Exploring Sydney in Two Days

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay was our base of operations for our two day post-cruise exploration of Sydney Australia.

We arrived at hotel on Friday after our cruise disembarked, checked in, leaving our luggage with the porter, and headed over to the concierge desk.  It is wise to rely on locals when planning your activities.   We had an idea of what we wanted to see, but due to Saturday being Australia Day (which is like the 4th of July in America) we needed some guidance on how best to maximize our time.

We had decided to do a combination hop-on-hop-off bus tour along with a ferry tour.   Since some streets would be blocked on Saturday, he suggested that we do the bus tour on Friday then watch the Australia Day festivities in the morning with the ferry harbour tour afterwards.

Big Bus Tours Sydney

We purchased our tickets thru the concierge but we needed to pick them up on the quay. A short walk from the hotel and we were on the quay and at the ticket counter.  We picked up the modified schedule for the weekend and waited for our bus to start our tour.

Big Bus Tours introduces you to all the most famous landmarks in Sydney, including beautiful Darling Harbour, sculptural Sydney Opera House and gorgeous Bondi Beach. Hop on and off the tour to explore these Sydney highlights and discover more of this iconic seaside city.

We started with the Red Route and took it to Central Station.  After exploring Central Station, we then boarded a Blue Route bus to Bondi Beach.

Note:  At the time of this writing, the Blue Route is suspended.  Please check their website for current tour operations.

Sydney Central Station is worth hopping off the bus for a closer look.  The interior architecture is amazing with beautiful arches and stained glass windows.  While there you could charge your phone, purchase attraction tickets and get some food or beverages for the rest of your journey.   We just looked around before heading to the Big Bus to continue our tour to Bondi Beach.

We'll cover the ferry tours in separate posts.  Check out our photo albums for more images from our tour via the Big Bus.

Additional photos can be found on our Australia & New Zealand Shutterfly page

Sydney Marriott

Big Bus Sydney




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Supertrees Come to Life

How Would You Spend YOUR Final Night in Singapore?

During our 15 days in Southeast Asia, we had thought about what we'd do on our final evening in Singapore. Playing into our decision was the fact that we needed to be at the airport shortly after 5 AM, in order to be sure we had enough time to complete check in and immigration with plenty of time to spare.

Top evening attractions that were included in our thought process were Night Time Safari and Gardens By the Bay Supertree Light Show.  Based on our post title, you can tell which one we selected.  Come along and see if you would pick that as well.

Both attractions appealed to us.  The final deciding factor revolved around distance to travel and ease of doing so.   Getting to the gardens was quite easy.  We were able to board a MRT train at the airport, and after about an hour and a couple of train transfers, we were at the park's shuttle center (at the Bayfront MRT train station).

click images to enlarge 

Supertree Grove 

By day, the Gardens By The Bay (Singapore) Supertrees stand silently,  but at night, they spring to life in an amazing musical rhapsody and light show.   These iconic tree-like vertical gardens measure between 25 and 50 metres tall and are designed with large canopies that provide shade during the day. Over 162,900 plants comprising more than 200 species and varieties of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers are planted on the Supertrees.  Notice the people in the picture (get a sense of scale).



Garden Rhapsody

There were two shows 7:45pm and 8:45pm (Daily).    We'd asked one of the clerks in the gift shop for advice on where the best viewing area would be, especially in light of the rain showers.  She suggested following the covered canopy around until we found a spot we liked.  She showed us where to go on the map. If we saw McDonald's, we weren't going in the right direction.  It took us awhile to orient ourselves from the map to the garden grounds, but eventually we found a covered area that had a couple chairs.  She had suggested that we go early as people would start gathering to find a good vantage point.

Despite the periodic rain showers, the show went on on as scheduled.
Since it was around 6 pm, we decided to look for something to eat.  There were two restaurants nearby.   They had sit-down table service available but you could also do carry out.  We took turns looking at the menu and then placed our order. 

People were starting to camp out on the ground at the edge of the overhang, so DH picked a spot and spread out some plastic to claim one of the front places.   The rain continued off and on - at times getting heavier with some thunder as well.   Our open umbrella kept the area pretty dry, so that he could sit for the duration of the show without getting soaked.

This is only a taste of the show, which you need to experience live to really appreciate. Day or night these Supertrees are quite a sight, and not to be missed during a visit to Singapore.

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Related Album:

Supertrees
Light Show
Gardens By The Bay

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Arriving Back in Rome

Post-Cruise Stay - Rome

Upon arriving at Roma Termini train station, we walked a few blocks to our post-cruise hotel, Hotel Giardino.

As you can see in the picture, carrying large suitcases up the steep stairs would be challenging, so we were happy that we had opted for much smaller bags.  We used rolling bags that would fit easily on the train.

After checking in, we asked the hotel staff for some dining recommendations.   We were in the mood for some pizza or pasta, so they gave us a couple of choices nearby.

Spaghetteria L'Archetto

It was a short walk to the restaurant from our hotel.   When we arrived, it was pretty busy, but it was only a short wait for a table outside.  It was a gorgeous afternoon, so that was fine by us.

While we were waiting for a table to open up, we had time to look at the menu.   There were several choices that sounded good, so now all we had to do is wait a bit to be seated.  One thing you need to know about dining in Rome, unlike the United States, if you want water, you have to purchase a bottle, so keep that in mind.

 

We enjoyed our pastas and pizza, and then resumed our self-guided walking tour of Rome.  The food was good and the atmosphere was as well.  We would recommend this restaurant if you are in the neighborhood and get hungry.

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Surviving Cruise Debarkation Day Part 2

Evening Before Debarkation

Most cruise lines now offer an "Easy Walk-off" option for those that don't have a lot of luggage, or for those that have early flight arrangements.  It is important to note that if you plan to use this method, you must be able to handle your entire luggage on your own. The crew will not be allowed to assist you.

For those that want to avail themselves of the normal process, bags must be packed and placed outside your cabin by the stated deadline.   This is usually shortly after late dining is completed.

Plan for What You Need in Morning

If you attended the cruise director's talk, he may have told you stories of passengers forgetting that they would need clothes in the morning and having to walk off the ship in a towel.  This may sound silly, but you do need to think about what items (clothing, toiletries, medicines, etc.) that you'll need in the morning.

We always have at least one carry-on bag with us so that we'll have a place to put our sleepwear, shavers, 3-1-1 bags with all our toiletries, and souvenirs that we don't want to pack in our larger suitcase.  Of course, you'll need your passports and other important travel documents with you as well.  Pack your large suitcase(s) and also have your carry-on packed, or at least know what will go in them, before placing the bags to be picked up outside your cabin.

Cruise Isn't Over Until 

the Paperwork is Done

Before retiring to bed, we suggest that you fill our your U.S. Customs Declaration Form and place it together with your passports.  Only one form is needed per family that are traveling and living together back home.   You'll need to know how much you spent in port and on the ship for things like souvenirs, jewelry, liquor, and clothing.   Anything that you purchased and are bringing off the ship must be counted.  You will have an allowance per family and the good news is that for things like liquor, your children count in determining the allowance.

Since the morning is an early one (usually all guests must be out of their cabins before 8 AM) you'll want to complete this the night before.  Doing so will allow you time for breakfast and a smooth, hassle free departure.

Once Docked, Crew  No Longer in Charge

Disembarkation is controlled by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  You'll find that there are several areas of the ship that will be blocked off and traffic patterns are strictly enforced.  You don't want to attempt to enter a controlled area.   It is for this reason that waiting areas are suggested by the crew in the instructions.   Don't proceed to the disembarkation point until your luggage color is called.  This will help keep the process moving for all passengers.

Go have breakfast and try to keep your entire traveling party together.   This way when an announcement is made for your luggage tag group, you will be able to disembark the ship.

There is a definite order of disembarkation and that will be listed in the instructions.  You might want to keep a copy of that handy so that you can tell when it is close to your time to disembark.  That allows you time for that one last bathroom break for example.

Note that the times listed for debark time are only approximate.   It is possible that the process may be halted several times to allow for crowd control.  There are a maximum number of passengers that can be in the terminal at a given time and as we mentioned, this is strictly under the control of the CBP.   Therefore, if there any doubt that you'll need more time, take the earlier tag when picking your luggage tags.

Getting to the Airport

Cruise lines sell "transfers" which can be prepaid or purchased on board the ship up to the stated time.  This is the easiest method for transferring to the ship because the ship's personnel will direct you to waiting buses for the trip to the airport.  You'll be amongst the earlier groups to depart the ship as well (ordered by flight times).  Caution: this could be a higher cost that arranging your own transportation, but it typically be the easiest.

Your travel professional can go over the various options applicable for your pier and airport location and can assist in booking the arrangements with the cruise line or other provider.   Remember, to be sure to allow sufficient time for the debarkation process.

Post-Cruise Tours

In many ports it is possible to book a post-cruise tour through the cruise line.  This is very similar to booking transfers but in addition to the transportation to the airport, you will also see one or more local sites.   This is a great option for those that booked later flights.  Consult the shore excursion sight before your cruise or during to determine your options here.  

Take-A-Ways

• Pack your luggage early so that you can enjoy your final evening onboard
• Leave clothing and other essentials for the morning
• Complete your Customs paperwork before retiring for the evening
• Pre-book transfers, tours, or know options for transfers to airport in advance
• Have a nice breakfast and listen for announcements
• When your luggage group is called, gather your belongings and head for the debark point
• Planning will help keep the stress levels down
• Also see Surviving Cruise Debarkation Day (Part 1)

Great News for West Coast Cruisers in 2013

Grand Princess 

Sailing Year Round 

from San Francisco

For several years, the cruise itineraries have been limited from ports on the West Coast of the United States.The Mexican Riviera cruises continued to diminish and even the California Coastal cruises all but disappeared.

There were of course cruises to  Alaska, but even those were primarily sailing from Seattle or Vancouver instead of San Francisco.

Princess Cruises has just announced that the newly renovated Grand Princess will homeport in San Francisco starting in May, 2013.

San Francisco Departures

10-night Alaska sailings, departing between May 10 and September 7, 2013

10-night Mexico sailings, departing on September 17, 2013, and March 5, 2014, and featuring two new ports for Princess -- Loreto and La Paz

7-night California Coastal sailings, departing on September 27 and October 19, 2013, and March 15 and April 6, 2014

15-night Hawaii sailings, departing between October 4, 2013, and April 28, 2014

Grand Princess Makeover

Last spring, Grand Princess, the 109,000-ton, 2,600-passenger vessel, underwent the most extensive drydock in Princess Cruises history with a 24-day drydock that transformed it from top to bottom and also made the vessel a media star with daily video updates that attracted more than a half million views.

Now that the ship has been transformed, passengers will find a completely new Piazza atrium, several new eateries -- including Alfredo's Pizzeria and the Crown Grill -- and the line's first specialty tea lounge called Leaves. Also included in the renovation were seven new window suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner's Martini Lounge. A new nightclub, The One5, replaced Skywalkers.

Pre and Post-Cruise Destinations

San Francisco will always have a warm place in our hearts, since we spent a portion of our honeymoon there and have visited the city several times in the years since then.   It makes a perfect destination for extending your cruise vacation either before or after the cruise, depending  on the itinerary.

Recently, interest in San Francisco has been rekindled by the television show Alcatraz that takes place on "The Rock".  Some of the most notorious criminals were incarcerated there.    Of course there are other less sinister locations for you to visit, such as Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding area, Fisherman's Wharf, Muir Woods and the Petrified Forest, and of course the Wine Country in Napa Valley and Sonoma.  There are many other destinations within an hour or so drive from San Francisco.





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We are glad to see Grand Princess taking up residency in the Port of San Francisco and hope that it is the first of many ships returning to the West Coast.