Month: May 2017

Finally the big day arrived and after a farewell breakfast with our friend Cathryn we were picked up by the shuttle bus and driven to Sydney’s OPT. The skies were clear and the rain predicted didn’t show up. This gave us a beautiful exit from Sydney harbour and the start of our big adventure was on.

We found our friends Paul and Michelle and the party began.

It’s been a blast. 

On sea days we’ve entertained ourselves with different events that the ship are running, lots of relaxing and some great shows at night. Not to forget the wonderful dinners at night.

MELBOURNE: Fearn picked the four of us up and we went into the cbd doing the tourist thing, caught up with Murray for a coffee and utilised the free tram around the city. A great day with great company and another clear day made it a great first stop for us.

FREMANTLE: James and I caught the train into Perth and had a walk around the very scenic waterfront before getting on a free bus loop of the cbd. We then caught a captain cook river cruise back to Fremantle where we walked and caught the 1 pm canon firing, which was used for helping the ships work out their longitude in days gone by.

Again we’ve lucked it with the weather and envisage a pretty sail away this evening.

JAMES: had his birthday onboard the other day and with a song and a cake from the wait staff to round out the day. We celebrated by donning silly captain hats and glasses and cruised the ship. What a hoot. 

So finally! after weeks of lovely farewell dinners and drinks with all our family and friends the big day arrived.

We booked a shuttle for our trip to Sydney overseas passenger terminal and after a send off breakfast with our friend Cathryn we arrived in Sydney to beautiful skies and temperatures, so lucky as heavy rain was predicted.

It didn’t take long to embark and we were soon onboard checking out our cabin.

First impressions were so so, it was all a tight squeeze especially when our four large suitcases arrived, but by the end of day two we had it all stowed away and after the third day, the cabin actually started to look roomy. There’s that three day role in action again. ( you can get used to anything after three days’ if not move on)

We found Paul and Michelle and shared our sail away taking in the beautiful vista of Sydney Harbour.

After sorting out our dining room tables we relaxed into the cruising mode. Which is do as much or as little as you want.

Monday: 22nd. Fearn picked us up at the port and we had a fun day doing city sights on foot and on the free tram. Another day of sunshine and good company. 

Wednesday 24th May.

We have been to several great shows, a couple of trivia games, walked the promenade and had some incredible meals in the dining room. Feeling nice and relaxed and even with the unscheduled overnight in Melbourne due to trying to avoid bad weather in the Bite and a bit of a swell happening I haven’t felt sea sick yet. Those sea patches must be helping a lot.

Friday 26th May:

Yesterday was James birthday, it was a pretty relaxed day, the seas were bouncing about and the remnants of a seasick tablet left me feeling sleepy all day. James went to his ukele lesson and learnt two chords. 

In the late afternoon we joined Paul and Michelle for a walk out on front of ship to catch the sunset and observe the ships movement.

Drinks before dinner were a hoot as we all donned our captains glasses with cap attached, we waved and made comments to people as they passed by. Lots of people getting into the spirit of it and we got our photo taken with the general manager as well.

Another top show followed dinner, which of course included a cake a singing of happy birthday by staff and ourselves. and we all left for our cabins after another memorable day at sea.

Today we met up for trivia at 10:15 then went off for coffee and another walk outside watching the ship get pounded by the swell, exciting and exhilarating fun. Off to the pizza restaurant for lunch. Rest time followed before we dress and meet for dinner.

Tomorrow is our stop in Fremantle. Nothing planned and James and I will walk off the ship to see what’s on offer from the port.

So far I think it’s easy to say we’re all settled into life at sea, looking forward to sharing the fun with our friends and other ship mates along the way.