Voyage 3

2011  WORLD CRUISE    Voyage 3

Auckland, New Zealand (February 12) to Sydney, Australia (March 1)

17 days, 7 days at sea, 11 ports, 3990 nautical miles

Temperature range:  70º - 46º - 81º

The ports of call for this voyage are popular with cruise ships.  We have 457 passengers for this voyage; lots of new faces aboard; many Australians.  Captain Corsaro has left for vacation; Captain Sangiacomo is our new Master.  Look at the temperature range: we are in the Southern Hemisphere, it's Summertime.  it did get cooler the farther south that we went, in fact COLD at one point, then gradually warmed as we began our northerly track.

Don't forget, you can watch our movies of Voyage 3:  Part 1 covers New Zealand and Part 2 covers Australia.  And, if you are familiar with Google Earth, check out some of these places.  Making these videos takes lots of work - edit pictures, select the pictures to add, then get creative and add music. - it is fun.

February 12  We arrived in Auckland, North Island, New Zealand at 8am at the cruise dock pier.   Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails".  The city sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbors. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf.

            This was the beginning for Voyage 3; lots of activity aboard with people leaving and others arriving.  We got off the ship to explore the city, the Sky Tower; back to ship for lunch (which is almost empty), then off to walk the waterfront.  By 7pm, the lines are 'slipped' and away we go (there must be an extra dock fee if we stay after dark, as this seems to be the standard departure time).

  Summary - Auckland is a busy city and the harbors are great for sailing.  We'll come back.

February 14   After one day 'at sea' with party cloudy weather, we arrived in Wellington, North Island, New Zealand under cloudy skies, docking near the ugly sports arena.  New Zealand’s capital is, arguably, the country’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.  The city is located near the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island.  It’s world-class Museum of New Zealand is a don’t-miss attraction, and the burgeoning film industry has injected new life into the local arts scene.  Attractive and compact enough to be explored easily on foot, Wellington is a booming destination.   Modern highrise buildings gaze over Port Nicholson, surely one of the finest natural anchorages in the world.  Known to local Māori as The Great Harbor of Tara, its two massive arms form the jaws of the fish Maui from Māori legend.  Sometimes referred to as the windy city, Wellington has been the seat of New Zealand’s government since 1865.

          We walked to town (15 minutes) to explore, sightsee, and ride the cable car up Victoria Hill.  Lots of people around as the Sun Princess (2200 passengers) is also in port.  So, more walking before returning to cable car at lunch time (assuming most cruise ship passengers always return to their ship for lunch); still a line but we waited and it was worth it.  Great views from the top.  About 2pm, a light rain started; we figured that we better head back.  We got on the Sun Princess shuttle bus, figuring no one would know the difference (but we forgot that we had our Silversea jackets on).  No big deal; we are all going to the same port.  Our ship departed at 6:30pm with the Sun Princess right behind us.

        Summary - So far, all of the ports in New Zealand have been great.  We need to stay longer.

February 15   What a great sunrise as we entered the channel for the container port of Lytteltown where we docked from 8am til 6pm to visit Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand which is 20 miles inland.  Our initial impression of Christchurch was one of a genteel, green city.  Joggers loop through shady Hagley Park, and punters (small boats) ply the narrow Avon River, which bubbles between banks lined with willows and oaks.  Christchurch is the largest South Island city and the second-largest in the country.  It is also the forward supply depot for the main U.S. Antarctic base at McMurdo Sound.  The face of Christchurch is changing rapidly, fueled by both internal and international immigration. The Māori community, although still below the national average in size, is growing.  Old wooden bungalows are making way for town houses, the arts scene is flourishing, and the city’s university attracts cutting-edge technology companies.  In short, there’s plenty of fresh energy percolating underneath the English veneer.

        We arranged (through the internet) for a Segway Tour.  It's 59º, sunny but cold!   We visited Cathedral Square where we each bought a hat; Lourae bought some cute socks; then we met Graeme from Urban Wheels.  After 20 minutes of instructions, the tour began by gliding through the Cultural Precinct which includes the Art Gallery, the Arts Center, the Botanic Gardens and the Museum.  We continued through Hagley Park, in use year around for rugby, tennis, cricket, golf, netball & jogging. Then we headed out into the suburb of Fendalton where we saw typical houses and schools of Christchurch.  The Mona Vale Homestead was our next destination, and in the true Christchurch tradition, Mona Vale is a historic Victorian homestead surrounded by English style gardens, rhododendrons, camellias,conifers and maples.  As we glided away from Mona Vale we saw some of Christchurch's more typical homes in the suburb of Riccarton.  The Riccarton House & The Deans Cottage is where the the Deans Family, the pioneers of Christchurch, built the first dwelling on the Canterbury plains; the Deans family later built the very impressive Riccarton house. This is the birthplace of Christchurch and a truely beautiful area, that has been preserved for all to see.  It was great fun riding the segway; it's very easy; we got to see more of the city than we could have by walking.  After our tour, we had a fish & chips lunch at Dux Lux before returning to the ship for our departure at 6pm

          Summary - Graeme was great; a really nice guy.  Christchurch was our favorite place.  Unfortunately, most of the city was severely damaged one week later by a major earthquake.  How sad.  But, New Zealanders are tough and they will rebuild.

February 16  Sailing south, we are getting into cooler weather - it's foggy and 55º as we dock at Port Chalmers, South Island, New Zealand near the town of Dunedin (pronounced 'done eden').  European whaling ships first called at Otago Province during the early decades of the 1800s, yielding a mixed response from the native Māori.  In 1848 Dunedin was settled, and by the mid-1860s the city was the economic hub of the Otago gold rush.  Dunedin’s historical wealth endures in such institutions as the University of Otago, the oldest in the country.  The Otago Peninsula is renowned for its diverse marine wildlife and spectacular scenery.

          We booked a full-day outing - Otago Peninsula: Penguins, Albatross, & Seals.  From the pier in Port Chalmers, we boarded the coach and headed south along Otago Harbor to the city of Dunedin, passing through the downtown area en route to Otago Peninsula.  The coastal 90-minute drive up the Otago Peninsula took us past picturesque seaside communities to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve.  Our guide told us about the penguins before a mini-van took us across farmland to the penguin reserve, located in the sand dunes behind the beach.  Here, we walked through a unique system of hides and tunnels to experience and photograph undisturbed activity of the penguins.

         Then, re-boarding the coach, it was a brief drive to the Royal Albatross Colony located at the tip of Taiaroa Head and is the world's only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent birds.  A type of petrel, the Royal Albatross is one of nature's largest birds, with a wingspan of up to 10 feet.  After the naturalist provided a brief lecture with a video presentation, we headed out to see the birds in their natural habitat from a special viewing station.  Lunch was served at the Royal Albatross Café before transferring the short distance to Natures Wonders.

         Natures Wonders boasts one of the largest breeding colonies of New Zealand fur seals in the world.  They live on the rocks and can be seen anytime of the day all year round.  At Natures Wonders, we climbed into 8x8-wheel Argo (all-terrain vehicle) for a fun ride across rolling farm country to see both a fur seal colony and yellow-eyed penguin nesting area.  Now, another 90-minute back to the ship in Port Chalmers.  A long day on a bus with 40 people.  It was good to get back to Silver Spirit for a "Welcome Home" greeting from the staff and cold bubbly champagne was waiting for us.

         Summary - Lots of awe inspiring nature in beautiful settings.  There is still more to see someday, when we return.

DUNEDIN 8WD!

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPQNQb4web7eJs7gCIwZadA6xQSOW3rU75dCsUf/AF1QipOjA_9baDnPiymvPFQpbKqYJPZ0_4CAV36uzgj6?authKey=CMmgr5GKss7ooAE

February 17 we get to Stewart Island, New Zealand  with the anchor down at 11am.  We are now at 46º South latitude; our farthest point South  (comparable to Portland, Oregon at 45º North latitude).  It is 54º and foggy!

          Located some 20 miles from the mainland, and separated from New Zealand's South Island, the Stewart Island's attractions lie in its virtually untouched beauty and unhurried pace.  There are few cars, few roads, and little tourist development.  You could say that Stewart Island is less a destination than a way of life.  Stewart Island was named after a Captain Stewart who visited the island in 1809.  To the Maori people who have lived on the island for hundreds of years, the island was known as Rakiura, meaning ˜heavenly glow".  The majority of the residents live at Halfmoon Bay, the island's only sizeable settlement; also called Oban, this fishing village borders a scenic bay, with low buildings blending into the wooded hills behind.  The village has a few shops, one hotel and a couple of cafes.  Mountainous and heavily forested, Stewart Island is roughly triangular in shape, and about 40 miles long and 20 miles wide; steep wooded promontories rise sharply from the clear waters.  Ninety percent of the island is national park and most of that is native forest.  In fact, Stewart Island has recently been added to the list of New Zealand's national parks.

           We decided that today was for relaxing.  As the fog slowly lifted, we cuddled (it's still chilly) in a sun bed for an hour, then enjoyed lunch on the aft deck at a table in the sun, and back to a sun bed looking at the jellyfish in the water all around the ship.  Anchor up at 6pm and we were in the Observation Lounge with our friends watching pieces of the sunset as the fog rolled in.

           Summary - A quiet place to visit.  Some New Zealanders come here in the summer to get away from the big cities.

February 18  brought us to Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand, two fjords on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South island.  There are just a few areas left in the world where no human has ever set foot.  Jagged razor-backed mountains rear their heads into the sky; more than 200 days of rain a year ensure not a tree branch is left bare and brown, moss and epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) drape every nook; the forest is intensely green.  This is big country... one day peaceful, a study in green and blue, the next melancholy and misty, with low cloud veiling the tops... an awesome place, with its granite precipices, its hanging valleys, its earthquake faults and its thundering cascades.

           Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fjordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fjords in Fjordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.  It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals; in season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fjordland Crested Penguin.  In Maori legend, this colossal fiord was created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa; four young sea gods assisted him by carving the fiord’s long, sheltered arms.  Today, Doubtful Sound remains an unspoiled wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked. It was nice to get into the protected waters of Doubtful Sound as the seas have been rough since midnight.  The mountains were mysterious and mist-cloaked, not sunny clear blue for our 1-1/2 hour cruise.

           Our first sight of Milford Sound was stunning: dark waters out of which rise sheer rocky cliffs into the fog.  Milford Sound is the most accessible of Fjordland’s famous sounds, complete with seals, dolphins and an almost guaranteed downpour of rain (an average of more than 20 feet per year!) that creates a spectacular deluge of cascading waterfalls and afterwards adds an appropriately moody mist to the scene.  One of NZ’s biggest tourist attractions, Milford Sound receives about half a million visitors each year.  Our 3 hour cruise was shrouded in mist and clouds but we did see the lower forests and several waterfalls.  This would have been a spectacular sight with sunny skies.

           Summary - These are great places to visit; surreal and quiet; maybe stay in the Lodge for fishing and boating.

Video ---    VOYAGE 3, PART 1 - NEW ZEALAND

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPQNQb4web7eJs7gCIwZadA6xQSOW3rU75dCsUf/AF1QipPLCucrZ-21OhAXbEtXSP6HRtlNsyc8rxQ-3GZb?authKey=CMmgr5GKss7ooAE

                  Goodbye, New Zealand!

February 19-20  we were crossing the Tasman Sea; 890 nautical miles from New Zealand going west northwest to Tasmania, Australia.  When we left Milford Sound yesterday afternoon, the sun finally came out and the skies cleared; these conditions continued into Feb 19.  A deep low pressure system had developed south of Australia and moving east; although the forecasted area of rough waters was 500 miles southwest of us, the waters that we were crossing would be affected by this low pressure.  As sailors, we have learned to study weather patterns and this is one area that we were watching; afterall, we were warned by Australians who left the ship in Auckland.  If we were on our own boat, we would have stayed in port.  However, the Silver Spirit has a schedule; so on we go.  We asked ourselves, "why isn't the Captain going faster to get there quicker while the conditions are calm?"  We guess that his schedule says "I have 900 miles to go and need to arrive at 6am so the computer says let's go 14 knots the whole way."  At our World Cruiser Dinner, the Staff Captain explained that fuel consumption is part of the calculation of speed; more fuel is burned at higher speeds.

          On Feb 20, the Tasman Sea was living up to it's reputation of rough seas. Although still clear and sunny, the wind and waves continued to build where we were bashing our way into 40-50 knots of winds and 20+ feet seas;  the low pressure was 980 millibars (that's hurricane or cyclone measurements); and, it got worse into the night.  The  ship's motion and noise of bashing into the waves was awful, to say the least; every few minutes brought another BANG!  The creaking, shaking, shuddering, and groaning sounds were disturbing; the elevators were shutdown; the phone system quit working; people were not sleeping.  The last 18 hours until we arrived in the shelter of Tasmania were the most uncomfortable time of our cruise.

          We can say "Been there; done that; don't want to do that again."

Video ---  CROSSING THE TASMAN SEA!!

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipM1JZoRylxvOPBaHcrubgFDRC4HgPVYjxfeRVTm/AF1QipNxnkByTNZAO3FSKVW0xdTVNL3frYLi7sjgZQYN?authKey=COGgyfyEjLWtsQE

February 21 we docked in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia at 8am.  Boy, last night was ROUGH!  Glad to be at a dock.  Straddling the Derwent River at the foot of Mt. Wellington’s forested slopes, Hobart was founded as a penal settlement in 1803.  It’s the second-oldest city in Australia, after Sydney, and it certainly rivals its mainland counterpart as Australia’s most beautiful state capital.  Close-set colonial brick-and-sandstone shops and homes line the narrow, quiet streets, creating a genteel setting.  Life revolves around the broad Derwent River port, one of the deepest harbors in the world.  Here warehouses that once stored Hobart’s major exports of fruit, wool, and corn, and products from the city’s former whaling fleet still stand alongside the wharf.

          We booked an invigorating way to experience the splendid beauty of Hobart -  Mt. Wellington Descent.  Our sunrise arrival in the port gave us a view of Mt. Wellington covered with SNOW!   It's the middle of Summer and it's 46º!   Who planned this adventure, particularly when no one slept last night?  Ten of us left the pier for the approximately 30-minute, 12-mile transfer to the 4,000-foot summit of Mt. Wellington.  The last 1000-foot elevation was on an icy road and it was still snowing.  Not much to see from this viewpoint to the distant mountain ranges, the south-eastern shores, and the city of Hobart below; we were in the clouds.  Our guide drove back down the mountain road to get below the snow level.  After receiving our safety instructions and equipment (helmet, parka, and gloves) from the guide, and Randy set up his GoPro camera, we boarded our mountain bikes and commenced 'down the road'.  Along the way in snow (fingers and toes frozen) then rain (it's cold and wet) then sun (finally), we passed through alpine terrain and the magnificent forest with a few rest and photo stops along the way.  We continued through South Hobart and Battery Point and back to the pier.  It's now 53º; time for lunch then curl up in a warm bed for a nap.  There were some experienced bike riders in our group that plunged ahead; we had a hard time keeping up with two older gents, Fred (Norway) and Bill (Canada), who we discovered later are age 90 and 76, respectively.

           The ship departed at 5:30pm with a slight change in course - north along east coast of Tasmania and over the top - rather than south around the bottom and into the big seas that were still creating havoc in the area.  It added another 2 hours to our passage.  No big deal.  Thanks, Captain, good decision.

           Summary - A fun bike adventure!  Some friends toured the island and saw some interesting sights - old prisons and local animals like the Tasmanian devil - a small carnivorous marsupial.  Tasmania is a fairly large island; so lots to see and do.  Its problem is that the island is too far south for our tropical blood.

HOBART BIKE RIDE!

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPQNQb4web7eJs7gCIwZadA6xQSOW3rU75dCsUf/AF1QipPI3L24re8erhQYI_AozSJ6OuM1HJSPaFF_Uh2p?authKey=CMmgr5GKss7ooAE

February 23  after a day and a half  'at sea' in slightly calmer conditions, we arrived at 1:30pm to anchor off Kangaroo Island, South Australia State, Australia  til our 9pm departure.  Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia.  It is known for its outstanding natural beauty.  Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development.  To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere.  As one of the world's last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks; the most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind.  Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young.  Kingscote is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot.  Tourism is a significant element in the local economy; a mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.  There are daily ferries from Adelaide.

         We went ashore in the late afternoon for a 'walk around town' and out to Flagstaff Hill for the views.

         Summary - a quiet town but lots to see at the nature preserves.

February 24   By 8am, we were docked in the Outer Harbor, 20 miles from the town of Adelaide, South Australia State, Australia.  Our suite was on the dock side so we got a good view of the countryside stretching miles to the north. When the Europeans arrived in South Australia in 1836, there was already a population of 15,000 Aboriginals living there, divided into some 50 distinct groups; they were soon moved or pushed into the Western Desert by the new settlers.  They named the city Adelaide, after King William IV's wife.  New settlers were put to work on public projects such as bridges, roads, public buildings and wharves and South Australia became a colony of the English government.  A new governor, Captain Grey, encouraged workers to spread out from the city; agriculture was improved.  In the 1860's, silver, iron ore and copper were discovered in South Australia.  Today, Adelaide is a quiet, conservative town, still relying on South Australia's liberal traditions.  It is a city of old wealth, with a free and laid back lifestyle.

           We joined our fellow World Cruisers for an exclusive wine tour - Journey from Vine to Glass which began with a scenic one-hour drive into the foothills of Adelaide to arrive at the Penfolds Magill Estate for an exclusive introduction to some of Australia's best wines (sold at Costco in California).  Whether a seasoned wine enthusiast or a relative novice, the wines and history of Australia's most famous wine region are impressing; from a Barossa Shiraz to the Rieslings of the Clare Valley, many of Australia's premier wines are produced in South Australia, and none is more famous than the Penfolds Magill Estate.  The winery exudes the charm and character of its founders, whose pioneering spirit brought their family name into the home of the Australian people and inspired the creation of Australia's greatest wine.  For over 160 years, Penfolds Magill Estate Winery has been producing remarkable wines including Australia's most famous, Penfolds Grange.  During the tour of the estate, our guide took us through their historic, working winery, encompassing a 60-year-old Shiraz vineyard, the Bluestone Vintage Cellar where Penfolds Grange is made, and the underground maturation cellar.  Then, we went to the historic Still House and indulged in a tasting of five Penfolds Premium wines, including the Bluestone 10-year-old Tawny.  Afterwards, moving to the Magill Estate Restaurant, we sipped a glass of Australian Sparkling Wine and sampled tasty canapés.

         On the return drive to the port, we passed through Adelaide, the City of Churches, then got off the bus in Port Adelaide, the original port and today's container port.  With Phil and Colleen, we planned our own afternoon pub tour of this old port town.  Today, Port Adelaide is very quiet with many buildings boarded up, but some lively pubs.  The First Continental Inn pub was packed with the 'biker crowd'; we joined the crowd for a good cold Australian beer. Then we wandered the streets to the Port Dock Inn (more family oriented) for another beer and to make plans for dinner; we stayed here and had a great dinner.  We had planned to take the train back to the ship but got a taxi instead; after 20 minutes of driving through the warehouse districts of Port Adelaide (we thought we were being kidnapped and would be held for ransom), we arrived at a pier with an old ratty schooner taking passengers aboard.  This was NOT the 'new cruise ship dock' in Outer Harbor; the driver finally understood where we needed to go.  We arrived at Silver Spirit at 9:30pm and celebrated our day with another beer at the Pool Bar then moved to the Observation Lounge for our 10pm departure.

          Summary -  Adelaide has a lot to offer and many sights to see.  We will have to return.

February 26   After a day 'at sea' sailing east along the southeast coast of Australia (we like these days at sea), we entered Port Philip Bay before sunrise to arrive at the dock in Geelong, Victoria State, Australia at 8am.  We had another dock side view over Geelong on a beautiful day with sunny skies and temp in the low 70s.  The city's name originates from the Aboriginal word for bay - jillong. Known as an agricultural and pastoral town in the past and as an industrial center after the 1850s gold rush, Geelong is now experiencing record growth, economic development and investment.   Located on the shores of Corio Bay, this bustling metropolis, second-largest city in Victoria and gateway to the spectacular Ocean Road, has always had strong links with the water.  Interest in renovating the waterfront and investing in museums and tourism facilities has grown in recent years.  The results can be seen in the vibrant waterfront precinct, the Art Deco Eastern Beach and by the number of holiday makers increasing each year. Geelong is now a 'commuter suburb' of Melbourne; many residents commute to work in Melbourne via trains.

          The Great Ocean Road runs between Geelong and Adelaide.  We rented a car with Phil and Colleen to drive west to explore one of the most beautiful and scenic Australian coastlines.  The Great Ocean Road was built by some 3,000 returning WWI servicemen, it was dedicated to those killed in World War I.  We passed through diverse and dramatic scenery, with breath-taking mountain ranges, rainforests, national parks, historic ports, north over the mountains to the farmlands, and then east on the main highway east towards Melbourne.  A nice drive, a good lunch of fish and chips, and  a maze of streets getting into Melbourne.

          Summary - Next time, visit Adelaide, rent a car there and drive east along The Great Ocean Road, staying at a B&B for a night before continuing to Geelong.

        Silver Spirit was to leave Geelong at noon and sail to Melbourne, Victoria State, Australia by 4pm.  We told the Security Officer that we would meet the ship in Melbourne.  Melbourne (pronounced mel-burn) is the cultivated sister of brassy Sydney; some call this city the cultural capital of the continent.  But it’s also known for its rich migrant influences, particularly those expressed through food: the espresso cafés on Lygon Street, Melbourne’s little Italy, Brunswick’s Middle Eastern/Indian/Turkish enclave, Richmond’s little Vietnam, or the Chinatown district of the city center.  Built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe of Port Phillip Bay, the city center is an orderly grid of streets where the state parliament, banks, multinational corporations, and splendid Victorian buildings that sprang up in the wake of the Gold Rush now stand.  This is Melbourne’s heart, which you can explore at a leisurely pace on foot or aboard Melbourne’s civilized streetcars.

         Driving into Melbourne at 4pm, we could see our ship off in the distance approaching the docks.  Late afternoon on a Saturday, there was lots of car and foot traffic in the city.  At one stop light, the car next to us had a blow-up doll in the backseat; as the light turned green, the doll waved to us; it happened so fast, we couldn't get a picture.  Returning the rental car, we knew we would never have time to get to the ship to freshen up before returning downtown for the complimentary event - Melbourne Cultural Evening.  Instead, we walked to the Regent Theatre then found a sidewalk cafe in Federation Square for a cold beer to wait for our fellow passengers to arrive.

         This was an evening of historic grandeur and cultural entertainment in Melbourne's famous Regent Theatre and its classic Ballroom.  Built in 1929, the magnificent Regent Theatre and Plaza Ballroom have undergone meticulous restoration to return them to their former glory.  The world famous, heritage-listed venue, unlike anything in Australia, features extraordinary Spanish Rococo architecture, making it one of the most stunning venues right in the heart of Melbourne.  We entered the theater before our fellow passengers arrived.  We were greeted by the joyful sounds of an original Australian Bush Band and served by uniformed staff with trays of wine, beer or soft drinks, as well as a sumptuous selection of canapés; they were probably thinking "is that all, where are the others?"  Once everyone arrived and were greeted, we took our seats for a variety of performances:  first, the Singing Waiters, with upbeat songs from the 60s (Lourae was asked to dance with one of the singers); next, an exclusive performance by some of Australia's leading operatic singers, with beautiful songs from well-known classics; last, for a notable change of mood, listened to the entertaining young voices of a renowned children's choir, delighting us with lively songs. This memorable evening finished with the gripping sounds of a didgeridoo player, as we exited the building for our coach ride back to the pier.

           We returned to the ship for a big BBQ dinner on the Pool Deck.  We can't believe all the food; there was never an empty platter.  Everything from salads, meats, fish, pasta was delicious and the desserts were spectacular.  The crew must have great meals with all the leftovers after the passengers are finished.

          Summary - A very nice evening full of entertainment, fun, laughter, and food with good friends.

February 27 after overnight at the dock in Melbourne, Victoria State, Australia it was now a cold, dreary, gray day with rain.  Lots to do and see in the city.  We thought we would go to the Eureka Tower (88 stories) but it was in the clouds all day.  We stayed aboard and watched the sail boats out in the bay (it is Sunday).  The weather did not clear until almost 4pm and we were leaving at 6pm.

          Summary -  When we return to Australia we will visit these cities along the southern coast.

March 1  After another day 'at sea' (a break from all the shore side stuff) sailing east along the southeast coast of Australia which was dotted with many oil rigs, we approached Sydney Harbor  at sunrise.  What a breathtaking view!  This was Silver Spirit's first visit to Sydney so the tug boats greeted us with water hoses; the sun reflected on the buildings; the skies were clear; and it was 80º.  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia belongs to that exclusive club of world cities that give you a sense of excitement from the first time you see them.   Home to 4 million people, it is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. Indented with numerous bays and beaches and gilded with a glistening Opera House, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and for urban Australia.  But Sydney didn’t have an easy beginning -- the first residents were prisoners, flushed from overcrowded jails in England and sent halfway around the globe to live out their sentences and their lives.  Sydney has long since outgrown the stigma of its convict origins, but the passage of time has not tamed its rebellious spirit.  The city offers style, sophistication, and good looks; it is an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

        Our ship docked at 8am at the 'new' cruise ship facilities (not across from the Opera House), going under the Sydney Bridge (nicknamed the Coat Hanger), to the renovated shore facilities with restaurants, museums, shopping.  We rode the Metro Rail for a quick city tour, with plans to visit Sydney Tower.  With 300 school children buying tickets to visit the Tower, we delayed our visit and took the On/Off Bus around the city to the Opera House.  After a good (but expensive) fish & chips at the Opera Bar looking at the bridge, we returned to the Sydney Tower for the staggering views over the city.  Later in the day, we met our friends in the Observation Lounge, we laughed long and hard talking about the Friends of Bill W, Friends of Dorothy (aka the shirt-lifters or the rug snuffers as the Brits say); we emptied the lounge long before dinner started.

          Summary - Sydney is a fabulous city.  We will definitely return to Australia!

Video ---   Voyage 3, Part 2 - AUSTRALIA

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPQNQb4web7eJs7gCIwZadA6xQSOW3rU75dCsUf/AF1QipMy4irdQ47018vcl2e2im_NjtyE41jFFbDZqRgj?authKey=CMmgr5GKss7ooAE

SPECIAL EVENTS        
Dress Attire:  7 casual, 6 informal, 4 formal

World Cruiser Dinner - Feb 19

Venetian Society - Feb 20 (but canceled due to rough seas in the Tasman Sea)

Galley Lunch - Feb 25

Pool Deck BBQ - Feb 26

SPEAKERS (and their topics)

Geoffrey Blainey, Author and Historian

"The Strange History of Aborigines - How the Aborigines Came To Australia"

"A Very Unpredictable Country: The History of Australian Floods, Droughts, and Bushfires"

"The Drama of Burke and Wills:  The Lost Explorers"

"Australia, Pearl Harbor, and the Fall of Singapore - A Crisis in World War II"

Terry Waite, Hostage Negotiator, Humanitarian

"Negotiating for the Release of Hostages - The Inside Story"

"Revolutionary Iran and Col. Gadaffi's Libya - The History of Difficult Negotiations"

"Survival in Solitude - A Personal Account of Five Years Alone"

John Stainton, Australian Film-maker (worked with Steven Irwin)

"Crikey!  What an Adventure!"

Bette Klegon Halby, Artist

"Maori Symbols and Religion"

"Maori Fashion and Style - Personal Arts Explored"

"Discovering the Renaissance of Aboriginal Painting"

"Aboriginal Art: A Moving History of the People and the Dreaming"

"Symbols, Patterns, and Power of the Desert"

"Responding to Aboriginal Art"

"The Emergence of Aboriginal Painting as a Contemporary Practice"

ENTERTAINERS

Silver Spirit Singers and Dancers

"Rocketman"

"Jazz a la Carte"

"Euro 2011"

"Aquarius Dawning"

"Spirito della Celebrazione"

Danny Elliott, Instumentalist

"Multi-instrumental and Vocals"

"A New Show"

Van-Anh Nguyen, Pianist

"Piano Concert"

"A New Show"

Paul Emmanuel, Singer

"Entertaining Vocals"

"A New Show"

Stephen Garcia, Magician

"Magic and Humor"

"Fast moving, slick and stylish, a visual show featuring magic performed with style and originality"

Naki Ataman, Pianist

"Concert Pianist and Goodwill Ambassador"

"Somehwere in Time - An Evening of Romance and Nostalgia"

Shea D Duo, Peter Shea and Juliet Dunn - nightly performances in Stars - Supper Club

"Cafe de Paris"

========================================================

Voyage 3 was a great voyage, except crossing the Tasman Sea.  We enjoyed the South Island of New Zealand and it's adventures.  And, so far, our stops in Australia more than met our expectations.  We must return to the lands of 'Kiwis" and "Aussies".

We hope that you enjoy sailing with us for this voyage.

What great fun!

Lourae and Randy