Rough night last night. The captain had to push the boat to 23 knots (roughly 40 mph) in order to make port - had to go slow yesterday morning when entering the reef. Things were so bouncy and had such a strong wing the pool was drained to try to control weight / movement of the ship.
Take a lesson from a lesson a friend learned - don't book a barrier reef tour independent of the ship! Legend has a very hard time making the turn to come along side the dock. We didn't tie up until almost 8:45, Customs cleared us at about 9. The snorkel operators leave at 8:30am promptly. If you want to see the reef book with the ship. Their boat will come along side Legend and you'll board the catamaran directly and off you go.
Cairns (pronounced "cans") is a very touristy town and the best spot to visit in order to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is to Australia what Waikiki is to the US. It feels 100% identical. Same shops, same building styles, same vegetation.
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| Welcome to the port of Cairns |
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| Boats that take you to the reef leave from the pier on the right |
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| The rural jungle (opposite side of port) |
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What does a city do when they can't depend on the ocean being available to swim in when it's regularly 100+ degrees outside? You build a giant public pool in the heart of the town. No danger of crocks or jellyfish.
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| Extreme UV warning today |
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| On the left, no deep water from the ocean for miles |
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| The 3' deep pool provides the water relief |
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| Regardless your age, race, gender or body type you end up taking a dip here to escape the heat |
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I'm told the skytrain option was a good excursion, one you can also easily do on your own. The local visitors center will help you find a ride to the departure point (15 miles away). 45 minutes ride each way with stops to enjoy the wildlife and waterfalls. If you do it with the ship you're back at the port around 2pm. Departure was 5:30pm.
The cruise really has shifted. The first half we experienced ancient, deeply colorful cities. Now that we're in Australia we're checking out beautiful but culturally-void ports. Example the local mega mall 6 blocks from the port.
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| Time to push onto the next stop |
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(((((((( video leaving at dusk ))))))
Funny Quest game show tonight. Oh the people on my team... The crew continues to do a great job aboard and everyone aboard gives them sass to make them laugh. Our cruise director leaves shortly after we get to Brisbane. Wonder who will fill in. The activities director, Belle, should be given a shot.
Tomorrow, Airlie Beach
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