This morning we had a leisurely breakfast - checkout was not until 12 noon so we were able to take our time. We requested a cab when we checked out and a lovely man came along and collected us. He'd been to Australia for the 2000 Olympics and had travelled to Uluru, Alice Springs, Darwin, Port Douglas etc, and New Zealand!!!

Down at the docks we had to pass through security similar to airports and had to wait in a lounge before we could board. No upgrades this time because the cruise is fully booked!!

Our luggage was waiting in our cabin so we were able to unpack immediately. We have a lovely big room with 2 portholes and, of course, a lovely bottle of champagne waiting for us. After unpacking we went to the Purser's Office to buy some stamps for postcards, which QE2 will post. Then we went to the Queen's Room for afternoon tea - little sandwiches, cakes and pastries. After that we found the computer centre where we signed up for 2 hours of internet time. Then it was time for the safety drill, before we were to leave the dock!!

We went out for the sail away, but it was raining and miserable - after watching the tug "Madeline"pull us out from the wharf (1/2 hour late because of some late arriving passengers) we wandered back to our cabin. After a quick nap we changed for dinner, which was wonderful!!! Smoked Trout mousse, milk-fed veal and lemon sorbet - delicious!!!