By The Bay

Roll on 2024.

I too am amazed that I am still learning new stuff daily.😉

This is from Wikipedia: The sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) is a relatively large white cockatoo found in wooded habitats in Australia, New Guinea, and some of the islands of Indonesia.

P&O Australia's site has the following: "Guests will be considered 'fully vaccinated' if they have completed a primary course (for most vaccines, this is two doses), including a mixed dose schedule, of TGA approved or recognised vaccines."

Are you arriving at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay or the White Bay Terminal? Where is your Hostel located? The answers to these questions will allow for an accurate reply.

The Travelodge on King St Mascot is half the price of Rydges and they have a shuttle service onsite for $10.

1st up today. Great deal. NEW ZEALAND FROM AUSTRALIA 13 NIGHT FLY/STAY/CRUISE PACKAGE Depart 10 February 2024 12 nights of cruising onboard Noordam from Sydney visiting Milford Sound, Fjordland National Park, Port Chalmers (Dunedin), Lyttelton (Christchurch), Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga (Rotorua), Scenic cruising of White Island, Waitangi (Bay of Islands, overnight) and Auckland 1-night stay in Auckland One-way flight from Auckland to Sydney (Call for other airport options) Prices start from AU$1,699pp

No prizes for guessing when I last went to a game at the 'G'.

I went to the Collingwood game at the MCG on Saturday. I offered the seller cash to buy the Footy Record. Imagine my shock when he told me they only accept cards, no cash.

Tempting.

Negative.

I was sent this deal yesterday. No link to TA today. Departing Sydney on 4 March 2024 from just $118pp a night, the 23-night package includes: 22 nights on Cunard's Queen Victoria from Sydney to Singapore Cruise in an Inside Cabin with the option to upgrade Full-board cruise with all meals included on the ship World-class entertainment and a range of activities on board Cruise highlights include stops in Queensland, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, and an extra night onboard in Singapore 1-night stay at 4-star Oasia Novena with breakfast One-way flight from Singapore back to Sydney* All airport and cruises taxes and fees

Don't give them any ideas.

I am interested in the outcome. Please keep us informed.

I have been asked to show my photo of the test result of the 3 cruises I have done since Covid. It could be because I get there early when they are not being pressured to get people on board. Who knows?

I went to the bank in Alotau and had no problem exchanging $AUD for Kina. Lots of security.

I was able to swap my leftover Kina with a local on one of the Islands. He was telling me they pool their $AUD and it is taken to the bank on the other side of the Island. Commissions and handling fees eat into his profit. He was happy, and I was happy to exchange.

Further to the above, I came across this just now. "Ms Summerhayes says the industry hasn’t been briefed at all on when rules might change and remain as in the dark as the public. The federal government currently has no legal mandates over cruise vaccination, meaning it is up to the state governments to change the rule. Recently, leading health experts have expressed concern over potential outbreaks if cruise lines were to ditch their health and safety procedures too quickly, but did feel that there is a definite move towards simply living with the disease, even on a cruise ship. However, with no word from the government, there continues to be no timeline for when this may occur." Source

The testing requirement is not just for Princess, it is for all cruising in Australia as detailed in this link NSW Government-approved Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols. I don't know when this Government policy is next reviewed.

I'm afraid not. The kiddies don't mind.

Dragging his anchor🤣.

That is good to know. Thanks. I lifted this from their FAQ's. What items am I not allowed to bring? Wine or champagne beyond the allowable limit of one 750 ml bottle per adult (18 years of age or older).

1. Wine. In Australia, they do not allow you to take wine onboard. 2. Military OBC. Not in Australia. They did before COVID. I last received it in 2018 but not this year. They do give you shareholder OBC. 3. Drink prices. These were similar to Princess. No experience with Royal Caribbean.