Day Six – Sydney and Boarding

It’s eleven in the morning here in Sydney and we are at the hotel awaiting the boarding of the boat.The hotel,The Old Sydney Holiday Inn,is located right in the centre of “The Rocks” area of Sydney, with the bridge on one side and the opera house on the other. The photos that I posted last night were taken from the pool deck on the eight floor.The weather today is a typical Welsh summer day,the rain is warm!!!

When we booked the hotel we assumed the ship would leave from the overseas passenger terminal which is just over the road from the hotel.However there are three large cruise ships in Sydney today with the OPT being occupied by “Amsterdam”, a Holland American ship. Our ship is moored in the harbour by the zoo and as a result everything will need tendering. A special place has been set up for this but this is apparently the first time the cruise company has had to do this.Should be an experience.

The ship doesn’t actually depart until tomorrow night but I’m not sure how good the internet connection will be on the boat so the postings might be a little brief.(Thank God says Sylvia!!)

The television and newspapers have obviously been full of coverage of the fire disaster in Victoria state. Hopefully the cooling of the weather and the rain will help this situation. Our thoughts go out to all the families and friends of the 172 known victims this morning.