MMDown Under

Daintree Port Douglas Northern Beaches - Palm Cove Tropical Botanical Gardens. Have fish and chips at a cairns restaurant (I had three on an overnight) Walk along the Esplanade Look at birds on the mud flats on low tide. Watch swimmers in big waterfront pool.

Yes I'm currently considering another hurtigruten cruise next year. I love that cruise line and have been on five cruises.

We had to wear masks on busses when I left and on planes but they were being removed. All theatres have signs to wear masks. It common sense because everyone sits close at the theatre.

Yes you would notice the difference. I used to go to Dandy movies there with four hours free parking. I enjoyed checking out any ships in port. I wonder if small ships will still come to Portside. You can walk from there to the ferry to the city.

No shuttles! Maybe Princess could offer a day tour. Brisbane has a lot to offer without going further afield to Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

ha ha I did the same! No photos on your own though.

I didn't know about holds and was surprised to learn how long some banks hold "holds". We went from a cruise to hire a car hire, which also hold money, and didn't have enough money on one credit card. We had enough money for all expenditure!

That is a shame. Why not share a maxi taxi to Racecourse Road, Ascot (shops and restaurants) and get him to take you up to Bartley's Hill Lookout, Massey Street, Ascot for great views of the river. There are lots of beautiful Queenslander houses in Ascot and Hamilton. My daughters went to Ascot State School (Public). Can recommend FarmRak Signature (That Thai) at 133 Racecourse Road, Ascot for great dine in or take away food. Would be a good idea for a local shopping centre to run a free shuttle bus like in Honolulu. I doubt there will be a ferry service because it would take too long into the city

Memories of travelling around USA and Canada for three months on my own - strangers falling asleep on my shoulder. (I was 24)

On one Hurtigruten cruise, we couldn't book free excursions nor paid excursions until after we boarded.

On my last solo cruise, I was happy to sit on my own taking in the beautiful view as I ate. However, someone, such as the guest speaker, would join me. I would say it wasn't necessary but they would say they were happy to join me. Maybe part of their job ? Guest Speakers on small ships are always interesting.

To see a working wharf, Morning tea was provided plus a bus trip

Yes I imagine that could happen as it is not a precise science. However you can tell when it is a popular decision with the crowd.

Yes, my daughter worked for a breeder (home help) so she observed the nature of different dogs and chose well for her dog and other family dogs. We always enjoyed watching child handlers in the lunch break at the Ekka. That is exactly what the lady sitting next to me said (most closely met the breed standard). People in the stands don't always agree with the judge's opinion. .

Do you think they'd use it as a cruise ship or have it berthed somewhere permanent?

Yes that was it. They said it didn't put a foot wrong. No wonder I couldn't spell it Watching BIS is a good way to see a variety of dogs. I don't know how they compare the different breeds though. My neighbour had a schnauzer which was the most affectionate dog I'd ever seen

Senior citizen bus tours visit the grain terminal wharf. I wonder if they will visit the new Brisbane Port,

I didn't know that. I book so close to departure I pay in full. FCD didn't work for me as I didn't cruise with the cruise line by the deadline. They sent cheques in lieu of putting amount back on credit card.

That is manageable. I enjoy watching different breeds of dogs be groomed at the Show. Did I mention a tiny dog whose name I cant spell won best in show at Adelaide?

Forgot to ask does Maxy take much grooming not for showing? My daughters have whippets which take no grooming.

Well done! I agree 20% deposit, two years out, on a 17 day cruise is far too much. $25 deposit you can't loose. They deserve your support.

I understand. It is the principle! I was brought up by a frugal grandmother, a child of the Depression. She passed it on. After reading "Weevils in the Flour" about the 30s depression in Australia, I finally understood.

That is good to have a choice.

I've got that to look forward if I ever cruise out of Brisbane. That would make me want to go out for the day,

Bon Voyage, Don. Nice to be able to say for your cruise NEXT month. Where are you cruising again?