We launched on February 21, 2024 from Sydney, Australia at 8:00 pm to begin our Grand Voyage. Our sunset departure made for some incredible views of the skyline, harbor and the Opera House. As we stood at the railing on the 9th deck, we were so grateful to be starting this incredible adventure.
PRIOR…we had spent the previous 3 hours waiting on, unpacking and stowing our luggage in our suite. Each suitcase (and there were 7) was opened and either hung on hanger (we asked for more) or put in drawers. While there is ample room provided, we quickly came to the realization that we had overpacked. I was very confident that my organizational skills were adequate but the suitcases just kept coming. While this was underway, Joe was tasked with utilizing the space under the bed to stow our baggage. NOT EASY…NOT HAPPY. We finally managed to fit everything under the bed by putting our smaller suitcases into our larger ones but this did not happen in an orderly fashion. As each suitcase was emptied, it was stowed. As another suitcase arrived and was emptied we rearranged. In and out the suitcases came, Joe was sweating, I was hanging and apologizing to the bellmen. We were so ready to be done. I do think this added to our gratitude… that we were settled and finally underway after months of anticipation.
I was a bit slow in posting this, as onboard internet has been a challenge. Luckily, I brought my own IT department (Joe). We had so many “cords” in our luggage that I would have been upset about it but at least they didn’t need a hanger. Since then, he has been working on getting us to a manageable point that has allowed me to post.
After the trauma of getting settled our next full day was at sea. The previous night (first overnight) I was reminded of my college days when waterbeds were all the rage. It took some getting used to but I now feel as if I am being rocked to sleep as we navigate through the Tasman Sea headed for Brisbane. The first day the waters were a bit rough and we worked on our sea legs. We were advised to keep a wider than normal stance and stay low when necessary. Quickly, we both adjusted. We used that day to relax, familiarize ourselves with the ship, and chill by the pool. We attended a welcome cocktail party and enjoyed our first visit to The Colonnade for dinner.
I’m adding two photos of our destinations along with the Sydney departure.
Notes from Joe — or the dis-information department
First, I enjoyed my sister Linda’s birthday on the 22nd and then told her that she had a great day. This was due to the fact that I finished 2/22 before she got the day started. I’m 16 hours ahead of CST.
We saw the ghost of Ricardo Montalban (Khan) in Botany Bay. He was enjoying a Chrysler Cordoba, the star ship enterprise, and his Genesis bomb. RIP Ricardo.
On our first evening I knew we were sailing north but it was dark so I busted out the compass app on my phone. North was opposite to our ships heading. I stood alone, stunned…… Thoughts began to tear through my assumptions. It then hit me, the compass app was pointing to the south pole and calling it north. I thought that this was mind bender of the week. Then, on this 88 degree day I realized that at this point of the trip when we sail north the temperatures go UP! Never been there before.
Other news from tomorrow: Dis-information news flashes : Biden made a speech that made sense… Trump won a court case…. people paid the loans that they signed contracts for.
Other item: Lettuce (Arugula) is sometimes called Rocket… Huh?
More to come from captain commando.
Glad you finally got unpacked! Curious how they let you out of Botany Bay – I thought you might have gotten stuck there with those nasty Klingons! Whew ! That had to be a close call. Your room looks lovely! I love hearing all about your travels. Enjoy!