Friday 1 November
As we motor down the Queensland coast the weather has changed from the clear blue of yesterday to a grey, with little whitecaps and a strong wind from the east. For the first time they have closed our port deck, so we are having to sit inside. As I wrote previously, last night was Halloween and the dining room staff certainly went full-on with almost everyone in a ghoulish costume. They are also very good at entertaining. The party upstairs later on was pretty tame and they didn't have the right mix. The piano player in the Casino Lounge was much more fun. We actually got all of our table mates together and had a good old sing along. Tonight is the final formal night and everyone has promised to be at dinner. We don't think that we'll bother going to the last Captain's cocktail party - it is only half an hour and from past experience it takes at least that time to get in & possibly get hold of 1 drink.
And no, we did not go to the cocktail party but when we got to our dinner table we had a surprise additional guest, Brad Stevens, who is the pianist in the Casino Lounge. He is American and very charming - Elaine had him to herself most of the evening, much to Diane's dismay! Funnily, when we were talking with Brad later in the evening, he couldn't recall Elaine's name. Anyway, everyone turned up for dinner and we got a professional photo taken (which we purchased and shared with Diane). On this occasion we also head the parade of the Bombe Alaska, a traditional on Princess normally carried out on the last night. As about 100 passengers are getting off at Brisbane, everything seems to have been brought forward to accommodate them. Perhaps I am starting to get grumpy, but the cruise IS to Sydney and the normal schedule should be followed. Another example of a poor Cruise Director. Yes, definitely time to take a break.
Saturday 2nd
Woke to a glorious day and we were sailing up the Brisbane River. Having never seem Brisbane from this perspective, was really great. We were amazed how the river banks were so clean and well maintained. We went under the Gateway Motorway bridges by the airport, which is something the big ships can't do (they apparently dock right out by the heads) and as we approached the Overseas Terminal, turned around in the river and backed into place.
We had arranged to meet Alastair at 10.00, so we're were in no hurry too get off, but eventually went down to the terminal about 9.45. I went outside to check on the carpark and there was Alastair Kristi Blake & Jordan just getting out of the car. Talk about great timing. The terminal is new and surrounded by apartments and all the usual cafes, restaurants etc. so we wandered down and along the river to show the grandchildren the ship - they thought it was great and so big, I don't know what they would have thought of the Royal:-)
We went back to the shopping area and found a great chocolate shop, which is part of a chain in parts of Brisbane, so we all filed up on chocolate drinks (apart from Vivian, who had green tea) and then the children went exploring and bought more chocolate, so you can imagine....... Fortunately there was an excellent park just across the road, so we went and did the various activities to wear off some of the excesses. Both the boys enjoyed it very much and little Jordan, only 5 was great on flying fox, agility thingies and of course loved the swings. We moved on to lunch and although Kristi had originally thought of going to Southbank, everything was right here, so we stayed and had a lovely fish meal - as usual bought far too much and the boys had too much soft drink, but hey that's what it's all about. Was really great to catch up and we were lucky to catch up with Alastair as it turns out that he is off to Iraq on Monday. Excellent timing and hopefully our trips will coincide on future adventures.
After dinner we went to the show and then up to the Tahitian Lounge, where the band (at last) was playing. Well, there are 4 in the band and for a start, just the two of us on the dance floor. Another couple turned up, so we ended up with 4. But obviously the day on Brisbane had worn people out! While up in the lounge (top deck), we were surprised to see all the lights of Brisbane still visible and on our Port (left) side. This is about 5 hours after we set sail and 3 hours after we went through the heads. It was not until Sunday that I worked out that the course out of Brisbane heading south is a convoluted one to circumnavigate around Moreton Island and that the lights were actually from the Sunshine Coast
Sunday 3rd
Sad, sad day. Today is packing up day and a series of lasts. The sea is just a little choppy and a nice little roll reminds us where we are. We were a bit late to get "our" deckchairs, but here we are. We have put off packing until later, but we will have to focus tonight. Although they want the bags out before we go to dinner it is too inconvenient as we don't want to carry more carry-on luggage than we have to. I have relented and rather than take as taxi as planned, purchased the ship's transfer - the cost is about the same and we don't have to worry about bags, taxi overcharging etc. I also booked the last transfer to leave the ship at 9.30. The only downside is that our luggage tags are Pink 8!!
It has all become so real, with the bags on the bed and clothes etc. out for packing. Good news, I have just checked the Qantas website and find that all tickets purchased since 7 February have a 30kg baggage allowance (too bad that I've been telling Vivian that we can't buy any more because of our 23kg allowance :-) ). Update - have fully packed & the bags still weigh 22.1kg, amazing!
Final dinner tonight, but not as sad as other voyages, as our table companions are infrequent and generally don't share the same interests. We were just completing dessert when Elaine eventually turned up - she had been too busy at the gym !? Oh well people are different. Also at dinner the Captain made a surprise announcement that the Pilot would be boarding an hour later than planned due to the bad weather in Sydney. Just what we wanted to hear, but any delay would not affect us as we have a 3.30 flight.
Monday 4th
Hardly slept last night. The Captain's warning proved correct and we started to rock and roll just after we got to bed. Was certainly quite a large swell and the wind caused the ship to groan. The was amplified somewhat by the tender outside our window, which was moving a bit against its restraints. Anyway we woke/got up at 6.15 and there was a big swell running as we sailed down towards the harbour entrance. Watched the Pilot boat try to board the Pilot - it took 3 goes before he was able to get on board. With some relief, we soon entered the harbour and enjoyed smooth seas once again.
So here we are, up in the Premium departure lounge, looking over a beautiful Sydney. We have just one more hour on board and now is the hour to say goodbye (as the song goes) and I trust that you have enjoyed these random jottings over our adventure. Looking forward to being home with family & friends. Byeeeeee.
