13th November 2009

The clocks went forward an hour overnight and we are now 12 hours ahead of the UK. Today (and tomorrow) we are at sea as we head for New Zealand so I will use the opportunity to add bits and pieces that I have remembered after the original postings. For example, there is the incongruity of being in Melbourne, experiencing temperatures in excess of 35C and yet the Christmas lights are in place and people are walking about wearing Santa Hats! As well as seeing dolphins and whales we have seen lots of jellyfish. Rosalyn described them as looking like small plastic bottles that had been thrown overboard; it was only when we saw so many we realised what they were.

Security getting back onto the ship is at times quite ridiculous. Yesterday, for example, as we approached the outer gate of the pier where the Rhapsody was berthed Tasmanian security got onto the coach and checked everyone's seapass whilst a colleague using a mirror checked underneath the coach. Once cleared we drove approximately 50 yards before we were checked again! I don't know what they thought could have happened in such a short space but they are quite paranoid. Mind you, in Burnie security was taken to new heights with 5 checks within a short distance.

Health concerns are another factor and placed in front of the entrance to the two main restaurants you find machines dispensing handgel and notices asking you to use them; most people do, but occasionally I've noticed people who can't be bothered.

So far the seas have been kind to us, although we are rolling a bit as I type this. The captain has said that as we get closer to New Zealand it might get just a little rougher. Today we took part in a walk round the ship, raising money for the 'Make-A-Wish' Foundation. As I said before, we are rolling a little and it is very disconcerting to take step and then find that the deck has dropped away a little from you and is not where you expect it to be!