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Scott & Rob World Cruise 2024
  • Scott Kline

Scott & Rob World Cruise 2024

A 123-day adventure by Scott Read more
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  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Auckland NZ Feb 4th

    February 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Our last day in Auckland. Up early for a trip to the gym then out for our excursion for a walking tour and taste of Auckland.
    First stop was at a hotel for coffee paired with various cheese, a date jam and crackers. I know, coffee and cheese sounds nasty but it worked! Then to a local chocolate store. We had bon bons and also a really tasty chocolate tea that tasted just like hot chocolate (but it did not have any milk and was zero calories, the flavor was from the tea). Then we finished at a marina side restaurant where we sat outside and had a seafood sampler. The seafood was mussels, oysters, shrimp and was all wonderful to taste the local foods here.
    Afterwards we took an Uber went to another local pub (Galbraiths ale house) that Scott really wanted to go to since they had cask ale. They had a really nice outside beer garden area where we sat. While we were there we heard 2 Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac songs on the music they were playing and then a guy set up and played live music and his 3rd song was a great acoustic Rhiannon......what are the odds !!! It really is nice and cool, windy and sunny here today, perfect weather!    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Rotorua, Tauranga NZ Feb 5th

    February 5, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Another day in NZ, just at a new location.
    This port on on the Bay of Plenty. It is the arrival place of the Māori indigenous people to New Zealand. They have a very old and rich heritage and are very strict in their ways and customs. You have to ask to come onto their native lands and be granted permission.
    We had a long bus drive to get to our excursion, which was the Ancestral Lands of the Maori. We thought this would be a good cultural exposure trip.
    Along the drive, our driver showed us the Kiwi fields and explained that there are actually 3 kinds of Kiwi fruit. The green that we usually see, yellow and just recently they have a new red Kiwi fruit being harvested. The green kiwi grow on vines like grapes. The yellow kiwi grow on vines, but are suspended in a pointed stand to help them grow since they are different. We did not see any red kiwi fruit. To help the fruit be protected from the wind and elements, they plant rows of trees that are trimmed and are about 100 feet tall.
    Once we arrived we were greeted by the Māori and given a demonstration of their native dance, the Haka. The New Zealand All Blacks rugby team does one of these at every match. They had the words in native Māori and the translation for us to help understand. You can find the Haka on YouTube to watch. Then they showed us the meaning of their native weapon and it symbols carved into the sharpened wooden 'stick'.
    Then we had a native lunch or Hangi which means 'earth pit'. Hot rocks are put into a pit and then the food is placed over it in baskets to cook. All of this is then covered with earth / dirt to hold in the heat and steam the food.
    Then back on the bus for a long drive back to the ship.
    Unfortunately, due to time constraints with the trip we were not able to go down into the caves on the way back to see native Māori illustrations on the walls. Scott was not happy. Back on the boat as we sailed away we past an active volcano, white island. You could see the smoke billowing from the top of the volcano.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Napier NZ Feb 6th

    February 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    The ship repositioned to another port in NZ this morning, Napier. It is the second largest wine growing region in the country and has over 70 vineyards. Like everywhere in NZ, you just plant it and it grows like crazy. The volcanic soil will just grow anything, so the grape vines do really well.
    Napier is a small town full of art deco buildings. After and earthquake and a fire the town was completely re-built.
    Our excursion today was to 2 different wineries for tastings. Premier Estate Winery and Abbey Cellars. On our drive out we could see the main street of the town and it's quaint art deco buildings. The wines were all good and just slightly different that the taste we get at home since the grapes are growing in the volcanic soil. The first winery had our new favorite cheese as a pairing. Blue cheese with just a little bit of honey.
    On the way back to the ship we say more vineyards and grape vines than I thought possible to grow. As far as you could see. And there were the usual Kiwi fruit farms, sheep, dairy cattle and the vertical hedges to shield the crops.
    Back on board, we set sail, had a nice dinner and played cards again with Roger and Pennie. Then off to bed...    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Wellington NZ Feb 7th

    February 7, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    This morning we arrived in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Our shore excursion isn't until the afternoon, so we had some morning time to relax a little bit on the ship. Last minute we decided to take the shuttle into town and explore a bit before our excursion.
    As usual, we found the local monuments and a New Zealand Christmas Tree. They are all in red in December, but this one was still blooming. They cover the country in red flowers at Christmas time. We were lucky that this one's calendar was off by a month or so. We visited a church with beautiful wooden cantilevered ceiling and stained glass. We were able to buy a Kiwi (the national bird) Christmas ornament. And we did happen to find the oldest pub in Wellington, the Thistle Inn. We had a beer and some fries before heading back to the ship for our excursion.
    Our excursion was in the afternoon and included the Botanic Gardens and a Cable Car ride. We had a very lively and colorful local bus driver who kept us very entertained with this sayings and commentary along the bus drive through the city of Wellington. We traversed the city to the high point for some excellent views of the city, the bay and the ocean. Along the way back down he showed us the funiculars (personal elevators) that the locals use to get up the extremely steep hills to their houses. There is a picture of one that looks like a 2 person tiny room on rails.
    We then arrived at the Cable Car station and took a quick trip on the public cable car to the top. It was not much to see since we were already at the highest point in the city. But the ride was fun.
    Then down again to the Botanic Gardens for a coffee and a stroll through the thousands of rose bushes there. It was an extremely impressive number of very fragrant roses. And the ducks were out of their pond and relaxing under the rose bushes for an afternoon nap.
    Then back to the ship to set sail for a few days along the cost, then ocean to Australia.
    The show at night was the cruise directory Aveen. She put on a great performance. Her singing and story telling made it a very enjoyable show. And to get into the 9 pm shows, you have to start lining up before 8:30 to beat the old people to get a good seat.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Sea Day Feb 9th

    February 9, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Today was another day playing cornhole, gym, knitting and playing cards. Scott was kind enough to do the laundry and luckily did not have any 'laundry incident'. Apparently people are pretty cut-throat about the washers and dryers. When yours is finished and you are not there, it could be removed and placed on the floor or in a basket.
    In he evening we had a Cognac tasting to get exposure to the different brands they have on board and experience something different.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Sea Day Feb 10th

    February 10, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    This morning we had another cooking class for risotto and fish and chips. It was not has hands on as the others since we just did the prep work and could not do the deep frying of the fish and fries. We did make our own risotto which turned out pretty good. It always seems so complicated and hard to make but if you take your time cooking and reducing the risotto, it can turn out ok.
    This evening we signed up for a whiskey tasting.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Melbourne AUS Feb 12th

    February 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    We arrived last evening in Melbourne Australia for our first stop in our next country. It is described as the most British city in Australia.
    Our morning excursion was to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Melbourne was designed to have a large number of green garden spaces within the city. We toured the gardens with our group and then as planned, we left the group to explore the other gardens. The original tour was only about 1/4 of the Botanic Gardens, so we walked all around the rest. Then we walked and visited the Victoria Gardens and after that the Alexandria Gardens.
    When we left the final garden, we visited a knitting store to get me some needles and yarn that Scott picked out so that I can knit him a scarf.
    Then, as usual, we found a pub. It is the Young and Jackson. A local on our trip recommended it and the beer was great - as usual.
    The plan was then to ride the historic wooden tram around the free zone in the city center. We found the platform and time. We saw the tram coming and noticed it had the sign 'Out of Service' on it as it flew by.... So, plan B was just to walk to our lunch pub, The Mitre Tavern. It is the oldest pub in Melbourne. Lunch was Fish and Chips, Indian food and of course, local beer.
    Since we still had time, we booked an hour long river boat cruise through the Yara river that runs through Melbourne.
    Our last thing to do for the day was a Penguin watching boat trip at sunset. The boat took us out into the bay and we watched the Little Penguins swim in from the ocean and perch on the rocks.
    It was a long day. 10.5 miles of walking and 23K steps! Now off to bed    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Melbourne AUS Feb 13th

    February 13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 88 °F

    Our second day in Melbourne included a tour of the Healesville Animal Sanctuary. This is not exactly a zoo. All of the animals were in open air pens.
    We saw Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos, Koalas, Dingoes, Wallabies, Birds, Quoll, Echhidnas, Pelicans, Tree Kangaroos. Many of the animals were hiding in the shade since it was mid-90's temperature. The hottest day of the summer so far.
    The highlight of the animal sanctuary visit was and up close visit with Kangaroos. We were able to feed them and get close. Penny is the Kangaroo that was the friendliest.
    Then back to the ship in the late afternoon for a well needed shower and time in the spa hot tub. Cards and drinks before dinner, then the show with 3 new singers, and off to bed...
    The ship is relocating tonight to Phillip Island for tomorrow.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Phillip Island AUS Feb 14th

    February 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Today was Valentine's Day and turned out to be one amazing day of thigs to do.
    To start the day, there was a massive power outage on the island, so all the shops and stores had no electricity. Our excursion into the town was going to be a bust due to this.
    And then we found out that there was a hike at Cape Woolamai Beach. We found a taxi driver that knew about it since he mountain biked there. He told us about the trail and the copperhead snakes to avoid. The hike was along a beach, then through the brush up to the Pinnacle. The hike was not just walking along a trail. It was real hiking over terrain and up a very steep hill to the Pinnacle overlook. The view was breathtaking over the pink granite cliffs to the ocean crashing on the granite cliffs and shoreline below. We could see miles all the way around the island. We then hiked back down the trail to where we started. Along the way were more gorgeous views, a lizard crossing the trail and a friendly Wallaby popped his head up out of the bush to greet us. It was really a great hike and visit with the Australian nature free of all the crowds and a way to experience the island.
    Then back to the ship for a quick dinner and then on to the Penguin Parade in the evening. We sat along the beach and after sunset small groups of blue penguins come out of the surf to make a quick exit across the beach to their burrows in the sand dunes. They are only about a foot tall and move in groups for safety. Once in the sand dunes, they waddle to their protected burrows for the evening.
    Overall it was our best day yet on the trip - and to make things better, it was on Valentine's Day!    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Eden AUS Feb 16th

    February 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Today was a trip to Eden Australia, a port half way between Melbourne and Sydney.
    Our excursion went to 3 cities to experience the local wildlife and also more and more greenery. We visited the towns of Merimbula, Pambula and Eden.
    Merimbula is famous for its oyster farms so we had to try those as well as a wood fired pizza. Finally found a good pizza! There were wild bats that were as large as a hawk. They call them 'flying foxes' due to the size and their hunting. We also say wild Cockatoos that were also much larger than the ones at home.
    As usual we found another pub that had the pizza, oysters and local beers. It was a great experience out in the smaller towns of Australia, not just Melbourne and Sydney.
    And on the way back to the ship Rob bought an Australian hat to be authentic while here. It's made from Kangaroo leather.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Sydney AUS Feb 17th

    February 17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Arrived in Sydney Australia at 6 am this morning. Can't wait to see all the sights here. Our ship docked just next to the Sydney Opera House in the heart of Sydney on the coast. We got up early to experience the sunrise and arrival at Sydney Harbor, the Opera House, Sydney Bridge and the city in the background.
    Out for an all day excursion into the Blue Mountains. There was a long bus ride to get there, but the sights were, again, amazing. We stopped for a photo op at the 'Three Sisters' rock formation. Then went to Scenic World park and took a cable car ride across the gorge to the other side of the mountain range to see and walk to Katoomba Falls Then a gondola ride down to the bottom to walk in the rain forest . All this up in the air stuff really set off Scott's fear of heights, but he made it through the experience. Last was a funicular train ride back up to the top on the steepest train in the world. It was sort of like a roller coaster, just almost straight up the mountain and we were seated facing out into the gorge.
    We walked around on the town during a stop on the way back to the ship. We found a hand crafted shop of local art and found a Christmas ornament bell.
    Once back at the ship we saw that the streets were closed off and filled with vendors. It is Saturday and at the end of day, so we will visit them again tomorrow when we have more free time during the day. Scott did find some Habanero Hot Sauce sold by a lady from Jamaica. The ship has no decent hot sauce, so this will come in handy. I'm sure we will find more stuff to purchase tomorrow as we browse through the vendors again...    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Sydney AUS Feb 18th

    February 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Our second day in Sydney...
    We did a tour of the city and had a nice walk at Bondi Beach. Scott got a tank top at the gift shop. It was a beautiful day with lots of sun. After our tour we stayed in the city and stopped at a pub for some pints of beer with fish and chips. We strolled through the weekend market which was a lot of local vendors selling their hand crafted merch. We got a little wooden 3d Christmas ornament. Then we stopped by an Aboriginal shop to look at arts and crafts made by the indigenous local Aborigine people. We ended up buying a boomerang, made from Iron Wood which is a type of eucalyptus tree. This is the type of wood traditionally used to make boomerangs. On the final walk back we stopped by a shop for an Australian hand pie which is sort of a small pot pie. Had to get one before we leave Australia.Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Brisbane AUS Feb 20th

    February 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Docked in Brisbane Australia this morning.
    Going out for an excursion to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for the day. Scott wants to hug a Koala. They are part of a Koala union and sleep 20 hours a day, so we'll see about that...
    On our ride to the Koala Sanctuary the bus broke down, so we had to get a replacement. On the good side, they got us a replacement very quickly and we were on our way. They also added another 30 minutes to our tour to make up for the broken bus time.
    Once there, the guide took us straight to the Koalas and we were the first to get to pet the Koala. You could only pet them on the back while they were eating. The special 'hugging' Koalas had to be booked separately and unfortunately they were all out of time slots. Again, the Koalas are part of a union and have very strict working hours and times in the day, so we missed out on the 'hug'.
    We walked around the site which was another open air zoo and got to experience a LOT of kangaroos up close and personal. You could get food and feed them, pet them and we found one female that had a joey in her pouch. You would think that it's little head would be sticking out, but it was just the tail and legs. It was a fun time seeing all the animals. It was a hot and sunny day so most of the animals were hanging out in the shade and not really big on giving us a show. We did see the Dragon Lizards running around the walkway paths. They are about a 16 inches long and very fast runners.
    We had a leisurely drive back through Brisbane and our guide was very knowledgeable about the city's history and evolution since all the British convicts were dropped off there.
    Then back to the ship for our day at sea tomorrow for our next port in Australia...    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Whitsunday Islands AUS Feb 22nd

    February 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Stopped at Whitsunday Islands Australia this morning early and had a 8 am excursion to Whitehaven Beach and a ride on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat).
    We wore our swim suits, water shoes and LOTS of sunscreen. It was a great day out on the water for about an hour in the RIB seeing the sights of all the islands that make up Whitsunday.
    Then we stopped at a small beach for a hike up quite a few stairs to 3 lookout points overlooking the ocean / sea. Then a walk back down where we saw another lizard along the way.
    Another short ride to Whitehaven beach where we stopped to have a quick lunch and walk around the beach, put our feet in the sand and water. We did not put on the wet suits and get into the water. You had to put on the suit to protect yourself from the small jellyfish. They are very dangerous and if they sting you close to the heart, you have about 2 hours to get to a hospital. The boats have a kit similar to an epi pen to take care of the venom. Luckily no one got stung. The beach is about 98% silica and does not get hot in the sun. When you walk on it, it makes a 'squeeeeak' sound under your feet.
    Then back to the ship to leave for Cairns tomorrow. We are just going up the western coast of Australia for our next stop.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Cairns AUS Feb 23rd

    February 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    We arrived in Cairns Australia this morning. It's pronounced 'cans' by the locals.
    Our excursion today is to another wildlife preserve, so we saw more Dingos, Tasmanian Devils, Crocodiles and Wallabies. Many of the Wallabies were not in pens and you could feed and interact with them. The Tasmanian Devils and Crocodiles were not loose and running around. That just makes sense...
    After the wildlife visit we had shopping time at Karunda village. No major purchases, just a magnet. Next we took the bus to the top of the mountain for a stop at the rain forest. The trees are at least a hundred feet tall and the vegetation is just solid trees and ferns. It was rainy up top since it is a rain forest. There was a huge waterfall that was very active due to all the rain that Cairns had last week. Part of the lower lands had flooded and the water has now receded.
    Then we had multiple cable car rides down from the top to get back to the bottom of the rain forest. Scott is deathly afraid of 2 things - snakes and heights, so he had more than a little issue when we were above the top of the rain forest in a 4 person gondola. He made it down without a mental breakdown.
    Instead of going back to the ship with the tour, we got dropped off in town ,where we stopped by a local market that opens in the evening. The crazy , loud Australian lady Kay tagged along. She is a hoot! Scott did a fish foot cleansing where you put your feet into a tub of fish and they clean your feet. I will post pics of this. And no fish were harmed by Scott's feet, however I'm sure they were full when the process was complete in about 15 minutes.
    Then we stopped by a pub on the way to the ship, as usual, we found a local pub for some beers and dinner...    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Thursday Island AUS Feb 25th

    February 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Stopped at Thursday Island Australia this morning. We skipped our excursion to take a walk around the island. It is not a very large island and there is a walking trail all the way around the outside along the beaches and cliffs overlooking the ocean. The weather was slightly rainy, but nothing too bad. Our hiking trail had some water and mud on it from all the recent rains. Nothing that washing our hiking shoes off won't take care of. The unfortunate part of the visit was that it is a very small island and it's Sunday, so almost all of the shops and pubs are closed today. So we did not have a chance to look around like usual. There was one small cafe open and we picked up a slice of banana bread which was really good and also an orange sponge cake with almonds.
    Then back on the tinder for our ride back to the ship which is docked just off shore.    Read more

  • Scott KlineScott & Rob World Cruise 2024Traveler

    Sail the Arafura Sea

    February 26, 2024, Arafura Sea ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Change of plans
    Due to the Yemen, Suez canal issues we are now visiting Africa and taking the long way around to London. This adds excursions in South Africa and the eastern parts of Europe. A screen shot of the new map is what we are now doing.
    Going to be fun 😊    Read more

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