MMDown Under

Renovation for Councils seems a big expense for 6 months' use.

No ships at Eden from April to end of October 24.

When I first travelled to the US the tip for a meal was 10%. with alcohol 15%. Now 20-30% of meal cost seems a lot. My friends in the South go to cafeterias where there is no tipping. A small amount is left for person cleaning the table.

Staying a week, suggest you choose self contained accomodation near George Street on the Light Rail Line, Get an OPAL Card, so you can just hop on and off. Paddy's Market has reasonable fresh fruit and vegetables. Lots of places have special reduced cost meals at lunch time, like Chinatown. Sydney doesn't have to be expensive. I always catch the ferry to Watson's Bay, where I have fish and chips and salad on the jetty. I also get the ferry to Manly, where there are a lot of inexpensive places to enjoy lunch, before you walk along the Esplanade to Shelly Beach. Sydneyinfo.net.au Light Rail Line Map

Julia-Mary Lane's body was found. She appears to have slipped and fell on steep terrain. Sadly, she had sought walking companions for the walk on line.

Me too. Since Covid, I won’t cruise in an inside cabin. It is balcony only now.

Thank you. I didn't know that. Nice island itinerary too.

We came across a big Moose on the way back to Jasper. We got a ride to the start of the walk, so couldn't turn back. So we continued on, with our hearts in our mouths. We just hoped it didn't have a baby on the other side of the track. It didn't move!

I was told people fed the Moose, so when they didn't the Moose attacked the cars. (Cape Breton Island)

You could cruise on the Alaskan Marine Highway from Vancouver Island, like we did. You can stay as long as you like at each port and would be able to visit more interesting places like Petersburg on smaller ferries. www.petersburg.org We hired a car and drove to Whitehorse. I loved both Yukon and Alaska.

I cruised from Hawaii to Sydney on Rhapsody of the Seas inaugural charter. It was full of Aussies and probably the best cruise I've been on for passengers and itinerary.

Oh what a lovely surprise. That would have made my day, as I only get clotted cream in England,

I have flown to Rarotonga, the Cook Islands via NZ, then Aitutaki. I didn't realise it was as far from NZ. It must be closer to Tahiti, as there are cruises to Cook Islands from Tahiti. On my wish list!

Good point. Would cruises out of Auckland NZ to South Pacific islands, with connecting flights to Australia, be able to cruise further afield and thus be more popular. I see Jetstar is flying to the Cook Islands now (my favourite islands)

On our first visit to NZ we had a car and accommodation package. We were free to travel where we wanted. I loved the way there was fresh milk in the fridge of all basic motels.

I chose a verandah cabin because I know the scenery is beautiful. I used to sit outside in the half light watching the break of day. Such a peaceful way to start the day. I loved it and wouldn't cruise in an inside cabin. Yes 7 days never seems long enough, 10 days is better.

I was pleasantly surprised by Luminosa and thought she was a beautiful medium renovated ship. I would recommend this ship. Food was good. Omelette was made fresh to order each day (no charge). Indian and Asian food was excellent. Freshly made pizza was made in front of you until early morning every day. I would cruise on her again, even on the same itinerary, if times suited me. I wish Carnival would be more adventurous with their cruises, eg PNG, further afield South Pacific islands, etc.

If they can organise longer cruises to South Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Around the Pacific, Around Australia, why can't they organise a cruise around Half of PNG on a quality medium sized ship? We take PNG for granted because it is close, but many people travel across the world to visit PNG.

No a campervan is a converted van with a motor. Most have a sleeping area and a cooking and eating area, but not a shower and toilet (although some do). The roof lifts up for more room. Motorhomes are larger built into truck/bus/large van style bodies,

Pity those interesting cruises are only done on P&O. Surely they would have a bigger following on a quality medium size ship!

Certainly not a ship you'd consider cruising as a solo on!

I don't think she died from a bear. No suspicious circumstances. I have seen people out of their vehicles taking photos of animals in Canada. I was tempted by a moose, but we drove off when he came towards our vehicle. I later saw photos of damage done to vehicles by moose.

Later - sad news - woman was found dead. No suspicious circumstances. So sad for her family back in Australia. She was hiking prior to starting a new job.

Yes the winter weather at GC is glorious at present - cold 9 to 24 sunny today.

I can understand your disappointment, as I'd hate to be confined to a four berth cabin. But on the other hand, I'd hate to be responsible for spreading Covid to vulnerable people. My doctor said this week that Covid is still around.