Another great video thanks Adrian. We sailed out of Sydney a year ago and I say it is THE most beautiful and most spectacular harbour in the world. What a magical experience sailing away at sunset!
can’t wait to be back in Australia after my last visit back in 1991, but i have to wait til early April 2027 for my cruise from the beautiful Sydney with Celebrity Edge😊cheers from Italy
I have been recently to the edge and it was really great!!!! Food, people, music perfect!!!!- just a bit tiny in comparison with for instance Quantum of the Seas but really high end ship.
I think Circular Quay is a very unique port in Sydney Australia . The north and south heads is the 1st bit of land to greet you as you enter Sydney where you go through a narrow body of water that can be more the a few kilometres long to get to the Overseas passenger terminal adjacent to the iconic Sydney Harbour bridge.
Great job Adrian, nailed the outtakes😂 Two things I would add would be the free walking tours( meet at Customs House) And the 333 public bus to Bondi Beach Enjoy the sail away no mater which ship you are on🇦🇺❤️🚢
I heard as soon as you on board is to confirm or reconfirm your dinning, show and excursion too. Just to make sure if you have already booked that it is confirmed. Then do the safety drill. This whilst most people are heading to the buffet.
At the OPT, if you have a disability let the staff know as the support the staff provide is above and beyond any disability support I have received at any port or airport, they treat you like a rockstar or VIP and they don’t get enough recognition for it!
Getting off a ship and getting on again as in back to back is different at the Overseas passengers terminal than in Port Canaveral or Miami. In those ports in Florida you can leave the ship and be back on it within 30 minutes. In Circular Quay it's untill 11a.m, so you will still board before the other passengers boarding 😎, however you will have to wait outside the terminal untill then. 😢 This has been my experience with Royal Caribbean cruise ships anyway.
I think our processing times for immigration can be much lengthier. In LA recently, at the end of a cruise, the arrivals process was all automated with electronic kiosks that scanned passports and then faces. I've never seen anything like that here at cruise terminal.
Great vlog Adrian, I reckon the location of our OPT to be the best in the world, and we've travelled a lot; if you arrive a tad early or if the queues are long (we've got the worst cruise terminal queues in the world) the Cruise Bar immediately next to the OPT entry is sensational. Your comments about White Bay Terminal are so true; it's literally in the middle of nowhere and offers zero support facilities, passengers should just set their travel arrangements to arrive during their boarding window.
I completely agree! White Bay just seems like a giant afterthought, although a well executed terminal in the sense of terminal operations, it misses the mark when it comes to the passenger experience beyond arriving and boarding a ship. Cruise Bar is excellent! I don't mind Squire's Landing either.
@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Of course the old Woolloomooloo wharf was sensational and if my memory is correct, the original plan for the wharf redevelopment by Ian Kiernan included a passenger terminal. I worked for James Patrick's in the 60's and I know how well the terminal worked in those days as I'm sure 99% of migrants in the 50's would attest.
An accommodation option for the budget conscious is the Youth Hostel at The Rocks. Just up the hill from the OPT, it has rooms with private facilities and there is a balcony area with great views of the Harbour.
Being from Tassie means Sydney is our closest cruise embarkation point. My first cruise from the OPT 45 years ago was so different, no passport required, just check your ticket and board.😂 Things certainly have changed. Back to the OPT in March.🚢
I usually stay in The Rocks. Then on cruise day I can walk down and around the quay and get great pics of the ship in port. Then go and have a lazy breakfast before checking out :)
Great video will be very helpful for those cruising out of Sydney for the first time. A bit more info re Athol Bay would have been nice, so many people deny that it happens.
Thanks for watching! The Athol Bay experience definitely happens haha. It's an interesting way to disembark a cruise (as I did in 2017) and I can imagine it's an even stranger feeling embarking via tender.
I think you should advise that accommodation near white bay is very limited. Stayed in Sydney itself. We were going to drop our bags at White Bay and get a taxi back into Sydney to look around (from interstate). To dear to do 3 trips so stayed at white bay terminal and was thankfully boarded before original late boarding time. Then on return we got the cruise line organised bus to the airport and avoided sightseeing in Sydney again. Rescheduled an earlier flight home. If at OPT definitely would’ve looked around Sydney b4 and after cruise.
Yes, definitely worth knowing that there's really nothing around White Bay - I hope that was clear enough in the video but it's good to make a point of it here in case anyone missed it. It's really a bit of a wasteland which is a shame. Thanks for sharing your experience also.
Great video, would love more tip videos. I’m currently in Sydney from Perth for a Princess cruise leaving Sat for NZ. I’m staying at the Rendezvous Hotel Sydney in the rocks which is only a 5 min walk from the OTP downhill. Although it’s old I’d highly recommend it not just for location to the OTP & Circular Quay but also because the staff are lovely & it only cost me $1303 for a basic queen room with full kitchen facilities. Something to be mindful of is that the Rocks area is very hilly & has ALOT of stairs which I struggle with a bit having a chronic illness.
I love the OPT in Sydney. I honestly hate Sydney as a city. Most of it is dirty, overcrowded and underplanned, but the very centre around the harbour and the north shore region is nice.
OPT is great - there aren’t many better positioned cruise ports in the world. Most, if anything, are relegated to commercial (and actual dirty) working ports. Sydney doesn’t have that issue. Sydney is crowded, and planning could use some improvement. Highways are now quite good, provided you can afford to travel on them (they’re basically all toll-reliant) and public transport is getting a lot of investment by the likes of metro construction - which is super usable and an excellent addition to people movement. What Sydney isn’t though, is dirty. That award goes to Melbourne. I love MEL, but geez, graffiti riddled in tourist zones, rusty balustrades along bridges connecting the CBD with the Yarra - it’s a place that could use some proper investment and cleaning 🧼
Hi Adrian, not first time cruising from Sydney, but first time having to transfer from OPT to White Bay on the same day (21 Feb - off Diamond Princess, on Pacific Adventure). Any suggestions for luggage storage around either Circular Quay or Town Hall Stations to fill in time between off and on?
I’ve never used this service, but I did see that this is a thing. Check out the reviews closely just to make sure you’re across it all, but it looks promising. bounce.com/city/sydney/sydney-circular-quay
Hi Adrian, I was wondering if you knew if any of the larger Royal carribean ships come to Asia or Australia? We have been on the quantum twice, but want to try the larger ships without having to fly to Europe or the US if possible.
Unfortunately, the largest that you'll find in our region and up throughout Asia are the Quantum Class sisters. For Oasis or Icon Class, you'll need to head to the States or to the Mediterranean.
@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I felt like this was the case, but was hoping to find an itinerary I missed. Do you know the largest ship that visits our area? I apologise for the question, but the wife and I are hoping we can try a megaship without losing 4 days in travel/jet-lag as we have limited holiday time windows.
I did my first cruise on Jan 4. Regarding alcohol taken on board….we searched everywhere on the Princess site to see whether it goes in carry on or luggage. Obviously we chose the wrong one and had to scramble to find our well packed bottle and tfr to carry on. OPT is a pig of a place in Summer. Lots of standing around and no cooling. It was horrible. :(
Sorry to hear of the confusion re the alcohol policy. OPT is one of those places that's brilliant when it works, and when it doesn't, it can be a pain. In those instances, I recommend leaving lol. Go anywhere else for a drink or coffee and return when the queue has retreated.
Went on a cruise at the end of last year from Circular Quay. Compared to the brisbane cruise terminal its very poor imo. The brisbane one is more like a airport which is alot more bearable.
There is a cafe called City Extra opposite the ferry terminals backing onto the train station. There is also a luggage storage firm called Bounce or Luggage Hero check them out online. Hope that helps.
I’ve just recently sailed away on the Celebrity Edge from/to Sydney! 🛳 Since I’m based on the sunny coast, I had to book my flights separately, and that’s when things got interesting! 😅 Now, with my busy schedule, I couldn't make it to the terminal the day before (work, right? 🙄), so I decided to book my flights via the Cruise Line app. Yes, it was a bit pricier, but considering how often Virgin Australia and Jetstar cancel flights these days ✈😬, this option gave me some much-needed peace of mind. 😌✨ Why? Because the operator promises that if you book through their app, they’ll get you to the ship at all costs-and who wouldn’t appreciate that kind of guarantee, right? Definitely worth considering when you’re heading to the ship! 🚢 Though, a little bummer is that Brisbane/Sydney doesn’t have as many awesome ships. It seems like it’s always the same ones! Wouldn't it be amazing if we had the Wonder or Harmony of the Seas 🏰 or even Virgin Voyages here? Fingers crossed for more variety! 🤞 Cheers! 😎👋
Glad you had a great cruise - it's always reassuring to have that extra guarantee when things go awry (as they often do with flying!). Virgin's one season wonder down here was not enough - and I would love to see them back again.
It will definitely help, but there's a bit of time to wait unfortunately. In the meantime, it would be great if the ferry service could resume - even if it's only on turnaround days...
That all depends on a few factors, mostly the date/time of year and if there are any citywide events planned. I've stayed at Meritons in the city for as low as $200 in a 1 bedroom apartment. I do know that pricing across the board has increased though but still, compared to a cramped hotel room, it's nice having the luxuries of home when travelling.
⛴️⛴️⛴️ Hey hello Adrian, about insurance. We are boarding ship in Bali Indonesia passing through Australia. With a few stops in Australia, as ship sails to Fiji. We have applied for the e vias and been approved. Our question, type of insurance is required. We have global medical coverage from work retirement pension package. Whhat eles is needed? For travelers to without global insurance coverage from their pensions, what are they required to be in possession of when boarding ship in Australia or ships passing through Australia?
I would recommend ensuring that your insurance coverage includes cruise - as this is usually not a standard inclusion. Cruise is typically added to travel insurance policies as an extra. So double check that - apart from that, I don't really think there's much else but I would recommend speaking directly to the insurer about your travel plans to make sure coverage is adequate and in line with your movements.
White Bay is a pain Adrian for sure why the cruise lines cannot work with the NSW Government to fix this travel problem is beyond me. Rest of it Adrian we all already know that is why cruise lines tell you how to get to White Bay and the International terminal at Circular Quay. But what you say is so well known anyway.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Sure mate !!! and no I said nothing about ozempic. I can always tell when comments have been withheld. 'Those two idiots' need to be called out, as they feel like they are cruise ship royalty. Reality is they are entitled idiots. Got no time for them.
@ mate, for some context... I cannot tell you how little your (or anyone's) feelings about two people I have never met, and never spoken to, matters to me. I couldn't care less about your opinion of them if I tried. My video serves one purpose, and that's to help others avoid a mistake that B&D made when planning their trip.
Another great video thanks Adrian. We sailed out of Sydney a year ago and I say it is THE most beautiful and most spectacular harbour in the world. What a magical experience sailing away at sunset!
Thanks so much - and I totally agree (of course lol)
can’t wait to be back in Australia after my last visit back in 1991, but i have to wait til early April 2027 for my cruise from the beautiful Sydney with Celebrity Edge😊cheers from Italy
I have been recently to the edge and it was really great!!!! Food, people, music perfect!!!!- just a bit tiny in comparison with for instance Quantum of the Seas but really high end ship.
Ciao! That's very exciting - I hope you enjoy your upcoming travels even if there's a little while to wait!
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy i will🤩starting April 7, 2025 onboard Celebrity Beyond with the Panama Canal and the ABC-islands
Sydney is very easy to get to as I am from the Illawarra 2 hours south love the cruise tips ✅✅✅
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video, Adrian
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.
Great tips for us travellers with a very exciting upcoming cruise. 😜
haha can't wait!
Sydney person here, will be on a cruise from OPT this month :)
Have a great time!
I think Circular Quay is a very unique port in Sydney Australia . The north and south heads is the 1st bit of land to greet you as you enter Sydney where you go through a narrow body of water that can be more the a few kilometres long to get to the Overseas passenger terminal adjacent to the iconic Sydney Harbour bridge.
Great job Adrian, nailed the outtakes😂
Two things I would add would be the free walking tours( meet at Customs House)
And the 333 public bus to Bondi
Beach
Enjoy the sail away no mater which ship you are on🇦🇺❤️🚢
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the outtakes haha. Great tips!!
We are doing our first cruise in April, and it starts and ends in Sydney. Thanks for this video, it’s given some great advice and ideas.
Enjoy your first cruise! I hope you love it.
I heard as soon as you on board is to confirm or reconfirm your dinning, show and excursion too. Just to make sure if you have already booked that it is confirmed. Then do the safety drill. This whilst most people are heading to the buffet.
At the OPT, if you have a disability let the staff know as the support the staff provide is above and beyond any disability support I have received at any port or airport, they treat you like a rockstar or VIP and they don’t get enough recognition for it!
That's amazing, thanks for sharing!
I can attest to this - vision impaired and received the BEST assistance possible by terminal staff 🎉❤
Getting off a ship and getting on again as in back to back is different at the Overseas passengers terminal than in Port Canaveral or Miami. In those ports in Florida you can leave the ship and be back on it within 30 minutes. In Circular Quay it's untill 11a.m, so you will still board before the other passengers boarding 😎, however you will have to wait outside the terminal untill then. 😢 This has been my experience with Royal Caribbean cruise ships anyway.
I think our processing times for immigration can be much lengthier. In LA recently, at the end of a cruise, the arrivals process was all automated with electronic kiosks that scanned passports and then faces. I've never seen anything like that here at cruise terminal.
Great vlog Adrian, I reckon the location of our OPT to be the best in the world, and we've travelled a lot; if you arrive a tad early or if the queues are long (we've got the worst cruise terminal queues in the world) the Cruise Bar immediately next to the OPT entry is sensational. Your comments about White Bay Terminal are so true; it's literally in the middle of nowhere and offers zero support facilities, passengers should just set their travel arrangements to arrive during their boarding window.
I completely agree! White Bay just seems like a giant afterthought, although a well executed terminal in the sense of terminal operations, it misses the mark when it comes to the passenger experience beyond arriving and boarding a ship.
Cruise Bar is excellent! I don't mind Squire's Landing either.
@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Of course the old Woolloomooloo wharf was sensational and if my memory is correct, the original plan for the wharf redevelopment by Ian Kiernan included a passenger terminal. I worked for James Patrick's in the 60's and I know how well the terminal worked in those days as I'm sure 99% of migrants in the 50's would attest.
An accommodation option for the budget conscious is the Youth Hostel at The Rocks. Just up the hill from the OPT, it has rooms with private facilities and there is a balcony area with great views of the Harbour.
Great suggestion!
Being from Tassie means Sydney is our closest cruise embarkation point. My first cruise from the OPT 45 years ago was so different, no passport required, just check your ticket and board.😂 Things certainly have changed. Back to the OPT in March.🚢
Thanks for sharing, it’s amazing to hear how much things have changed over the years! Enjoy your upcoming cruise.
I usually stay in The Rocks. Then on cruise day I can walk down and around the quay and get great pics of the ship in port. Then go and have a lazy breakfast before checking out :)
It's the best feeling - seeing your waiting ship in port during a leisurely morning stroll!
Great video will be very helpful for those cruising out of Sydney for the first time. A bit more info re Athol Bay would have been nice, so many people deny that it happens.
Thanks for watching! The Athol Bay experience definitely happens haha. It's an interesting way to disembark a cruise (as I did in 2017) and I can imagine it's an even stranger feeling embarking via tender.
Adrian do you need a producer and director? lawl. 😅 Just kidding, great video.
I wish, would make my life easier! 😆 haha thanks!
I think you should advise that accommodation near white bay is very limited. Stayed in Sydney itself. We were going to drop our bags at White Bay and get a taxi back into Sydney to look around (from interstate). To dear to do 3 trips so stayed at white bay terminal and was thankfully boarded before original late boarding time. Then on return we got the cruise line organised bus to the airport and avoided sightseeing in Sydney again. Rescheduled an earlier flight home. If at OPT definitely would’ve looked around Sydney b4 and after cruise.
Yes, definitely worth knowing that there's really nothing around White Bay - I hope that was clear enough in the video but it's good to make a point of it here in case anyone missed it. It's really a bit of a wasteland which is a shame.
Thanks for sharing your experience also.
Great video, would love more tip videos. I’m currently in Sydney from Perth for a Princess cruise leaving Sat for NZ. I’m staying at the Rendezvous Hotel Sydney in the rocks which is only a 5 min walk from the OTP downhill. Although it’s old I’d highly recommend it not just for location to the OTP & Circular Quay but also because the staff are lovely & it only cost me $1303 for a basic queen room with full kitchen facilities. Something to be mindful of is that the Rocks area is very hilly & has ALOT of stairs which I struggle with a bit having a chronic illness.
Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestion.
I love the OPT in Sydney. I honestly hate Sydney as a city. Most of it is dirty, overcrowded and underplanned, but the very centre around the harbour and the north shore region is nice.
OPT is great - there aren’t many better positioned cruise ports in the world. Most, if anything, are relegated to commercial (and actual dirty) working ports. Sydney doesn’t have that issue.
Sydney is crowded, and planning could use some improvement. Highways are now quite good, provided you can afford to travel on them (they’re basically all toll-reliant) and public transport is getting a lot of investment by the likes of metro construction - which is super usable and an excellent addition to people movement. What Sydney isn’t though, is dirty. That award goes to Melbourne. I love MEL, but geez, graffiti riddled in tourist zones, rusty balustrades along bridges connecting the CBD with the Yarra - it’s a place that could use some proper investment and cleaning 🧼
I shared to our Cruise Travel & All Holidays
Thanks!
Hi Adrian, not first time cruising from Sydney, but first time having to transfer from OPT to White Bay on the same day (21 Feb - off Diamond Princess, on Pacific Adventure). Any suggestions for luggage storage around either Circular Quay or Town Hall Stations to fill in time between off and on?
I’ve never used this service, but I did see that this is a thing. Check out the reviews closely just to make sure you’re across it all, but it looks promising. bounce.com/city/sydney/sydney-circular-quay
Hi Adrian, I was wondering if you knew if any of the larger Royal carribean ships come to Asia or Australia? We have been on the quantum twice, but want to try the larger ships without having to fly to Europe or the US if possible.
Unfortunately, the largest that you'll find in our region and up throughout Asia are the Quantum Class sisters. For Oasis or Icon Class, you'll need to head to the States or to the Mediterranean.
@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I felt like this was the case, but was hoping to find an itinerary I missed.
Do you know the largest ship that visits our area? I apologise for the question, but the wife and I are hoping we can try a megaship without losing 4 days in travel/jet-lag as we have limited holiday time windows.
I did my first cruise on Jan 4. Regarding alcohol taken on board….we searched everywhere on the Princess site to see whether it goes in carry on or luggage. Obviously we chose the wrong one and had to scramble to find our well packed bottle and tfr to carry on.
OPT is a pig of a place in Summer. Lots of standing around and no cooling. It was horrible. :(
Its strange. Sometimes we basically just walk on. Other times … hours in the sun
Sorry to hear of the confusion re the alcohol policy.
OPT is one of those places that's brilliant when it works, and when it doesn't, it can be a pain. In those instances, I recommend leaving lol. Go anywhere else for a drink or coffee and return when the queue has retreated.
Went on a cruise at the end of last year from Circular Quay. Compared to the brisbane cruise terminal its very poor imo. The brisbane one is more like a airport which is alot more bearable.
It is a great facility in Brisbane - pity it’s in the middle of nowhere, next to nothing 🥲
Are there any places to leave your suitcases after disembarking so you can spend the day in Sydney before heading to the airport?
There's a cafe at the train station that have a luggage drop service.
There is a cafe called City Extra opposite the ferry terminals backing onto the train station.
There is also a luggage storage firm called Bounce or Luggage Hero check them out online.
Hope that helps.
Check this out: bounce.com/stores/sydney/hE3srC
I’ve just recently sailed away on the Celebrity Edge from/to Sydney! 🛳 Since I’m based on the sunny coast, I had to book my flights separately, and that’s when things got interesting! 😅
Now, with my busy schedule, I couldn't make it to the terminal the day before (work, right? 🙄), so I decided to book my flights via the Cruise Line app. Yes, it was a bit pricier, but considering how often Virgin Australia and Jetstar cancel flights these days ✈😬, this option gave me some much-needed peace of mind. 😌✨ Why? Because the operator promises that if you book through their app, they’ll get you to the ship at all costs-and who wouldn’t appreciate that kind of guarantee, right?
Definitely worth considering when you’re heading to the ship! 🚢
Though, a little bummer is that Brisbane/Sydney doesn’t have as many awesome ships. It seems like it’s always the same ones! Wouldn't it be amazing if we had the Wonder or Harmony of the Seas 🏰 or even Virgin Voyages here? Fingers crossed for more variety! 🤞
Cheers! 😎👋
Glad you had a great cruise - it's always reassuring to have that extra guarantee when things go awry (as they often do with flying!). Virgin's one season wonder down here was not enough - and I would love to see them back again.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy fingers crossed :)
Eventually white bay won’t be a pain in the butt to get to once the metro west line opens in 2032 with the Bays station close to the cruise terminal
That is a long way off need something done now.
It will definitely help, but there's a bit of time to wait unfortunately. In the meantime, it would be great if the ferry service could resume - even if it's only on turnaround days...
☺️
Our cruise tradition when leaving from Sydney is to go to pancakes on the rocks. Delicious food great service. Easy walk after you drop your bags
Yum! Short stack, thanks!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bloopers. Hahahaha. WHAT!
🤣 what! Glad you enjoyed them
❤
I still paid around $500 at Meriton Suites for 1 night. Not that cheap...
That all depends on a few factors, mostly the date/time of year and if there are any citywide events planned. I've stayed at Meritons in the city for as low as $200 in a 1 bedroom apartment. I do know that pricing across the board has increased though but still, compared to a cramped hotel room, it's nice having the luxuries of home when travelling.
⛴️⛴️⛴️ Hey hello Adrian, about insurance. We are boarding ship in Bali Indonesia passing through Australia. With a few stops in Australia, as ship sails to Fiji. We have applied for the e vias and been approved. Our question, type of insurance is required. We have global medical coverage from work retirement pension package. Whhat eles is needed? For travelers to without global insurance coverage from their pensions, what are they required to be in possession of when boarding ship in Australia or ships passing through Australia?
I would recommend ensuring that your insurance coverage includes cruise - as this is usually not a standard inclusion. Cruise is typically added to travel insurance policies as an extra. So double check that - apart from that, I don't really think there's much else but I would recommend speaking directly to the insurer about your travel plans to make sure coverage is adequate and in line with your movements.
White Bay is a pain Adrian for sure why the cruise lines cannot work with the NSW Government to fix this travel problem is beyond me. Rest of it Adrian we all already know that is why cruise lines tell you how to get to White Bay and the International terminal at Circular Quay. But what you say is so well known anyway.
👍
OK taken to censoring me ? Just because I'm critical about 'those two ponces'. So I have put your channel on the not interested list.
? I haven’t censored anything. Unless you’re the one that wrote a comment about ozempic? 🤨
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Sure mate !!! and no I said nothing about ozempic. I can always tell when comments have been withheld. 'Those two idiots' need to be called out, as they feel like they are cruise ship royalty. Reality is they are entitled idiots. Got no time for them.
@ mate, for some context... I cannot tell you how little your (or anyone's) feelings about two people I have never met, and never spoken to, matters to me.
I couldn't care less about your opinion of them if I tried.
My video serves one purpose, and that's to help others avoid a mistake that B&D made when planning their trip.
💩
👀