Sydney 9th March 2018

There seemed to be a kind of importance attached to QM2’s dramatic arrival at Sydney, early this morning. A bit like arriving at New York, always “something special”. I had booked a shore excursion highlighting places of interest in Sydney, the Opera House and Bondi Beach. Still suffering from a persistent cough, and thus being a little drained, I had difficulty motivating myself; I had unintentionally been awake since around 5am. Not being able to get back to sleep, I figured I should see this arrival of our ship after-all. At ten to six, I threw some clothes on and went out on deck only to find we had already docked and QM2 was preparing to allow passengers to disembark. I returned to my stateroom, had a shower and got myself ready for breakfast and this morning’s shore excursion. I had eyes like house bricks, but eventually, I was revived and enjoying another view of what Sydney had to offer. And the tour of the Opera House was excellent and far more interesting than I was expecting. The interior might be very 1970s but it was still jaw dropping in places. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra were rehearsing in the main hall. The final leg of this morning’s tour was a brief stop at Bondi Beach. Apparently, the temperature rose to 27 degrees Celsius. It certainly felt hot. I was in need of rest; I returned to my cabin, turned out the lights and relaxed for a couple of hours. Eventually, somewhat revived, I ventured off the ship and took a round trip on a ferry to Darling Harbour and back. I ascertained hotel rates at the nearby Holiday Inn for my stay next February. Soon, I was back on board, the sun going down and taking final pictures as the ship eventually slipped her moorings and manoeuvred in preparation for the next leg of the cruise to Brisbane.

Photos to follow; thanks for reading,

David.

En route for Sydney, day 2

Thankfully, the seas today are far calmer than the tempestuous waters of yesterday, which resulted in staying in my cabin for most of the afternoon and early evening. I passed on the Captain’s cocktail party and only just made dinner. I finished off the evening with a brief second play on the fruit machines and the evening performance by the Cunard Singers and Dancers, “Rhythm of the Night”. This might sound like “same old, same old”, but each show IS different for most of the time. Each performer is a virtuoso, as is the lighting technition whose sound and light show is spectacular and most imaginative. I enjoyed the “Spanish” themed performance and, hopefully will again before the end of the voyage.

I ought, really, to write some postcards before arrival at Sydney tomorrow morning…and to get some walking in today.

Again, thanks for reading.

David.

6/3/2018 Bay of Islands.

This has to be by way of a grand finale to our few days in New Zealand. Once again, I rose early to meet those participating in the Cape Brett cruise, at 08.10hrs, as usual, in the Royal Court Theatre. Queen Mary 2 anchored a short distance from the port where we would board a sleek catamaran and head out eventually to Cape Brett where the highlight of the trip is to go through the hole in the rocks at Cape Brett, conditions permitting, which they didn’t today! Sea mist had obscured much of what we eventually would see, and QM2 bathed in this mist created a ghostly sight, captured on my main camera. We passed several islands which the tour guide pointed out. I did take some photographs, but I cannot identify what these pictures represent. However, they should illustrate the outstanding beauty of the Bay of Islands. Our tour guide (sensibly) was not prepared to risk severe damage to the boat by attempting to navigate “the hole” at Cape Brett; the seas had become turbulent. For once, nobody complained. Much wildlife was pointed out at Cape Brett and on the return journey. I doubt, very much, whether I will come this way again, although a brief visit to New Zealand is on the cards early next year. Subject to medical reassurance, I shall fly to San Francisco to join the Queen Victoria for a short section of her world cruise.

The next blog consists of images taken during this morning’s Cape Brett/Bay of Islands cruise.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Monday 5th March.

Today, our second docked in Tauranga is glorious, hot and with very few white fluffy clouds in the distance. I feel a return to the 30s Centigrade coming on! This afternoon, I am on a “Highlights of Tauranga” shore excursion which will ensure I will see as much as possible before we are “all aboard” by 5.30pm. It’s a pity we have to leave so soon. Tauranga is a city of around 105,000 inhabitants, industrial to one side, and elsewhere, a most attractive town with fabulous beaches, and a great big hill, Mount Maunganui to run up. Accross the water, the silhouette of a mountain range, backdrop to small towns and villages on the opposite shoreline create a fine opportunity for panoramic photography. Two container vessels have passed by the window near which I enjoyed a disgustingly late breakfast in the King’s Court. It would seem that these blogs are an alternative to keeping a journal. I plan to make the most of my last two days in New Zealand, but hope to write a more detailed and illustrated account of all of my time in NZ during the two sea days back to Sydney.

All the best, and Thank you for reading!

David.

Akaroa 1st March 2018

Akaroa is a small but prosperous residential and resort area outside which Queen Mary 2 and Seven Seas Voyager were anchored. Going ashore by tender created rare photographic opportunities to take uninterrupted views of both ships resting peacefully in the still waters of the bay. Once ashore, we were heading by coach through more unbelievable countryside eventually to Arthur’s Pass. This is still part of the New Zealand railway system. From there, we would travel by a specially chartered two coach loco hauled train to Rolleston, a journey lasting about 2 hours. Food and beverages were once again included in the hefty charge for this excursion. However, I do feel this unique opportunity represented reasonable value for money. The train, as far as I understand, only operates when cruise ships call at Akaroa with their potential hundreds of passengers. There are modern station buildings at both Arthur’s Pass and Rolleston, evidence of other passenger traffic. But, I did get the impression this rail trip was an infrequent occurrence.

Pictures (hopefully) to follow.