MMDown Under

Sincere condolences at the passing of Lynn's mother. May you be comforted at this sad time, by memories of happy times spent together. It is a relief that Lynn's mother didn't pass during your big trip Down Under.

I thought you could only make one initial reservation per restaurant and show prior to departure.

We flew Qantas/Latam ticket to BA via Santiago. Arriving in Santiago on a Latam flight we were able to use the Business Class Lounge. On the return flight, we departed Santiago on Qantas after a five hour stopover. We had difficulty using the Business Class Lounge because we would be flying Qantas. I eventually talked my way in because they weren't busy being Christmas Day.

Could you please explain how these cards work? Are they debit cards? Do you put money on them before your overseas travels?

We recently booked Quest Auckland Serviced Apartments in Queen Street, through Booking Co. The studio apartment, which overlooked a beautiful quiet park, had a balcony. It was self contained with a kitchen and laundry facilities. There was a wide selection of restaurants in the street, as well as a regular bus which travelled down town to the wharf area.

I had a hold booked on a cruise on Resilient Lady from Singapore. I didn't continue with the booking before payment was due, due to instinct. I joined Virgin membership on board. Will I now be eligible for a refund seeing I will no longer be able to cruise on Virgin Voyages? Virgin Voyages lost a lot of good will by keeping Australians waiting for news of their plans on future cruising in Australian/NZ waters.

We have just had visitors from NY visiting. Are you visiting the Sunshine Coast in Queensland? We have just stayed at Mirra Chana on the boardwalk, beachfront, in Mooloolaba Spit. It was a heavenly peaceful place, walking distance to everywhere. We look forward to visiting again. They are now staying at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, This afternoon they have walked along the harbour waterfront, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the Sydney Theatre Company to see a play at the Wharf 1 Theatre located on pier 4/5. The Marriott is a great location for catching ferries at Circular Quay or catching light rail along George Street. I will let you know what they think of the Marriott, which is popular with Americans.

I didn't see the Arcade either. It is that kind of ship, full of surprises.

Cyclone Lincoln is reforming off Broome, WA. What an interesting journey this cyclone has followed!

I did read two singles would be in a L shape, but I couldn't work out how the side unit on the bed worked. I put the big wooden tray on it!

When we go camping at festivals, we take a hammock to hang between two trees. It is relaxing to return to the campsite in the middle of the day with a good book and a cold drink. I hope your wife finds one on your travels down under.

That is a shame as the ice cream was delicious. I only discovered it with help near the end.

20 places to eat. You will never be wanting for somewhere to eat. On the last day of a eleven day cruise, I found the pizza place and Italian Restaurant so I had pizza for lunch and was able to book a place for dinner at the Italian Restaurant.

I walked outside the taxi enclosure and booked a car for the day for a set price. The driver took us to a number of beautiful beaches and waited for us. It was an interesting day, with farmers drying their crops on the road in one place. We paid on return to ship.

Yes The ones I had were real hash browns.

I agree. Money was paid as a future cruise deposit, which won't be possible if there were no local Aust/NZ cruises.

We were the same. Brisbane is a big city in area so some areas get more rain than others. We are close to Albany Creek, Bray Park north west side of Brisbane, which received torrential rain and local flooding.

No cyclones near Brisbane, but torrential rain and local flooding all night Thursday/Friday. Went for a walk along a creek today and you could see how high the water had been rushing through.

Lucky there was no drinking game during your Korean dinner. There was a noisy table near us that was having lots of fun loudly participating.

Agree a NZ cruise can give you a taste for a longer land tour later.

No. The clapping was part of the game during dinner.

Cyclone Lincoln, Level 1, Gulf of Carpentaria heading for NT Coast.

Wow you must have incredible patience.

In mid summer, It can be cool on deck because of the sea breeze. No proper coat needed, just a light wrap or jumper to wear over summer clothes.

Brisbane has received the most rain since 2022 floods. Lots of local flooding in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. More than 1,000 homes were without power on the Northern Gold Coast. Parts of Brisbane have recorded up to 200 millimetres of rain, with more to come. BOM