onlyslightlymad

I am safely ensconced in my hotel in Sydney. Awake because of time zone differences. Hotel Capella, absolutely fabulous. More luxurious than I would normally choose but thanks to Taylor Swift, nothing else available. Had a great meal in a Middle Eastern restaurant nearby last night. Very interesting flavours and wonderful service. So impressed with the new Australians that I have met. Our driver from the hotel was Syrian and just loves Australia.

Waiting on my flight to Sydney. On board tomorrow. Let the holiday begin

Just 4

Six days and counting.

But you are called Ondine? You must be a mermaid

Will do. Not sure that I'll get off in Brisbane. Might just enjoy a quiet shipboard experience.

I should have written it properly. My mistake.

Don't worry, travel insurance all taken care of

7 days. Celebrity Edge - GBR. So much to do before I get on that plane.

Perfect

A week today till we fly to Sydney to start our first cruise since the pandemic began. So excited. Definitely don't want to catch Covid and spend the cruise in my room. Don't worry, I'm not going to do a daily countdown. But I really want to.

That's awful. The poor staff.

I suspect it's not just a Red Sea problem. I suspect the real issue is that Brilliant Lady was supposed to be launched on the 7th of September and how now been pushed out till 2025. So, that has put strain on the rest of the fleet to cover those bookings. I think that a pull back from NZ/Aus will allow Resilient Lady to be utilised in the Caribbean until Brilliant Lady can plug the gap.

Just consider that in all purchases made in NZ and Aus, you have already pre-paid your tip. It's included in the price.

Please don't feel pressured to tip. If in doubt, just ask the tour guide up front. Is tipping expected here? I was told it wasn't. They will take money if you offer it. Most people will.

We just had some friends staying there prior to a Windstar cruise. I think their plan was to roll their suitcases the few blocks down Queen Street. If you are not up to that, you could always try an Uber. I don't think they get quite so grumpy about short trips.

Which is actually what causes inflation. Expectations.

It was a very odd place

I have a cruise booked in December. I haven't heard anything yet. ?

It's not the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, is it?

Well I hope not as I am booked on a December 2024 cruise. Also, it was pretty booked up, so that wouldn't make sense to me. I just checked and they are all still for sale, so I don't really understand.

Me too, Zanny! I had Resilient Lady booked for December but had to push her out by a year because of leave issues. I get on Celebrity Edge in 28 days. Can't wait.

Not my photo (plainly) but a very nice pic of Resilient Lady in Tauranga

I have been told that it's very important to book both restaurants and particularly shows as soon as you can. I have been told with shows that it's best to book them on the app as soon as you get on board.

I just realised that I will be away in Motueka that weekend so I will miss seeing your ship! I am looking looking forward to your feedback, though, as I am booked on her in December