Just arrived in Brisbane. The Super Bowl will be shown live in the theatre. After the game is over we are walking into the area around the pier and are ordering Morton Bay Bugs ( like a lobster ). They are yummy. Sounds like a perfect day to me. Sun is shining and still really calm seas.

We are halfway through the cruise now so these are some of the highlights

Seeing so many familiar faces in the senior staff, Captain Felice, Franck Galzy, and Marcel F&B, Katja, head of destinations. New head of reception, Mary who has been fantastic from the start.

Then the crew so many of our favorite waiters and bartenders. We bought about 100 extra pins and almost out. Like coming home.

Wonderful traveling companions we know so well and a wonderful group of new people we have enjoyed meeting.

Much improved food and Compass Rose is really good now with the expanded menu

Milford Sound where Captain Felice did a complete 360 twice in two different areas in the fjord. That was so great so people on their balconies could see both sides. Sunny day, flights overhead, waterfalls great from prior rain. Captain Felice maneuvered the ship close to one of the waterfalls - spectacular.

Overall great weather and a good Tasman Crossing.

Akaroa we loved the sheepdogs and farmer at the farm and the GIANTS house was amazing.

The refurbishment of the ship is really stunning. I love Compass Rose in fact like it more than the Explorer dining room. The colors and upgrades to the furniture, flooring and drapes are very good.

Negatives of the cruise

We are halfway through already

The cabins look great but they took away a lot of storage space and drawers.

Trivia has become so big we had over 400 people playing so we had to move to the theatre to accommodate every one. It is working better than I expected as there is more room and the swivel chairs make it easy to get six people together. Not combined with afternoon tea now but they do have self service tea and coffee and a few snacks so that helps. Plus you can go to tea get your pastries and be back in plenty of time for trivia to start.

So it is time for the Super Bowl I wish I was saying " how about those Cowboys"
But there is always next year!