Let the Cruising Begin

We got up and had coffee and a protein bar before packing up to head to the cruise terminal. We Ubered this morning. One can build in a couple extra stops before the destination, which we’ve never done before today, but we needed to go to a pharmacy to pick up a few things. The driver waited as Jim ran in. The pharmacy was located in an area called Newtown and on the way to the terminal. It’s an older, trendier area which looked like a place to come back to. The driver told us it has a lot of good restaurants and suggested a couple. Our first impressions are that Sydney gives off vibes of Los Angeles x San Francisco. 

After the pharmacy stop we arrived at the cruise terminal. Check-in was very smooth and we were aboard by 1:00PM. We made our way directly to the buffet for a bite to eat. This first lunch at the buffet on a cruise is usually bustling. We found a couple seats at a table with an Aussie couple. They were very nice … and they were talkers — 🤣.



A cruise is a really nice way to vacation easily, we think. It’s a one-stop-shop: room, food, and entertainment all the while visiting some interesting, fun destinations. Very little thinking and a little pampering. 

Day 1 — Sailing Out of Sydney 

We’ve been blessed to visit quite a few ports via cruise ship, and Sydney, we agree, ranks high on most beautiful ports from which to sail. To begin with, the ship is docked right next to the Opera House, and the view of the city skyline is nice. 



The harbor is very large and river-like, and transiting out takes about an hour before reaching the open sea. After leaving the dock and getting away from the city-center there is a lot of green space — which we didn’t get a picture of — 🤨.  The views in all directions are very pretty. 







We stayed up on deck as we sailed out of the harbor and then went down to the pool area for drinks and snack. 

We usually opt for late dining — 7:45PM. We had time to take a short nap before dinner. We had dinner with two other couples, all Americans. We learned at check-in that there are lots of Americans on this cruise. 

Dinner in the dining room was mediocre (compared to other cruise lines). Carnival is not known for top-notch cuisine so we weren’t surprised. Interestingly, the buffet, pizza, and burgers, all of which we’ve already sampled — 😆 — are really good. 

After dinner we went to the adult comedy show. Two comedians — the first guy from New Zealand was pretty good. We walked out about 5 minutes after the second guy started: not very funny. 

Day 2 — Sea Day

Jim woke up too early — 😆. He went up to get coffee. They have automatic espresso machines in the buffet so no need to buy the premium coffee, not that we would anyway. Kristi usually wakes up early to take her medications, but the medications put her back to sleep for a while. Jim spent some time sitting on the balcony drinking coffee. The coast of Australia is visible in the distance; glad we are on the port side for the view as the morning is clear and the temperature is very comfortable. Seas have been relatively calm and this morning are very calm. 



This cruise is what prompted this whole trip; the price was INCREDIBLY affordable. We originally booked an inside cabin to keep the cost very low, but a couple weeks ago Carnival called and offered an upgrade to a balcony room for just a few hundred dollars more. We took it. 

We finally made it out and about at 11AM. After a little window shopping we settled at the adults-only pool area. The weather is incredible today. Picture the perfect temperature at the pool or beach, add sunny skies and a gentle breeze … oh, drinks delivered to your deck chair if you wish. We played cribbage and enjoyed it all. 



At about 1:00PM we had lunch at the buffet, tried the Harry Potter trivia, watched a silly game show style game between passengers, and made our way back to the adult-only pool. The beautiful weather conditions persisted. 🌞

Tonight is the first formal night and the captain’s reception. Captain Mario from Italy was one of the most personable captains we’ve ever met. He was very engaging and seemed to really want to chat. 


Captain Mario

We enjoyed the string trio in the atrium until dinner time. 



We’ll be with the same two couples each evening for dinner. Again, dinner was ok … nothing to complain about, but we’re not raving either. 

We listened to a guitarist/singer after dinner who was quite good. Then off to bed …

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