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Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215733 11/22/09 03:35 PM
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Beth Offline OP
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Mark & Cheron, Welcome to DINGO. I've added you to our roll call. We are calling ourselves the Dingbats!!!

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215734 11/22/09 07:17 PM
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sedona Offline
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I'll do it with you, Kathy. I bet Doug won't do it either.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215735 11/22/09 08:21 PM
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ChatKat... Offline
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Thanks, Olvia and Andi. I am guessing we will start planning shortly...We are always thinking about travel.


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215736 11/23/09 02:09 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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I'm game for the climb!


Lauri
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215737 11/23/09 04:41 PM
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TedC Offline
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Climbing Uluru - Ayers Rock - is more fulfilling and more challenging.

You're not tethered and you can carry a camera.



"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215738 11/23/09 04:50 PM
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jhp Offline
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Ah, but Ted, Ayers Rock a long way from Sydney! I must admit, I had a visual of Kathy with her big gun Canon around her neck for this " tethered crawl", which might be better suited for the pocket variety, if indeed they let you take pictures. Can't imagine that they wouldn't, after all that climbing!

Now that there is interest, at least from the ladies aboard, I shall look forward to the first hand reports, since I missed the opportunity.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215739 11/23/09 06:25 PM
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ChatKat... Offline
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Olivia - I doubt that I will have heavy gear on to do a climb. My insurance company wouldn't be all that happy if I took camera stuff there. I would probably take a point and shoot. I think I will need two hands to do the bridge climb.


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215740 11/23/09 07:05 PM
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KarenS Offline
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Kathy, your insurance company tells you where you can take your gear?!?!


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215741 11/23/09 10:24 PM
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ChatKat... Offline
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I don't have the same kind you do (lol). I have a commercial photography policy and yes, it has exclusions for coverage.


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215742 11/24/09 05:39 AM
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KarenS Offline
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Well that is just silly! What do the professional photogs do when they need to take pictures in high risk spots?


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215743 11/24/09 05:49 AM
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ChatKat... Offline
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They use the lower end models of camera and take risks. A few use point and shoot's that are less noticable. High risk spots aren't covered. Often some of the journalists use cameras that are about $1000 and one of them that I have worked with uses a lens that is $100. (Those of you who know Canon 40D and 50 1.8 lens) They get paid enough that if they lost that camera it was paid for with just a few snaps.


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215744 11/24/09 11:21 AM
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Lee Offline
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Their main reason for not allowing climbers to carry anything (apart from financial which I'm sure plays a big part because everyone buys an 'official' photo) is that if someone dropped something, there are hundred of cars crossing the brige below and it could cause a serious accident (but I guess you all knew that). Lee

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215745 11/24/09 03:17 PM
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ChatKat... Offline
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Yes - it is definitely a captive audience.


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215746 11/25/09 06:51 PM
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If people are interested in staying at the Park Hyatt (right on the harbor) there is a way to get a room there more reasonably (still fairly expensive - but this is THE hotel in Sydney) - for those who were on CAMEL its basically the same thing that was done for the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Feel free to private message me if you're interested. Ngaire also has the information.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215747 11/26/09 09:34 AM
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Mark and Cheron Offline
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Is everyone arriving in Sydney a day or two prior to the cruise? If so, where are you staying?

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215748 12/03/09 08:58 AM
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I'm thinking of coming in a day early. I haven't decided where to stay yet.

Does anyone know, if using RSSC air do they fly you in the day the ship leaves or the day before to give a little buffer in case flights get messed up?

ETA: I just used Peter's method to book the Park Hyatt!


Lauri
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215749 12/03/09 04:01 PM
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jhp Offline
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Lauri, I wouldn't count on Regent to book you into hotel unless they don't think you could make the embarkation as scheduled. Good idea on your part to get it on your own.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215750 01/16/10 05:10 AM
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Beth Offline OP
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We sail 10 months from today!!!

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215751 01/16/10 11:47 AM
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Lee Offline
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Yahoo! Even if I can't join you, I'll get to see you - well those who want to see me! Lee

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215752 01/17/10 02:15 AM
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Beth Offline OP
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Can't wait to play with you in Sydney, Lee!!

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215753 02/24/10 09:57 PM
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ChatKat... Offline
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Air done...we're confirmed but no cabin assignment yet. (keeping fingers crossed for a nice upgrade...)


VOYAGER:
MC to FLL 11/07
MC/Dover 6/06
MARINER:
BCN / Ven 10/11
Alaska 2001|2006
Panama Canal 2003
NAV
Caribbean 11/06
Bermuda|New Eng/Canada 6/04
PG 5/05
OCEANIA
Nautica |Ist/Athens 6/07
Regatta|Baltics 6/08
Riviera 2013 Crossing -Istanbul to Miami
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215754 02/24/10 10:14 PM
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sedona Offline
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Our air is done too. We got Regent air and got just what we wanted. Delighted. We're leaving on QUantus from LAX 11/11. How about you? I've never had an upgrade on Regent, except a paid one.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215755 02/25/10 11:37 AM
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David
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215756 04/08/10 08:51 PM
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Betty Offline
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The email tour option is working for DINGO now.

David - Thanks for your post. It was fascinating.


Betty
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215757 04/08/10 11:38 PM
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englishusa Offline
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I'm sure it was important!


David
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215758 04/09/10 03:38 AM
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Beth Offline OP
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Thanks, Betty. No excursions for Geelong yet. I am really wanting to take a drive down the Great Ocean Road to see the remaining 12 Apostles. Wonder how many more excursions Regent will post by booking time in July?

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215759 04/09/10 08:26 PM
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Betty Offline
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Beth I noticed that. Looked at what they offered in the past. Your 12 Apostles wasn't mentioned. I am hoping they will add more free excursions. I will be gone 6 weeks in total, so I will definitely need spa treatments and hope to use SBC for those decedent necessities.


Betty
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215760 04/10/10 02:29 AM
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Beth Offline OP
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The New York Times Travel section has 36 Hours in Sydney this weekend.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215761 04/10/10 04:44 AM
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Yallcruise Online
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Beth, thanks for the article on Sydney.

Carolyn

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215762 04/10/10 04:50 AM
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We did the Great Ocean Road a number of years ago and I have never forgotten it - spectacular! I'm so hoping they offer it as an excursion out of Geelong.

Sally

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215763 04/11/10 02:22 PM
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Beth Offline OP
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Quote
Originally posted by dixiechick:
We did the Great Ocean Road a number of years ago and I have never forgotten it - spectacular! I'm so hoping they offer it as an excursion out of Geelong. Sally
Sally, I'm sorry if you misunderstood, the excursions for Geelong aren't up yet. I was hoping Regent had a trip to see the Apostles.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215764 04/16/10 04:08 AM
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Beth Offline OP
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Seven months until the DINGBATS gather together on the Navigator!!!

wave wave wave wave

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215765 04/28/10 05:19 AM
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ssclbc Offline
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Is anyone considering or doing the overland tour from Milford Sound to Dunedin?

It would be nice to see some of the interior of New Zealand but I'm wondering if it's simply too much time on a bus.


Lauri
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215766 04/28/10 11:25 AM
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I'm curious too if this would be alot of bus time. We haven't considered it yet, but maybe could be persuaded.

Sally

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215767 04/28/10 12:31 PM
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Lauri & Sally,

I haven't taken the Regent excursion but my wife and I toured this area extensively a few years ago. Plan on a minimum of nine to ten hours of bus time. Personally, I think that's too much time on a bus for a tour length of less than two days. YMMV. Hope this helps.

Dave


Dave
Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215768 04/28/10 01:14 PM
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Lee Offline
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Ngaire would be the best one to advise you but as far as I'm concerned, to see any part of the South Island is worth as long as it takes on a bus. It's a beautiful part of the world.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215769 04/28/10 02:31 PM
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Lauri, I assume you are talking about the overnight trip offered through Regent. I did this in 2005, along with Marcie, and just loved it. I looked at the itinerary, and unfortunately they are no longer doing what was one of my favorite parts, a jet boat thing www.shotoverjet.com that was absolutely thrilling! It was not rushed at all, and we visited every single thing on this itinerary, except we did it in reverse and ended in Milford Sound. We didn't spend a lot of time in Dunedin though. Queenstown is absolutely gorgeous, and we had perfect weather, dinner was at a local restaurant on the water, and there was free time there as well. I don't recall that being on the bus was unbearable, because the scenery along the way was so beautiful.

I believe I did this almost at Ngaire's insistence at the time, so I'm sure she recommends it. I would think that if someone in the group wants to take the time to do some research, you might be able to find a private tour that would be a whole lot less expensive than the one Regent is offering, much like some of us have done in various cities on the BK cruises.

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215770 04/28/10 03:23 PM
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Dreps Offline
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Gail and I did it also and it was great. I know that there is now a nicer hotel in Queenstown that they use. We didn't even have perfect weather there, but it was still a wonderful excursion.

The train portion was also wonderful--we had an attendant whose name was Ngaire, and of course I had to get a picture of her with her name tag. We even had an adventure with a flat tire on the coach, which the Regent person accompanying us played a major role in fixing as our guide and coach driver were a little old to be changing a bus tire. Anyway, I think the excursion is not to be missed unless you are going to do a land trip on your own.

-------------

Eugene

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215771 04/28/10 04:17 PM
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jhp Offline
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Eugene, what was the train portion?

Re: DINGO - Sydney to Auckland 11-16-10 Roll Call #215772 04/28/10 05:16 PM
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We do not enjoy long bus rides with the exception of NZ. The scenery is so beautiful everywhere, and the roads are so quiet and peaceful. And like Olivia said, Queenstown is a gorgeous town with stunning views over the lake and the backdrop of The Remarkables. This is one country where I believe an overland tour is a must do.


Sheila and Ken
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