Good Day All,
Midway between Queensland’s coasts lie the Whitsunday Islands, 74 islands floating like jewels in the warm tropical waters of the Coral Sea. Here you can experience the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip to a purpose built pontoon and try the many activities on offer. Crystal clear waters are the order of the day.
It was a little overcast to say the least however it did not detract from the enjoyment of the call. We had planned for a Ship’s Company photograph after the CRUISE awards Ceremony in The Palladium Theatre followed by a BBQ on the forward crew deck – however we had to postpone this due to the rain! I do hope you enjoy these photographs and that they will whet your appetite to visit this area of Australia.
Buses lined up and ready ashore.
Mo ashore!
The Tender Landing Stage. 
A busy little harbour.
Arcadia's Tenders arrive ashore....
We also used Sun Ferries to assist with today's operation. 
Arcadia at anchor in the Whitsunday Islands.
We managed to escape the rain and wave at Queen Mary 2 off in the distance en route to the pontoon, and were welcomed by monstrously big groper fish, colourful yellow-tailed snappers and parrot fish among others.
The Great Barrier Reef was a spectacular sight above and below the waterline.
Passengers took to the water in extremely glamorous stinger suits, which transformed them into Teletubbies, Power Rangers, Weebles or mime artists depending on body shape and generation of kids tv. Despite precautions, on this occasion nothing deadlier than loss of pride from wearing the suits themselves was in the vicinity although sharks have apparently been sighted around the pontoon recently.
Mooring back directly alongside the ship made the tour feel very much like an exclusive charter, most intrepid snorkelers had a lot to tell their friends about at dinner. All in all it was a once in a lifetime experience that can be checked off the list with pride!
From the Whitsunday Islands we operated three Shore Excursions - all on the water of course!
Despite the overcast day everyone who ventured ashore did enjoy themselves and after all, when you come all this way - silly not to really! A tourist paradise.
Best wishes,
James.
Think.....of the world you carry within you.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Posts
9 comments:
A-MAZ-ING! I can't wait to do that!
I have no doubt at all that everyone enjoyed such a wonderful day and will treasure the memory.
I hope you enjoy Kota Kinabalu and enjoy calm seas en route to HK. If I don't get to look in before, see you there.
Gill
Definately want to do this excursion next year on Arcadia.
As Gill says see you in Hong Kong.
Sharon L
Hi James,
It is 12.38 in the morning got home just about and hour ago from AC/DC, what a concert have not seen them for 9 years and two months, so it was fantastic to see them again, they have not lost any of their magic they are still as good as ever. I cant wait until Monday night when me and the three boys go to thrill ourselves again on good Rock music.
regards to all on Arcadia.
Geoff Witts Perth
Definitely one excursion we will not miss! Only 9 months 30 days to wait now!!!
Best wishes to all on Arcadia and especially James who has the best blog in the cruising world!!
PatF
Evening James
Well I'm going stir crazy having nothing/no one to look after! It's not much fun being alone. The family rang earlier from their hotel room to say hi and that they are all fit and well and that they are going off on a helicopter ride tomorrow over the grand canyon. I wonder what exciting things I can do tomorrow to beat that ;-0)
Well I've loved looking at the pictures today. At xmas I finally got to grips with snorkelling at the grand old age of 48! Look at all the different shades of blue in the water there. Absolutely stunning!
Well hope your having another good day.
Elaine (aurorabore)
Hi Elaine,
Las Vagas is somewhere I would love to go!! One day...........and I look forward to Tom's report on his return. As least you will have time to get the ironing up to date!
Best wishes,
James.
I wonder where the Greynomads are this year?????
James.
Happy blogging over the next few days James, won't have access to a computer now as we are flying to HK on monday, so see you there. I will be the one hopping up and down with excitement, with Gill not far behind.
Sharon L
This is my last post now as we leave for LHR in a few hours and then fly to HK tomorrow. To say I'm excited is a huge understatement. And Sharon is worse (better?) than me! LOL
Thanks for all the interesting blogs - they have really helped get us through the winter and count down to our exciting adventure.
See you soon.
Gill
Post a Comment