Next stop: Adelaide
With our decision made to stay onboard and determined to make the best of our shortened cruise, we decided to just explore Adelaide a bit. The ship docked in an industrial area so it was necessary to take a train into the city centre. Outside the station, tickets were offered at a discounted rate for cruise passengers. It was VERY windy and a bit chilly …not the best wandering around day!
Quite honestly, my favorite part of the town was the train station! Being out of the wind was a plus, but it was the architecture that caught my attention. The high arched ceiling… turnstiles… ticket booths… heels clicking on the tile… the sights and the sounds just appealed to me! It’s fun to figure out how to navigate public transportation. It’s usually substantially cheaper and very convenient. This was no exception. We walked up the steps and right out the door was the heart of the city!
Because our focus was on making the decision of whether or not to fly home from Melbourne or Adelaide, we really had no plans for the day. Once out of the train station, we didn’t really know which way to explore. so we ducked into a pedestrian area. There were many shops and restaurants but they were all the same! Each store I walked into basically the same items… but what they didn’t have was the ever-elusive ornament! Australia was definitely not cooperating. Since leaving Sydney, our port stops had the same standard Aussie ornament rather that each town. Oh well… Giving up the search, we stopped for coffee and pastry. It was a great people watching spot… across from the coffee shop was a hotel with a rooftop bar. Using the free city wifi, I researched the reviews and this place had great reviews! Maybe another time, we will find ourselves in this town again. You never know!
Australia sent more than 39,000 horses to the battleground during WW1. Only one horse returned to Australia. It meant so much to the people, that this statue was created.and unveiled in January 1923.
Not far from the train station was Parliament. The couple we met on the ship told us to check it out because this is where the husband worked. All we did was take a couple pictures from the outside.. We really wanted to get back to the ship to plot our way home and make reservations.
We found the track our train would be departing from and it would be leaving in two minutes! Perfect timing! We jumped in our seats and enjoyed the view back to the port. Upon returning, we realized hundreds of guests had departed at this stop. Since we had made the decision to depart from Perth, it was time to make a reservation. Shortly after sail away, an announcement was made that every passenger would receive 24 hours of free wifi to help make arrangements. More importantly, Princess had arranged to spend two extra days in Port of Fremantle (Perth). Remaining guest would be welcome to remain on the ship at no charge for the extra two days.! That will help. So we made our airplane reservation from Perth to Sydney for March 26. That was the best price available. With the offer to stay on, we would only need accommodations for one might.
With our plans set, we could relax and enjoy our last couple of days. We got dressed up for the evening. It was very noticeable that the ship had emptied out. Out we go to Captain’s party!
Time for the sail away! Our escort (the pilot boat) led us out to the open sea. I loved this view… enjoying the waves from this angle was pretty special! It was a lazy day but enjoyable. This is when I’m thankful we got balcony!
