MMDown Under

That would be a handy ferry service.

Channel 9 is on board as Disney World heads for Sydney (25 October, 2023).

For those who love Gardens, Cairns botanic gardens are a tropical paradise with a notable tropical plant collection. cairns,qld,gov.au

I caught the local bus to Tauranga, where I had my best shopping in NZ. We also walked around Mount Maunganui township, which has a beautiful main beach. Great place to relax at one of the beachside cafes. We had stayed at Rotorua previously, which is unique and well worth a visit.

That is a handy map for visitors to have, Leigh.

Bon Voyage. I look forward to reading your comments on your cruise and Japan. Good idea to use your Japan trip as a reccie for your world cruise. I learnt the hard way just how long it can take you to find a product you are looking for, on a cruise in Canada. I had no idea there were so many different types of ginger in a supermarket. I eventually found the Bundaberg Ginger style ginger lollies, which I always travel with which help ease nausea in rough seas.

It gets better when you reach the ocean, with beautiful views of Moreton Island sand hills, then the passage to Caloundra.

You'll be fine with your attitude. My neighbour told me it didn't used to be so difficult to get a single seat, as it became before her ultimatum to her husband. They were happy to fly separately, but it was usually her who ended up in Timbuktu!

What are your favourite world cruise blogs? I lost contact following a few regulars, following Covid. A favourite remaining is "Rose and Ted's Excellent Adventure". Latest episode is their thoughts on their latest and upcoming tours: value for money. There is a lot of valuable information for future cruisers and travellers in their enjoyable blogs.

Hope they provide you with first class care at the Batemans Bay Hospital, Uncle Les. You'll no doubt liven the place up. Best wishes for a speedy return home.

You might like to reconsider flying standby at that busy time of year. My neighbour is married to a Qantas pilot and she refused to fly on standby, in the end, after lots of horror experiences waiting for an available flight overseas.

Thank you for your beautiful photos which make me feel like cruising from Sydney again.

I had heard of passengers whose favourite time on the ship was when the ship was in port and they had the ship to themselves when most passengers disembarked.

WOW That would be a relaxing cruise, especially if they had a balcony to soak up the view.

I toured Alaska by the Alaskan Marine Highway, staying a few nights at each port. It was amazing how these ports changed when the mega ships arrived each day. As all ships departed by 5 pm, I was surprised to see passengers queueing up for lunch on board. Alaska is such a beautiful place to explore on the small ferries, where the big ships can't go.

You don't need an organised Laneways tour to enjoy Melbourne's Laneways and Arcades. You can just explore yourselves at your own pace. melbourne laneways & Arcades walk iconic laneways and arcades walk - what's on Melbourne the best laneways and arcades in Melbourne - Time Out

I recently spent five nights at a basic three star hotel in Sydney. Each night was a different price, but Saturday night was $300 per night, with no room service!!

WOW Good to hear. I knew of someone in the US who had a free casino offer You can't beat that price.

There is lots to see and do in Melbourne, so an excellent place to just wander and explore. There is a Melbourne Laneways and Arcades Self Guided Walking Tour. I love exploring the laneways and arcades and finding new cafes to try in Melbourne. If the weather isn't favourable, I escape into one of the excellent Museums or Art Galleries.

it is cheap because it involves a one way flight and hotel accommodation for a night. Hotels are often dearer on Saturday nights.

A price too good to resist is a Casino Price! Was just reading roll calls where Americans were saying "Casino offer on cruise to Australia" too good to resist. Do many Australians get bargain Casino offers?

Early September is good Autumn weather in Alaska. Scenery is beautiful. Bon Voyage to your wife for her birthday,

Amadee Island met be nice. I agree the amount of time in port is a deal breaker for me. I am spoilt from a few days stopovers on South Pacific islands en route to the UK or USA.

Would love to cruise on Luminosa again. I cruised on her in 2022. However, I couldn't find any cruises which excited me. Does Luminosa do any longer cruises from Brisbane to - NZ, Fiji or more distant South Pacific Islands, or North Queensland, in winter.

I agree you will enjoy Luminosa, which is a beautiful medium size ship.