4th February 2016 It was a restless night’s sleep. We had such an early start planned for today’s trip that I suppose we were worried about missing our transport from the quayside when we docked. Damn, those foolish Aussies from yesterday who tut-tutted us booking independently, they sowed the seeds of doubt in our minds!… Continue Reading

3rd February 2016 By 10 a.m., we had showered, eaten breakfast, and were up on deck, watching as we made our approach to the port of Suva, the capital of the islands. The ship glided smoothly over a flat, calm sea, which mirrored the tropical, forested mountains on the port side. Against a backdrop of… Continue Reading

2nd February 2016 Today was a perfectly calm sea day. With the clocks going forward an hour last night, we missed the window for breakfast in the Sapphire and had to settle for one of the buffet restaurants. Sadly, my beloved Eggs Benedict was off the menu, but I stumbled upon a rather delightful cheese… Continue Reading

1st February 2016 When we woke this morning at 6:45 am, we were already docked in Noumea, New Caledonia. This large Pacific island, measuring 1,000km by 240km, is a French territory. We could feel the ship docking, but it did so with remarkable quietness as it crept into port. After showering, we went for breakfast… Continue Reading

30th January 2015 It was another good night’s sleep. I suppose it must be the gentle movement of the ship, simulating the rocking of a crib, that creates the perfect conditions for slumber. Perhaps when we get home, we should consider moving our bed out to the pool and onto a raft to replicate the… Continue Reading

30th January 2015 We woke to the captain cheerfully informing us that we were currently floating above 4,700 metres of ocean and that a pregnant goldfish is called a “twit.” Hmmm… random, indeed! After a good night’s sleep, we opted for a formal breakfast at the Sapphire, where we were seated at a table with… Continue Reading

29th January 2015 As this was the day we were to board the ship that would be our home for the next ten days, we rose at 8 am and began packing. With that task complete, and after two coffees and a chat with Charlotte on Messenger, we set off for a spot of shopping.… Continue Reading

26th January 2016 After breakfast, we set off on today’s adventure. The ease of the transport system made getting around Sydney a breeze. Using the train, we were soon at Bondi Junction, where we transferred to a bus that took us to Bondi Beach. Despite the smooth journey and its reputation, the beach itself didn’t… Continue Reading