Dunedin - New Zealand

Good Day from the Tasman Sea!

Dunedin was another WOW FACTOR port of call for Arcadia. Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island of NZ and the principal of the region of Otago. In 1865 it became one of the largest cities for the influx on new settlers from Ireland, Italy, France, Germany and China due to the discovery of Gold. It is famous for the outstanding Dunedin Railway Station and the world renowned Taieri Gorge Train. Did you know that Denedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh? Arcadia was berthed in Port Chalmers and it was from here that Captain Robert Scott set out tin the Terra Nova on his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole on 28 November 1910.

The old Railway station is in the Flemish Renaissance style, with a majestic interior – as you can see from my photograph.

You cannot get much closer that this - the train is literally at the bottom of Arcadia's gangway - now that is the red carpet treatment!

The award winning Taieri Gorge Railway takes you on a journey through stunning countryside which can only be seen from the train.

Board this historic train alongside the ship to be taken on a journey through the rugged and spectacular scenery of the Taieri River Gorge. Famous for its sheer cliff faces and sudden ravines which frame the tranquil river the railway line crosses wrought iron viaducts and travels through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago.

Dunedin Railway Station. You could say it is GRAND.......................................

Step on board and enjoy the journey...............

The New Zealand Flag flying proudly above the Railway Station.

On our way.............

All aboard for Australia! Arcadia sails out Sydney bound.

Spot the little light house.........

There were people out on the breakwater to wave us off.

The Pilot boat.

Dan and James take to the Decks to bring you the best shots!

The Pilot boat approaching the ship.

The Great British Sail away was going on down the aft - but even mid ships the rails were lined with passengers for the sail out.

Good Bye - until the next time................the ship's horn was blasting........

I am sitting in my office at 2230, it always a hectic day on the last day of a cruise or a Leg of a Round World Cruise. Meetings in the morning, people to see, emails to read, a huddle with my Team to do a final run through for our two day call at Sydney. It was great for us that the Australian Officials boarded Arcadia at Dunedin and completed a face to face inspection of all passengers over two day which made the whole necessary process effortless. I wish the American Officials would go back to travelling with us prior to arrival it would make life a lot easier. Days like this when you always look back to the beginning and think what would I have done differently if I had it all to do again?!!

Last evening it was fond farewells with my dinner table companions as they are all leaving in Sydney. After Dinner I watched the Headliners Theatre Company in The Palladium ‘True Brit’ – what a show! Then I went Ballroom Dancing in The Globe – much to the surprise of many of our regulars who got a shock to me on the dance floor – all great fun – you see there is so much to do on a cruise! Before retiring I caught up with Marin Green who is the resident pianist in The Piano Bar at the top of the Atrium. Martin has coached and inspired me over the years on the piano.

The highlight of this Leg of the Round World Cruise was to meet up with Claire Sweeney. I first met Claire on the original Sea Princess. Claire joined us for dinner on St Valentine's evening and we enjoyed many a laugh - as you do! Best wishes to Claire as she leaves us at Sydney - haste ye back!

I do hope these blogs on New Zealand have given you a desire to come out and visit!

Landfall Sydney,

James.

Life is a journey.