MMDown Under

Heavy rain continues to batter North West Qld off the back of cyclone Kirrily. six trucks had managed to get through to Mt Isa on Friday night via SA and NT to restock local supermarkets. Qld Govt approved Sunday trading so residents could stock up in case roads were cut again. The Sunday Mail 4/2/24

Oh what a beautiful library. Did you spend much time in the library. I love well stocked libraries on ships, especially the big books of maps and big books on the destination and attractions/peoples en route. A negative of Resilient Lady was so few books it couldn’t be called a library, just a pile of books. However, There was a big room of puzzles and games, plus another room with games - two round ? On sawdust. A bigger version shuttlecock was on deck outside.

Talk on the ship, when I was on board, was a move to shorter cruises. There was concern about the rebels attacking ships in the Red Sea. ?? I am interested in a longer cruise from Singapore to Fremantle in November, 2024.

There were no mattress toppers available on Resilient Lady

I always enjoy Australia Day in Melbourne I walked from the City to Government House Open Day. You can tour the House, the Ballroom and gardens. CWA sells its popular scones with jam and cream. Other charities like Lions and Rotary raise funds. The gardens are beautiful with the Kitchen Garden being my personal favourite. Afterwards I walked to the Sidney Myer music bowl which had aboriginal entertainment all day. I was waited on and fed in the Elders Sitting area. Afterwards I was assisted to walk up the Hill to a shuttle to the tram. I really enjoyed listening to the music and watching the dancing. I finished the day at the beautiful Princess Theatre seeing Groundhog Day. An Aust Open bonus was Sasha won his semi final. A great day to spend Australia Day in Melbourne

Hi Les I’m assuming you sold your home. Glad you are having the packing done for your shift to Moruya. Professional packing makes a big difference to unpacking in new location. Did you see resilient lady sail past? I’m already planning my next cruise from Singapore to Perth at the end of the year. This cruise line will set new standards for other cruise lines in Australia. It is so generous in every way - all inclusive - food 21 different eateries, free wifi, water, tea and coffee, generous time in port (2 overnights on my 11 night cruise), stays longer in port, great staff who all speak fluent English etc

I met a passenger seeking directions to Southbank from theatre last night. She was on Cunard which headed south rather than north because of cyclone.

I bought wine in port in NZ. Ship stored wine and delivered it to my cabin the day prior to my departure. I didn’t take any wine on board at embarkation.

Virgin wifi is free included!

Thank you everyone. Got as far as the Museum of Modern Art enjoying an ice cold organic brewed ginger beer. Overlooking a huge ships? Of the seas What is sydney temp? 38 Brisbane

Thank you. Are they at Bondi Junctfion?

This is a happy ship crew and passengers.

Yes I’m adding to my large collection of luggage. This time I require quality wheeled domestic size hand luggage I will take it to NY in June for my half birthday

Another big ship has already replaced us at OPT. Must be busy time for staff. I was in last slot for Custom Clearance but got moved forward which was nice. looks like a beautiful Sydney Sunday

I am on the ship to Melbourne. The sail in through the sailing boats was absolutely beautiful. I’ve never seen the Heads looking so stunning. the ship repositioned from OPT to the harbour at 4am. i plan to ride the ferries today. Les Are you on lookout for Resilient Lady as she sails past? I have loved this outstanding cruise. Hard to cruise with anyone else. Im about to pay $300’ for my next cruise. Food is outstanding so many choices 21 restaurants. Only found yummy Icecream in a cone yesterday. 24 hr meals available from Diner and Dash in The Galley break of day beautiful

Bathroom is well designed glass door on shower Two knobs for towels two railings for towels big bottom shelf with lip and rubbish bin half top shelf cake of soap powerful flush for toilet with lid down shower glass door. despite turning shower away from door half Bath Mat got wet. read how to operate shower before you turn it on. Information is there etched in steel so hard to read for Seniors. Make sure dial is set for hand hose not big beautiful round shower head on roof powerful water supply ask for help with small clothes line to hang wet togs and undies. Helps if you are tall. once I graduated I loved this shower and bathroom

You can operate TV via small tablet in room. channels Good if you like US News - all Trump. Fox sports has US Sports for those who love sport i did find the Australian Tennis Open - Yes!! Movies and series live tv and music room controls entertainment services ps a passenger showed me how to turn it on!

Background I’m well travelled senior used to travelling independently. I know how to research travel. Eg in NZ I site is Govt Visitor Information, which you can trust. Despite this, I found cruising on Resilent Lady difficult. Make Sailor Services on 5 your go to for answers to your questions. They are friendly and helpful. i wanted to see the gannets colony at Cape Kidnappers. I contacted the company. Their tour left too early for ship passengers but they told me the ship had a tour. Really? Back to sailor services who kindly made booking for me. Nobody at Shore Things at the Chart Room on 7 early! Just a long empty red table. No advertisements of what exercursions are on today. You get the gist do your own research! Btw my ship tour to Gannets was in Antarctica territory for being unique and so entertaining watching the birds and fluffy babies as big as their parents.

A NY accommodation house put through a big advance US payment $$$$ twice in error. They realised their error and reversed their charge, but too late bank had already taken the money. I received a message from family that my bank has now reversed charge. Good to know but I’m not wasting anymore time on matter until I return to Australia. Please understand the three times my cc failed overseas were outside my control. I have travelled my whole life and know to some take cash. what compounds my problem is my phone is not turned on. My daughter can use her phone overseas (? Special package!) so was able to phone Australia.

Thanks. I’ve been to most restaurants but not The Dock

Suggestions Take two big square $10 cushions so you can see the view above the bar. your friends are the tablet, Ahoy Ship Map and the red book beautiful view of mountains to sea. Sun coming out 7am arrival 11 am Picton depart 8 pm

Bon Voyage. Excellent but I use it off peak as you can see. However it may be excellent other times as well

When cash is no longer available I will stop travelling overseas!! Two credit cards failed in London for different reasons. This time it was a large hold put on twice in error fixed immediately but too late!! I failed answering both security questions Name of first car? First house? how one could fail either question is beyond me. I still have my first car in my backyard to be used in Landscaping. As for first house such a big unforgettable occasion. My daughter said it was because I replied Hillman Minx instead of just Hillman. ?? I spent hours just finding out how to call the bank in Aust from NZ There is room for improvement by banks to improve their systems to be more user friendly to Seniors. When my daughter said she was coming with me to Auckland for the weekend to see I got on the ship safely I laughed out loud. Well she proved to be a life saver, even having to pay for our Auckland accommodation. I discovered things I thought I had paid only had credit card holds on them. when card was presented it was refused. Tried again a day ago and it still got refused. im going into detail so travellers understand the potential pitfalls.

Two cards both failed in London. I wear cash on my body (yha singlet with zip pocket). In London my daughter made all my theatre bookings in Australia and I just picked up tickets at each theatre. I learnt I could use one of the credit cards up to 100’pounds without it being refused. Yes I’m going to open an account with a different bank as I’m going to New York next

I’m so glad. You will love it. I don’t understand aps which has made life difficult, but staff are everywhere offering to help. I have just learnt the tablet which has news entertainment sports in it. It controls tv.! It also opens curtains sets mood lighting etc plus you can request services such as cleaning new towels etc. it is clever. I love the innovative Design best. breakfast is my favourite The Galley on 15 has every choice imaginable My. Favourite is Noodle Around Thai Curry Ramen Chinese girls next to me enjoy Tonkotsu Ramen it is nice when Galley is empty early. I want to thank you for the restaurant recommendation - we ordered all the entrees. Food and atmosphere were excellent. Caught 8pm ferry back from island.