aussielozzie18

Having had a big breakfast, we didn’t need lunch on boarding, so headed to the pods on the Serenity deck to wait for our rooms to be ready. It was windy out there and Carnival staff came along and turned around the pods to secure them to the rails. So I knew we were in for a bumpy night cruising out of Brisbane…..

We dropped off our luggage and took a seat outside with everyone else. The was a coffee cart doing a roaring trade in the outside area. My boarding time was at 12 and my daughters was at 12.30. Carnival were ahead of schedule with boarding although they were very strict with keeping to your boarding time. I thought my daughter might be able to check in with me but that was a firm no, so I just waited a bit with her until her time was called. the 12.30 boarding time was called at 11.20am so Carnival were an hour ahead of schedule. We had done the RAT test with photo ID the afternoon before. We hadn’t done the verifly app but had all our paperwork ready. Didn’t take note of the time of the time we boarded but it was a very quick process.

We had an excellent stay at the Kingsford Smith Motel and wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again if cruising out of Brisbane. At 11am, we joined two other friendly cruise couples staying at the motel and hopped in the motel’s clean air conditioned van for the 20min ride out to the cruise port.

View of sunset from where we ate at Eat Street. After an excellent nights sleep in extremely comfy beds (we actually took a photo of the mattress brand), we headed out for breakfast. Cafe was a short walk away and recommended by motel staff. Very tasty food. Then walked back to motel, for our free shuttle to the new Brisbane cruise terminal.

We liked the area around the motel. Portside Wharf was a short walk away. It had bottle shop, a couple of cafes & restaurants, a supermarket and a cinema. The supermarket had a deli and coffee shop with seating, so grabbed a light lunch of pastries and coffee. For dinner, staff at the motel recommended Eat Street, which she felt would particularly appeal to my daughter. Approx. 20 min flat walk from our motel. Located on the water’s edge, this eating precinct had a $5pp entry fee and consisted of many casual eateries and bars located in an open space with stages for musical performers, roaming entertainers and plenty of fairy lights and illuminated installations for photo ops. Very very popular and there was plenty of food choice of the casual variety.

Currently on board Luminosa. Having an excellent time. It’s a lovely ship and the food in the MDR is excellent as is the service. The buffet is basic and doesn’t compare to other lines but that was the case on the Spirit before Covid. Glad we made the decision to fly out from Sydney for this relatively cheap cruise. No complaints from us. Will continue my detailed review on my other post when back in Sydney.

I think it may have been your recommendation. If so, thanks. Beds were a dream. We loved them so much we took a photo of the mattress brand. Rooms were very clean & modern & the front desk service was excellent.

We arrived at Kingsford Smith Motel early. We expected to drop off our luggage and go for a wander until check in but the wonderful lady at reception said your room is available now (we are talking just after midday). I had originally booked a King just for me. When daughter decided to join me they were booked out. I asked if I could add a rollaway bed to our room. Instead she offered us a room with two singles. Perfect! And because we booked direct, we got a free bottle of wine (I choose Rose) and there were welcome chocolates. Room was very modern.

We flew up the day before with Jetstar. Thankfully there were no issues (aka cancellations…). On arrival at Brisbane we decided the easiest option was to jump in a taxi and there were a few waiting. $30 from airport to our motel - Kingsford Smith Motel - choose this one based on recommendations here. View leaving Sydney and approaching Brisbane

We live in Sydney. This is the first time we have flown interstate for a cruise. Couldn’t resist the cheap rates on offer for Luminosa and the fact that a GBR cruise is only 7 days from Brisbane was an appeal too (less time off work/less impact of Covid). Myself and young adult daughter. I originally booked myself a solo balcony cabin. Then daughter said she would love to join me, so at those cheap rates, I booked a solo adjacent balcony cabin. My cruise since Covid was 3 days on the Coral Princess. Precovid, I enjoyed cruises in Royal Carribbean, Carnival Spirit & Holland America.

I am so pleased you saw the newly renovated Art Gallery NSW in Sydney. You have been blessed with wonderful weather. Glad you turned a negative into a positive and enjoyed your time here. Enjoy Singapore & safe trip home

Last night, we walked from our hotel to Eat Street. There was a bit of a breeze but it was a pleasant 20 min walk. We hadn’t heard of Eat Street but the hotel receptionist recommended it to us, particularly for my daughter. its $5pp entry and it’s a series out outdoor spaces on a dock amongst shipping containers on the river edge in Brisbane. It offers every type of casual eats you can imagine,live music and roaming Christmas characters and lots of fairy lights and illuminated signs for photos. Very popular. Lots of families, couples and dogs. DD had Indian, I had Moreton Bay bugs & chips. We grabbed a table by the water and watched the sun set. Lots of delicious dessert options but we had to give those a miss. Instead we went and did a Photo Booth session with props. That was fun. A nice casual evening.

Love this. Loved Safe Haven. I don’t read Nicholas Sparks books but occasionally when we are in the mood, my girlfriend and I go see one of his movies. They are like Christmas movies, if you are in the right mood, you enjoy.

Wishing you all the best for their removal Graham and for benign results and getting the all clear.

My work colleague and I share a love of cruising but can’t take holidays at the same time. We often take cruises close to each other though. One time we did back to back on the Voyager, so she arranged for the room steward to leave a gift in our a cabin before they disembarked. Arrived in my cabin to find a gift wrapped “Cruising Queen” Royal mug. Small gift but much appreciated and still used.

How exciting. How lovely of your boss. Hope you have a lovely cruise.

Our hotel in Brisbane said that a ship was three hours late boarding this morning due to rough seas. She didn’t specify which ship though.

A ski resort in BC.

Photos leaving Sydney and then approaching Brisbane I had the window. Daughter had the aisle…..

Sounds like a fabulous cruise. Love all the photos.

Son decided he wanted an outdoor job in Canada. Photo from his first day….

How exciting. Lovely photos.

+1. Looks like you have a nice tan from your cruise location (or is it the lighting)

Happy 53rd Anniversary @BonTexasNY 🥂

So lovely to you are close enough to help out when needed. I do hope Isaac grows out of his allergies.