Anyone got any hints?

[springyzone]

I guess I could google but thought I'd gather any recommendations here.

I'm off on a short cruise to Sth Pacific in a few weeks and I'm interested in any cost saving ideas as far as phones and messages go. I know international roaming is expensive. 

So what alternatives can people suggest? I'm sure I have heard of something that is cheaper but can't recall names.

Also travel insurance. Can any seniors here recommend any that are good for a person with pre existing conditions?

In fact, any suggestions at all would be appreciated. Been a while since I travelled, last time was China 2018. Not sure what things will be like post covid.

[springyzone]

My rewards balance is currently a tad over $17, but only $7 of it is available now.

Lifetime rewards though, it tells me, have been $445.08.

Currently $30 if you refer it and the new person uses it. Pity I don't know anyone to refer! My kids and friends are already in it. Back when my sister told me about it a few years ago, we each got $10 when she referred me.

I have recommended it to a couple of others but they never took it up.

With the cruise, pity no one knows a good travel insurance company for those with pre existing conditions. Guess I'll just have to check around.

One tip I already know is to pack as little as possible.  I remember back when we went to China, I had a friend who packed-get this-11 pairs of shoes. We were only away for about 12 days! 

This time, I won't be bothering with things such as shampoo etc. Bare minimum. Normally on holidays I take a book or two but most ships have a small library so I'll make do.

[domino-710]

Springy - this may be worth a look.

[ambercat16]

Sorry, can't help with insurance as I have 't looked into it since Covid.   In the past I have used Travel Insurance Direct (TID) and have been happy with them but since Covid, I don't know if they are still good. I have only travelled to NZ in the past few years and don't bother with insurance there.

It used to be that with 'ordinary' pre existing conditions (i.e. hypertension, type 2 diabetes etc) you were okay as long as you condition was stable and your medication had not been changed in the past 2 years. 

With packing light though - a cruise is the one time when the amount of 'stuff' you take really doesn't matter - unless of course you need to fly to get to the cruise departure place.

Last time I went on a cruise (back in 2017) we turned the phones to airplane mode when on the boat just in case.

[domino-710]

Last time I went on a cruise - there were no phones. lol

[papermoon.lady]

Maybe you can use Skype - if it is allowed and if WiFi on the ship is not too expensive?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/all/can-i-use-skype-calling-on-a-cruise-ship/cd051a5...

[domino-710]

You are able to video - face call - through Messenger.

One less APP running in the background - no need for Skype.

[papermoon.lady]

I only use my laptop - no apps or phone, which I basically only have to receive codes or for emergencies, although the other day when I realized at Woolworths that I had not checked Everyday Rewards I went online from Woolworths and had to install apps just to check - there was indeed an offer that was interesting for me, but at the same time now I think it was not worth it.

I have never installed the eBay app either, and they have now stopped asking me to install it, offering a $5 voucher if I do.

[domino-710]

I mostly use a tablet - no Woolworths app - they send the boosters through email - I boost from there.

No eBay app either.

[papermoon.lady]

My laptop can also be used as a tablet as it is 2-in-1, but when I go to Woolworths I go with the phone as it is much lighter. I do boost from my mailbox too, but it took me to the Woolworths app first because it was the first time.

[springyzone]

Yes, with cruises they don't worry about suitcase weight.

But the cruise leaves from Sydney and we have to fly there first.

I haven't been away for a while. Last time was China and on Chinese airlines, they don't worry about weighing your carry on luggage. So mine was packed with really heavy stuff. It probably weighed about 11kg.

Then the flight home was cancelled and we were transferred to a direct international flight instead of Chinese domestic/then international. It meant we had to run about 2km it felt like, with our carry on luggage and our suitcases.

I swore-never again, travel light.