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WE'VE ARRIVED AT PHILLIP ISLAND, NSW, AUSTRALIA

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 DAY 53/138  FEBRUARY 11, 2024   Sunrise 6:41 AM   Sunset  8:32 PM We are continuing our sailing from Sydney to Phillip Island, Australia.  Phillip Island, located at the mouth of Western Port Bay, is renowned for its abundance of wildlife.  Its nature reserves are abound with free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos, while its wetlands support a diverse array of birdlife.  Its coastal waters are home to an endemic population of Burrunan dolphins, as well as migratory whales.   No visit to Phillip Island would be complete, however, without a stop to watch its famous Penguin Parade.  Each evening, thousands of little penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach, making their way to the safety of their nests in the sand dunes.  We spotted the Viking Neptune, the sister ship of the Viking Sky.  It cruised parallel to us for a few hours on its way to Melbourne.  Their itinerary crossed ours today because, unlike, our sh...
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BONUS DAY IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

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 DAY 51/138   February 9, 2024                                                Today was a bonus day for Sydney, Australia.   Last night we were told that we’d be arriving in Sydney at 2:45 am, and John  happened to awaken in time to take some night-time photos.  This is the famous Sydney Opera House.  Always stunning but particularly more at night.   Today's stay in Sydney was unexpected and it was due to the Marine Pilot strike going on in Tasmania where we were headed.  Because the strike has been on again and off again, the Captain and probably the powers that be in Viking decided to swing us over to Sydney ASAP and clear Australian customs while we had an opportunity.  They took a lot of time and effort to arrange all of this including find an area for the ship to berth, arranging shuttles and all the harb...
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NELSON, NEW ZEALAND

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 DAY 47/138   February 5, 2024   Our tour today was called   Nelson Sightseeing & Classic Car Museum New Zealand’s Sunniest City and Automobiles of a Bygone Era -- Embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach for a leisurely orientation around this compact South Island city. Home to the Maori for centuries, Nelson is also renowned for being New Zealand’s sunniest city. You will pass golden-sand beaches and lush green spaces, as well as the boutique wineries, microbreweries and upscale restaurants that contribute to this thriving community. Upon arrival at the Classic Car Museum, one of the country’s finest collections of classic cars, step back in time to a bygone era as you take a guided tour through award-winning, life-size sets showcasing more than 115 years of motoring. Enjoy time to admire sleek Jaguars, cool Cadillacs, trusty Triumphs and more, each car displayed in immaculate condition. Afterward, you will return to your ship. Best car museum ...
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