MMDown Under

Good night to be a Queenslander. Party pies and sausage rolls would have been better than my packet of chips.

I'm surprised you felt Carnival wasn't up to scratch, as far as food goes. I thought the food on Luminosa was very good. I started each day with a made to order omelette, with fresh fruit. Their brunch had an excellent selection of food. Their Indian food was so good, I had it every time it was on the menu. I also enjoyed their Asian food in the buffet. Only negative it took me awhile to find some of the delicious food on offer.

Next time take a small 24 hour thermos so you can make a hot drink whenever you like. I also take a second container for ice, so I can have a cold drink whenever I want. It helps keep the fridge cooler also.

Woohoo what a score. Good night to be a Queenslander! Did they show the game on the ship?

Good to see Aussie dollar improving against the US dollar. I'd love to be able to use my US TA one more time before I stop cruising.

Hawaii is a good stopover, if you want to break your long journey. Over the years, I've stopped over at a number of South Pacific islands, with Air NZ. Stopovers enhance the trip, but Depend on how much leave you have.

They are first to complain when cruises ban smoking.

Thank you, That is good to know that it could be an option.

Wow sounds like a great holiday. Have a good trip home.

Athens, Greece?

Try Fast Cover. If not, google travel insurance medical evacuation.

Forecast - 31c Colombo, feels like 37c.

Has permission to bring some safe foods.

But when are you leaving?

The Pink Beach appeals to me more than the dragons Can you just visit the beach on tour with lunch?

I'd be taking smoked salmon for your seven year old, and sharing it!

What about all the people who regularly eat pies from their local baker, don't they count? I have never bought pies from supermarkets. Picked up a Freys Pie at Aldi last week but didn't buy it, after reading the contents of the pie. My daughter is working from home today, so I texted her to buy me a pie with mushy pies, for lunch, but she had moussaka already cooked.

Sounds like your lucky day Sparky!

This would only be a problem for Aussies, because all other people from foreign countries have to apply for a visa to visit NZ I feel for you, as I'm always a nervous wreck completing forms re my name, of which I've had a few. That is why visas often take longer for women than men.

That is a nice gesture. I take small gifts for them. Last time I bought fridge magnets for a crew member who collected them, but couldn't always get off the ship into port. In Australia, I take back information on the ports, for when the ship returns to that port. I keep my cabin tidy to save crew work. There are lots of ways you can show appreciation to crew members, which doesn't involve money. If they need more money for the work they do, the cruiselines should pay them an adequate wage.

As if we Aussies didn't feel bad enough with not tipping, no gratuities, now it is crew appreciation. So if you don't give anything to the crew because it is included in the fare, you don't appreciate the crew. FWIW, I've spoken to members of the crew, who have requested transfer to ships operating in Australia, because they like working with Aussies.

Thank you for sharing these photos

Yes it is nice to meet someone who you "know" from Cruise Critic.

French firefighters say Quebec fires are unbeatable. Times

The Parliament is well worth a visit for the unique design to protect foundations from earthquakes.