Well, our ship has come in! Literally! Unlike the stalk that David had (great, btw), we were fortunate to have experienced it live. We first saw the Mariner just after six this morning from our Opera House View room at the Park Hyatt. What a great view and wonderful sight to see the Mariner (who compared to all the ferry boats we've seen come and go into Circular Quay is HUGE). She parked right next to the Overseas Passenger Terminal right next to our hotel and so convenient to everything around the harbor, such as Circular Quay (where all the ferry boats, trains and busses run out of), restaurants and of course the Opera House. Can't wait to board her this afternoon. We should have a great view of the Opera House (again) from our suite.

We came back to Sydney yesterday afternoon from our four day trek to the Blue Mountains (about two hours west of Sydney) and to Wollongong down the coast about two hours from Sydney. We are really excited about getting on the Mariner, this being our third cruise on her (having also been on the PG, the Diamond and the Voyager). I don't know if Jim & Pat saw us wave from the Hyatt (we were in our bathrobes sitting on our balcony). We wish them a wonderful week here in Sydney. Weather should be beautiful (with a chance of showers Wed evening). Will report later on after getting on the ship. Linda & Larry