My bedside phone rang, waking me up out of a deep sleep; “1 hour to red manning, Captain”, our arrival in this lovely city was imminent. We had been in some rough weather since leaving Waitangi, a northerly gale and a large 4m/13ft swell had made our voyage “interesting” and although the swell eased after a day, the wind kept up. Briefly that died away too, however within an hour we were slammed with southerly gale-force winds which kept up until we approached the relative calm of Sydney harbour itself.
In, through the “Heads”, the outer approach to the harbour and the darkness was replaced with first light. Guests began to gather on open decks, stewards walking around with fresh pastries and coffee as cameras ‘flashed’ and videos began, (including mine which is later in this post).
For the prior 2 days have been inundated with questions from Australian Health, regarding the ‘health’ of guests and crew. This has become the norm, no matter which port we are entering. Times have certainly changed in this worrying climate of anxiety and apprehension.
I have spent the morning on my laptop, enjoying the relative peace and quiet after what seems like hectic days, if not weeks; editing the video and photographs taken as we made our way to our berth at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. We no longer go to Circular Quay, the prime passenger berth in the harbour. Regular, larger ships, which are too high to fit under the Bridge now use it.
We have to shift berth at 6:30 this evening, another ship is due in tomorrow and arriving ships, with the attendant Immigration process have priority. Initial suggestions were that we could move at 4 a.m. tomorrow, you will no doubt know what I thought of that, hence moving this evening and my crew will be free for a ‘run’ ashore, they deserve it.
Now the photographs and video, (remember you can ‘right click’ to open photos in a larger view).
Our first view of Sydney as we approach Bradley Head
The Bridge in the distance, the small boat, which accompanied us all the way, is a pilot boat, “ploughing the road” to ensure small craft don’t impede us. On the right, the “Spectrum of the Seas”, at anchor and awaiting clearance, no passengers on board.
Approaching Fort Dernison
The iconic Opera House, the “Voyager of the Seas” at Circular Quay berth.
Despite the early hour, the first “Bridge walkers” watch us as we pass under them
Into darling harbour.
We have 36 hours hours here and then we move north, towards Townsville, Queensland; transiting some of the Great Barrier Reef as we do so. We take a compulsory pilot for that and this year we have the same one as our previous transit, he will join us tomorrow, (Sunday) and will stay with us all the way to Darwin. More about that in later posts…..Until then.
