Christmas Cruise Photos

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I didn’t blog our Dec/Jan cruise on Explorer of the Seas (which I now regret) as I was concentrated on vlogging the experience. But I still wanted to share some of my favourite photos of the trip. Hope you enjoy.

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Christy and Athena had an inside cabin with a virtual balcony.IMG_9307.jpg

We had a rear facing junior suite.. with an amazingly large balcony.

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This was perfect for sailaway.

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With bright pink and blue hair it was really easy to spot the kids when out and about :-).

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Our first stop was Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

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We enjoyed a yummy breakfast (since our tender was called much quicker than expected). I had a cheese & onion toastie (which was very British). Then had a walk around the markets before going on a helicopter flight over the islands and out to the hole in the rock.

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We also visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

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And saw a Maori show (we saw another at Rotarua the next day).

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The next day we docked at Tauranga and went on a day trip to Rotarua and Hobbiton.

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Hobbiton was definitely the highlight of the whole cruise. Even Mum & Dad who hadn’t seen the movies really enjoyed it.

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For our last day in New Zealand we were treated to a stunning sunrise as we sailed into Auckland harbour.

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We had arranged for a private tour around the city.

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The winter gardens…

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Views from Devonport.

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The colour of the water here is just beautiful.

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Then it was few days at sea.

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New Years Eve and the start of a new year.

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The stunning Isle of Pines.

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Our last port day and a private tour in Noumea included a delightful stop at the Aquarium.

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Before we visited the beach where we enjoyed some French treats.

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We then concluded our outing with a quick visit to the zoo.

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The cutest national bird.

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Our last few days at the sea.

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Finally found the front the boat.

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Arrival back into a wet, grey Sydney.

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We had another wonderful Christmas cruise with a great combination of sightseeing and relaxing. I especially loved the 3 days in New Zealand – such a beautiful country. And it’s always wonderful to spend time with my family. And a big thanks to my Mum & Dad who treated us all to this wonderful vacation.

Be sure to watch my videos if you’d like to see more.

A Morning Walk

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Being Winter, I’m not walking at sunrise (which I do miss) but instead wait until about 9am when it was warmed up somewhat. I’m still not up to walking every day and some days I can only manage a shorter walk, but even when it’s difficult, I’m always glad I made the effort. And I always enjoy the views.

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And in August the Wattle is in full bloom.

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Walking the Sea Cliff Bridge (FDO)

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For this weeks Family Day Out Athena chose to walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge. It’s about to turn 10 years old so it was definitely about time. It was a gorgeous Winters day for the 1.5 hour return trip.

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If you are ever heading from Sydney to Wollongong and you’ve got the time, it’s definitely worth taking a walk, or at least a drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge.

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Be sure to watch my vlog if you’d like to see more of our walk (and the rest of my weekend).