aussielozzie18

We went out to Agincourt Reef with Quicksilver. Having heard that cruising out to the outer reef often involves rough seas, I had packed seasick meds but we were extremely fortunate to have very calm seas. On the way to their floating pontoon at the outer reef (90 mins from Port Douglas Marina) you can hire underwater cameras (get them quick they only had 20 on board), book a scuba diving tour, book a scenic helicopter flight or a guided snorkeling tour. Their cruise to the pontoon had free tea, coffee and biscuits on the way across. They also had an bar for purchases but with only 15mins of wifi access, they ran an individual tab to be settled on arrival back at Port Douglas. On arrival at the pontoon, two staff members were handing out stingers suits and the masks and snorkels were easy to access. A very well run system despite the large number of people wanting to snorkel. Interestingly, Quicksilver provide stinger suits that cover your head and hands whereas the snorkeling tour at Airlie Beach did not.

I think low-fat might be the problem Dani…,

Apologies if this has already been discussed but I just watched the new Netflix documentary “Volcano, rescue from Whakaari”. It centres on the volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand in 2019 that occurred whilst two groups (including those from an Ovation of the seas shore tour) were on a guided tour of White Island. The stunning scenery of the area features in the opening scenes. Then on camera talks by many of those directly impacted on the day, survivors, those who immediately rushed to assist and families of loved ones. A respectfully done, very moving documentary.

Port Douglas is a tender port. Carnival again used the larger sightseeing boats to transfer us from the ship to the main wharf. For this port, I was tossing up between “sail to the beautiful low isles” or “The Great Barrier Reef”. There wasn’t much difference in price and daughter wanted to snorkel on the outer reef for the day so “ The Great Barrier Reef” was the one I booked.

We were so fortunate with the weather on this trip. We cruised into our last port, Port Douglas on another gorgeous day with calm seas. Temps were 30-35C.

Carnival are still doing towel animals. We got one every night. I quite liked the koala & turtle

Nice!!

That night we had frogs legs on the menu in the MDR. The following night we had crocodile. I enjoyed both.

Hope you enjoyed your lunch. We certainly were having fun.

Ship tours for Cairns. Only 7 and the Kuranda ones sold out quickly.

I think your enjoyment of this tour would depend on the people who were on this tour with you. We had a fun group and I enjoyed our two stops so this was an excellent tour choice for me. Beautiful evening sail away from Cairns port.

We had a pleasant 40 mins here. The driver said we couldn’t swim because a crocodile had been seen the day before but unless you had a stinger suit, you wouldn’t be able to go into the water anyway. Enjoyed our late afternoon stroll though.

From there we drove to Palm Cove, enjoying a few bottles of champagne and cold beers on the way. The driver tried to pump up the music but we as a group were getting on so well & chatting, we kept the volume low.

At 3pm, my “Cairns in Style” ship tour began. This was a 3.25hr tour in a stretch Hummer with an open bar and two scenic stops. We had a friendly driver and a fun group of 12 on board. Our first stop was Crystal Cascades. The driver stayed at the entrance and we as a group walked to the first swimming spot. We had to ourselves and the water was wonderfully refreshing on a hot day.

He is working at a ski resort in British Columbia, Canada.

I know you are all no fans of snow right now but is snow & sunset ok? My son’s journey home from work last night. So glad I bought him a GoPro for his birthday. IMG_9452.MOV

I think I have seen you recommend Dundees before because when we walked past it in the morning, I recognised the name. When we walked past again after lunch, the dishes people were eating at the outside tables looked delish. When we visit again, I plan to dine there. Thanks.

My son is 6’2’ and she looked to be taller than him. No, a customer. Not my daughter.

At midday the lagoon pool was open. It was FREE, clean, lifeguards on duty, toilets nearby, and varying depths of water and despite being popular, plenty of space for everyone. Plenty of nice grass too for relaxing in sun or shade. Bliss. I was in the water for 1 1/2hrs. Daughter hopped in and out during that time.

Thankfully once we got to the lagoon pool at 10am, there was a nice breeze as it was indeed a hot day. However, the pool is closed for maintenance on Wednesdays until midday. So we were forced to go for a wander. We didn’t go far as we were feeling the heat, so stopped and had a nice brunch instead. Can’t remember what drink I ordered but it was refreshing as was daughters dragonfruit smoothie. Brunch was delicious. Can recommend this cafe, a short walk from lagoon pool.

This was a docked port. Our plans here were have a sleep in, walk around to the lagoon pool in Cairns for a swim and then go for a wander. However, when I saw the forecast for the day was going to be a hot 35C, I thought doing something air conditioned in the late afternoon might be a good idea so I checked the shore tours and booked a sightseeing tour that still had availability and started at 3pm. It’s a nice flat walk from the ship to the lagoon pool. That helicopter and one other were taking off on short seeing flights constantly all day.

2nd Port - Cairns. Another lovely sail in.

@LPGA Golfer Gal I will be posting shore tours details from each port but I would suggest you look into independent tours from Cairns. Apparently you are not visiting Port Douglas?

Jade is a beauty. All of us struggling this Christmas with current & past loss need lovely photos like this. Thank you.

A friend had an online photo that I had posted of the view from the Top of the Rock in New York made into a lovely canvas print and surprised me with it for my birthday. That was our first canvas print and it is lovely Daughter has since gifted me canvas prints from our various holidays together. So, yes they are lovely to have done.