David's Cruise

From Melbourne, we back-tracked somewhat towards Kangaroo Island. After one day at sea, we anchored about half a mile from the shore line. The waters were choppy, leading to delays launching the tenders. My afternoon tour, “Seal Bay Discovery” ran an hour late. This allowed time to look around. Although it was a fringe festival day, I found little to excite, as I suspect, many others did also. However, the coach trip was excellent. Seal Bay was around 110km away and we travelled through dry countryside, the nature of which was described by our tour guide. At Seal Bay, we took a steep lengthy walk down to the beach where sea lions, seals, and various other wildlife were aplenty. We stopped at another spectacular viewing point at Pennington Bay. By this time, the battery on my camera had gone flat, thus leaving just the phone’s camera which is quite impressive.

There followed a further sea day as we returned in the direction of Melbourne where we would dock at 8am this morning. Today’s excursion was to the Puffing Billy Steam Railway, about 30km away in the forested hills. I would have been happier if we had travelled the full distance of 15 miles, instead of just 3 and a bit! This is a superb preserved line. Today, a Garret hauled 16 loaded passenger vehicles. Rather than fly 11,000 miles to do the complete trip, perhaps I should check out the Welsh Highland Line.

We arrived back at the ship at around 2pm. I had fish and chips in the Kings Court on deck 7. I then left the ship for a second time, made my way to the Eureka Tower, 89 floors for stunning views of Melbourne, albeit through protective glass which reflects anything near to it. I did manage a rare photo of QM2, Seven Seas Voyager and Spirit of Tasmania together at the port ofMelbourne, from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower.

I returned to the ship by taxi, not really feeling like a formal dinner. I had a late lunch as mentioned earlier and will just have something light this evening.

Hopefully this brings my blog journal up to date. Tonight, we set sail for Sydney where we arrive after another day at sea.

All the best, David

Canberra as a capital city came into being in 1913 and to me, comes accross as new, but nevertheless, most attractive and perfectly laid out. I am not sure I would want to walk from place to place; our guide told us that generally, to get from one place to another, takes around 10 or 15 minutes (driving). I am delighted a tramway is being installed…nobody else is!

On day 1, we drove to Mount Ainsley, firstly calling at one of the very few buildings which pre-dates Adelaide, the Anglican church of St. John the Baptist. Sunday services are at 7am, 8am, 9.30am and 11.15am. Worship takes place also every day of the week (I’m not sure about Sarurdays!) We continued to Mt. Ainsley where a lookout afforded views of the city. A plaque with a diagram of the view indicates what you are looking at. There is no way that I could remember:-

LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN NATIONAL CARILLION RED HILL. NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENT HOUSE QUESTACON. ST JOHN’S CHURCH NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA CAPTAIN COOK MEMORIAL WATER JET NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA (Site of Acton House) CITY CENTRE.

We returned to the city, passing Duntroon, a centre for military training, a bit like West Point or Sandhurst, stopping off at the National Capital Exhibition and National Museum of Australia. After lunch there, we took to Lake BURLEY GRIFFIN for an alternative view of the sights we had seen from Mount Ainsley and elsewhere during the two days. Eventually, we attended a daily commemorative ceremony at the War Memorial. The Last Post is sounded and one of the hundred and two thousand Australian casualties of war is remembered at this hugely poignant event.

We adjourned to the hotel for a short rest before dinner and wine pairing at Canberra’ s Aubergine Restaurant, which I would love to re-visit perhaps during a future trip which is already half planned!

We seemed to pack almost as much into our final day. We were shown around New Parliament House, followed by the Australian Royal Mint, and then it was time for lunch and shopping at city centre mall. A Fringe Festival was still in full swing near by, and was great fun. We then journeyed to the National Arboretum where there were further panoramic views. The finale was a visit to high up in the Telstra (telephone company) Tower, again, offering magnificent vistas to gaze upon.

Soon we were back at the airport, then speedily on our way to “would be” capital, Melbourne. All too soon, we were, once again, embarking on board QM2, welcomed by the cruise staff with a glass of champagne, which we enjoyed around a table in the ship’s Grand Lobby. “I may not pass this way again”; it was a magnificent trip.

I would very much liked to have illustrated this brief account. For some reason, I am unable to post pictures at the moment.

Much of today was spent writing this blog while at sea en route for Melbourne….as well as attending events on board.

Best wishes, David.

I have just tried to publish one picture. No success. I will try again soon.

First of all, apologies for the delay writing an account of the above trip. Today, we are at sea, en route for Melbourne where we dock at around 8am tomorrow. It is dull outside, and thus, I am not distracted by such pleasures as deck walking, and lying in the sun!

Six days ago, on 16th February, we docked at Adelaide, our third Australian port of call. A small group of musicians serenaded our arrival in celebratory “Aussie” style.

Just seven of us made up the party on this two day visit to Adelaide and Canberra. We assembled at the appointed meeting place on Deck 2 at 08.50hrs, were guided off the vessel, through the usual disembarkation procedures, and on to the minibus which would be our transport for the day. We drove through “ordinary” Adelaide, our guide pointing out all interesting things to see along the way. Soon, we were climbing into the nearby hilly countryside which surrounds much of the city. Time was on our side and it was therefore possible to fit in an unscheduled stop at Mount Lofty, which afforded splendid views over Adelaide. This was a brief photo opportunity and soon, we were on our way to the Cleland Wildlife Park, a large area housing a great variety of birds and animals. Kangaroos were aplenty and appreciative of the special feed available to visitors to attract ducks, emus, and anything just wandering around this protected area. Plenty of time was allowed for this visit; I would like to return and perhaps, stay a little longer.

We continued, then, to Hahndorf, reputed to be the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia, a charming peaceful street lined with attractive shops and eateries. Colourful trees along the pavements added to the town’s appeal. Lunch at the Hahndorf Inn did NOT disappoint. It did overwhelm, however. Seven of us were presented with enough to eat for many times that number. Fabulous it was too, with different meats, vegetables, and for those not overly enthusiastic about shopping, apple pie, double cream and coffee. We all came away, most impressed, and replete.

Soon, we were at Adelaide Airport from where we would fly QANTAS to the capital. We didn’t have to wait for long periods of time, and our flight to the Canberra was speedy, comfortable and efficient. A one course hot meal with wine was served on board…all very impressive.

Another man with another van met us and after introductions, we, including our guide from Adelaide, were “whisked” to our hotel in the centre of Canberra.

Pictures to follow.

Reading the blog I have just published, I see that missed out the word “tomorrow” when talking about when I would re-write the Canberra/Adelaide notes.

Watch this space!

Yesterday, I tried to send a brief illustrated description of the Adelaide and Canberra overland excursion. Either I was at fault, or the on board internet service wasn’t as good as it might be. Today, we are at Kangaroo Island (KI) south west of Adelaide, and being a lovely day, I shall re-write in more detail an account of my travels to Adelaide and Canberra, as well as describing today’s visit to Seal Bay, KI.

David.

The first of almost five weeks in Australia and New Zealand is “flying by”. The two days at sea were somewhat lacklustre, overcast skies and no spectacular temperatures to get excited about. The seas had become grey and unremarkable. The sea air remains pure and wonderful.

Tomorrow, we dock at Adelaide. This marks the start of my second of two overland trips where I leave the ship for a couple of days. A party of just seven of us will be given a comprehensive tour of Adelaide before an early evening flight to the capital, Canberra. This should be a fascinating and enjoyable time. I do like, very much, being on board Queen Mary 2, but I shall welcome the space of an hotel for the next two and a bit days.

Details of today’s ship positions.

More cruise news very soon,

David.

“Almost there” Early hours of Monday morning.

Fremantle railway station, taken from deck 12, QM2.

Fremantle

Perth, from King’s Park and Botanical Gardens. We called here for around half an hour before continuing to Perth on the Twin Cities + River Cruise tour. We returned to Fremantle along the Swan River.

Fremantle, taken from aft of QM2.

Perth from King’s Park

Botanical Gardens

Perth East railway station, from where one catches the Indian Pacific for Sydney.

I shall write more very soon.

Today marks the end of our third long period at sea. Firstly, there were eight days between Tenerife and Namibia, four between Port Elizabeth and Reunion and a further seven between Mauritius and Fremantle. Thankfully, my medical issues which “took out” over three days of the last seven sea days are resolved and I am once again enjoying this remarkable voyage. Tomorrow, we arrive at Fremantle. This is the start of almost 5 weeks cruising around Australia and New Zealand, and I shall avail myself of the shore excursions at most ports of call in order to maximise the limited time available. Next year, I should have the opportunity for more “on my own exploration” on a return visit in February, reaching Sydney on the Queen Victoria and “winging it to my heart’s content”, thereafter. The Parade of Chefs, Britannia Restaurant second sitting, Sat. 10 Feb. 2018. Today is bright, windy on the outside decks with slightly choppy seas; Force 5 with 2 metre waves. I attended the Captain’s church service this morning. It wasn’t too bad, The Captain brought interest to this maritime Act of Worship, as he does when he addresses his “guests” at noon each day. Collated, these noon day addresses would make a worthwhile, informative and fascinating read. I am now away from home longer than at any other time in my life. There remains a further three months! This reality can feel, occasionally, quite daunting, especially at night. But, fortunately, this is very infrequent. Last night, I watched the new film “Murder on the Orient Express”, a superb all star cast re-make. My only criticism was the train’s unrealistically short formation. Although filmed, already, many times, this was a worthwhile and enjoyable re-working. Earlier in this seven day crossing, I had entered a number of what I thought were worthy photographs taken during the Garden Route Safari overland tour, in an on board photography competition. I went down to the photo shop to see that my efforts pailed into insignificance alongside the commendable creative efforts of other competitors. I won’t give up; opportunities in Australia and New Zealand abound! More writings soon. For some reason, I am finding it less easy to keep the journal up to date; notes being abbreviated to be expanded upon at a later date. More from Down Under soon! David

These were taken during a 4 night cruise to Belgium and France in November 2016. Again, these are not in the order I would have liked to place them. They include images of my cabin for that voyage, (above)

Grand Lobby, looking towards atrium view cabins and image of QM2

Grand Lobby (lower)

Entrance to Queens Room

Grand Lobby

Britannia Restaurant (lower)

Queens Room

Britannia Restaurant (upper)

Britannia Restaurant from upper level

Entrance to Commodore Club

Britannia Restaurant (upper and lower)

Commodore Club

Commodore Club

Entrance to Kings Court, deck 7

Kings Court (in the middle of the night)

Kings Court

Lift area. (probably stairway B) There are 4 stairways that connect the 13 decks from deck 1 upwards, A, furthest forward B, C, and finally D. The 14th deck is an open promenade area which runs the length on each side of the new cabins on deck 13. The four lifts reach different levels in the ship.

Kings Court

Lift area.

Leading to/from the Grand Lobby

New carpeting along the passenger decks.

I thought these recent pictures may be of interest. I could write in more detail and may do in future blogs.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this handful of images.

David