And we are back. We left from the OPT but have arrived back at White Bay which means we'll have to catch the ferry over to Circular Quay before catching the train to Central, for mum and dad, and the airport for me. Easier from the OPT but not too much of a hassle from White Bay. I could have booked the P&O transfer to the airport for $16pp, next time I think I might as it works out cheaper than the ferry ($9) and then the airport train (around $16). There's also a transfer to Central, $15pp. Note: if you are intending on using the trains in Sydney I recommend getting an Opal card, which is what is now used for all transport in Sydney, online before you head off on holidays. It makes things so much easier and I have noticed that the queues for getting a card or topping up have been quite long, especially at the main stations, like Circular Quay and Central.
Our debark time was 8.20am and we had to be out of our room by 8am so not too early a start thankfully. I didn't get up for the sail into Sydney Harbour as, lucky for me, I have done it a few times now and it was still quite dark and nippy.
After breakfast and collecting our things from the cabin we made our way to the Orient to wait for our number to be called to leave the ship. They were running a little behind schedule but not by much and once our number was called (green 2) we were off the ship in no time and collecting our suitcase. Straight through customs as we had nothing to declare and over to the ferry terminal which is about a 10 minute flat walk. Hopefully they'll change the path to the ferry when they see it is quite popular as it is a bit of a round about way of getting there, having to cross the road twice. The ferries run every 20 minutes or so, so there isn't any real need to rush unless you've booked an early connection somewhere. Although then you would have probably got off the ship earlier. The ferry service is run by Captain Cook Cruises. You can book online or pay when you get to the wharf, note that they only accept cards, no cash.
With our cruise over and no-one dying of manflu we said our goodbyes at the station as mum and dad were getting off at Central and I was staying on until the airport. It was a good trip but possibly could have been better with an extra person or two and no illnesses. Having said that I still love cruising and would never say no to another one!
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