12th March HONG KONG After docking yesterday morning the sun did eventually come out at about midday and we had a really lovely afternoon. Our ship was docked right next to the Star Ferries Terminal so once off we we’re right in the heart of Kowloon on the mainland. As we’ve been to HK a few times and had a holiday there we have seen most of the main sights so decided to walk right up Nathan Road to the Ladies Market. The buzz, sounds and smells of HK was...

8th March NAGASAKI, JAPAN The sail in to Nagasaki is quite picturesque as you pass hilly tree covered hills and small uninhabited islands. A huge road bridge spans the estuary then it changes to more built up areas and dock yards etc. The dock itself is right in Nagasaki so no shuttle bus is required as you can walk straight in. There was a beautiful sunrise with no cloud at all, unlike yesterday, but still quite a nip in the air. Forecast to stay sunny all da...

7th March KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN Opened the curtains to a very grey view of us sailing into the port of Kagoshima. It turned very windy with huge waves yesterday evening which we watched from our table at dinner and they continued through the night. This muffing however it was a lot calmer and by the time we disembarked there was a very watery sun trying to come through. The temperature was forecast to be about 15 degrees and thankfully no rain so after going through...

19th February NEWCASTLE, NSW, Australia Docked early and opened the curtains to blue skies and temperatures of 25degrees. Off on a Wine and Cheese trip today in the Hunter Valley. Set off at 9am and had a sightseeing tour through Newcastle before heading out into the countryside. We had two stops in the morning at different vineyards and plenty to taste! I haven’t got a clue with wines, the smell, bouquet or legs... I just go for the taste, but there I was,...

24th - 1st MARCH AT SEA So we eventually left Sydney in the early hours of the 24th after spending 4 days there. Had the most wonderful times exploring on the ferries, buses and on foot. By the time we left there I was absolutely shattered! We spent a beautiful 3 days at sea in glorious weather ( though a bit windy) recovering on our way to our next stop Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. We sailed past Brisbane and Airlie Beach where we were supposed to have stopped, ...