Sun Princess in drydock at Brisbane

After we arrived back at Portside in Brisbane, we had a great view of Sun Princess in the drydock on the opposite side of the river.

Unfortunately I was sound asleep when we sailed past her before sunrise, so this was as close as I got.

The pilot arrives to bring us home

Most large ships must not enter a port until a locally authorized pilot joins the ship to guide her in. The pilot's knowledge of the local conditions is essential.

This is an amazing event to watch, especially at night. The ship is travelling at about 18 knots (33 km/h) and the pilot boat pulls alongside. The pilot jumps from one vessel to the other - in the middle of the night, about 20 miles out to sea - pretty amazing.

It's pretty sad too, as we realize that the end of our cruise is getting closer.

P.S. I was really happy with this photo that I took with our new Canon EOS 400D, and the 150mm portrait lens. I used the portrait lens because it's exceptionally quick, and doesn't need much exposure time - so you don't get any blurring, even at night, without a flash - like with this photo. Downside of the portrait lens is that it's very narrow angle, but it worked here.

Midnight Drinks

Around midnight on the last night of the cruise, you can see the coastal lights of the sunshine coast. It's a sad moment as you see the lights grow rapidly brighter by the second, and realize the cruise is almost over, and reality is rushing back to you.

Isaac and Anya joined us on deck to watch the lights, and wait for the pilot boat to meet us.

Poptart?

On the last night of the cruise, I took a deep breath, and signed up for the "Pop Star" contest. It was a hoot. A bit nerve wracking at first, but I just pretended I was a pro, and gave it everything. I missed a few notes, but had a great time.

I sang "Lean on me", and tried to make it a bit physical by incorporating a few simple movements. Choreography and singing is all double dutch to me, but it seemed to work, and the audience enjoyed it.

Congratulations to Sven, and his team of groupies, who won the comp.

Whisky on the stern

For the last sunset of the cruise, Dad and I went out the back of the ship and shared a couple of whiskys. There's something special about that last sunset - you don't want to waste a second of it - watching the water rush by and knowing that tomorrow you'll be back on dry land again.

Kid's club concert

On our last day of the cruise, Lilly was in a concert performed by the kids club.

The staff at "Turtle Cove" and "Shark Shack" are lovely.

Here's Lilly struttin' her stuff at the concert.

Bruce meets the designated driver

Captain Draper was very keen to meet Dad / Bruce when he found out he'd worked on the
original Oriana.

The captain invited us to a special cocktail party and reserved a table for us right at the front.

Bruce couldn't beleive his eyes when he saw all the free grog that the captain laid on for us.

Captain Tony Draper is a lovely man, and very hospitable. We really have enjoyed our time
under his care.

Oh - by the way, I succumbed to temptation and sang at the Karaoke Bar. Unfortunately, they
have now signed me up to perform in the "Pop Stars" competition, so I have to sing in front of the
whole cruise in the Show Lounge on Friday night.

Hmmmmm - I wonder if I have bitten off more than I can chew????

More news tomorrow.

P.S. It's Thursday already and we all don't want this week to end.

Lilly kicks back with some girlfriends.

Lilly seems to make friends pretty easily. She's having fun here in the spa with some new friends.

Snorkelling in the pool

Who else but Harrison would think of snorkelling in the pool on the back deck of the ship?

Kid Soup

The pool on the back deck of the ship has a problem with child infestation.