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Day 7

Arrived in Darwin and lovely rain greeted us, but the humidity was stifling. Had a quick breakfast and headed off to the big city to load up with supplies. There was a $7 each way Shuttle bus offered but it was only a 15 minute  walk and with all the desserts we have had we figured we needed to walk. I don't think Woolies knew what had hit them, they were running out of things like Hand Sanitizer. We got all the usual things like shampoo etc, then off to the booze shop. As we had heard lots of conflicting info regarding how much booze you could get on the ship, we had a plan! However the stress involved wasn't worth the substantial saving, I don't think but George thinks it was. Sitting in a park in Darwin, trying to decant Drambuie and Baileys into choc milk bottles, with the local indigenous nearby watching us, well you get the picture. The hilarious part was trying to dispose of the bottles discreetly into the rubbish bin......they wouldn't fit without a struggle and a lot of clinking which drew attention. We noticed the bin being pounced upon after we had left. We had made 2 trips into town to get more supplies, if you know what I mean. Had a couple of pints of beer, wow only $8 for 2, what a bargain and it went down well too. Back to ship and straight for a swim to cool off.

Note to any future cruisers: may be worth just paying the ships booze prices if you are a nervous person.  We purchased a trolley which was great for all the stuff we bought and then we can use it for our laundry onboard.

Our Cruise Director, Warren and his Assistant Colin (from Scotland so we love hearing his voice lol) are really fantastic.

 I have included 2 photos from the Ship's Tour, one of the Captain and the other is 2nd in Command.

Day 6

Last night after watching the beautiful sunset, we had a lovely delicious dinner, the food is amazing. We eat in the Dining Room every night, apart from the best service and food, its all about portion control.Not to mention our fantastic table companions.We left at a respectable time as we wanted to see the first Production Show. The waiter was gobsmacked when we all left before 9.30. In the Princess Theatre we watched the absolutely amazing show. It was mostly 60's music, so we knew all the words, but oh boy the singers and dancers were great. After this we went on deck for a walk, its still very humid at night.

Day 6

Early start today, we had booked the Ship's Ultimate Tour on Monday however it's a lottery system so to our surprise we actually "won" our places in the tour. So it began at 8.30 this morning. It's a behind the scenes look but we really got much more than we had ever anticipated. It began with a visit to the Bridge (met El Captain) right the way down to the galley and laundry and lots in between. It also consisted of 2 glasses of beautiful champagne, not usual for us before lunch, and canapé's which were so delicious. We also receive, chef's jackets, bathrobes, lots of photos and personalised stationery. It ended with champagne and canapé's again and shaking hands with the Captain. Well worth every cent of the $180 charge each. It was great to meet our Cruise Director and all his staff who are doing a great job. He promises to show lots of the Soccer World Cup.

 

Lunch at the Buffet, and then watch an ice carving demo by the pool, very good. We intend to have a swim today but don't hold us to that haha.

Day 5

Started with our walk, its is getting humid now but thank goodness no sea sickness. Trivia today, big improvement, 16/20. Thanks again to Gail, in fact if she doesn't turn up we will just leave too. Tomorrow we will miss it as we have just been invited (got to pay) to do the Ultimate Ship Tour, all the behind the scenes stuff so should be good. George is booked in to help with blog posting for a lovely couple, it may be the blind leading the blind. We are having lunch today with more of our group. A couple of people we know have caught the dreaded flu or something so hope it doesn't go around the ship. Never washed our hands so often before, every time we move we use hand gel haha.

Our cabin steward is really nice and very attentive.

The seas are calm and a beautiful aqua colour, its only by looking out at sea that you are reminded that you are on a ship.

Witnessed the first of coffee rage, because the waiter hadn't brought cakes instantly, this lady abused the poor waiter. I felt like squashing the cream pie into her face, there is no need for this as the staff are amazing.

Joanne (packetau), can you please put on blog address on the CC for other WC to enjoy.

Day 4

We had delicious pizza at lunch today, freshly made. Previous to this we had our first trivia experience, 6 of us but really only 3.5 brains attended. Lots of fun and we got 12 out of 20, not bad for our first effort, thanks to Gail.

We have been pleasantly surprised by the age group on the ship, yes there are some oldies but the majority would be in the early fifties to late sixties, but as we have discovered age is just a number, its all about attitiude. Not too many walking frames!

I am actually finding it difficult to have the time to read my Kindle. I intended to read 20 or so books but if I can get through 10 it will be a bonus. I am sitting on the top deck writing this and the loungers are being set up for the Movie under the Stars, they cover the chairs with rugs etc.

Tonight at dinner we were the last table to leave, in fact we were thrown out politely. George and I have never laughed so much, but really George is the dining room comedian, and table diners love it.

A note on the age thing, we met a lovely couple from who remarked on meeting us, "its nice to see some young people, as we thought we were getting on the geriatric ship", George then asked later how old Tom and Shirley were and were amazed when he said 80 years young,lol.

Day 3

We began the day with an early morning walk around the deck, we are intending to do this daily, but things can change! We noticed that we were being overtaken constantly by people much older than us so we upped the pace and we overtook someone with a walking frame! Good feeling. Some very serious walkers though and if you get in their way, look out. The weather is starting to warm up. seas are so calm, in fact hardly feel like you are on the a ship. The staff are very attentive, can't do enough for you.

 

It is formal night and champagne was being served (vinegar in disguise), but who cares, its free. Everyone looks lovely, and we had photos taken at the table. After dinner we went to a show, a juggler who should have stayed buskin in the city, quite ordinary. We met up with Roy and Marg from Tasmania and had drinks with them till midnight. There is not enough time in the day to fit everything in haha. I must say I have slept the best I have for years, must be the sea air or maybe the cocktails.

Afternoon Day 2

We had lunch with a group of CC'ers, what a good laugh great company and instant friends.

We later went for a snack in the Horizon Buffet.

Our dinner companions are great fun. and we now have nine at our table, the meals are fantastic and the service is also very good.

Diane is well looked after with her gluten free fix, she feels as though she has her own personal chef..

We went up top to the Riviera deck for a walk and ended up playing Shuffle board with another couple from Mandurah, Paul & Kim  we then arranged to meet up with them for drinks and dancing after the show, we even managed a little bit of twist and shake, I dance like someone with their finger in the light socket LOL.

 

 

 

day 2

WOW what a day

never talked so much in my life, and for those who know me boy I can talk.

Sheree, if you are following yes you are right' you head off somewhere and you end up talking with someone new for over an hour or so.

and due to this we are always running late for everything. We had our first Meet and Greet for the CC'ers it has been great catching up with people we have been in contact with over the internet on Cruise Critic for the past year.

here are some pictures of the Meet & Greet

Sail away

The day finally came after a whole year of waiting! We arrived at the Airport and 4.15. We were overweight by 6 kilos so we were happy with that after all it is 104 day holiday.

The flight was smooth, I just held my breath the whole way lol. Bus from airport to Wharf 8 took about 30 mins on a double decker. Finally got on board about 3.15, we absolutely felt elated and so excited. Found our cabin ok, its great knowing the layout of the ship from our previous cruise. The cabin is compact but it has everything you need.

We felt really tired but the sail away certainly woke us up. Free champers, George had several and between that and his special wine brought onboard, he was in party mode. The sail away from Darling Harbour was amazing, the views, the lights. the band playing was just breathtaking. We bumped into a few of our CC group.

At dinner we met our table companions for the 104 days and a nicer group you wouldn't find. We had such a laugh. Food was good and because I requested gluten free I had the most amazing attention. They will cater for my every whim, EVEN PIZZA yippee. Just got to give them 24 hours notice but that is nothing when you have not had a pizza for years. We passed on the evening show , just exhausted. I can't even remember getting into bed and slept really well.

the day before

All packed up and ready to go

only 5 kilo over thanks to the lightweight bags

3 large and 4 small carry on

13 days to go

Shore Excursions booked

ISLAND HOPPING – LANGKAWI $138.00
COCHIN CITY SIGHTS – COCHIN $78.00
MUMBAI CITY HIGHLIGHTS – MUMBAI $98.00
MYSTICAL MUSCAT - GRAND MOSQUE – MINA QABOOS $98.00
EASY DUBAI – DUBAI $118.00
VALLEY OF THE KINGS / KARNAK – SAFAGA $438.00
PYRAMIDS / NILE LUNCH CRUISE – PORT SAID $438.00
EASY ISTANBUL – ISTANBUL $110.00
OIA / FIRA – SANTORINI $178.00
ATHENS COMBO: TOUR / ON YOUR OWN – ATHENS $158.00
DOGE'S PALACE / GONDOLA RIDE-DAY 1 – VENICE $330.00
EASY DUBROVNIK / CAVTAT – DUBROVNIK $130.00
ELITE COLLECTION: ROME – CIVITAVECCHIA $738.00
EASY PISA – LIVORNO $178.00
CITY DRIVE / SEINE RIVER CRUISE – LE HAVRE $450.00
LONDON ON YOUR OWN – SOUTHAMPTON $178.00
NEW YORK BY LAND & SEA – NEW YORK $158.00
COAST TO COAST SCENIC DRIVE – BARBADOS $78.00
CIRCLE ISLAND DRIVE / TIKI THEATER – MOOREA $158.00
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - LOS ANGELES $90.00

Saturday 17th April and less than 5 weeks to go wow!

I thought that I would update our blog with some of the equipment we need on this 104 day world cruise.

items such as 3 camera's, 2 ipod nano's and speakers for our broom cupboard( I mean cabin)

our travel alarm, walkie talkies, money convertor / translator power board and cables,

and of course our ASUS net book and 500gb pocket hard drive.

First Aid Kit

It looks a lot of stuff but only covering all possible scenarios. Everything from panadol, antibiotics to travel sickness tablets. As we have heard how ridiculously expensive the ship's doctor is, we have a small stockpile (prob enough to supply a small country!).

My new Library

I have just received my new Kindle, which is going to be just the ticket for this long cruise. I will be able to read lots of new books which wouldn't be possible without this. Thankyou Leeane for my lovely present! Now less than 10 weeks and excitement building. We have pre reserved our Shore Excursions and cannot believe we will be seeing all the wonderful sights.

Tours

16 weeks till sail away! We have been researching the tours available and really just have to decide whether to do our own thing or go with the organised tours. Going to organise our Indian Visa soon and see about vaccinations too. The anticipation is huge and thats part of the whole adventure!!