Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #326 Share Posted February 23, 2016 We held a CC fundraiser for Dick who passed away pre-cruise, we walked 10 laps of the track, and raised $342 (which includes the winnings from a CC slot pull). It was requested we donate to Island Reach via their website : http://www.islandreach.org/ I've not been able to forward the donation as their donation page appears broken or maybe it's just the connection here.... I've reached out to them on FB. An email to them has bounced. Can someone please try their donation link for me and tell me if you have succeeded in opening it. We had a super turnout for the walk and really appreciated the supportive cheers of those who sat and encouraged us on!! Great work.:D The link works, perhaps it is the server/connection/speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #327 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Great work.:DThe link works, perhaps it is the server/connection/speed. Thanks for trying..... I've been talking to them on FB..... the email address on their website was wrong!!! Still can't access the payment form on the laptop in my room though I can do just about anything else.... albeit slowly..... using Chrome and IE. Took off the Adblocker..... They have another link that I also can't open which is through The Ocean Foundation...... https://oceanfdn.org/donate/island-reach?caid=701A0000000i0Fl Going to head to the Internet Cafe..... won't be able to rest till it's done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floralscent Posted February 23, 2016 #328 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Just sayin' Unbelievable shot Linda! Thank you for the great review. I am really enjoying it as we were on the Solstice in December Sydney to Auckland. You are bringing back some fantastic memories. Enjoy the rest of your trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scozzy mcginty Posted February 23, 2016 #329 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Loving reading your blog Linda 9 days and we will be onboard 😀, your menu picks have me wanting the French onion soup and creme brûlée which was my favourite last year on solstice yum. Keep up with your pics and info as we countdown the days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #330 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Thanks for trying..... I've been talking to them on FB..... the email address on their website was wrong!!! Still can't access the payment form on the laptop in my room though I can do just about anything else.... albeit slowly..... using Chrome and IE. Took off the Adblocker..... They have another link that I also can't open which is through The Ocean Foundation...... https://oceanfdn.org/donate/island-reach?caid=701A0000000i0Fl Going to head to the Internet Cafe..... won't be able to rest till it's done. Major fail at internet cafe. Have lost most of afternoon. Both links provided by charity organisers won't load on these servers. So frustrating. Will try ashore tomorrow. Hope there's free wi fi somewhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #331 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Thanks for trying..... I've been talking to them on FB..... the email address on their website was wrong!!! Still can't access the payment form on the laptop in my room though I can do just about anything else.... albeit slowly..... using Chrome and IE. Took off the Adblocker..... They have another link that I also can't open which is through The Ocean Foundation...... https://oceanfdn.org/donate/island-reach?caid=701A0000000i0Fl Going to head to the Internet Cafe..... won't be able to rest till it's done. Good luck.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #332 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Major fail at internet cafe. Have lost most of afternoon. Both links provided by charity organisers won't load on these servers. So frustrating. Will try ashore tomorrow. Hope there's free wi fi somewhere Bummer, hopefully you can get it sorted.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodycruising Posted February 23, 2016 #333 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I have put a link to your blog on the Aust/NZ board here on CC. I hope you don't mind, but you have so many great pictures and info. I have cruised NZ several times as well as land trips, and I am learning from your posts still! You are making me want to go on Solstice again sooner than our next booking! :) I noticed a thread on CC about Reflection changing Bistro on 5 to a Sushi place. Could you see if they have changed much on Solstice please if you are going past? Is the Molecular Bar different now also please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #334 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I have put a link to your blog on the Aust/NZ board here on CC. I hope you don't mind, but you have so many great pictures and info. I have cruised NZ several times as well as land trips, and I am learning from your posts still! You are making me want to go on Solstice again sooner than our next booking! :) I noticed a thread on CC about Reflection changing Bistro on 5 to a Sushi place. Could you see if they have changed much on Solstice please if you are going past? Is the Molecular Bar different now also please? We were on over NYE and the head chef Robert told us that Bistro would go and become more area for Café Al Baccio as the Australian cruises have such a high demand and they would have light lunch menu (my speculation is that this is most likely to be at a surcharge). Molecular Bar was still there, however, the menu was somewhat reduced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassicruiser Posted February 23, 2016 #335 Share Posted February 23, 2016 We were on over NYE and the head chef Robert told us that Bistro would go and become more area for Café Al Baccio as the Australian cruises have such a high demand and they would have light lunch menu (my speculation is that this is most likely to be at a surcharge). Molecular Bar was still there, however, the menu was somewhat reduced. That makes a lot of sense. Did he say when this would be? We were on the Millennium in Alaska last year and there were never lines at Al Bacio, could get a coffee and a seat pretty much any time of day, which was wonderful. However on an Aus cruise on Royal Caribbean, the coffee shop (Lattetudes I think it was) was so packed constantly that I just gave up most of the time. Seems Aussies love their coffee... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #336 Share Posted February 23, 2016 That makes a lot of sense. Did he say when this would be? We were on the Millennium in Alaska last year and there were never lines at Al Bacio, could get a coffee and a seat pretty much any time of day, which was wonderful. However on an Aus cruise on Royal Caribbean, the coffee shop (Lattetudes I think it was) was so packed constantly that I just gave up most of the time. Seems Aussies love their coffee... Yes, Aussies love to sit around and socialise and drink whether it is coffee, water, tea or alcoholic drinks. The cafe's and bars are always buzzing on Aussie cruises. He didn't mention when it will happen and in light of how the Reflection goes perhaps it is not hard and fast just yet and will wait until the Solstice's return in November. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodycruising Posted February 23, 2016 #337 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Interesting Mic. That sounds like a great idea, and would make the area earn its money. We are looking to go on Solstice March 2017, but that is so far away :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #338 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I have put a link to your blog on the Aust/NZ board here on CC. I hope you don't mind, but you have so many great pictures and info. I have cruised NZ several times as well as land trips, and I am learning from your posts still! You are making me want to go on Solstice again sooner than our next booking! :) I noticed a thread on CC about Reflection changing Bistro on 5 to a Sushi place. Could you see if they have changed much on Solstice please if you are going past? Is the Molecular Bar different now also please? Happy for the blog to be shared far and wide..... it's all about sharing info at the end of the day. Where's the Molecular Bar? I spend a lot of time in Cafe al Bacio if truth be told.... whilst I can't partake of the breakfast there the coffee is wonderful and today I had an unplanned afternoon nap in one of their deep chairs. I sorted the gifting of the money to the charity..... one of my daughters put the transaction through with no problems at all back in the UK. Oh the joys of FB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted February 23, 2016 #339 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Happy for the blog to be shared far and wide..... it's all about sharing info at the end of the day. Where's the Molecular Bar? I spend a lot of time in Cafe al Bacio if truth be told.... whilst I can't partake of the breakfast there the coffee is wonderful and today I had an unplanned afternoon nap in one of their deep chairs. I sorted the gifting of the money to the charity..... one of my daughters put the transaction through with no problems at all back in the UK. Oh the joys of FB. Great that you got the donation sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted February 23, 2016 #340 Share Posted February 23, 2016 We were on over NYE and the head chef Robert told us that Bistro would go and become more area for Café Al Baccio as the Australian cruises have such a high demand and they would have light lunch menu (my speculation is that this is most likely to be at a surcharge). Molecular Bar was still there, however, the menu was somewhat reduced. Surprised how few from OS realize what a big coffee culture we have here. Especially in the cities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodycruising Posted February 23, 2016 #341 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Happy for the blog to be shared far and wide..... it's all about sharing info at the end of the day. THANK YOU :) Where's the Molecular Bar? I spend a lot of time in Cafe al Bacio if truth be told.... whilst I can't partake of the breakfast there the coffee is wonderful and today I had an unplanned afternoon nap in one of their deep chairs. It was next to the art area, just around from the Cafe on Deck 5. They made some lovely cocktails there, but the position of it made it not a very inviting place to linger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckiePuris Posted February 23, 2016 #342 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Thank you loving the review!! Fantastic detail and photos :) Hoping if it's not too much trouble, I could please ask you a huge favour? In the main dining room evening menu, on the left hand side there was a beautiful Hungarian dessert wine listed every night. Would it be possible for you to please note the name for me? I would love to buy it on land! Thank you and look forward to the rest of your trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #343 Share Posted February 23, 2016 It was next to the art area, just around from the Cafe on Deck 5. They made some lovely cocktails there, but the position of it made it not a very inviting place to linger. Ah yes.... seen that...... called Galleria Tastings...... at least that's what the name on the side says.... will grab a pic..... Got up at silly o'clock to try and catch sail in..... no chance..... sun isn't up and we're in......TV says ship speed 0Kts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #344 Share Posted February 23, 2016 It was next to the art area, just around from the Cafe on Deck 5. They made some lovely cocktails there, but the position of it made it not a very inviting place to linger. I agree, there is not a lot of atmosphere at this bar but then if you are there with friends then you create your own. I really don't get the art auctions on ships.:( I suppose they must be making money or it would have stopped years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #345 Share Posted February 23, 2016 (edited) I'd gathered notes from CC to take ashore at ports of call and here's what I have for Sydney from 'christopherg' and 'Queenslander' on the roll call. For such a big city a lot of interesting stuff is easily accessible to the cruise ship passenger and can be done without the expense of booking a tour. Right next to where our ship would normally have been parked (if another boat hadn't beaten us to it), is the historic Rocks area (just ask for a free map at the information centre and go for a walk), or take a walk around the Opera House to the Botanical Gardens for great harbour views. For some of the coolest harbour views make like a local and go for a ride on a harbour ferry ($10au?) or the taxi boats can be fun if don't mind a bit more expense. If its a nice day don't miss iconic Bondi Beach (but don't spoil it by going in a crowded tourist bus). Suggest you take a ferry to Rose Bay or Watsons Bay then grab a taxi to North Bondi (great views from the North Bondi RSL). Then walk south along the beach to The Icebergs (can't miss it) - sign yourself in as a day visitor (could be handy to have your divers licence for ID) - and for the best beach views anywhere make your way onto the balcony. If you get there around lunchtime and see a couple toasting the view with a bottle of Moet it will probably be me and Jenny. The Queen Victoria Building in George St Sydney is an architecturally beautiful restoration of an old building and I think one of the most interesting shopping centres I have ever seen. It has a quite a few floors of unique stores, fashion boutiques and galleries as well as an elegant tea room where you can relax and perhaps do some people watching. A good place to see whether you want to go shopping, just browse or enjoy high tea. Good too if it's rainy weather and you want to spend a few hours inside. Another good café is at Watsons Bay near the swimming enclosure - the same sensational views as Doyles Fish Café at a fraction of the cost. ---------------------- I'm still struggling to download yesterday's 'Daily'. Sigh. Edited February 23, 2016 by NorbertsNiece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #346 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Sooooo excited had to come back, upload this and share..... Those with port side verandas......lucky lucky lucky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted February 23, 2016 #347 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Lovely pic. Make sure you are sun smart and have plenty of water, it will get very hot today and when touring you can easily get caught out. Enjoy your day in Sydney.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #348 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Thanks Mic. All sorted. Will head to tender shortly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted February 23, 2016 #349 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Sooooo excited had to come back, upload this and share..... Those with port side verandas......lucky lucky lucky Beautiful Pic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted February 23, 2016 Author #350 Share Posted February 23, 2016 (edited) Currently only two local tenders running and they've both filled and headed out. Am waiting for priority boarding for the next one. -------- They just announced that those not in line will require tender tickets. This is when a bit of status comes in handy. Edited February 23, 2016 by NorbertsNiece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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