Day 8 Sail Away from Darwin

Last night we sailed away from Darwin and Australia too! Beautiful calm seas and full moon to send us off. We stood on the top deck with Roy and Marg from Tassie. We had an early night as we were pooped from shopping in Darwin. But not before George had his gorgeous dessert at dinner, we are saying that we will only eat dessert once a week from now on, that's the idea anyway. There is just so much lovely food that already we have have gained the kilos.

We chose not to do any tours because of our shopping expedition but many people did do crocodile tours and loved it. Lots went to Casuarina Shopping Centre, $2 return for non pensioners and free for pensioners.

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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