MMDown Under

You need to go on a ship excursion to the Great Barrier Reef because they are not in port long enough to do independent GBR tours. You don't have to go into the water as they have glass bottom boats. Check what ship tours are available from Port Douglas as it is close to the Daintree National Park (rain forest. If you are in port long enough at Port Douglas you could visit the Daintree rain forest independently.

Thank you very much. I was wondering what the food would be like. I'm happy with basic food but am a good cook. I enjoy Indian food. I just went to the Festival of Lights in Parramatta and ate Indian all weekend. I'm from the Northern end of the Gold Coast. Where do you live on GC?

What a fabulous long cruise to NZ and Aust to look forward to. Have fun planning!

Usually parents go with young children and stay nearby on the street.

Freemantle must be happy today. I wonder if they'll get an impressive farewell like Coral.

But was it real ice cream or that terrible soft stuff?

That was nice that their good behaviour was recognised by another couple. I taught my girls to ignore rude people.

I've never been tempted to photograph a meal period. I don't expect fine dining, but I do expect edible food. Street food in SEAsia is absolutely delicious, at low cost. Do they have fresh fruit, if you don't enjoy the food?

You don't hear of that here often, but Americans do it regularly from Florida.

Some drugs can give you tremors. (I was in intensive care with a suspected heart attack. Pain was in the middle of my back. Doctor said it was from stones. One student backtracked and asked me did I tell Specialist that, but I said no, it was a process of elimination from a determined specialist.) I hope to visit UK for a last time next year, with a cruise from there. I'm pleased I travelled overseas annually when I was young, because I'm now happy to travel and cruise in Australia. Just waiting for some decent itinerary choices.

Yes two B2B cruises can be very different depending on the passengers. That is so sad. Some people aren't used to the normal noise teenagers make just having fun. I was taught you don't check other people's children!! (My friend's SIL and husband won't join them for Christmas because it is too noisy.)

I agree November is too early in the Season for an Antarctic Expedition. $25,000 is too expensive for off season.

It is special how the train picks up passengers from the ship on the wharf. I agree, if it is something you really want to do, it is worth the high cost. ( I learnt my lesson early when I didn't do an expensive ship's excursion to a resort to see the unique high cliff divers at Acapulco and missed seeing John Wayne in person.)

Oh yes, Americans love Christmas decorations, in fact all holiday decorations. I did a rail trip from Florida to Canada at Christmas once and it was wonderful to see all the Christmas lights and decorations on the houses en route.

Love the Koala Family. It must be a new thing as I haven't seen a decorated door, except for birthday.

Good attitude!

Work was lucky to fit in between your busy travels. Enjoy!

How is the food in MDR and buffet? How much do the Specialty Restaurants cost?

Teething troubles?

I think you and your wife have a disproportionate share of unique medical issues. Little did we realise in days gone by that chickenpox could lead to shingles which can lead to further complications. Can you still get travel insurance?

Did you see the lights of Redcliffe, Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast? Bon Voyage!

Moreton Island and Tangalooma sand hills. Brisbane is lucky to have this beautiful island so close, as well as Stradbroke Island. If cruise ships stayed overnight in Brisbane, passengers could choose from a day trip to Moreton Island or Stradbroke Island.

Do you know what causes your wife to have low blood pressure? I didn't realise low blood pressure could be dangerous until I was called to my grandmother, who was dying. I insisted on another doctor's opinion, who correctly diagnosed she had low blood pressure and stopped her high blood pressure medication which was killing her.

Ambulance cover and public hospitals used to be free in Queensland. My grandmother, who didn't gamble, used to buy tickets on the Chocolate Wheel which raised funds for the Ambulance. This is why Ambulance cover is included in Health Insurance policies.

The station hands make sure you are on the right train. I was fortunate that my train from Parramatta arrived at the same platform as the Circle train which goes to all city stops, including circular quay, then continues to Domestic and International Airports. Wheeled luggage has made all the difference. I couldn't carry luggage. I have a small backpack for hand luggage and a purse which goes over my neck to keep my hands free. I hope for more independent travel.