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The ship was now cruising back to Brisbane, but we had another medical emergency which required a helicopter evacuation. This is a big deal at sea, requiring all the decks and rear section of the ship to be evacuated while a helicopter dropped a team on board, and then be evacuated them again with the patient. All emergency crew and fire fighters were on standby during this process.
We had another Tai Chi class, this time at 9am, which was attended by about a dozen hard core participants, so we continued the simplified 24 form which I'd started a couple of days ago.
Throughout the cruise, a team of photographers were always on hand to capture those "special moments" for which they charge around $30 per 8x10" print. Each day, they would have a different backdrop set up in the corridors meant that could provide another "unique moment". However when I decided to do a "selfie" in front of the "sunset" backdrop, I was shooed away.
Then, I attended a cooking demonstration by the head chefs, followed by a galley tour which was pretty interesting. It is one floor below the reataurant, and services both the Waterfront Restaurant and the Pantry fouud court 8 levels higher. The dishwasher was industrial on a grand scale.
Meanwhile Natalie and Frances attended the final presentation by John Hocknull about cannibalism and witchcraft and then another later in the afternoon by his wife Morag who talked about her experiences as a Patrol Officer’s wife.
John was critical of Gough Whitlam's attitude towards PNG as he granted independence years before the administrative processes were in place to properly manage government and finance.
That evening we watched a 20s inspired all singing and dancing show which was quite good, especially the choreography before then going to dinner with Natalie, David and Jane which turned into a great evening, our table being the last to leave the restaurant.
The staff did a little birthday special for Frances which was really nice.
Day 10 – Tuesday 6 November
Another sailing day, and the last real day of the cruise. Two Tai Chi classes scheduled, one at 9am and one at 3pm which will break up the day.
There are now about 12 regular passengers who attend the classes and they are more fun.
Also, as a gesture for running the Tai Chi classes the Entertainment Director provided a complimentary dinner for two at the Luke Mangan restaurant - had to pay for our own wine and coffee though.
The dinner was delicious, well cooked and presented, especially the desserts.
The last night's cruise was pretty uneventful, although there was quite a delay in leaving the ship.
They get you out of the rooms as soon as possible so that they can turn them over and be ready for the next cruise passengers by mid-day.
Day 9 – Monday 5 November
The ship was now cruising back to Brisbane, but we had another medical emergency which required a helicopter evacuation. This is a big deal at sea, requiring all the decks and rear section of the ship to be evacuated while a helicopter dropped a team on board, and then be evacuated them again with the patient. All emergency crew and fire fighters were on standby during this process.
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| Selfie with fake sunset |
Throughout the cruise, a team of photographers were always on hand to capture those "special moments" for which they charge around $30 per 8x10" print. Each day, they would have a different backdrop set up in the corridors meant that could provide another "unique moment". However when I decided to do a "selfie" in front of the "sunset" backdrop, I was shooed away.
Then, I attended a cooking demonstration by the head chefs, followed by a galley tour which was pretty interesting. It is one floor below the reataurant, and services both the Waterfront Restaurant and the Pantry fouud court 8 levels higher. The dishwasher was industrial on a grand scale.
 |
| Escalator between restaurant and kitchen |
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| Food preparation areas |
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| Dishwasher |
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| John Hocknull |
John was critical of Gough Whitlam's attitude towards PNG as he granted independence years before the administrative processes were in place to properly manage government and finance.
That evening we watched a 20s inspired all singing and dancing show which was quite good, especially the choreography before then going to dinner with Natalie, David and Jane which turned into a great evening, our table being the last to leave the restaurant.The staff did a little birthday special for Frances which was really nice.
Day 10 – Tuesday 6 November
Another sailing day, and the last real day of the cruise. Two Tai Chi classes scheduled, one at 9am and one at 3pm which will break up the day.There are now about 12 regular passengers who attend the classes and they are more fun.
After an afternoon dip in the pool, Frances and Natalie participated in the Cocktail Mix Academy, making and sampling cocktails.
Also, as a gesture for running the Tai Chi classes the Entertainment Director provided a complimentary dinner for two at the Luke Mangan restaurant - had to pay for our own wine and coffee though.
The dinner was delicious, well cooked and presented, especially the desserts.The last night's cruise was pretty uneventful, although there was quite a delay in leaving the ship.
They get you out of the rooms as soon as possible so that they can turn them over and be ready for the next cruise passengers by mid-day.
