Jim_Iain

Worming our way through the barrier reef. 🪸 The pilot aboard has incredible knowledge of the reef Then we turned Northeast then southeast again Lots of reef islands.

I second that request @Redking I'll reserve a seat in the front row.

I do have a passion for waterfalls buy may have to quit climbing up and down in hot climates. The other thing I have loved all my life are Caves.

On the ship the have Go-Pro that are waterproof. I bought one and used it once and then gave to our son. I really didn't like it.

Ahhh....I know Celebrity has 2 ships that will be doing the TP. I'm on their website now... looks interesting. We will never go back to exclusively sailing Celebrity and will be booking closer to cruise date instead of years in advance. Itinerary/Ship will be priority over cruise line. Celebrity has been really elimination some of the longer cruises in lieu of Caribbean short cruises.

I admit I do post production editing before I posted. With the Vibrant colors - I really pushed some of the settings - I normally hit edit.... re-crop and then start with each of the settings and either increase or decrease. I find the pre-sets just don't give me the results I want. I've never taken the time to learn Photoshop--- I need to go back to finish those modules of Iphone Photography Academy -- the 80% discount with the timer is always on sale

Sorry, I thought I had posted - https://redcatadventures.com.au/

You might check out the link to our charter. We ended up fully booked and it came out to $133 per person. There was so much demand that on the Roll Call another boat was also fully booked.

Darn --- we are flying back to Sydney end of March and taking Solstice to Hawaii then on to Vancouver. We have previously taken the Tahiti Route but wanted to try the one hitting Vanuatu, Numea, Guam and the Somoa Islands. Did they give you an overnight in lieu of Lahina?

I getting excited. We are past the most northern tip. Lots of exposed reef islands.

Amuse-bouche Spicy Lamb Shoulder Taco 10* Egg Drop Soup - 10* French Onion Soup Spaghetti Carbonara 10+ - sorry I broke the egg before I remembered to take a picture... I'll never post a plate partially eaten - Cheese Cake -- David Said ---Where's the Cheese Cake?

Found Anu’s hidden stash of my drinks Ther are so many hidden cabinets.

Yes --- it's a private excursion and Mark just suggested the same.

Mark - You are such an incredible planner... Never thought of that. I'm sure they will also have a photographer and will be selling the pictures.

That is the big question ---- David said it make it difficult for the new or occasional cruiser. They do rattle it off the first day of the cruise but many are on information overflow by that point.

I had the honor to finally meet Mark, @mmelville6. He has been wonderful in putting together 2 charter boats for the Great Barrier Reef. It was so fun to meet him - He started his planning September 14, 2022 --- Yea over a year ago. What a planner. He ended up chartering 2 boats as the damand was so high. All-inclusive of Lycra suit, snorkeling equipment, fins and wet suit (winter months) Ride through the iconic Whitsunday Islands on your way to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel Multiple sights at the stunning outer Great Barrier Reef Full-day tour 8:00 am – 4:00 pm which means more time to spend at iconic locations On-board licensed bar for cold drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the day Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders and don’t leave a footprint On-board toilet for passenger comfort A local supplier with qualified chefs caters for lunch and snacks Stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays Perfect tour for those who may suffer from seasickness Australian-owned, and family-operated business for the past 11 years. We are the elite guiding experience and are proud to be Australia’s only marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise. All-inclusive of lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and wet suit (winter months) Ride through the iconic Whitsunday Islands on your way to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel Multiple sights at the stunning outer Great Barrier Reef Full-day tour 8:00 am – 4:00 pm which means more time to spend at iconic locations On-board licensed bar for cold drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the day Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders and don’t leave a footprint On-board toilet for passenger comfort A local supplier with qualified chefs caters for lunch and snacks Stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays Perfect tour for those who may suffer from seasickness Australian-owned, and family-operated business for the past 11 years. We are the elite guiding experience and are proud to be Australia’s only marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise. Depart from the award-winning Coral Sea Marina. Snorkel multiple locations at the world-famous Outer Great Barrier Reef Groups of no more than 40 for an intimate feel. During winter, you can see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat. Swim in crystal clear waters A day of adventure with creature comforts Beautiful natural surroundings Feel peace of mind that you are travelling on a Climate Action Leading tour.

Things have been smoothing out after I sent the Attention to Detail form - Hate to say I sent a second one about the Captain's Club. They forgot to invite 1/2 of the Zenith's to the Zenith Private Toast with Captain Matt and his executive staff. When I came back to our room there was an invitation to the Zenith Lunch. Attention to detail my last name was spelled Small instead of Smaltz - Our attention to detail failed us also. We hadn't been told we had a 1/2 time zone change and since we have FireSticks on our TV's didn't see the notice. For some reason on this ship they don't leave the little cards on your bed reminding you. Marcella, CC Manager called our room to see if we were joining the lunch or whether we would prefer to do the 2nd group (they had to split us up in groups of 20-22). We ran down. When Marcella apologized for the error and asked what she had typed I said --- "Small - and I'm not Small" - She broke up and I said - You have a dirty mind girl - I was meaning tall. We all had a huge laugh and she gave me a huge hug. All forgiven and things were good again. Unfortunately she leaves in Sydney so will have a new CC Manager. Beautiful lunch Marsha - Top Cruiser - We haven't seen her in 5 years. She was our only guest at our Zenith Ceremony and at the time hadn't hit Zenith. She has been sailing LOTS since her partner passed and has a wrapping 14,000+ points. She is a wonderful person if you ever have a chance to meet her. To highlight the festivities - Alana, Guest Relations Manager, was surprised with a big cake to celebrate 20 years of Service to Celebrity. I think I captured her surprise and amazement. Giuesppe was also there along with his SO and daughter.

A day behind with dinners. Day 14 Menu - they are out of order on this cruise. Amuse-bouche David and Robert had an off the menu - Indian Curry made special for them. We are not big fans of Indian. They gave it a 6 Rating. OK but not great. Iain and I had the Pork Loin - We would rate it as -3 I was trying to order medium rare but the waiter said they had to cook medium. I would say it was cremated. Mine was ok at the outside but got drier and drier at the half way point I couldn't cut it with a knife so gave up. Kamar asked if he could get me a Filet instead... We declined. Desert - David had the Babba and the rest had Ice Cream

I can't wait. I know we have some beautiful stops on the way to Sydney but been to all of them before. We are going out to the Great Barrier Reef so sure I won't be disappointed. Unfortunately I will not be able or won't take my phone for a swim with me. I can't imagine bricking it in the middle of a cruise.

It always amaze me that 40 days seem so far away yet close, It's incredible how quickly time start to fly. There is plenty of fun awaiting you on Edge. I think once she settles into her normal season many of the problems that have plagued the World Cruise will have been sorted. out. After all this time I found this yesterday in al Bacio. The first sighting of this rare sugar. Today I was looking for some in OVC and they had a bowl of Raw Sugar Crystals and a spoon but the packets haven't made their way up there yet.

The drive back was about 2 hours and many napped. As another bonus as we were make good times our guide gave us a driving tour of Darwin. He was one of the most friendly and knowledgeable I've had. Needless to say we were all glad to be back aboard the ship with 30 minutes to spare before All Aboard time. If I had been on a Private Tour I would have been anxietal.

Our tour group was incredible and we had no delays waiting for errant members of our group. As a reward our Guide decided to take us to an additional falls (shh... he wasn't suppose to do that). On the way to Tolmer Falls we were rewarded with seeing Wallabies and a small heard of Feral Cows. It cascades over two high escarpments into one deep plunge pool. Accessed by sealed road, the falls are located near the western boundary of the park, 85 kilometres south of Darwin as the crow flies. A short walk takes you to 2 viewing platforms at the top of the gorge, opposite the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. Return to the carpark via the 1.6 kilometre Tolmer Falls loop walk - an easy walk (that is rocky in parts) that takes about 45 minutes. Follow the path through typical Top End sandstone country, along Tolmer Creek and a tributary, past pristine rock pools. Swimming is not permitted.

Next stop is Wangi Falls - Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Litchfield National Park near Darwin, Wangi Falls promises visitors a magical dose of beauty and fascinating history. The falls raise 45 Meters (about 150 feet) above a beautiful deep swimming hole. At 98 F I sure wish I had brought my swimmers.

Our next stop kin Litchfield park was Lunch. Another single traveler from Toronto was my seat mate and we buddied up. Our guide recommended the Barramundi - It did not dissapoint. Perfect cooked and delicious.

We do want to look respectable to you when we arrive in your beautiful Country. New Zealand it the Jewel in the Crown for me. Been on my bucket list for a long time.