Review of Noordam - Dec 2018 cruise

[aussielozzie18]

Given the glorious weather I probably should have done a tour to the GBR but the length of travel and cost in USD put me off.

 

I did manage to get out on the water though.

 

 

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

Booked a 8 hour cruise on this old beautiful.  

[aussielozzie18]

After motoring out of the marina, we had plenty of wind for the all female crew to hoist the sails and spend 1 1/2 hours sailing the Whitsundays to Langham Reef.  Magic!

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

On arrival at Langham Reef we were served a tasty lunch of chicken, sliced meats and a variety of fresh salads on board.

 

Then for those who wanted to swim/snorkel it was time to squeeze into the dreaded stinger suits (wetsuits) collect your snorkeling gear and jump into the rubber ducky to be taken across to a sandbank to be in the water for an hour.  I was disappointed that we couldn't jump into the deep water from the boat like I had done in Vila & Fiji ship tours.

[aussielozzie18]

I hated swimming/snorkeling in a stinger suit and not having your face, feet, and hands covered seemed to defeat the purpose.

 

So I ended up just grabbing a noodle and spending the time just floating around and taking in the scenery which was really nice.  We had too short a time in the water anyway.

[aussielozzie18]

Best part of the whole day for me was the return sail.  The wind had dropped, it was a glorious afternoon, we had icy cold alcoholic drinks (available for purchase) and could just sit back and relax and drink in the views as we were under sail  for 2 hours.  For those who were interested one of the crew provided a detailed commentary on the surrounding islands and the sea life to be found in the waters.  Just before we reached the marina I spotted two dolphins in the water beside us.

[aussielozzie18]

Didn't get back on the ship til 7pm.

[aussielozzie18]

Next day was a sea day with our 3rd and final Gala Dinner.  Food was superb.

 

Surf & Turf

[aussielozzie18]

Tiramisu

[aussielozzie18]

Woke up to calm seas as we cruised into the Brisbane Port which is a working port a fair distance from the CBD.

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

Gangway for Brisbane disembarkation. I wasn't aware you could do this but about 50 passengers got off the ship here and collected their luggage inside the terminal.

 

 

Edited December 30, 2018 by aussielozzie18
more info

[aussielozzie18]

For the majority of us who remained on the ship, once you disembarked at Brisbane dock, there was a walk to a shuttle which took you on a approx. 40 min trip into Brisbane CBD.

 

Cost was $25 USD.  CD apologised for the cost when he announced it the night before.  You were able to buy tickets in the terminal after you disembarked the ship and before boarding coach.

[aussielozzie18]

Shuttle dropped us off in Brisbane CBD very close to Queen St Mall.

 

Had a wander in Queen St Mall then decided to walk across the bridge to South Bank.  It was an easy walk.

 

As I walked across up popped a drone which hovered for a while then took off.

[aussielozzie18]

As soon as you get to South Bank you see this across from the performing arts centre.  Next is a Ferris wheel/observation wheel.  

[aussielozzie18]

Keep walking along the pathways and you will come to a free open air pool with life guards.  Pool was very popular. It was a hot day.

[aussielozzie18]

And just a bit further along is a free open air beach with lifeguard.

[aussielozzie18]

I hopped a free city ferry service and then came back to Southbank for lunch.  Then walked back to Queen St Mall for a spot of shopping and when I got back to the shuttle pick up point at 3pm I got one of the last seats on the waiting shuttle (they run every 30 mins I believe) and headed back to the ship.

[aussielozzie18]

Last night on board, I got my luggage tags delivered to my room.  Annoyed to see i got the latest possible time for self disembark.  My own fault for forgetting to fill out request form a couple nights earlier.

 

Easy to fix as there was a variety of extra luggage tags for independent travellers next to the guest services desk so just swapped them for an earlier time.  Filled out my details on tag.  Left luggage outside room.

[aussielozzie18]

Next morning had quick brekky, said goodbyes, disembarked ship, collected my tagged luggage, had ticked wooden items on my customs card.  In seperate queue.  Moved quickly.  Customs were a bit iffy about one wooden item with a potential tiny borer hole.  She tapped item - no sawdust or insects came out - after much umming and ahhing on her part she finally let me keep it.

 

Walked to ferry wharf.  Missed it.  Walked further.  Realised my mistake.  Walked back.  Ferry arrived within 5 mins to Barangaroo.  Easy walk to Wynyard.  Had to catch train to Central.  Hate Central Station - no lifts for luggage.  Quick trip home just in time for Christmas Day.

 

Suspect borer hole top middle.

[aussielozzie18]

So there ends my wonderful cruise with HAL to PNG and FNQ.  Hope you enjoyed my photos and the info proved useful for any future cruisers to these ports and on Noordam.

 

Safe Cruising everyone in 2019.