MMDown Under

What a beautiful creative tart! Is that your handiwork? You are privileged Les

I hope their ship gets in to Broome, such a unique port.

Ok thanks, that is more feasible. I'm doing three things at once!

Yes, but that would be a long day trip. But we drive to Sydney in a day, with free accommodation and parking, at the end.

That is a positive. They should advertise that!!

eg I trust Hurtigrutren, Norwegian sailors, with my life to Antarctica.

I can travel at short notice from Brisbane but am a solo (no flights). Can be dropped at the door of new port, if the price is right. However like many people, I have previous plans (until the end of the month). Luminosa needs more positive publicity. Just my personal concerns. Luminosa reminds me of Costa Concordia which sunk off Italy in 2012. (OK I'm a Senior) If ever there was a ship which needed a new name, this is one. What does Luminosa mean? Does it sail with the same crew or different?

any good solo specials?

Bon Voyage Don. Surprised Coral Princess will be in Melbourne already. I still mentally have them in the north. I wonder which ship will leave first?

Well done. Now that is self discipline. Sometimes it is easier than others depending on choices.

For a dessert lover, do you realise how sad it is to wake up to talk of dessert with nothing sweet in the house? When perusing menus, I look at the dessert first. Used to be a tough decision, when you had to pick two courses out 3 choices, with a tempting entree. Now on a ship, you can enjoy all three courses!

Hi Les, Missing your input already. Maybe you could get your son or daughter to give us an update on your progress. I recall seeing a TV story on Jack Thompson, the actor, being on dialysis at an aboriginal township, where he was directing a film, despite his obvious ill health

One market stall I shop at has a sign "We prefer cash, otherwise soon there will be no cash". I haven't seen a sign "credit cards only" at markets I attend. I just attended a two day Dwali Festival, where cash was accepted at all food stalls. However, I know younger people use credit cards for everything.

That is great news. Aussies have been calling out for winter cruising north. Now all they have to do is charge in Aussie dollars on ship home-ported in Brisbane and have some longer cruises to South Pacific islands and PNG. Most Aussies get four weeks' leave a year, plus some six weeks' leave a year. Cruises limited to one week are not as attractive to them.

when they spoke on microphone.

I also forgot, crew who spoke fluent English on MSC were not native English speakers, so couldn't be understood by native English speakers.

When I cruised in an inside cabin, I used to spend most of my time outside on deck. I found when I had my only big deck, I stayed more on my own deck and was less social. When I arrived at OPT, I stayed on my deck with its beautiful view of the Opera House until the "all passengers still on board to leave" announcement. Funny to see my port sitting on its own in the luggage collect area.

No it is to make it easy. All one size US is to make it difficult.

Thanks

Now I remember seeing those islands off Coffs Harbour. But I'm confused by the other cruise, so was thinking North Queensland. At least you didn't have to walk around in the stinking heat!

It is always nice to see islands when you are at sea. Where is North Solitary Island near (big place).

How was that mean? Just canny. I drink black tea with lemon so collect Earl Grey tea bags before there are only flavoured tea bags left. I do take my own from home also. I've flown Thai - the nicest people. We had rough weather flying north once from Bangkok, so the air hosteses were belted in facing us. I whispered maybe we should tell them their job is not to look terrified, as we were. And here I was thinking I was the only one having to call the air hostesses to pull my seat apart to get my glasses. Lucky I had read not to touch the seat! Have a good flight and put your hearing aid in your purse.