Embarkation

Boarded after the usual Customs and Immigration checkpoints and some more forms at the Tax Rebate Desk. Then onto the wharf and have our pic taken by the ships photographer then suddenly we’re on board!

Our cabin is more that we could have imagined with a huge porthole – Helen is very pleased.

A Room with a View

Feeling at home already

There’s time to explore a bit of the ship before Emergency Drill. The view of Darling Harbour from the front windows in the Dome is nothing worth getting excited about. Better start reading all about the activities for the rest of the day.

Pacific Daily – when is the first Art Auction???

At 4:20 we slip away from the wharf in steady rain - passengers (including us) huddle out of the wind and rain on around the pool on Lido Deck to the sounds of "Love Shack". The weather is so lousy that the cloud has enveloped the tops of Centrepoint Tower and the other tall skyscrapers in the city.

 

View from Caribe Deck towards Goat Island and the Sydney Ports Auth Tower

A few brave passengers out in the rain

Get a big wave from the bridge climb groups as the ship passes Luna Park. At least we were have some cover compared to these guys. Dropped off the pilot as the ship rounds the last channel mark and heads into the Pacific Ocean. We’re finally at sea about an hour after pulling away from Wharf 8.

Goodbye Sydney

We settle into some deck chairs to watch the coastline disappear amongst the showers and cloud until the cool breeze chased us inside. So much for a summer holiday!

Discover the Piano Bar on Plaza Deck and celebrate our escape with a pre-dinner glass of champagne - feeling very decadent. Wondered what the "poor" people were doing back home (NOT) ;-)

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