Departing Sydney

Hurrah...Sailing Day! And we are ready to go! We are looking forward to: • Knowing where we are spending the night • Knowing what is on the menu • Knowing that we don't have to lift a suitcase • Knowing that we don't have to be back on the road by 10:00am • And many more "know-ings" We arrived at the dock at about 11:30am and it wasn't too long a wait until we boarded. Our Mini-Suite on the Dolphin Deck has a large balcony (about 8' X 9') with two chairs, two recliners and a table. As you can see, our stateroom faced the Opera House. What a view! Our beloved suitcases arrived very quickly and we immediately got organized. We have a large bathroom with bathtub, a walk-in closet, bedroom, living room, two TV's, a large sofa, chair, coffee table, etc. The best and biggest surprise was a gift from Jim, Stacey & Allie. We had champagne in a silver bucket, flowers and chocolate covered strawberries delivered and served to us by a white uniformed steward. Soon after that, they delivered two wonderful white Princess robes, all wrapped for us to take home. This incredible gift also includes a framed photograph, Champagne Breakfast in Bed, a 30 minute session at the Lotus Spa for both of us, Canapés delivered to our room each day before dinner and an invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge! What a surprise and WHAT LUXURY! As the day worn on, we were filled with champagne and needed a nap! After skipping dinner, we went on deck to watch Sydney in the dark. It was a wonderful nighttime departure and we stayed on deck until we had passed the Heads and left Australia behind!