“LIVE FROM” 2019 Oceania Insignia World Cruise, Jan. 11-July 11

[Mura]

18 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

However, not everyone has your itinerary at their fingertips so IMO, rather than saying “Alongside” it would be helpful if you added just two more words - like “Alongside in Darwin” (or wherever you are).

JMO.

It appears that we cross-posted 🙂

Ditto!  I've often wondered just where you were when I saw the photos ...

 

I'm not sure I need to see more tugs alongside Insignia, but that's probably just me.

 

We all are enjoying your photos despite any slightly negative comments!

 

Mura

[palakika]

I like seeing the pilot boats approaching and alongside.  In fact, I frequently get up to see them and take a few pics.  It's usually a lovely time of day.  So thanks Bob from a fellow pilot boat admirer!  I do agree that it would be helpful if you tell us where you are docking 🙂 thanx.

[bob brown]

53 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

Bob, I know that last time I asked you this question you replied that exactly now “I am sitting in my chair in my cabin” (or something like that).

However, not everyone has your itinerary at their fingertips so IMO, rather than saying “Alongside” it would be helpful if you added just two more words - like “Alongside in Darwin” (or wherever you are).

JMO.

It appears that we cross-posted 🙂

Okay ... good point.

I thought the “Welcome To Darwin” signs would have given a clue...😉🙂

[Mura]

The Darwin signs did give a clue about location, no question about it.  But at some of the earlier ports we really didn't have a clue -- at least just in looking at the photos.  I don't remember if you always specified where you were but I think you did not ...

 

If you did, that's MY bad!

 

Anyway, thanks again for all your work.  We could be on the ship with you!

 

Mura

[Paulchili]

1 hour ago, bob brown said:

 

I thought the “Welcome To Darwin” signs would have given a clue...😉🙂

I am reading this on my iPad and the size of the pictures is such that I cannot see much less read the sign. Now that you pointed it out I zoomed in - and there it was 

That said - I am enjoying your commentary and your pictures - please keep it up.

[bob brown]

Just did a quick Harbour Cruise.

After 2 month’s at sea, that’s just what I needed...😁

[bob brown]

And part of my “mission”...

unfortunately, the railway station was too far (about 12 km), and since the twice weekly Ghan train had already departed this AM, I doubt there would have been much to see over there.  I just shot the bus station.

Then went shopping to spend the last of my Australian currency.  And got a haircut.🙂

[bob brown]

Docked across the harbour from us, is our ship’s former fleetmate, Azamara Quest, when the Insignia was the ‘R-One”, and the Quest was the “R-Seven”, under Renaissance Cruises.

She was here overnight, and our berth (the preferred one), was occupied by another ship yesterday.

[Go-Bucks!]

We took the free shuttle to a nice shopping area to get good exchange rates in our last Aussie port. Then caught a taxi to the casino where I won $110 USD!  Lunch there was only $8 USD....my fish and chips was great. Even came with drink, dessert and a Keno ticket. They have a gorgeous infinity pool but charge $30 AUD to use it. 

 

Weather here is in the 90's with humidity so thick that my glasses fogged up each time I went outside. Really enjoyed Australia!

[Go-Bucks!]

I want to give a big shout-out for our stewardess Natalia, our assistant steward Agust and our butler Sidharth!!  We truly appreciate their service and getting to know them. They are so interesting to talk to and find out about their countries and cultures!  Sadly, Sidharth is leaving next month and Natalia in June...we'll really miss them but I'm sure we'll get 2 fine replacements.  Thanks for all you do for us!!  😍  👍

 

 

[oceanbill457]

Great posts Bob

During my US Navy career, I was lucky enough to visit Darwin and sail the Great Barrier Reef Passage to a port visit in Brisbane. One of my best experiences at sea. Roll Tide!

[binjo6]

Thank you Bob For posting all the pictures including pilot boats.   I love seeing them and I am on the ship.   Don’t let others comments deter you from posting anything 

[bob brown]

Feature for today’s tea time: Cupcakes.

🙂

[bob brown]

[BulldustHHH]

I trust no one got taken by the salties ... they can be a bit stalky and nippy.

[Go-Bucks!]

17 hours ago, BulldustHHH said:

I trust no one got taken by the salties ... they can be a bit stalky and nippy.

 

There were warnings in the Currents to stay away from certain areas to avoid the crocs.  They had my attention!

[See_More]

Spectacular jumping crocodile tours, Darwin Australia.  Checkers (identified by territory)   calls out to executive chef Mario Santoro: Pick me, pick me!  

[See_More]

Spectacular jumping crocodile tours, Darwin Australia.  Hey... is that your kite!

[See_More]

Goodnight my lovelies..... leaving Darwin Australia in our wake.

[See_More]

Cheers to world travelers on Insignia.  Unfortunately, moving on means leaving old friends behind.  Looking forward to meeting many new friends  Sydney to Tokyo.  Just a leg...but they did name the bus  (LOL ) Hop on ; Hop off. (First post... who knows delayed in mail)

[See_More]

Thank you for those suggestions.  The Darwin, photos were March 13, 2019.  In two hours we arrive at Komodo Island.  All my photos are live, or close to it.  I knicknamed my husband James Bond because as you can see, in the comfort of an Oceania bed, even when shaken - he does not stir.   

[Go-Bucks!]

We've chosen not to go see huge dangerous lizards, so here's what we're seeing off the balcony. Leslie, our CD, just announced that some of the people on these small boats around the ship have animals on them and want us to throw them money to take a picture of them! If they had a Komodo dragon then I might consider it.....😂

 

2 boys on a boat right below us just yelled up "give us money."

[Paulchili]

17 minutes ago, Go-Bucks! said:

We've chosen not to go see huge dangerous lizards

I think it’s a shame you decided not to see them. It’s the only animal I can think of off the top of my head that you actually have to travel to it’s “home” to see. Just about any other animal one can see in the ZOO or aquarium, etc

They are pretty unique and you were right there. 🙂

JMO.

[Tranquility Base]

1 hour ago, Go-Bucks! said:

 

I know you did a lot a research prior to this cruise, so now that you are 1/4 of the way in, 2 questions please.

Are there any items you packed which you don't think you really needed to,

In hindsight, are there any items you wish you had included in your packing ?

 

[Go-Bucks!]

18 hours ago, Paulchili said:

I think it’s a shame you decided not to see them. It’s the only animal I can think of off the top of my head that you actually have to travel to it’s “home” to see. Just about any other animal one can see in the ZOO or aquarium, etc

They are pretty unique and you were right there. 🙂

JMO.

 

Walk is too strenuous for us plus it's not of interest to us either. And we were definitely not the only ones who didn't go.