Ask Away: Touring Richmond from a cruise

The Queen Elizabeth is recommended, for shore excursions, spa treatments and decadent desserts. Photo / NZME

Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.

Part of a cruise next year includes Tasmania. Previously when there, the tours to Richmond included visiting wineries, which we have no interest in. Is there any other means of visiting what we hear is a very interesting, historical town? We have noted some private tour operators at Hobart; do they just do Richmond?

Also, how hard and fast is the requirement for men to wear black dinner jackets on the Queen Elizabeth? Would a grey jacket/black trousers/bow tie be acceptable?
Ailsa Clark

Well, I'm certainly jealous you'll be going on the Queen Elizabeth — I went on a short cruise on the Queen Mary 2 last year and it was an amazing experience. I'd say your husband would be fine with that outfit, as long as he looks smart and tidy, which I'm sure he will.

I also got in touch with my contact at Flight Centre for this one — it just so happens one of their cruise product managers recently cruised to Hobart and visited Richmond. And the Queen Elizabeth is one of her absolute favourites.

Here's what she had to say:

"While on board make sure to try the decadent Cambridge burnt cream tart at the Britannia Restaurant, and book some time to indulge at the day spa. A handy tip, look out for spa package discounts on port days.

"I visited Richmond when I cruised to Hobart and loved it. A gorgeous historic town, it has more than 50 Georgian buildings, many beautifully restored and now operating as cafes, restaurants, galleries and accommodation.

"The town is right in the heart of the Coal River Valley wine region, which is why many of the excursions include visits to wineries. Cunard does offer soemthing different though.

You'll visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and then carry on to explore Richmond. You'll have about 45 minutes' free time in the town — perfect as it's a great place to wander at your own pace.

"Shore excursions can change, however, so be sure to check the full programme available for your itinerary a couple of months before you depart. They'll be displayed on your cruise personaliser, or ask your travel expert.

"If you're thinking about organising an independent tour, be conscious that when you book your shore excursions via the cruise line, the ship will wait for you should you get held up. If you are on an independent excursion booked of your own accord, it won't.

Also remember, it's best to book your onshore excursions before you embark to ensure you get on the tour you want."

I did a bit of research on this one myself and found that Experience Tasmania offers a half-day Richmond historic tour. It seems it works with the cruise ship schedule as well. But, hopefully, there will be a shore excursion offered that suits you — as my contact said, you don't want to miss the boat!

For our 40th wedding anniversary, instead of the customary ruby ring, my husband gave me the most amazing ruby gift, a holiday, including the Sounds of Silence Dinner, at Uluru, the largest red rock in the world. In 2020 we will celebrate our golden wedding, and would love to replicate that idea with a gold-themed destination. Preferably, we don't want a cliche, like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Gold Coast. We would go anywhere in the world. Any ideas?

I think I might open this up to our readers — I'll bet they'll have some creative suggestions. For a start, you could splash out on a stay at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel — there's plenty of gold decor there and you can even have a Palace Cappuccino — a coffee dusted with 24-carat gold flakes.

Email your questions to askaway@nzherald.co.nz

Eli cannot answer all questions and can't correspond with readers.

Want more holiday inspiration? Sign up to our Travel Insider newsletter here.