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Cairns, December 24


Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope Santa found a suitable chimney to deliver gifts to you all!  Also hope you have a wonderful day with lots of cheer!!!  


We’ve been in Cairns since early this morning, now on our way to Airlie Beach for Christmas tomorrow.  Cairns was a big surprise - we hadn’t been here for 25-30 years and can’t believe how things have changed.  Seems it’s been tidied up somewhat, everything was pristine!!!  

We did a sky rail/bus trip to Kuranda and really enjoyed that.  Kuranda is much more commercial than when we were here, the hippies of the 70’s/80’s have moved on and there are lovely shops selling all kinds of things.  There are still indigenous and cultural museums/areas as well as local crafts.  

On the way back to the ship we were driven around Cairns and I have to say I was very impressed.  In fact it might have been a good idea for the ship to overnight here instead of a visit to Airlie but then some people would have missed seeing the reef from a different aspect.  

It’s quite festive on board, several people (probably Americans) have come prepared for Christmas and are wearing sparkles, reindeer antlers, glitter, you name it!  I brought nothing in that line, as you might remember it was touch and go if we’d actually get on the cruise in the first place!!!  I did buy some stickers in Darwin and have decorated our suite door but it would never win first prize in a competition !!! 

We’ve had a nice dinner at Sette Marie (Italian) with no dramas this time, and will go to the show a bit later on which is called ‘A Regent Family Christmas Down Under’ - wonder what will eventuate!!! 

Well the concert was great, lots of fun for the dancers and singers and very Christmassy of course.  The cruise director and his wife Tammy did a duet and the assistant cruise director Marsha sang Ave Maria and the audience went wild - such a beautiful rendition.  

Overall it’s a really nice atmosphere on the ship, rather like a big family having fun. We even got a Christmas card from some friends!  

All the best for Christmas and wishing everyone a very happy, safe and healthy 2023.  

Much love to you all, 

Maureen XXX 

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