Change Of Plans
I learnt years ago to keep an open mind when travelling, and this new adventure proves the case.
Six weeks ago we were planning to sail Richard Bransons’ new ship The Resilient Lady to Greece via Asia, Egypt and the Suez Canal. We were all geared up for balmy Asian nights and a glimpse of a pyramid. Unfortunately, events in the Red Sea meant it was unwise to travel this route and so Virgin Voyages offered us an alternative. A cruise that would encompass Mauritius, Durban, Cape Town, Morocco and a host of alternative countries. Despite having to rethink our wardrobe, throw away useless visas and quickly obtain new vaccinations, we were ecstatic about the itinerary change. We were now going to visit countries and capitals we never expected to see.
This first blog that has us travelling to Sydney to board our ship is just the start of this new adventure. Follow us as we
* Travel to Europe aboard the Resilient Lady
* Spend 16 days exploring Greece
* Catch trains and buses to Sofia, Bulgaria
* Overnight from Sofia to Istanbul
* Spend 2 weeks exploring Turkey by train before flying to India
* Spend another 2 weeks catching trains around India.
XPT to Sydney
While we had the option of flying to Sydney to catch our cruise ship, we opted to take the train. It’s been years since we made this journey and we reasoned that if we were happy to catch trains throughout Europe, Turkey and India, Australia should be no different. And it wasn’t. All up, it took 14 hours, but it was a time to relax, view our gorgeous countryside, read our books and talk.
Sydney and Banksy
Arriving into Sydney Central at 830pm then catching the underground to Town Hall before strolling to our hotel threw us straight back into the rigours of travel. We loved it.
The following day was spend reaquainting ourselves with Sydney. Visiting the Banksy Exhibition at Town Hall. Boarding our ship – the Resilient Lady.
Richard Bransons Resilient Lady
Designed to accommodate 2770 passengers, we are incredibly lucky to be sharing this behemoth with just 1200 or so other sailors (the change in itinerary saw large cancellations).
With 20 individual food outlets rather than the usual cruise ship mess halls, it means – no wait times, plenty of food, detailed attention from the staff and guaranteed showtime seating.
Perth and Rottnest Island
Following a quick stop at Eden on our second day – days three to five saw us traverse the surprisingly calm Southern Ocean (home of the Roaring Forties strong westerlies, this crossing can be violent) and reach Fremantle. Lured by promises of a selfie with a cute Quokka we spent our time in Western Australia on Rottnest Island. A flat limestone island surrounded by sparkling azure seas and pulsing with pushbike riders.
Life Onboard
So far, it’s been a completely different cruise than what we are used to. Firstly, it’s full of Australians (we normally get Brits), and the average age is younger than I was expecting (think 50-60). With free Wi-Fi, no paper programs (it’s all done on an app) mobile phones are everywhere. The huge gyms are always full, the exercise programs booked out and the lack of a ping-pong table is telling. Perhaps the most obvious and best difference is the lack of a formal dining room, meaning we don’t need to get overly dressed up for dinner. Darryl is loving this.
What next? It’s going to take 7 straight days of sailing across the Indian Ocean to reach Mauritius, our next port of call. See you then.
6 Comments
Bev
Travel safely and enjoy your trip! XXX ❤️🥰🌹
Denise Dawson
Looking forward to reading all about your new adventure!
Alan & Denise
Lyana
How wonderful… have an amazing time, you both deserve this reward 😘
Tricia Siva
Wow! That looks like fun. Great to see and hear of your latest adventure Emma & Daryl. Good for you!!
Kerstin
Looking forward to follow your cruise, Emmaand Daryl. Seems like you will have a more interesting route around Africa than we had with Arcadia in March 2020.
Emma Scattergood
I hope so Kerstin. Interesting thing is that the Arcadia is currently somewhere ahead of us at the moment.