandlifestyleWe are going on the ship in a month or so, I fancy the Chef's table experience but unfortunately the Mrs is a fussy eater, are they at all flexible on the menu, she won't eat cheese the poor thing.
Loved your review thanks! Will be going on the QOTS on Jan 29th and very excited. I was especially happy to see your tip on navigating the cruise buffet so as to be able to enjoy your food hot! 😁 My daughter and her fiancé will be going on their first cruise very soon (actually while hubby and I are on ours but a different ship 🤣) and I have already taught her this exact tip. Great minds think alike!! This upcoming cruise will be my 14th so I have kind of got a few things down pat! 😎
One thing that really bothers me about the new terminal is a lack of Public Transport the only bus that goes even somewhat near the terminal is the 303 which only has 9 services a day on weekdays and none on weekends they should IMO extend the City Cat to the Cruise Terminal
Love Brissie, I've lived here my whole adult life and can't imagine living anywhere else. We needed a deep water cruise port but I'm embarased by this terminal. Millions spent on construction but no-one thought it neccisary to place a shelter over the rest benches on the long walk to the building. Qld summers are brutal and the elderly are the ones that are going to feel it most. A shuttle service of some kind is a must. A shuttle service or a light bus service from the airport to the terminal would be ideal also. Current setup is bloody hopeless.
This is so sad to know! I thought Australia was a developed nation and would atleast put funds into making the journey comfortable for its travellers. Too bad!
@@Over50travelandlifestyle lol no worries, that was where we went on embarkment day rather than the Windjammer. We are going on it again in April from Hawaii, yay!
Sorry Warwick, I didn't really keep track of the GF options. I do remember seeing it on menus but don't remember specific dishes or what % of the menu was GF. I'll check with some friends and see if I can find out more info.
@over50travelandlifestyle cheers, from what we've seen of the Specialty Restaurants there's not much choice for people whom are GF & not eat red meat (not me). I'd have to do Chef's Table without The Boss
on our last cruise, Brisbane to Honolulu this past April, 2nd day into the 17 days, I started to order early morning complimentary breakfast, just a little wake up , it was fantastic, fruit, cereal, toast, and it was warm, it was a lovely start to the day, sitting on the balcony and going to breakfast later after the hoards and left. Loved you presentation of the Chef's Table, always thought it would be too fancy for my husband and myself, my mouth was watering, am definitely going to buy for my next trip. With Wonderland, we have done it once before, thought it was fun but ya know, been there done that. You must do Jamie''s, even if only for a lunch, it was great. Can't wait to watch more of your blogs thanks Lynn
Hi Lynn. We would agree about Wonderland. The Chefs table is something you must do. Glad to hear it you’re booking it for your next cruise. Breakfast on your balcony sounds great. We’ll make sure we try it on our next cruise. Thanks for watching 👍
If you have ever had a cruise or flight or holiday booking screwed up for any reason this video is for you. Learn how I resolved a really stressful time quickly and easily. 😃
Great vid!! I can attest to the Coastal Kitchen being amazing. Always very quiet at breakfast and lunch, but need to reserve for dinner. Best to have a standing reservation for every night. The food is exquisite! A big jump up from the MDR and I need to book a suite always now, just for Coastal Kitchen.
Thanks for watching Carolyn. I will be making a part 2 soon showing more details about inside. If you hit the subscribe button you'll get notified if that would be easier. Have an awesome day!
Yes, that has always been an issue with Princess Cruises. We love our coffee! Just got off the Quantum Of The Seas and it was very nice having a kettle in the room. We took our own coffee though.
What a great cruise it was. I’m still talking about how calm the seas were for the entire time. We loved Picton, Auckland and Bay of Islands. What were your favourite ports?
Thanks for your informative presentation on the Brisbane terminal. Very helpful to someone coming in blind. Just a note - I’ve never been to a cruise terminal that had any facilities or services other than restrooms. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Charleston, Baltimore, New Orleans, Galveston, San Diego, Long Beach, Barcelona, Mobile - some don’t even have clean restrooms (I’m looking at you, Miami). I am concerned about the length of the walk embarkation day, as I have health and mobility issues. Guess I will just take it slow.
Hi Lynda. Thanks for watching. I'm glad you found it informative. I will be making a follow up video shortly as we just cruised on Quantum of the Seas out of Brisbane and I can tell you, it is a fair walk start to finish if you have any issues that impede your mobility or are simply just getting on a bit.
Great video :) we were on the very first cruise that used this terminal :) it was our first cruise and the first cruise after the pandemic on 31st may 2022 :) we came here as our port of call on cruise from Sydney and p&o had shuttle buses to get into Brisbane city :) had a fantastic day :)
I am being dropped off by husband. Is the drop off where taxi's drop off. On returning, what do you do. Have husband wait somewhere are ring when you are ready? Coming from Federal, it is a 2 hour drive compared to a flight to Sydney and an overnight stay. So good.
Hi Karen. Thanks for watching. You are correct. The public drop off is the same area as the taxis and Ubers. Get hubby to wait 15 or 20 minutes down the road and give him a call as you disembark. When are you cruising?
Thank you for sharing the information from Brisbane domestic airport to cruise terminal. How is it transferred from International airport to Royal Caribbean cruise terminal? Could you give the detail video? Please.
Hi Wen. The International Airport is right next to the domestic airport. The taxi or Uber will be slightly cheaper as the international airport is a couple of kilometres closer
Yeah, I struggled both times to got on a ship. I don't know what the architect was smoking when he/she designed it. Very unfriendly to the mobility impaired. If you don't have a credit card you can't get there, nor get home. A total shambles
Agree with you Hendrik. On a positive note. At least Brisbane now has access to all these beautiful new ships. We will be on the Quantum Of The Seas next month and only have to get a taxi instead of flying to Sydney
She’s old and dated. Corrosion on balconies severe. Smallest bathroom in the world. Very few shops and entertainment shoes. Won’t travel with Princess again😢
Agree on some aspects, Jocelyn. The entertainment was lacking, but we are hoping that as we move out of the pandemic era, all ships gear up and get back to what they used to be. I wouldn't abandon Princess because of the Coral Princess. Try the Majestic Princess - incredible!
Hi Kim. Thanks for watching. We have cruised out of Sydney 3 times, and I would probably agree that Brisbane is better than the White Bay terminal. Twice we have sailed from the Overseas Passenger Terminal and it has been amazing both times. Incredible location, super easy to get to and WOW, what a location.
Looking to find as much information as I can on Luminosa. Thank you for your video. Really like the fact she is a vista class ship. Very easy to find your way around on those. They are not too big, not too small. Personally I don’t care for the bigger the better resort type cruise ships which seem to dominate the seas at the moment. Have cruised with Carnival once before on Carnival Spirit, this one looks very Italian in decor, which on video looks a bit garish and overdone for the Australian market. Yes I know it was a Costa ship prior to rebranding. However hopefully it won’t be too OTT when we finally pick a cruise from Brisbane. Disappointing to note that in the rush to get it onto the Australian cruise market, the new livery is very nice, but the Carnival signature winged red funnel would have been a great touch. Hopefully the Luminosa will get it in the not too distant future.
Thanks for watching. I have to agree about the general vibe of the colors. Definitely not my preferred color scheme, LOL. I also miss the Carnival whale tail funnel. Hope it will be fitted at some time in the future. I'm sure you will have a great time when you sail as there are lots of great reviews coming in from cruisers.
Hi Fred. Thanks for watching and your feedback. While I agree for the majority of people it isn't a big deal walking 500 mtr's, as shown in other comments here and on Facebook., for a percentage of people it is a big deal. The elderly, people with mobility issues, asthma or other breathing issues all find this difficult. I am super happy to have this terminal in Brisbane as it gives us direct access to a huge variety of ships, I wish they had given this issue more consideration.
I'm traveling on Luminosa 22nd Jan from Brisbane and your video has been really informative so Thank you. I have mobility issues, (use a walker) but also travelling with 80 & 75-year-olds, I wonder if there is a golf cart or shuttle service at the terminal? I reckon between the 3 of us we might need it :)
Hi Susan. Sadly, I don't believe at this stage there is any sort shuttle service. I would recommend dropping off your passengers and luggage at the public drop off area which is very close to the entrance. Then park your car so at least you are only getting yourself to the building and not dragging luggage with you.
We are cruising from there on the 15th of February and it was a very informative video. We are going on two cruises with a 3 day break in between to visit a relative on the Sunshine Coast. I guess that means I had better budget a fair bit of money for taxi fares to and from hotels etc. Ahh well .... still looking forward to it as we are doing a similar cruise to our recent Vanuatu/Noumea/Mystery Island cruise from Sydney that we spent in our cabin with Covid.
