MMDown Under

Yes easy to meet other solos. On my cruise, they had a meeting of all solos outside on deck. A short session of what kind of person you were, eg dog or cat, was followed by drinks for a couple of hours. The first night, all solos were invited to sit at the one big table. There were a couple of solo gatherings over the eleven day cruise.

Normally passport inspection is first Australian port of call.

A tropical low forming in NT could become a cyclone in the Gulf of Carpentaria on the weekend.

Sounds absolutely delicious. That is great use of leftovers.

Is that a seafood chowder?Yum!

I'm pleased you are finding the food amazing. I enjoyed all the food at all the restaurants. I agree the Test Kitchen and Wake (brunch) were extra special.

Bon Voyage. Sounds like you will have a wonderful cruise, with your exercise routine.

I cant see the attraction, with free access to Australia's beautiful public beaches.

I had a hold on the cruise from Singapore to Fremantle which I let go, pending the current uncertainty.

Could be because Broome is not the easiest port to get in to.

I just did an enjoyable 11 day one way cruise from Auckland to Melbourne on Virgin's Resilient Lady. This allowed me to spend time in both Auckland and Melbourne, which have a lot to offer visitors. Cruises are constantly changing in Australia, so end of 2025 may have different choices than now.

Ki Maha restaurant recommended to us at Waiheke was a highlight of our Auckland visit. The entrees were so good, We shared seven! Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then bus stops at the restaurant door. After lunch, We caught bus for good shopping at neighbouring town, plus a walk along the beach, then 7 pm twilight ferry back to Auckland.

I bought wine in port in NZ to take home. It was delivered to my cabin the day before we disembarked.

There is a wonderful home made craft shop in Picton. I bought beautiful handcrafted alpaca fingerless gloves and hand crafted woollen neck gaitor, as well as a big red heart pendant for Scarlet Night on Resilient Lady. I bought beautifull colourful polished shells at the Gift Shop. The supermarket had a good selection of NZ wines.

Good advice. I don't think people realise just how exhausting long haul travel is. Elaine 5 - When does your cruise depart after your arrival?

Breakfast is my favourite meal. There was a huge selection of breakfast choices, from traditional English style breakfast, a selection of omelettes, pancakes, cereals, bowl of cut fruit, Thai curry, ramen, tacos, toast with toppings. I wake very early so used to have toast with marmalade and vegemite, with a cup of Dilmah tea. Later I would have a brunch of a deliciousThai curry. There is something for everyone on both sides of the ship.

I am a senior and think Virgin appeals to all ages. The staff, who spoke English, were all friendly and helpful. i thought the big games room, full of puzzles and games, was wonderful. Library almost non existent, so take your own books and magazines. pluses were amount of time spent in port. Two ports had two nights, a real bonus.

Looking at world events the itinerary changes were inevitable!

I think it is a good idea to register with cruise lines and travel agents who sell cruises you are interested in and be ready to book when you receive bargain offers. I am a solo cruiser but never pay a single supplement as I receive offers of “no single supplement”.

I think that is the secret with big ships. Stay on board and enjoy the ship and facilities whilst other passengers are in port.

You are talking to Australians who don’t need a passport to cruise in Australian waters. Just book with Australian company

Hope they left a desk file!

Enjoy!!

Plus a movie theatre, Dendy if you need to fill in time. Portside is walking distance to ferry to City or Bulimba on opposite of the river. There are a number of nice motels near Portside. Racecourse Avenue at Ascot nearby has a good selection of eateries.

Yes I realise that. Prices are still cheaper if cruise is on special.