Sydney

We are sorry we didn’t have more time in Sydney. We really liked it, at least the parts we saw. Given the timing of our ship arriving and leaving, we only had one full day.

We stayed at the Marriott, (thank you Howard and Jody who gave us a Friends and Family certificate), that was an easy walk to and from the cruise terminal. It also had a great tapas place, coffee shop, and Italian restaurant in the alley next door. We debarked in the morning, went to the Marriott, checked in, and they sent us to an “early arrival room.” Turns out there are many people who get off ships and come early and the Marriott does a great job in welcoming them.

We had the afternoon, and were hungry, so we headed to the nearby ferry terminal and hopped on a boat to Manly Beach. We’d met several Aussies who said we’d get the best fish and chips in Australia there.

Ellen talked to an economist on the Singapore cruise who suggested we buy anything we want before coming home – both tariffs and exchange rate. On the next day we headed to the outlet malls to pick up a few provisions.

We took a bus back to a drop-off near the hotel, then walked the rest of the way back. Sydney is a very cosmopolitan city (at least the downtown).

The next morning we had a bite to eat at “The Rocks,” and area near the terminal that used to be the hospital. Then went through and arduous 2-hour process to board the new ship – Royal Princess. Next stop is New Zealand.