World Cruise--Brisbane Is Closed, Hello Airlie Beach

This wasn’t our first cyclone. A few years ago we were in Tokyo when the edge of a cyclone passed by. We lost several umbrellas in the wind trying to get our grandkids to the movie theater. But Cyclone Alfred tracking through the Coral Sea and expected to hit the coast of Queensland as a category 2 completely shut down the port of Brisbane in preparation.  Sadly, Brisbane was one of the places in Australian we have not visited.

The ship’s itinerary scrambled as well as the entertainment staff in trying to reorganize our journey. We immediately got an extra sea day as we headed up the coast trying to skirt the edge of the cyclone. There was one really rough night but surprisingly it calmed quickly the next day. Nice job, Captain!

After our day early stop in Airlie Beach, we would also arrive a day early in Yorkey’s Knob (near Cairns) and then after a few sea days, have an extra day in Darwin. The important thing is we faired well in getting around the cyclone. From the reports I saw online, the Crown Princess did not. They hit a couple of nasty swells and sent things flying. Several were injured.

Along the way, we picked up a local pilot/guide who would be with us through the area that is bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. I read that it takes a cruise ship about 40 total hours to make its way up that coastal reef area. We slowed our speed and I assume that was partly because of the protection of the reef. I'm sure there are lots of other regulations we know nothing about but that pilot is there to be sure they are all followed.

Our initial disappointment in missing our koala excursion in Brisbane was eased with the beautiful sunny day that greeted us in Airlie Beach when we arrived. We had not planned any excursions for the day other than to wander on our own. I found that Airlie had a freshwater lagoon that was free to swim for anyone so we packed our towels and sunscreen and set out.

Tendering 3,000 people again was another challenge but Airlie had provided large boats that could hold 300 each so at least it went a little more smoothly than the last tender port. Some who were on excursions to the Great Barrier Reef were actually picked up straight from the ship.

The day was already hot and humid mid morning as we made our way around the boardwalk and the beach to the lagoon. Since it was a Tuesday, the lagoon was not terribly busy and by the time we arrived, the water looked absolutely inviting.

This is the time of year that the box jellyfish are plentiful in the ocean waters so the beach only had one swimmer that we could see. The box jellyfish get their name from the main body that is shaped like a box but then it gets its reputation from the deadly long tentacles that wrap around its prey. It can be deadly to humans but at the very least it is extremely painful. They liken it to being burned with a hot iron. No thanks. The lagoon was appreciated.

We swam/lounged in the water for about an hour until Bob said he was wrinkling. I pointed out that he was wrinkling before he got in the water. I’m not sure he appreciated that.

After packing up our things, we headed for the main street to find a place for lunch. We found a typical Australian beach town restaurant, all open air with lots of fans. After we ordered a pizza and drinks, Bob asked for a WiFi password. “There is no WiFi here,” the waitress said abruptly. “Why not?” Bob asked. “Because it’s the middle of nowhere.” She turned and went to place our order.

It was true. Airlie is sort of in the middle of nowhere along the coast. No large cities nearby. Almost like being in the outback but a bit more civilized. Lots of shops and restaurants and travel shops offering all sorts of tours. It would be a neat place to spend a few days and explore the area.

Thankfully the line for the tender formed inside a fan cooled area in the shade. We were pretty much heated up again from our walk, so much so that my bathing suit was as dry as it could be in all the humidity.

The ship’s A/C was a welcome relief and I fought off a nap in order to take advantage of the somewhat empty laundry room. It has been the most frustrating part of our cruise to have to try to judge when you might get a free washer/dryer. People line up for them. I scored a free machine and quickly did a load so we are all good for the next week. But missing my nap saw me falling asleep at the dinner table. I passed on the evening entertainment and was sound asleep by nine. I’m so old.