Boxing Day in Melbourne

Today we finally slept in, and when Pete drew back the curtain we discovered it was 7.45am and the ship was being turned around for berthing at Melbourne Station Pier.   He quickly worked out we were to be backed in, meaning our cabin would be on the wharf side, so he abruptly closed them again, so we could shower and change in private.

When we did reopen the curtains we found the gangway was right outside our window!!!  

Photo Taken from the Gangway!  Our cabin window is the centre top one.

Time for breakfast, and as we were so late there was no way we could go to the MDR as that was closing at 8.30am, so off to the Buffet again.     Being a port day the Buffet was busy, but we managed to find a seat with a lovely couple from Christy and Eddie from Canberra who were on their first cruise.    An hour and half of chatting later we finally parted on our separate ways.  It is always amazing how often you start chatting to strangers and end up having something in common and a great conversation.    Turned out Eddie is a printer by trade, an industry I use to work in as an Accountant. 

The weather forecast was for showers/rain high of 20 degrees, and it looked rather gloomy outside.    We had Martino hunting around the cabins nearby for an umbrella, which is supposed to be in each cabin (Thank you to the residence of 5053 we pinched yours!)  We got ourselves together and disembarked onto the gangway and then I felt the chill and sent Pete back to the cabin to get my wool jacket.    We had originally thought about going into the city to experience the Boxing Day sales, but decided against that as it was 11am by the time we were ashore and the city would be bedlam.    Instead we thought we would walk along the waterfront to Bay Street, the main street of Port Melbourne.  At the end the Pier we bumped into Myra and Louie who were on there way back having walked to Bay Street.  They had discovered a large wine shop ‘1^st Choice Wines, and had a couple of ‘cleanskin’ wines stashed in their backpack.   

Not far from the pier we came across a beautifully restored 1954 FJ Holden two tones black and silver (grey).   Pete could not resist knocking on the window and getting the owners attention to have a chat.   Turned out the owner had purchased the car 3 weeks ago, but had only taken delivery of it an hour ago.   Of course he was very proud of his new acquisition.  (Sorry Pete didn't get a photo)

The walk was quite chilly until we got into the main street.   Only the cafes were open plus the Supermarket and Pharmacy, which was good as I needed tweezers.   The chatted to the shop assistant who advised us against going into the city as it would be total madness.     We walked a little further then turned back and decided to find one of the nicer cafes to have a coffee.    We found one doing a deal - coffee and muffin for $5.30.     Boy the muffin was a meal in itself!!!   On the walk up we had heard a father telling his two four years old they had created the world record for the most mess made with a muffin!!

From Port Melbourne - we took a similar picture of the Diamond on 24.12.2011

The rear bottom two rows of large windows are in the Grand Dining Room

The weather seemed to be clearing on the way back about 12.30.    We dropped our bits off at the cabin and I thought is was time I did some walking, so walked up to Cova Café (the long way) which felt so good.    A bit of a walk but my calf muscles needed stretching.    Pete had a cappuccino and I opted for a mint citrus tea.   My Naturopath had recommended I have mint and lemon as a stimulant to improve my absorbency of nutrients.   It was very refreshing.   The Cova Café is a good place to hang out and do my Blog, but as with last time, we had Ccer’s come along and join us for a coffee and chat - this time ‘noisy nanny’ Jo and hubby Graham.   Despite the temperature Jo was in a sun frock!  But that is what this holiday is all about, is chilling out and doing little.

After my walk we went back to the cabin and changed to the chair from the walker.  Somehow we had had lunch so we called by The Grill and got an Angus Burger, at 3 in the afternoon!

As it was getting closer to Sailaway we decided we might as well get a table on the Sunset Bar - Aft of the ship as the rain had moved off and the weather was clearing and the sun came out.     I sent a text to Patty, and she and Colin were walking along the beach having been in the madness of the Boxing Day Sales.    Merilyn called by at one point and we had a long chat while Pete was elsewhere.

Before long Jo and Graham reappeared so joined us at the table, so then we extended the table so there was room for Patty and Colin.  Pete being a tiger for punishment ordered a bucket of beer, in readiness!!  

View of Melbourne from the Sunset Bar Aft.

A Bucket of Beer - 6 for the price of 5, in this instance Grolsch

When Colin and Patty turned up they arrived thirsty and hungry.   The Sushi Bar in the Buffet is close by so Colin returned with a pile of sushi!!!!  (and went back for seconds)   The first bucket of beer disappeared so Colin purchased a second, at which point I put Pete on rations

Sailaway out of Melbourne was spectacular.   The Spirit of Tasmania came in just before we departed.    Although the weather had improved it was still very windy.     We stayed on deck until just before 7pm, when it was time for the first show in the Celebrity Theatre - An Illusionist.     I was not that enamored to the idea, but the show was actually quite good, and only lasted 50 minutes.

Being buzzed by the Police Helicopter

Dinner time.  We had a table for two in the dining room tonight, but the couple who came to the next table were rather chatty, which was nice.    The meals have been very nice and the service good, although I was disappointed in the small number of wines sold by the glasses, with one being ‘out of stock’.     We don’t normally eat so late, so it was 9.30 by the time we finished dinner.   We did a detour to the jewellery shop as Pete would love an expensive Citizen watch.   The prices are quite good but…..

As we wanted to rise early we went to bed with the curtains open.

Christmas Day - Sea Day 1

We both slept exceedingly well, but going to bed early meant we were awake at 5.45 am - not quite what we had planned for a holiday.    We watched the early morning news  on TV before rising to shower.

First use of the shower for me was able to stand as the sea has only the slightest swell, which is good as I need to stand and walk as much as possible, not an easy objective.    So there was no flooding of the floor etc.  Thank goodness.

We were ready for breakfast by 7am.  The Buffet and Aqua Spa were open then and the main dining room wasn’t open until 7.30am.    Am impressed with the Buffet as selection and serving is so easy.   The Buffet was really quiet so we had a very peaceful meal.

I decide that as access to a Christmas Day service was possible, I would attend  the Interdenominational Service in the Cinema.   There were only a handful of people and it was a short but nice service.   Pete went through to the Cova Café to read.    After Church I joined Pete and of course the aroma of coffee was impossible to resist!   So we had a cappuccino while Pete read and I wrote up my Blog.   It was a nice place to sit and before long we saw a number of CCer’s pass by.  In the end Jo and Graham joined us - they were recovering from a rather hard afternoon/night!!

Of course by 10am the atrium was becoming busy, and then Santa arrived followed by a long line of children and parents and accompanied by a band of elves!   As we had the Connections Party at 11am in the Hemisphere Lounge we dropped the Netbook and book back to the cabin before heading to Deck 12.

The Connections Party went extremely well.   There was coffee, tea and pastries provided by Celebrity and it was well attended by CCer’s and the Celebrity Staff.   The Cruise Director spoke and the asked if the opener of the Roll Call was present.  However Lauren and Harry had cancelled about 3 months out, so he asked for a spokesperson, and as the 'keeper of the records' everyone pointed in my direction so put my hand up, and then I had to give a little speech!!   It all went down very well.   Considering there was a lot on (it was Christmas Day after all) and many other interesting activities on we had a good attendance.    I think I got to meet most who had been posting of the board.

I managed to talk to the Manager Guest Customer Relations Jeff about organising a Sea Day luncheon, and he agreed to take it in hand and sort something out especially as there are 60 odd who registered.   Jeff indicated it would have to be held on a different day due to the famous Brunch being on the day we originally nominated.  Jeff said he would send out to invites to all who were registered with Celebrity, which would make it all so easy for me!   I didn't have to actually do anything.

The gathering dispersed about noon, and as we had risen so early we headed for the Buffet.   Initially we wanted a gourmet sandwich but the queue was long so we ended up having self select pasta which was ‘stir fried’ individually.   I had the shrimps - rather nice.    Just as we were finishing lunch Patty appeared with a gift for us - an embarkation photo!   A very nice thought.   Patty was going to meet Colin and go to the Visual Trivia.  As we hadn’t ever been to Trivia we decided to join them.   The theme was ‘The Worlds Weirdest Words’.  Our score was 6/15 - rather a poor effort.  

Pete called by Guest Relations to see when his tux would be delivered to our cabin (we have booked via  http://www.cruiselineformal.com/ .     We were told half an hour so we headed to the cabin but after an hour there was no sign of the Tux so we went to the Cova for a coffee.

Today I decided to try something different - and espresso with a dollop of cream.   The cup was a tiny espresso cup half full with cream.  Not quite to my liking unfortunately.  

The Tux was in our cabin at 4.15, so Pete tried it on, only to find that the trousers were far too long.    We tried to call the Cabin Attendant, but the phone didn’t work, so I quickly wheeled to Guest Relations to report the phone and trouser problems.     Within a few minutes we had a telephone technician, an Attendant, and then a Tailor running in and out of our cabin!!!    Somehow in between Pete managed to shave. 

Tonight was the first formal night and we had booked to dine in the main dining room at 7pm. (People seemed to be booking the night before as it was Christmas Night and we didn't want any delays)    We met Colin and Patty in the Rendezvous Square for pre-dinner drinks just after 6pm.   As is usual on formal nights there are photographers all over the place set up to do formal photos.   At 6pm it was still pretty quiet so they decided photos were in order, and we had one with them and then one on our own.    The photographer was not very good with her instructions and kept insisting I sit on the bar stool and she didn’t readily understand ‘No I don’t want to do that!’

Patty and Colin were booked into the Murano for dinner.   When we were heading for the MDR we heard a voice saying ‘Slow down Margo’ and with that appeared Gwyneth and Reg, also off to dinner.    We had no plan for dining so suggested they share our table, which they accepted, and we had a very pleasant meal with them.   Gwyneth said their bag they left behind in the Sydney hotel was being couriered to Celebrity’s agent in Melbourne at a cost of $700 - but that is Christmas holiday rates (and a half!!)  Still a small price to pay to have your belongings returned.

We had planned on going to the Captains Welcome Gala Drinks at 8.30, but we chatted way past the start time with Reg and Gwyneth.     Pete decided he wanted to waste some money in the Casino we ventured there after dinner.    The casino was pretty quiet and once the allotted $20 was gone we waited for the raffle draw by Santa at 10.15pm (a whole lot of $10 gifts from the shops!!) and of course we didn’t win a thing.    It gave us a chance to have a good chat to Merv and Pam from CC who lives in Noosa, who also had a couple of tickets.  Merv won ‘another’ coffee mug much to Pam’s delight.     Once the draws were over we headed for bed.

First Impressions of the Celebrity Century

The Stateroom 5061 - Accessible Oceanview on Plaza Deck 5 -  great size, although it was set up as a twin, Martino our steward rearranged the beds into a queen. 

Before and After bed configerations.

I think the configuration was better than the Diamond in some respects, especially the bathroom.   The door into the bathroom is a sliding door which can remain open, whereas the Diamond was an outward opening door which was actually a pain.    There are plenty of rails, and shelving is much better.   The mirror in the bathroom is high; however there is a mechanism to tilt it down so someone in a chair can use it while sitting right up under the wall hung basin.   The tap configuration is interesting so the tap can be moved to any angle.   The only downside is the pull down shower seat - it is tiny,  

There is an ice bucket which is replenished twice daily along with a jug of water, so we needn’t have purchased drinking water at all.   At least we will have that for going ashore.     The fridge is small, but once we got Martino to empty it we could fit two bottles of wine and two bottles of water in it.

The ocean view window set off to one side is perfectly adequate.  Not as large as Deck 8, but suits us fine.   We are quite low to the water.

One problem we have encountered is the power points.  There is one American and one European.   We had an American/NZ double adaptor, and as we passed through the airport in NZ we bought an European one.   Except we could not have both adaptors plugged in at the same time.   The electric toothbrush runs only on 220 volts, so we could only use the European plug for that, meaning nothing else could be charged at the same time.   Fortunately the power chair and the Netbook are 110/220 volts.   By day 3 we had perfected the right routine to charge the different appliances.

The Location of our cabin:

Deck 5 forward of the Guest relations is perfect.  There are two banks of elevators close by; our cabin is about halfway between.   From the midship elevators we can quickly access the Buffet on deck 11.

 The Plaza - Guest Reception - our stateroom was to the left and behind this area.

The Lifts - although a lot smaller than the Diamonds lifts, holding 6 or so passengers at a time, they are cleverly programmed, so they do not stop at every floor on the way up or down.   They call at one deck, load with passengers and go directly to the deck or decks selected by those riding at that particular time.   And they seem to be quite quick.   The only time it was bedlam was straight after Muster.

 The Deck Plans were really clear and easy to follow

The Buffet (Islands Cafe) - brilliantly laid out with a huge range for breakfast lunch and dinner.  With only vinyl around serving areas with the dining tables being carpeted.   So much quieter and more elegant.   The layout makes more segmented areas so it does not look like a huge cafeteria.  The banks of coffee, tea and juice runs 24hrs, and tastes fine, contrary to what some say.    

The Grand Dining Room.   Over two levels is wonderful.   We are dining Select Dining, so we eat on the upper level.  Some of the tables for two seem to be rather close together, but the table we had the first night was separate and very easy to get the chair under - thank goodness.

The Layout - overall accessibility and ease of moving the Century seems better than the Diamond, although the atrium is no where near as impressive.

Time to embark the Celebrity Century

Christmas Eve and Embarkation on Celebrity Century.

After waking about 4am and dozing until 5.30am, we got up after watching the 6am news in TV.   We were able to get more news on Christchurch and the damage yet again.

For breakfast we decided to give the hotel restaurant a big miss and a cooked breakfast was $34 each.   We left the hotel at 7.15 (had to ask to get the ramped access door open!!!) and wander out to front and turned right towards  Margaret Street .  I had spotted a place the night before which had a sign advertising breakfast and lunch, so we thought we would see if they were open.   The great Organic Café we discovered last year does not open at the weekends.   

Sure enough “The Met Café” was open.    A lovely Asian couple were just opening, and quickly opened the ramped access and welcomed us in.     We had a lovely coffee and breakfast for $33 total!   I had scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms while Pete had scrambled eggs with chorizo sausages - both extremely nice and very well priced.   A great alternative to the Organic Café.    

We took the long route back to the Hotel as Peter had seen a sign for Woolworth's Supermarket so went to check that out.  What we found (and didn’t find last year) was the underground shopping area to Wynyard Station complete with supermarket.  But of course being Christmas Eve NOTHING WAS OPEN!

Once back at the hotel we finished rearranging the packing and called the Porter to take our bags to the lobby.    Fortunately just down the road from the Hotel was a pharmacy as I needed a couple of things, and this did OPEN at 10am - spot on.    By the time we walked back the front Taxi in the rank was a Station Wagon - perfect for our entire luggage.    The traffic was quiet and we headed for the Overseas Passengers Terminal at Circular Quay, as we had been told they would be accepting luggage from 10.30am.  It transpired the taxi driver had been sitting outside the Hotel for 2 hours, and we were giving him a fare of less than $10!!  As Pete is an ex- Corporate Cab driver we felt awful, so paid him $15 for his trouble, after all it was Christmas Eve.    There were already quite a large number of people assembled and handing in luggage.

I was being paranoid about our luggage as we had been told on Cruise Critic Forum of gangs of thieves operating at the terminal and not to let any of the bags to be out of sight.   Not easy when you have three bags, a power chair in three pieces which has to be assembled and a walker (and no luggage trolleys!!)  But we managed.   I trundled the small bag and Pete man handled to two bags and walker.   Pete had already tagged the bags, so it was just a matter of handing them in!

As the queue to board seemed quite large and a bit disorganised we decided to go for a walk around Circular Quay as the sun was out and there was plenty of activity.  We wanted to find somewhere to get water and a couple of bottles of wine.  We found the liquor store which was tiny and we could just get the chair inside!

Photos from Circular Quay

Our cabin window is top row third from the left

We continued around the Quay to where all the cafes were so we could take photos of the Century, and that side was in the shade as the sun was quite intense.    There was a chap from A.W.A.R.E. with four assistance dogs raising money for the organisation, which of course we were compelled to check out.  One small dog - a long haired Pekingese decided he wanted to be with me! The others were just relaxing on their blankets.   

Later while standing under a palm tree and suddenly started getting debris showered onto me - even down the front of my shirt.   Moving back out from under we discovered a couple of rainbow lorikeets digging for grubs in the trees and making a real mess.    I then noticed a gentleman taking a photo of his wife with the ship in the background so I suggested to Pete he offer to take a photo of them both.    He did this and we then stuck up conversation with them.    One thing about travelling - be it at home or overseas we enjoy the opportunity to engage with strangers which adds to the flavour of a trip.    It transpired he would love to cruise but the attraction of all the food would be his downfall (and he didn’t seem to have an ounce of excess on him) and they were happy to spend the English winters in sunny Sydney, enjoying the waterfront.     Before long another couple approached Pete to take a photo to which we all laughed about making a few bucks on the side!

We walked back to the ship and found the queue was much shorter, so we located one of the staff with the departure cards and medical forms to complete so we could embark.     As we had been through embarkation before we went up the lift on our own, and through to customs and immigration without a hitch.  In fact there was no queue for immigration at all, but when we got to registration there was a bit of a back log, but as I was in the chair we had our own queue.   While standing there a lady came up to me and asked if I was Margo - and it was Myra from Sweden with her husband Louie, (From http://www.cruisecritic.com/ a Cruise Critic which I will refer to as CCer’s throughout this Blog) who had joined the Roll Call only a couple of days ago.      There must have been 20 plus check-in staff, and the process of checking in and getting our Seas Pass cards was speedy.  Embarking necessitated not one but two photos!    We skipped the champagne and headed to Customer Services to get our Sea Passes punched.

As it was only 12 noon and the cabins were not ready we headed for the buffet.    We were very impressed with the Buffet as it was much nicer and better laid out than on the Diamond.  The floors were mostly carpet, so much quieter and genteel.   As we were looking where to sit Myra waves us over, so we had our first meal with them.

As the cabins were not to be ready for some time we decided to check the whole ship out, because on the Diamond we never actually did that!     We checked out all levels and got our bearings.   We found that although the cabin was on Deck 5 we were close to both the forward and central elevators meaning access to most places was easy and quick, especially for dining.

When they announced all the ’Staterooms’ were ready we headed down to check it out and unload the water bottles and wine which was starting to become a pain.    So far no bags had arrived.   We eventually found the safe - it was a mystery hunt as it was located behind the large desk mirror!

Muster was at 4pm in the Celebrity Theatre at 4, so we wandered along early and listened to the tale end of the Ports Talk.      As everyone filed in for Muster we had to identify our cabin and be seated where directed, and being disabled we were at the back of the theatre.   This meant we managed to meet up with more CCer’s.   Steve and Beth walked down the aisle and I saw Steve say to Beth “that’s Margaret’, and shortly after another couple came up and asked if I was Margaret - it was Bronnie and Stewart from Oamaru.   They nearly didn’t make it because of the two earthquakes in Christchurch where they were at the airport waiting to fly over.  Fortunately they were flying Emirates, as Air NZ cancelled all their flights!!! 

Once Muster was completed the theatre was to be dismissed row by row.   BUT as we were disabled we were given an early run!   So we were off, back to our cabin to see if any bags had arrive.   One turned up after about 20 minutes, so we unpacked that.   We found the packing cubes fitted nicely into the draws - of which there were plenty.   Pete’s nicely folded shirts stayed folded and straight into a draw, as there were not actually that many hangers.  TIP If you are set on hanging clothes pack hangers.

As 5pm Sailaway was fast approaching we headed for the meeting place for CC - Sunset Bar on Deck 11.   We didn’t have our Santa Hats, as that bag had not arrived, so went without.    At the bar we found a lot of the chairs were already ‘taken’.   We went over to the smokers’ side and found Beth and Steve had snared a table.

Over the next wee while a good crowd of CCer’s were found and stopped at the table, despite the lack of chairs.     There was new members arriving every few minutes, most of us without our Santa Hats or Reindeer Ears, as most had not got their luggage in time.   A number of us had put up photos on http://www.cruisefellows.com/, which meant easy identification.  

Sailaway Photos

Karen's grandson Chase in full outfit

Sailaway went really well even without the identifying hats and ears!    There was lots of laughter and drinking.   Amidst this a very distressed Gwyneth and Reg arrived, announcing they had a disaster on their hands as they had lost a video bag containing the video, a camera, all their documents and Spanish money (they are an English couple living in Spain in their retirement).  Patty thinking quickly said have you rung the hotel and as Gwyneth didn’t have the number Patty pulled out her Iphone and searched for the hotel and phone number and dialled.   Gwyneth spoke to them and asked should they find it would they come back to her.   Probably less than half an hour later Patty’s phone rang and they Hotel advised they had found the bag, but Gwyneth and Reg had gone.   I had my ship plan with everyone’s cabin numbers, so Patty found a phone and rang them, much to their delight.

Meanwhile Pete had disappeared to see if our bags had arrived.   He was gone ages and when he eventually returned he announced he had been called to the "Naughty Room” as he had side cutters ( to cut cable ties) and a spanner and Allen key in case he needed to adjust my chair.  The side cutters were confiscated but he managed to let them keep the others.     While he was down there, he was actually with Sandra (which he found out later) as she had been summoned.   They were having a good laugh as one woman was denying any restricted items, then it turned out she had handcuffs (and she was not young!!!!)   

After all the laughter and comparing of stories it was time to disperse for dinner and the evenings activities.  There was a mixture of people on Early Late and Select dining, some heading for shows etc.    At a little after 7 we headed for dinner and were assigned a table for two, in a good spot, quite close to the entrance.

We had a lovely dinner served by Jimmy Luz and his assistant, whose name I didn’t quite get.   They were both very cheerful and attentive without intruding.      The meal sizes are good, not too large at all.   We both had lamb shanks in filo pastry for a main and banana & blueberry crepes for dessert.   

After dinner we decided not to attend any shows.   We bumped onto Colin and Patty who had been to the main show and were rather nonplus about it, and they were off to dinner.   After such a reaction we decided to return to our cabin to finish unpacking and organising ourselves.

Once completed we turned in for the night, as neither of us had a decent sleep the night before.

Departing Auckland for Sydney

Finally departure day has arrived.

We took a Corporate Cab to airport at 10 am, nice easy ride to airport being the last Friday of the work year!    Only took about 20 minutes.   With so much luggage - two cases had to go on the back seat.   This time we are travelling heavy as we have two small bags of Kate’s to take, one of which is inside a larger bag of ours, so we have 2 large and 2 heavy carry-on to check in!     Not to mention the wheelchair and the walker!

It was a good idea to upgrade to Works Deluxe for the flight over - Air NZ 119 1pm to Sydney.   The upgrade meant in addition to full service on the flight, we had premium check-in, 2 bags each of 23kgs (ours ended up being 2 @ 22kgs, 1 @ 14kgs 1 @ 10.5kgs)  lounge access (free food coffee and drinks with peace a quiet).   Once on board we got given noise cancelling headphones, and mineral water.

It was a very full flight and we were seated at the front of Economy in the middle, with one unoccupied between us.    As usual we were taken on board first.   The cabin was incredibly cold and I grabbed a blanked straight away as I did not have a cardigan with me.    We were about 3/4hrs into the flight before the Chief Purser announced over the PA apologising for the cold temperature and they had adjusted the temperature up!    

Lunch was served during the flight, we both had the beef casserole with garlic potatoes which was very nice - beef was tender.    Dessert was Kapiti Ice Cream - Doris Plum.     Ice cream seems to be standard on most flights these days.      A while after lunch service and clearing of the plates we were given cheese crackers and grapes, which was a nice touch.     The noise cancelling headphones were great and made a huge difference, especially with a full flight and lots of young children on board.   I watched “Jane Eyre” movie.

On arrival at Sydney there was a wheelchair waiting (last year the chairs had all disappeared) and we were assigned a staff member.   It was at this point while waiting to be processed we were told that Christchurch had again been hit by two large quakes registering 5.8 and 6 strength around 2pm NZ time!!!  We could not believe what we were hearing - Not again.

We were taken through the express lane, and down to Baggage Claim.    The staff member took me to the disabled area by the carousel (something I didn’t realise existed!) while Pete went to the Oversized Baggage Claim.    The bags were really slow coming through - ours were one of the first to come through as they were priority, but even so it was a real wait.   Then we headed over to the Oversized Baggage Claim to wait, and wait - then Pete had to go with another staff member all the way down the other end of the arrivals hall to go and look for the power chair.  They were gone ages, and by the time they returned the Baggage Claim area was empty as was Customs, and when we got into the Arrivals Hall there was a couple of small family groups, but otherwise deserted!!! 

We had booked a Cab via Corporate Cabs in Auckland so were looked around for a driver with sign board.  We eventually spotted him, and he was ringing The Menzies to see if we had checked in!!      It took us 55 minutes from arrival to out to the Arrivals Hall.  Our driver was a bit concerned at the amount of luggage, but with some planning by Pete we managed to get it all into the car which was a Ford Fairmont, somewhat smaller than the Corporate Cabs Fairlane.   So Pete had two small bags, the seat of the chair and the walker with him in the back seat!!!     We had what is called a Hire Car - all plates on the cars have HC prefixes, and are basically ‘signs down’ cabs.    As the cost was on account and charged back to NZ we actually had no idea what the price was!   Still worth it as you know what you are getting and not some random taxi driver who could take you anywhere.

We have been extremely disappointed with the service at The Menzies from arrival.   There was no Concierge in sight, so the Receptionist, as slight little girl had to carry two heavy bags up the steps - appalling.    At least there was someone to help.      

As we were checking in we were ‘ambushed’ by our Diamond Princess friends Kim and Rich Dart, who had come down from Katoomba to spend the night and go out to dinner with us!   It was great to see them.   They had just had a nap and decided to have a coffee on the Lobby while we checked into our room and got sorted.   Not that it too long to do, and when we joined them they were still waiting for their coffees - they eventually arrived 15 minutes later!!!   Extremely slow service.   Pete got a beer and a tomato juice for me, which thankfully not such a mission.

There was not much more news on the earthquakes, except only one injury had been reported but there was severe liquefaction again in the Eastern Suburbs.  

We spent a couple of hours chatting in the Lobby, in which time we were joined by Kate, my niece who had just moved to Sydney and her new job was close by.   Kate looked great and seems to be enjoying working in Sydney so far. Kate left about 7pm with her bags and we headed off to see of we could find somewhere for dinner.  In the end we decided to eat at The Menzies.  The menu was very average, the service the slowest in creation.    We waited probably 20 minutes before the waiter came to take our order, and strangely he was more interested in taking our food order than drinks!!!!    We went for the $45 Two course meal.   The service was bizarre for a supposedly top restaurant.   One waiter but a myriad of staff bringing out the meals and clearing the tables.    And the staff delivering the meals had no idea who ordered what - so slack.   For the price we paid, I would expect a better system of delivery of the food, Hospitality 101.  

Kim actually teaches Hospitality at High School, and she was not impressed.   Kim and Rich had the 3 course menu, and the time between courses was excessive.    I think Pete and I waited an hour before we saw our mains!!!    

However we can say we had great company and we really enjoyed catching up with Kim and Rich.    They are cruising on the Diamond out of Auckland on the 29^th December, so our ships will literally pass in the night.

So sorry but we do not recommend The Menzies for anything other than a bed!!!!

Nearly time

I have had to let Peter know what the surprise is as the amount of luggage I am wanting to take is becoming an issue!

I have managed to upgrade our Air NZ economy "The Works" Tickets to "Works Deluxe"; meaning we get Premium Check-in, twice the Luggage ( 2 x 23 kgs bags EACH), Business Class Airport Lounge access, a seat between us in economy, and noise cancelling headphones!

The relief of Pete's face when he finally realised what this meant!    We are taking over a cabin sized bag and a small suitcase for my niece Kate who moved to Sydney on the 28th November, and could not take all her luggage.

The next task was to rearrange to contents of the bags.   We decided to take two big bags (putting Kate's cabin bag inside one) spread the contents around so we had two reasonably heavy bags and two smaller bags to check-in plus just the computer bag with the Netbook etc as carry-on.    Not forgetting we had the wheelchair and the walker!  DONE.

5 More Sleeps....

Until we catch the plane to Aussie!  And I have a little surprise for Pete, but as he reads this I cannot devulge, at this point. (LOL)

We have arranged to met up with Kim and Rich from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, who were on the Diamond Princess with us last year (on the Roll Call for Cruise Critics) for dinner when we overnight in Sydney.    Kim now tells me they have snagged a real deal and are staying the night at the same hotel - The Menzies.      So it could be a late one.....

So here is how our Roll Call from Cruise Critics on the Celebrity Century is shaping up with a good mixture of people from NZ, Aussie, UK, Canada, USA and Spain:

Roll Call for Century Christmas New Year 2011

England Swings - Gayle and Steve
Mucky duck - Chris and Tim
Bruin Steve - Beth and Steve
Eunephorn - Deborah and Peter + 2
Breezey - Larry and Amy
Merimart – Merilyn and Martin
MargoK - Margaret and Peter
BrusselsGirl07 - Yvette and Bill
Izzy2001 – Karen + 1
Brunson - Brunson & Hunter
WillNeil - Neil & William
Cinogirl - Colin & Patty
BDKnel - Bill and Doreen
Stouennais - Lynda & Tony
Thenoisynanny - Graham & Jo
Houtbay - Ken and Hazel + 2
Wilcoam - Tara & Jeff + 5

JacintaH – Robert, Jacinta & Lois

Sturee139 – Stuart & Anne-marie +2

Blu570 - David & Chris

Toocool – Jothi & Uma + 2

Rb007 – Rob & Melissa + 5

rrrudge – Rosemary & Robert + 3

PACF2004 - ??
gwynreg – Gywneth & Reg

Sparky – Mike

Bronnie – Bronwyn & Stewart

Blackfeet – Merv and Pamela

Hawkeye01 – Max & Sandra

Kipper66 – Melinda & Anthony +3

The packing is almost complete, but I did send Pete down to Sylvia Park to get some more packing cubes from Katmandu.   The queue of cars was enormous, but what can you expect for the last Sunday before Christmas, when it is raining!  Glad I didn't go. 

Shore visits are coming together.  

In Burnie, we have Meg and Paul coming up from Hobart to met us, and take us to Devonport.   My grandparents retired to Devonport, both passing away in the 1970's, and I haven't been there since I was about 14.    The plan is to do a driveby of their old home and neighbourhood, and visit the cemetery.    Have managed to get the locations of their graves from the local council records.

In Wellington, our niece Harriette is letting us use her car (well the car she shares with her sister really!) so we can do a day trip up to Southwards Car Museum north of Paraparaumu.   It must be at least 15 years since we have been there, so thought it was a good opportunity to go up there while we are in port.

In Napier, my sister and brother in law, Gillian and Brian will met us and we can spend the 5 hours in port catching up with them.

Roll on Friday....