Sarnia 432

WWe decided to take a car out to see the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.  It was about half an hour outside Hobart.  We were able to see koalas, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos and wombats.  A lot of the animals were able to wander freely.  We fed the kangaroos and were shown around by a very nice guide.  The sanctuary rehabilitates animals back into the wild.

After the Sanctuary we went to see Richmond, a lovely Georgian village, where we wandered round the beautifully preserved buildings.  We saw Australia's oldest bridge, church and jail.

A great day out.  We got back to the ship and took a quick nap!

What amazing scenery, we have been up on the forward deck most of the day.  We had a short break for lunch, but were lucky enough to grab a table with a great view, so really didn’t miss anything.  I must say the lamb chops I had melted in the mouth, so tender.  New Zealand lamb is a favourite of mine.

We were feeling very energetic today, and with the 2 days here decided to go for a guided walk on our first day.  We set off for a guided hike of Mount Cargill, one of the most prominent peaks in Dunedin.  We climbed up through old forests and saw wonderful views of Otago harbour, Mount Kettle and the Silver Peaks.  We also saw the Organ Pipes, basalt formations from volcanic activity.  Eventually getting to Butter's Peak, 2,000 feet above sea level.

Thank goodness getting back was downhill!!!  We stopped in Dunedin for a well earned drink, before heading back to the ship.  Tomorrow will be a lazy day, touring the Otago Peninsular to see the albatross and penguins.

We decided to head out of town.  We took a private tour that drove us through some magnificent scenery out to Arthur's Pass.  Here we boarded the TransAlpine train to travel through part of the Southern Alps.  Wow, the views were amazing, the train gave us great views of the peaks and glaciers.  All too soon the ride was over.  We were met by our driver, and took a scenic ride back to town.  There was even just enough time to explore the shops before catching the last tender back to the ship

We wandered around town today.  Lovely weather and lots to see.  We had a leisurely lunch before heading back to the ship.  We will join everyone at sunset to remember and respect those who lost their lives and those they left behind.  Lest we forget.

34 minutes ago, possum52 said:

We plan to take the cable car to the top and walk back down slowly through the beautiful rose garden. We’ll have lunch hopefully near the waterfront which will be followed by a visit to Te Papa Museum. 
 

 

This is our plan too.  We may see you along the way. 

We are headed to the tourist office to get a map and some advice.  We would love to go for a nice long walk, and want to find out if there are any beauty spots nearby that we can walk to.  It would be nice to stretch our legs and if we get some good views or wildlife sightings, all the better.

10 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Try the forward viewing lounge - all that and great views as well.

Heading there now, sounds just what I want, and with great views as well.  I am enjoying this cruise.

I would like a coffee lounge, cozy intimate seating, quiet atmosphere.  This would be somewhere to sit back, read a book, do some people watching and enjoy a coffee or tea.  There would be tasty snacks, cookies, cakes pastries nearby.  Music would be subdued, so as not to drown out conversation.  A nice area for those of us who value quieter areas and enjoy a good conversation.

I remember this when we were in Rotorua.  The guide tipped a packet of soap flake into the vent to trigger the spout of water.  Very impressive, we may try to see it again. 

Well in the end we took the ferry over to Devonport.  What a lovely town, we wandered round and looked at the colonial houses.  The amazing excursion desk arranged for a local cafe to supply a picnic lunch for us.  It was delivered to the dock and we picked it up on our was off the ship.  We ended up eating our lunch with a great view over the harbour from North Head.  We explored the old war fortifications before heading back for the return ferry.  Fabulous weather today, sunny and warm, with a light ocean breeze, just how I like it.

Such nice memories.  We were in Auckland in 1994, January, for our honeymoon.  I remember going up one tree hill, we will likely do something different on this visit.

We decided to walk over to the treaty grounds after our lunch.  It was a pleasant walk and made for an interesting afternoon.  We stopped on the way back for a cool drink and did some people watching.  Tomorrow we are planning to go on a boat ride, hoping to see some dolphins.  We are planning to spend the evening having some pampering in the spa.  I am looking forward to a hot stone massage.  

Wow those beds are comfy, what is it about being on a ship that lets me sleep like a baby.  Overslept this morning, so glad we are in port overnight.  We had a leisurely breakfast at the cafe.  Those cheese croissants were delicious, and went well with our coffee.  A light breakfast today, as it won’t be too long before lunch!

We haven’t been to the Bay of Islands before, so I am going to,spend some time with the excursion department reviewing the options.  I love looking at new places so we will listen to what’s on offer and likely browse the web to get a good overview of the area.  Today we will stay on the ship for lunch and then head out in the afternoon.  Looking forward to the lunch.  I see there is steak on the menu and my favorite orange soufflé for afters.

For those of you interested, there is a virtual cruise in the Australia and New Zealand forum.  It is looking like a lively cruise to take or follow along.

Hi everyone, I have just spotted this sailing and we decided to take the plunge and join you.  I thought we had missed out, as today is a sea day, but I couldn’t believe our luck, we were offered a complimentary helicopter ride to come and join you.  What an amazing cruise line.  I see the sailing is not full so maybe others will be able to fly in.

As late arrivals we have taken a regular balcony cabin, but can’t believe how big it is.  King size bed, large sofa, tons of storage.  We generally don’t spend too much time in our cabin, so this will do us just fine.  Did any of you spot the outdoor heater on the balcony, that will be nice to use if we get any cooler days, or just to sit out later at night.

We are looking forward to cruising along with you all.

Island Princess, Prince Rupert, BC, Canada.

So after banning single use plastic bags from our stores, today I find out my cloth bags are banned.  I couldn’t even take them into the store.  Yes, it is back to plastic again.  On the positive side, I didn’t get charged for the plastic bags!

So excited, we have just booked the full196 days, Miami to New York.  😀

I have, thank you.  Let the planning begin!

9 hours ago, Paulchili said:

22 hours ago, 4HeatonsGal said:

 

Here is the 2022 WC

Thank you VERY much

3 hours ago, JoePDX said:

 

My 2022 World Cruise brochure came in the mail yesterday.  🙂   

 

Joe

Is this the Oceania world cruise for 2022?  Are you, (or anyone else) able to post the itinerary?