Sometimes A Girl Just Needs a Dress Sale
Day 33, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand Cruise
Friday, Nov. 4, 2022; Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia.
Today brought another new and fun port on the Australian east coast between Cairns and Sydney. On previous cruises I’ve visited the city of Brisbane, the beach resort town of Mooloolaba and the in-between port of Townsville. This time we have two stops along this coast – Airlie Beach and Moreton Island.
Airlie Beach is a fun resort town whose only downside is the lack of a cruise pier. Because the distance from our anchorage to the dock was long, we engaged local ferry boats to tender guests ashore. They were nice catamarans that had comfortable cushioned seats, rode the swells smoothly and made good time on the long transfer. They were still slow to load and unload. We didn’t arrive at the port until almost noon so it was a short day. But once in town, the trip was worth the effort.
The temperature has moderated from the tropical humidity nearer the equator. A stiff breeze kept me cool during the short walk to town, but required a hand to hold onto the hat that shaded me from the sun’s rays. I never quite trust the sunblock, as I do burn easily.
The bay in the middle of town was mostly mud as we arrived at low tide. It didn’t matter, because like in other areas of this coast, the ocean isn’t meant for swimming. Instead residents and tourists head for the town lagoon.
My intention was to wander around a bit and find a nice place for lunch ashore. I did well on the wandering part; not so much on eating lunch. Oh well, I’m never really hungry on this cruise, it seems.
Local residents had set up a fun market on the edge of the bay, with booths selling traditional Aussie hats, handmade jewelry, wooden carvings and, of course, t-shirts. Nearby pubs featured live music all afternoon. We arrived just in time for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and while we didn’t have tickets to the main events, the music spilled out across the town.
My score was in the purchase of two dresses. I would never have bought the muted green linen dress if I weren’t living on a cruise ship that offers free laundry and pressing. I don’t think I own an iron any more, and certainly not an ironing board. The other is a brightly patterned cotton dress. I could have bought many more, as it’s the end of their season and everything was on sale. But I don’t really need more clothes and I certainly won’t have room to take them home on the long flight. I’ll remember Airlie Beach when I need to shop again for dresses – the selection here suits me just fine.
Tonight’s show in the Main Stage was a pleasant surprise. I’m not usually a fan of stand-up comedians on cruise ships. Some have funny five-minute sets, but it’s painful when they stretch it to 40 or 45 minutes. Australian Jim Short kept us laughing and the time passed quickly. I’ll keep my eye out for him on future cruises.
Cute dresses! I love that you share your shopping finds.. and like to shop!
I think they’re both great dresses. I can see not keeping the linen—but you ought to keep the cotton for future travels. Maybe trade it for something already in your suitcase?
Good dresses! Nothing like a end of season sale. A perfect souvenir!
Hey Jo, If i wasn’t so fat, I’d covet that colorful dress!
PS Jo, I accidently signed up for your blog on my other email account. I’m going to discontinue one of them, I have to decide. So don’t worry or wonder if you see me cancel — it will prevent duplicate blog receipt.
I’m enjoying your notes.
Toya
No worries, Toya! Thanks for subscribing at all! I can’t wait to see you in January.
Hi Jo
You did a great job on selecting the dresses. I didn’t know you could get free laundry and ironing on board. But I’m sure you have a bigger “loyalty status“ than I do. I miss some of your posts but I’m glad to hear that you’ve been set free to move about the world and recuperate from your cabin fever. I’m guessing it’s kind of like seasickness. The minute your foot hits the dock you’re all better! Thanks for vicarious travel with you. Here planning my next cruise, Jeanne
We will be going on HA Grand Africa voyage in November this year. I saw some of your posts in the 2022 Rollcall and started reading your blog and I must say it is wonderful! Thank you for writing it. I have a question. You said you made a pitcher of iced tea in your room. What did you need to bring with you in order to do that.? I gave up pop( I love Coke Zero too) . I read up on fake sugar and found out how bad it is for you and now am drinking iced tea made with really good and fresh loose tea and a little stevia. I really do feel better after I stopped. I was surprised how much difference it made in my health. I use a glass pitcher to make it then move it to the refrigerator. I would love to make my own tea on this cruise as the iced tea available on the ship is not very good.
Thanks for the compliment, but I don’t recall making tea in my room. It could be bad memory. I think you could make your own. Maybe not a big pitcher.