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!!

16 weeks to go

23 Weeks to go

Hi every one
Just to say its now over the half way mark since we booked
bought some walkie talkies to take with us and if Diane hears me mention suitcases she will have a fit, as i keep buying lighter cases and now have six cases to choose from.
Diane has got cold feet regarding the cruise maybe she is worried about family while we are away

Just booked up a 104 Day World Cruise on the Dawn Princess, which leaves on 21st of May 2010 and arrives back in Australia 3rd September. Nearly 4 months of ultimate relaxation on this trip of a lifetime, circumnavigating the world.