MMDown Under

Oh yes, I didn't cruise for 30 years after my cruise in a share six berth bunk beds from Sydney to Perth. Had a big self contained bathroom though.

Wow what a double Ac!

What were the bad old days in cruising? I loved getting mail from overseas. I don't like being inundated with emails with regard to my booking. I had spoken to a helpful lady on line, so just ignored them. Less experienced cruisers would be worried.

When I board at the end of the boarding period, they are happy to have something to do. Always friendly,

Thanks for sharing beautiful fireworks from Canberra. Happy New Year to you.

That is good to hear.

What a difference a 11 pm departure makes. You can do a full day tour and still have time to have a shower before dinner. I love Bruny Island and plan to spend a day there in February when I'm in Tassie.

Yes I was remembering the excitement of receiving the lovely tour package from the cruise line. I still have some of mine.

Not everyone has a printer. They will complete them for you at wharf, so don't worry.

Me too. They put them on at the wharf.

That is what I was going to say. First ask for a late check out. I usually get an hour or two. Then store your luggage at the hotel you are checking out from.

I stay at YMCA 1 Orchard Rd Singapore for convenience. It has a swimming pool on the roof, good for cooling down from the constant heat and humidity. I can get bus from airport to the door or the train to over the road. Last cruise, I caught bus from door to cruise terminal. The YWCA is nearby but not quite as convenient.

Yes I was on a roll with all my friends overseas.

Wishing you a return to better health in the New Year, Les. Hope you are able to enjoy your rural drives through the countryside. Take care!

Wishing everyone Peace, Joy and Happiness in the New Year.

Thanks for interesting stats Julie. I don't know how many people caught Covid on my ship, Carnival's Luminosa, on our 7 day cruise to GBR, but I do know the woman, who sat next to me at dinner, tested positive to Covid on disembarking. The other four tablemates didn't!

If you have spare time, I think Port Chalmers is a lovely little town to walk around. Port Chalmers' The Portside is a great old historic pub and Careys Bay historic hotel, Careys Bay is well worth a visit.

Yes I use loose leaf tea at home, but take tea bags on the cruise.

I originally drank Twinings tea. But the Twinings tea available now is not the same quality.

Carnival's Luminosa uses Lipton tea. I use Dilmar Earl Grey. I have no idea what American tea is. But I know my NY girlfriend went to a lot of trouble to track down Dilmar Earl Grey tea in NY..

Sure they could if they were customer focussed. I was allotted early sitting, then it changed to early sitting where you had to book in each night. Despite explaining that I was allocated early sitting, they continued with the charade where they would book me in and tell me to wait. I went to reception and asked to be changed back to booked early sitting. He changed but asked me why reception at restaurant couldn't do it. Exactly.

Sounds like a perfect introduction to the region. If I ever get to trip to the South again, I'll get you to be my tour guide. My special memories are seeing a mother and baby whale close to shore.

Where would you take them, Les? You could always offer on the roll call but there aren't many roll calls on cruise critic.

I take Bundaberg Ginger Cordial and ginger lollies to take if I feel queasy to stop getting seasick.

Agree it would be nice to visit other ports in Queensland, such as Townsville (Magnetic Island) and Gladstone (Heron Island). Airlie/Shute Harbour is just the hub to the Whitsunday Islands. However, you might like to visit Cape Gloucester, Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach in the Whitsundays on your next visit to Airlie Beach. Have fresh seafood lunch at Cape Gloucester resort, with sand between your toes, and beautiful water views of Cape Gloucester island. This is our favourite place in the Whitsundays. We used to holiday at Airlie Beach and from there visited Bowen and Proserpine.