Pacific Aria - Monday 3 September, Debark Day

We were out of our cabin not too long after 6.30am which I thought was pretty good. Up to the Pantry for our final Aria brekky and then off the ship we could go. We didn't end up needing to wait in our designated area as they were all running on schedule and we could leave straight away. I think we left right on time, 8.15am and with that our cruise was over. Why didn't we book back to back??

Another yummy Pantry breakfast

The Atrium

The Ocean Bar

Pacific Aria - Sunday 2 September, 2nd Sea Day

Happy Father's Day!

This was outside the Waterfront Restaurant

Breakfast in the Pantry and then a cuppa out by the Lido whale watching.

The lovely Lido looking towards the pool, behind is the door into the Pantry

There is a whale there if you look closely

We watched a few people zip lining and then the cruise director doing his Bollywood dance class on the Lido. After that it was time for lunch. Desserts were all chocolate, my most favourite thing! I had chocolate rice pudding with chocolate custard and a chocolate rum ball! Mmmmmmmmm

Bollywood on the Aria

Chocolate desserts with a view

We did a spot of walking and then decided we'd walked enough so found a comfy chair and had a cocktail and why wouldn't you! A Toblerone for mum and a Maragrita for me. I don't know why anyone wouldn't like cruising, what's not to like?? No cooking, cleaning, washing, lots of food, relaxing, drinking, whale spotting....

Cheers to the Aria and our next cruise, where to next?

And relax - one of the stunning areas on the Aria. This was just down from the main bars/casino & shops on deck 7

If you can't let your hair down on a cruise then when can you??

Dinner tonight was at the Dragon Lady, Asian inspired decor and food. Very disappointing. The food didn't appear to be freshly cooked and my main of Ramen Chicken wasn't at all what I expected. Three pieces of deep fried chicken that reminded me of KFC. The share noodles and rice were nice and the starter of kumur and potato chips with dipping sauce and a refreshing watermelon shot were probably the best part of our meal. We had a chocolate cake/muffin with icecream for dessert, not very Asian, which had a nice chocolatey flavour but was very solid. Underwhelming to say the least. Should have stuck to the Pantry, we'll know for next time. We did head up to the Pantry for our cup of tea. Our final night on the Aria and when we wake we'll be docked back in Brisbane.

Looks good but looks can be deceiving!

We had to have our bags packed and outside our cabin between 5-8pm so after getting reading for dinner we did that and just kept a few essentials and clothes for tomorrow out. Our debark time was scheduled for 8.15am but we had to be out of our cabin a 6.30am!! What?? That's too early to end a cruise on.

Pacific Aria - Saturday 1 September, Airlie Beach

Airlie is a tender port as there aren't any docks bigger enough for cruise ships. They were using 4 of the ships tenders and 2 larger boats from Airlie to transport us passengers. We caught a ships tender over and a catamaran back.

Before any of that happens though, breakfast!

Breakfast in Airlie

We both had the scrambled eggs this morning, so yummy. I had a weird pancake muffin thing, I don't recommend them. The french toast was good especially with maple syrup and a gorgeous view. The water is so blue.

The crowds had died down so we went and got out tender ticket and waited in the Marque for our numbers to be called.

On the tender heading for Airlie marina.

Once off the tender we followed the boardwalk/road to Airlie Beach. A pretty easy walk with a pretty view of the harbour and islands. Airlie is quite a small place, I didn't realise it was so little. Lots of holiday units that would have amazing views of the harbour. There is a fabulous area, similar to Southbank in Brisbane, with lagoon pools and seating. The water was a bit nippy but did help us cool off. 

Refreshingly cold

How could you not enjoy being here??

We had a walk around the markets but didn't buy anything. Another place to come back to, good excuse for another cruise.

After kicking back by the pool, just with a legs in the water, we slowly made our way back to the tenders. This time we caught the bigger boat back.

Our transport back to the ship

Back in time for lunch and a bit of dessert, why not we are on holidays afterall.

Time for a spot of bull riding?? Maybe not, don't want to be heading to the medical center.

Woah nelly

This is more our style:

Cheers big ears

Cheers to Airlie!

Dinner tonight was in the Waterfront after we went to the show in the Marque. The show was Cover Girls and one we hadn't seen before. So good. three female singers doing songs from around the 40's/50's with funny little skits based around finding a man, being a diva and just having got married. Very enjoyable. I love going to the shows on a cruise. They are generally really good and only going for about 45 minutes makes for a nice evening before heading to dinner.

The meal wasn't anything to rave about unfortunately. Our main was yummy, roast beef and the dessert was ok but not like previous cruises (excluding the 3 nighter with my niece) a bit disappointing really.

Waterfront - dessert

The restaurant itself is really nice looking, light and airy, at lot smaller than the Dawnie and looks to be set out quite well. We were able to get a table for two although our booking was for 8pm so that may explain it as it wasn't too busy. The menu is quite small compared to back in the day so choices are pretty limited. They now have a section for 'pay for' meals which I don't think would be worth it going by the quality of the meals we had. At least we didn't have to cook or clean up so we shouldn't moan too much :-)

Our last sea day tomorrow before arriving back in Brisbane on Monday - this cruise is going way too fast! Father's Day tomorrow too.