MMDown Under

I know what you mean. We passed through Hawaii once when it was expensive peak season so decided to rent an old car and drive to the other beautiful side of the island. We had a wonderful day. Both daughters slept on back seat until we left the car in an isolated dark industrial area. Key left on sun shield. Worked well. Probably wouldn’t be game enough to do it again.

Thanks. I’ve always dreamt of cruising on QM2.

We have a taxi driver who picks up at the airport, which is quick. In the past we’ve had rental car companies pick us up at the airport and take us to their off airport offices for our pre booked car.

Virgin’s move to shorter cruises should suit you. Being retired, I prefer longer cruises. I put a hold on a cruise from Singapore to Freemantle in November 2024. However I didn’t continue with the booking when I discovered, shock horror, that my credit card had a hold because I was over my limit for the first time in my life! The negatives of a year of travel!!

I am interested in Queen Mary versus Queen Elizabeth because the former is an ocean liner. Has anyone been on both? How did the ride through rough seas compare?

I receive a list of current specials from a large USA Travel Company. They are always much cheaper than anything on offer in Australia. My TA, who worked from home, provided excellent service

Unique looking ship

You seem to have had above average rainfall in your area.

I spent four nights in Melbourne after my cruise. I like one way cruises where you can stay before and after.

Taxi ranks in Sydney are very efficient. If you have pushers or wheelchairs ask for a wheelchair taxi.

You can book wheelchair assistance with embarking and disembarking on cruise ships. I now do this as it is too far For me to walk up snd down Ramps. They have the wheel chairs and pushers waiting on the way. A very efficient system.

I find NZ Customs very efficient.

In 1970!

I cruised back from my half a world cruise from Southhampton on P&O Chusan via South Africa, India and Ceylon, when the Suez was closed. So shipping lines have experience of the Suez being closed.

Avoid mega cruise ships if you want calm boarding/disembarking. On my day in Sydney I caught ferry from the ship to wharf near OPT. I enjoyed a cold ginger beer at the Museum of Modern Art, as I watched the passenger bedlam and horn blowing below at the mega ship which took our place. ovation of the seas ?

Lyn Virgin Voyages have a room full of puzzles and games. It was very popular.

If they do, they need to bring their own books and magazines and maps of the itinerary if they wish to follow the journey. The latter was my greatest disappointment. I was still finding things the last day, so a real Map Room may have been somewhere. No mid day report from the Captain either.

I received an offer for any deck higher than 8 on Resilient Lady, but said I would prefer lower than deck 8 not higher, where I was already booked.

agree 11 days was perfect with accommodation both ends of cruise!

Heavy rain continues to batter North West Qld off the back of cyclone Kirrily. six trucks had managed to get through to Mt Isa on Friday night via SA and NT to restock local supermarkets. Qld Govt approved Sunday trading so residents could stock up in case roads were cut again. The Sunday Mail 4/2/24

Oh what a beautiful library. Did you spend much time in the library. I love well stocked libraries on ships, especially the big books of maps and big books on the destination and attractions/peoples en route. A negative of Resilient Lady was so few books it couldn’t be called a library, just a pile of books. However, There was a big room of puzzles and games, plus another room with games - two round ? On sawdust. A bigger version shuttlecock was on deck outside.

Talk on the ship, when I was on board, was a move to shorter cruises. There was concern about the rebels attacking ships in the Red Sea. ?? I am interested in a longer cruise from Singapore to Fremantle in November, 2024.

There were no mattress toppers available on Resilient Lady

I always enjoy Australia Day in Melbourne I walked from the City to Government House Open Day. You can tour the House, the Ballroom and gardens. CWA sells its popular scones with jam and cream. Other charities like Lions and Rotary raise funds. The gardens are beautiful with the Kitchen Garden being my personal favourite. Afterwards I walked to the Sidney Myer music bowl which had aboriginal entertainment all day. I was waited on and fed in the Elders Sitting area. Afterwards I was assisted to walk up the Hill to a shuttle to the tram. I really enjoyed listening to the music and watching the dancing. I finished the day at the beautiful Princess Theatre seeing Groundhog Day. An Aust Open bonus was Sasha won his semi final. A great day to spend Australia Day in Melbourne

Hi Les I’m assuming you sold your home. Glad you are having the packing done for your shift to Moruya. Professional packing makes a big difference to unpacking in new location. Did you see resilient lady sail past? I’m already planning my next cruise from Singapore to Perth at the end of the year. This cruise line will set new standards for other cruise lines in Australia. It is so generous in every way - all inclusive - food 21 different eateries, free wifi, water, tea and coffee, generous time in port (2 overnights on my 11 night cruise), stays longer in port, great staff who all speak fluent English etc