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| Delta Charlie Images |
Explorer Dream arrives in Sydney
Zooming under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, perched on the bow of a speed boat with the wind whipping my dress up around my ears was not how I imagined I’d be welcoming Explorer Dream to Sydney. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Despite my mascara-streaked chaffed cheeks and almost losing
my phone (and whole chubby self) into the deep blue sea, I had accomplished
something I had no idea I could actually pull off.
“Honey and her ideas,” I not so quietly chastised myself as Zachariah
from Ghana picked me up in his Uber hours earlier.
However, 20 hours later, here I was in my Dreamy bed, in my Dreamy balcony cabin congratulating myself for capturing and live streaming the moment Explorer Dream sailed into Sydney – from the most spectacular vantage point possible. Let me tell you though that his mean feat was only made possible due to some incredibly generous people who trusted in my wacky idea. Brad, Grant, I’m eternally grateful.
While it had been a massive day, and my body was absolutely exhausted, flashbacks of the morning’s excitement peppered my mind, keeping me from sleep.
Setting off towards the heads, watching the sun slowly turn the sky from inky to ombre orange and crossing my fingers that my 4G wouldn’t drop out.
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| Delta Charlie Images |
As I bounced around the hull, one hand holding my phone and the other holding on to whatever was secure, I thought that this was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.
and
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| Crazy eyes Honey |
We watched as the tugs brought her into Sydney cove, the sails of the Opera House now illuminated by the risen sun. Fort Denison seemed an arm’s reach away as we matched Explorer Dream’s speed, waving at passengers on the decks. The water cannons starting shooting their jets high in the sky. Now, the famous coat hanger was steadily approaching and with a "hold on”, our captain hit the throttle sending us under the Harbour Bridge ahead of the beautiful ship to watch her majestically glide underneath.
and
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| Delta Charlie images |
Explorer Dream had arrived.
A few hours later, after smoothing out my bird’s nest hair, changing clothes and guzzling down a coffee, it was time to actually board the ship and see her from the inside.
White Bay Cruise Terminal was buzzing with media, cruise industry people and other special guests. I was trying to drink in the moment, but all I really wanted to do was to step aboard, and I didn’t have to wait long. Soon, enough I joined one of the groups that would be taken on a tour of Explorer Dream. No matter how many times I’ve walked a gangway, the butterflies always flutter, and my feet involuntarily start to skip towards my end goal.
Waiting for me at the end of the gangway (okay, for all the other guests too) was a handsome, tall man in an officer’s uniform. I knew by his stripes that he was the Captain so in a very aloof manner (as if, who am I kidding?), I made a beeline towards him, grabbed his hand vigorously and started pumping it up and down.
“HELLOCAPTAINWELCOMETOSYDNEYIAMSOHAPPYYOUAREHEREIHAVEBEENWAITINGFORMONTHSANDNOWYOUAREHEREANDIMCRUISINGWITHYOUTODAYAND.”
Graciously he smiled and extricated himself from this mad woman. “Welcome aboard,” Capt Christian Aalbers said, while sending secret hand signals to his security team to keep an eye on me.
There’s nothing like seeing a ship for the first time, so I will try to describe my first impressions of Explorer Dream as best as I can.
Colourful, clean, modern, fresh. Asian influences, boutique eateries, beautiful artworks. A massive theatre, lovely spa and gym, super kids club, top-class retail, fabulous arcade and games room.
The deck: old school charm inter-spliced by Grecian-esque statues and columns, lots of deck chairs, tables and Mark Best’s alfresco seafood grill.
And the crew! Just wow, so beautifully dressed and immaculately presented. There were several uniforms, depending on which area of the ship the crew worked in. Definitely a cut above and very stylish.
AND
The ship tour was a whirlwind, but I knew I’d have plenty of time to explor during the week aboard. It was time now for the formalities and to hear from Dream Cruises President himself Mr Michael Goh.
We were ushered to the aft of the ship, to an exclusive area reserved for guests staying at The Palace. (The Palace is a ship within a ship concept. Palace passengers have their own dining room, casino, pool and stay in stunning suites, penthouses and villas. Oh, and they also have their own Butler. More about the Palace later. Read more here ).
Suddenly, there was a flurry of excitement. Entertainers, dancers, acrobats, and contortionists all dressed in resplendent costumes showcased a multitude of amazing mini-shows.
Speeches, camera flashes and then an indulgent lunch followed (where we were entertained by more spectacular dancing) and it was time to get off the ship to meet my family at the terminal so that we could check in to sail.
By this stage, I’d been up for 14 hours and looking forward to getting into my cabin and unpacked. Mr Cruising With Honey and the mini-bees were stoked with our adjoining balcony cabins. “Oh look, the toilet has a screen! So when you’re pooping, someone else can have a shower and they won’t be able to see you!” Miss 12 exclaimed. It's the little things.
After unpacking and a quick freshen up, we headed out to explore the ship. There were lots of ‘ohhs’ and ‘ahhs’ as we discovered the two main dining rooms, the stylish Palm Court, the Matcha ice cream bar and lolly shop.
As I looked at my offspring, I knew we would be very happy here for the next week.
I’d never experienced a night time sail away, and Sydney turned it on. It was magical to see the twinkling lights of the city as we pulled away, dusk blanketing my hometown with a soft glow, the harbour glistening like a silver platter.
I stood on the deck, my cheekbones high from my smile.
I exhaled.
Pulling my daughters into a group embrace, I felt so grateful, so privileged to be right here in this moment. We watched in silence as land became further and further away until all that was left was the water around us, whispering promises of a dreamy adventure ahead.
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