DAY 12

FINAL DAY WITH THE FAMILY 

As we walked back to the hotel last evening we reflected on what a wonderful time we had on Serenity.  Our day even exceeded our expectations between the ease of getting on-board and off the ship even though we took the ferry's each way and getting to see so many people who are part of our Crystal Cruises family.  All of this makes us look forward with great excitement our next cruise with Crystal Cruises.

​Dinner last evening with dear friends Bob and Glo.  

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We enjoyed breakfast in the Club Lounge. 

We kept to our simple breakfast of cereal and fruit.  

While enjoying breakfast we could see Crystal Serenity anchored in the Harbour along with another Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship docked at Circular Bay and once back to our room we could see Crystal Symphony docked at White Bay. 

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After getting back to the room we packed since we will be flying home tomorrow and then got ready for our final day with our family

We met the family at Luna Park when it opened at 10:00 AM.   We visited Luna Park for the first time in the evening in 2008 as part of a Crystal Cruises World Cruise shore-side event.  The event was held in an indoor venue.  We were taken over there on a ferry which took a cruise in the harbour while we enjoyed a drink and canapés.  The event was held inside with entertainment and dinner.  A few years ago we walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and over to the park but did not stay.  This time we did. ​

Luna Park has a long history.  It first opened in 1935 and would be opened all months except in the Winter.  This practice continued until 1972. It closed in 1979 after a fire which killed six children and one adult.  Most of the park was demolished and in-time rebuilt.  The park closed again in 1988 after an inspection brought to light several issues with respect to lack of safety of rides.  It reopens again in 1995 after an issue with one of its rides that caused noise pollution to nearby residents.  Opening again in 2004 it has remained opened and attracted many visitors.

The park has several different areas.  We spent a good deal of time at an area called Coney Island where there were several thing for everyone to do inside.  From there we the grandchildren road several different outside rides.  Once again it is a "small world".  As we were walking friends Rob and Jim who we saw the other evening who are on board for the full World Cruise on Serenity saw us.  This time we could also introduce them to the family.  

We enjoyed a picnic lunch before the children went on more rides.  It is nice that you are allowed to bring lunch inside the park.  

The other nice feature is you can enter the park without paying anything. You just can't ride on the rides. Or you can purchase various day passes depending on what you want to do and how many rides you want to go on. ​

When we left the park the ferry was just arriving so we all took it over to Circular Quay where we all walked for a little while and where we all hugged before we say goodbye.  Anne Marie and Jennifer got teary eyed.  It has been a wonderful visit and so nice to spend lots of time with the family.

We had great weather today. 

We then walked back to the hotel and Jennifer, Gui, Andre and Emma were taking a bus back to their place.

We will post more tomorrow which will be a very long travel day as we make our way back home.

Anne Marie & Keith