The good ol’ USA.

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Kiwifan

169 posts

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#319512 1-May-2025 15:40

We have been lucky enough to have just finished a cruise on Holland America from Sydney to Seattle. The ship was full of mostly Americans and Canadians with a few vocal Aussies and a few Kiwis.

Every American we met apologised and asked what our thoughts were. The ones who got on in Auckland were super impressed by how lovely the place was, how friendly and kind Kiwis were and how clean the country was. They had similar thoughts on Aussie too.

The Canadians didn’t dislike the Americans but hated the political situation they find themselves facing. We had some great conversations around the dinner table.

Since getting off the ship everyone has been so nice including the folk at CBP Might be a bit different arriving by air but by ship it was a breeze. Saw CBP onboard in Hawaii, passport stamped and straight through in Seattle.

Pricing since our last visit. Ouch, all in USD $16 for a Subway foot long, 4.79 for 87 regular gas, fish and chips $23.50, $10 wines and a latte from 5 to 6 for an 8oz. Better than Hawaii where two 8oz cappuccinos cost $NZ23. All prices except the fuel excluding tips. Yikes!

Still having a blast and enjoying the place and as long as I don’t watch the local news it’s all good.

Look after yourselves over there with the weather. 🍷

johno1234

2823 posts

Uber Geek

#3369578 1-May-2025 15:49

How was the cruise? Plenty to do on the sea days? Quite a few on that voyage.

We used to go to Hawaii a bit but knocked that on the head when the cost of eating and drinking there got silly. We also found the border process to be very easy and friendly. Perhaps the big cities like LA and NY are different to the smaller, more touristy ones.

nova

250 posts

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#3369599 1-May-2025 17:16

Ouch. Prices have gone up a lot. Seattle is expensive for food, and gas is much more expensive on the west coast in general: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

And at least the gas is cheaper than NZ...

Kiwifan

169 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3369604 1-May-2025 17:36

johno1234:

How was the cruise? Plenty to do on the sea days? Quite a few on that voyage.

We used to go to Hawaii a bit but knocked that on the head when the cost of eating and drinking there got silly. We also found the border process to be very easy and friendly. Perhaps the big cities like LA and NY are different to the smaller, more touristy ones.

The cruise was awesome. We got on in Sydney and so many asked why we didn’t get on in Auckland. Having been to all the NZ ports and having to look after grandkids the week the Westerdam was in NZ it just didn’t work out. Although it was rough for them arriving in Wellington the ones who made it in to Te Papa raved about it. Seriously they had it up there with the best.

Although the Westy is getting on a bit we prefer the smaller Holland ships and their destinations. Sadly a few North American were surprised at the poor conditions in Fiji especially Lautoka and Suva. Once you got out of the city the rubbish was terrible. 😥😥

Noumea was nice but again the rubbish and sad to see so many burnt businesses.

I didn’t mind the sea days but her in doors was a bit sick of them after Hawaii. Plenty to read, food everywhere and we had the drinks package and wifi. Got to Pago Pago but would have preferred Tahiti.

Six wings, a huge salad, a bowl of kūmara fries with two red wines for dinner at a brew pub $US84 Inc tip. We really enjoyed it so will let the price slide, lol.

Asteros

279 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3369619 1-May-2025 19:04

Kiwifan:

Every American we met apologised and asked what our thoughts were.

Were they apologising for the weather?

blackjack17

1705 posts

Uber Geek

#3369626 1-May-2025 19:48

Asteros:

Kiwifan:

Every American we met apologised and asked what our thoughts were.

Were they apologising for the weather?

don't be obtuse

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eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
8876 posts

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#3369636 1-May-2025 21:40

blackjack17:

Asteros:

Kiwifan:

Every American we met apologised and asked what our thoughts were.

Were they apologising for the weather?

don't be obtuse

No, it’s not at all clear from the OP what all the Americans were apologising for. I’m still none the wiser.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Kiwifan

169 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3369651 2-May-2025 02:21

Sorry been a bit gun shy these last few months making any reference to the political system or leader in the US. They were apologising for how things worked out in their last election and their inability to elect the right person.

I think they were amazed that so many of them were more worried about the price of gas or eggs than someone creating worldwide havoc.

I think the weather was pretty good for them on this cruise other than coming in to Wellington. Sounds like it was a bit rough. 😉