Jim_Iain

You rolled out the “Red” Carpet for us. It was incredible weather. A little cool in the morning but shirtsleeve weather in the afternoon. We are now headed out to Sea on a straight line for Sydney. Supposed to be a nice crossing.

Curious - how was your food experience? We eat late and maybe the chef is not as attentive to details. One night our dinner was really slow. Our waiter apologized that they had a problem in the kitchen. when pressed he said 2 of the chefs were getting things in the refrigerator and got locked in. They had to get security to get them out.

For lunch today we went to French Bistro It was a perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch and watch the passage through the Sound. I had the Mussels and the Ham and cheese. No room for desert.

At the end of sound Edge did a 360 at Stirling Falls. Incredible! IMG_2830.mov

Milford Sound is the jewel on the crown.

THE SOUNDS (CRUISING) Dusky Sound: 8:30am - 10:15am Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. Noted as an Important Bird Area due to the breeding of the Fiordland Penguins, Dusky Sound is a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals. Doubtful Sound: 11:45am - 1:15pm Once you breathe more than natural air and experience the atmosphere's serenity, you'll see why Doubtful Sound is inarguably a favored peaceful destination. This serves as a playground for a number of species, including fur seals and two types of penguins - the fiordland crested and blue penguin. Milford Sound: 5:00pm - 6:00pm Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife. Milford Sound: 5:00pm - 6:00pm Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife. l

I hope things improve on your sailing. I have to say our experience in Luminae may only be a 7. The waiters and assistant waiters a 10+ Somellier -- 7 Food --- 6-7. My ratings are based on a number of factors. Food quality mixed. I think the main thing I'm noticing on Edge is that they have dropped the ball on what was always sold. Meals individually prepared to order. It is very apparent that meals are being made in advance like in the MDR on other ships. Many dishes come out in piping hot dishes but the food itself is warm at best and on a couple occasions was cold inside as thought it was refrigerated and then reheated. Last night I had the Carbonara which I had previously had. There was too much past and it was on the dry side. We specifically asked to cut the amount of Pasta by 50%. It came out so dry and the noodles were obviously pre-cooked and were a glob of starchy pasta in a big lump. Our waiter tried to rescue by getting something else and finally brought out two bowls of extra sauce. I ate about 1/4 and gave up. I'm convinced the problem is the management and kitchen staff. The wait staff is really trying hard and getting us dishes from Blu and MDR. Actually some of the food from MDR is much better that what has been coming out of Luminae Kitchen.

We had the en Croute from MDR one night in Luminae and it was ok but not great. Preparation was great the beef was just flavorless.

You can also request it on the side if too much or a brown gravy if you prefer something thicker.

I'm on Edge and would have to agree with your DH's grading. The meat seems to be substandard.

We have only had breakfast in our room one day, due to an early excursion. We do spend much time in our RS but like to go out to dinner. We have eaten at Fine Cut and Eden (free with room) but not really impressed. The Dover Sole(Fine Cut) was over cooked and heavy bread coating. Iain is kinda burnt out on with Eden. Also on Eden - while they advertise Nova Scotia Lobster they are actually serving Australian or New Zealand Lobster. They should really correct their menu as it is indeed a bit of FALSE advertising.

Interesting. I know they are rolling out new menus and many new items on the menus. Also that means some of our favorites have disappeared. e.g. the Black Forest Cake (deconstructed) on the Lunch Menu.

I always really enjoyed him... yes. Yesterday, our guides said I am going to fill you with all types of useless facts.

I use to love my Camera but as you suggested traveling with it became cumbersome. Noticed many nice cameras still in use but when I look at the size of the lenses, I cringe. I have to say I am really impressed with the new iPhone and the 5X zoom. It allows me to take pictures I previously would only been able to take with a Stand Alone camera.

Thanks for confirming. I remember you posted but couldn't find the post. Wonder what time they will move the ship to tender location. Port Schedule seems to suggest around midnight.

The house and its contents were bequeathed to the city by Dorothy Theomin in 1966, along with an annual income of $4000. Dorthy was unmarried and the final Heir to the Theormin fortune. The council were initially opposed to accepting the gift, being concerned about ongoing maintenance costs for ratepayers. After lobbying by the Friends of Olveston group, a Theomin Gallery Management Committee was established and the home was opened to the public the following year. The house was left intact and is a living museum of times past.

Olveston House

Our last Excursion The Great Houses of Dunedin This historic tour explores one of Dunedin's great houses as well as New Zealand's only castle. Your first stop will be at Olveston House, a historic 35 room mansion that was built by a prominent Dunedin businessman between 1904 and 1906. Visitors are transported into another era whilst experiencing the many treasures collected from around the world. Complete with its acre of manicured gardens, this is truly not to be missed. Next visit Larnach Castle on the crown of a wooded hill overlooking Otago Harbour. Designed in Scotland, the Neo-Gothic castle required three years to build and another twelve to complete. The castle boasts English tile work, Italian marble, Venetian glass, and exotic hardwoods from around the world. Highlights Meander through the opulent Olveston House, filled with treasures from around the world. Be awed by the spectacular Larnach Castle, perched atop a high hill with views of the Pacific Ocean, Otago Harbor, and the surrounding lands. Take tea in the castle's massive ballroom.

Beautiful arrival into Port Chalmer about 20 minutes from Dunedin.

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND If it wasn't for the absence of the Scottish brogue, you might think you'd landed in Edinburgh. Both the scenery and the architecture borrow heavily from Scotland. You can even shop for kilts or dig into a piece of fresh haggis. Dunedin is also home to New Zealand's only castle, a 15-year construction endeavor complete with magnificent woodwork and the only staircase of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience the Taieri Gorge train and feel the rattle and rumble of your vintage railcar as you wind through the mountains of Taieri River Gorge and the land the Maori called the "Hills of Heaven". Sharing port today with Seaborn Odyssey She’s looking a bit rusty.

I'll be honest in admitting there is a large section of the U.S. we have never visited - Specifically the Montana, Indiana, Wyoming, North and South Carolina. We have talked about taking a land trip to visit Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding states.

Which ship is the Double Cheeseburger listed???

It's listed on the Menu simply as "Luminae Signature Burger" Cheddar, Onion Jam, Sesame Brioche, Truffle Fries".... Hmmm.. I don't remember ever having Truffle Fries on Edge... Just checked on both Luminae and Cosmopolitan and the do not list a double cheeseburger. I would hate to have a double Luminae Burger but seem to recall seeing someone post a picture of one. Rooftop Garden have a Roof Top Burger - 8 oz Grilled Beef Patty, Beer-battered Onion, porter BBQ sauce, Bacon and Cheddar on a Brioche bun

I'm wondering if the notoriously rough straight is why they didn't add Wellington to the Itinerary. Would have enjoyed that more than an overnight in Christchurch.

I will forever cherish what time we have had to explore New Zealand. As you said there are so many easy comparisons to many U.S. States as well to many Countries.