Tasman Sea

Crossing the Tasman Sea

We came out of the Marlborough Sounds and hit the winds of the Cook Strait. Within a few minutes the skies were dark, the wind was strong and the sea had roughened up again.

Later that evening it was into the Tasman Sea and back into the Roaring Forties. And they were so kind to us. This is my seventh crossing. My first cruise to NZ had really big seas on the way there - and massive on the way back. (we missed a port and had to go north by hundreds of ks to miss a huge storm!)

This trip was great. At times it looked like a pond.

The next two days were spent having a fun time. We ate in the Windjammer on Mexican Night. I didn't even realise they did theme nights. And it was really good!

Sarah was back to herself! How amazingly lucky we were! She finished and submitted one assignment and was working on the next!

A group of us went down and did a Slot Pull. We put in $10 (per pair) AND WE WON!

We walked away with $55 each! Yahhh

Then it was the last Formal night.

And I will admit here - I DID see a large change in 'formal wear' - less suits, more open necked shirts. Not judging - just pointing out an observation.







But not just any Formal Night.

The Captain's Table night.

As always - it started with a very fine glass of bubbles at the Champagne Bar.

We were then paraded in and sat down.

The table was beautiful.

Captain Goran is new to being the permanent master of Radiance. He is from Sweden and a lovely guy. Really interesting. We chatted about all sort of things. It was a fantastic night.
Of course the food and wine were wonderful.



The last day was fun. 
There was aways something happening - music etc.
The pool BBQ was lovely as usual. 

And then came that dreaded night - putting the luggage out! Always so sad.



Sydney - 11th October 2014 - Day 33

Waking up to this always helps with the pain of ending a trip.

For those of you who have not sailed into Sydney - it really is one of the most stunning sail in / sail aways! Put it on your list.

This is the starboard side view - very early.




And the aft view - a few hours later.




The Sydney OPT (Overseas Passenger Terminal) is undergoing MAJOR renovations. Disembarking was just as easy as it always is! There was a lot of doom and gloom talk before we got there - but if you didn't know about the renovations (at least when leaving by taxi) you wouldn't have even realised. It was great. We spent less than 15 minutes in the taxi line.

We then wandered up to the Marriott Hotel to collect our hire car. After a lovely uneventful trip we arrived home. Canberra is only a very easy three hour trip - so a great way to finish a trip.

Aussie people - Avis has a depot at the The Marriott - 300metres straight up Pitt St. They are always a bit slow (15-20 minutes) to get the car up to you - but such an easy option.

So - here I am back at home after an amazing trip and so much to be grateful for.
33 days - Vancouver, five different spots in Hawaii, Tahiti, Moreea and Bora Bora, New Zealand and the amazing Marlborough Sounds. 
The opportunity to travel again with my wonderful Dad - in his 90th year. 
The fact that Sarah escaped a bizarre accident with no lasting damage.
The opportunity to spent time on my favorite ship and the many wonderful people I met.

I saw a volcano. From the ship we saw - humpback, pods of dolphin, seal and birds.

I will admit - I am so lucky! And spoilt!



Whats next you ask......... Well in November 2015 Andy and I are off on a b2b on Legend of the Seas.

Singapore - Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Phillipines, Malaysia, Darwin and back down the Queensland coast.