MMDown Under

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?

Even if you asked to sit at a share table? If that was the case I'd make a friend outside before I went in!

Sounded a better location than squashed next to another table for one or two! The advantage of large tables is you can't hear the other half of the table anyway, but you have lots of space between passengers. It only works if you can sit on the same table every night, as you meet the nicest well travelled interesting people.

For passengers not familiar with Brisbane port, the view starts early. The ship has to cruise north to the Sunshine Coast, then cruise south to Brisbane port.

Suggest you put this under Roll Calls under name of Cruise Line and put specific questions about Tasmania.

At present, interesting itineraries are lacking on Australian cruises. We travelled around Alaska on the Alaskan Marine Highway which visits small interesting places on small ferries. Then we rented a car in Anchorage followed by a truck camper. We had the national parks to ourselves for free because it was beginning of off season. We loved touring Alaska and I'd love to do it again. Locals were very friendly down to earth like Australians.

That's my idea of a special place to eat for one!

Sounds horrible. A table for two, when you don't really have room for tables for two.

Good to hear. Was that in MDR? How have the seas been? Are you getting off the ship in Brisbane? The Government/BCC needs to get their act together with regard to public transport. 16-24 sun partly cloudy Brisbane forecast

Thanks for your continuing coverage of your cruise, despite the difficult slow internet. Glad you got off the ship in Papeete. Did you drive around on le truck? Sorry your scuba dive was a disappointment. Did you get your crepe from food trucks on the wharf? Were you allowed to get ferry to Moorea for a day trip, as it is such a beautiful island? I hope you sre able to disembark in NZ without too much delay.

yes strange there are a lot of anomalies in the welfare system. We didn't get any Government assistance when our children went through Uni because we both worked. Yet my daughters' friends got Austudy allowance throughout uni whilst living in houses their parents bought for them to live in near the uni.

Come to GC All my doctors bulk bill. GP in Parramatta bulk billed. 1 st ultrasound specialist said it would cost me $100 (no thanks) 2nd ultrasound specialist no charge. I'm surprised there is no competition where you live,. You have to shop around.

Thanks You have demonstrated the importance of choosing the correct balcony for your needs.

I'm going for my first ultrasound today, on my knee. I hope it comes with a translation if I get a result in language like yours. I know it won't be of the level of yours from a bike accident.

Oops I spoke too soon sun has gone and it looks like rain (8.23 am). Lucky I got the photos as evidence.

Gorgeous photo. That cat has attitude!

I think it deserves it!

When we first stocked up in the USA, everything was high quality, made in the USA. Now same brand but made all over the world except USA. I rarely have gotten any OBC, perhaps a token $50US. I first observed the working poor in the USA. Unfortunately, we now see that in Australia. .

Sun is out in Sydney after a glorious sunrise How was the sunrise where you were?

Why would your medication go up. Wouldn't you be entitled to a Commonwealth Low Income Health Care Card, or does your wife working make you ineligible?

Wow what a great job you did! I've always wanted answers on different types of balconies. You answered it. BTW from the wharf the small balconies, on big ships, look to me like battery hen cages. From inside to my first balcony on Celebrity Century, I was lucky to be upgraded to a big balcony with chairs, table and liLows. Spoilt me for life!