http://joyolneyfamily.blogspot.com.au
South Pacific Cruise - February 2016
Royal Caribbean compassionately gave us a free trip due to our circumstances in April 2015. We took a 12 day cruise out from Sydney on "Explorer of the Seas" to Isle of Pines, Mystery Island, Vila and Noumea. Peter was starting to feel uncomfortable and pained which meant he rested a lot, but lovely to get away. Robyn and Andrew also came to Sydney for a couple of days before our departure.
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Our host Charles (& Elizabeth) owned a Porsche.
He took Peter for a 3 hour road trip up the Old Pacific Highway.
Joy had a ride on Sunday.
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Peter's smile on his return says it all!
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Joy and Robyn spent some time together.
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We took a walk along Manly beach.
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Joy, Robyn & Andrew at Manly ferry terminal.
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Peter & Joy in Sydney by night.
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| Joy & Peter about to board "Explorer of the Seas" |
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Joy & Peter waving to Robyn & Andrew.
We are on the top deck below the Sydney Harbour Bridge flags. |
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Photo taken by Robyn & Andrew at the Opera House.
Peter & Joy below the "Windjammer". |
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Robyn & Andrew waving goodbye to Joy & Peter on board "Explorer of the Seas".
(over the 2!) |
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| Peter and Joy on board "Explorer of the Seas" leaving Sydney. |
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Peter & Joy with fellow guests Richard & Ella from Perth.
They were God given friends for our time away.
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| Peter & Joy with Waiter Ida on Table 360 "Sapphire" Dining Room. |
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| Peter chatting with the Chef. |
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| "Explorer of the Seas" from our Tender boat at Isle of Pines. |
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| Kanumera Bay, Isle of Pines. Joy went snorkelling in this area. |
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| Kanumera Bay, Isle of Pines. |
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| Peter chatting to a family at the Vila market. |
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| Joy with the Captain on the wharf at Vila, Vanuatu. |
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| Goodbye Vila. |
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| Kindergarten children welcoming us to Mystery Island, Vanuatu. |
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| Market at Mystery Island. |
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| Mystery Island, Vanuatu. |
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| Joy went snorkelling on Mystery Island, Vanuatu. |
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| Goodbye Mystery Island. |
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| Noumea, New Caledonia. We visited a Bird Sanctuary. |
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| Goodbye Noumea, New Caledonia. |
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| Arriving back in Sydney at 6am on 24 February 2016. |
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| Cart assistance through the Sydney airport. |
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| Wheelchair access at Melbourne airport. |
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| Back home again, but a special time to be away together. |
Blogger was having a "hissy fit" so I am adding more photos from our cruise now at the end, although it really was in the middle!!!
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| Atrium and lift well on "Explorer of the Seas". |
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| Atrium. |
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| Atrium. |
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| Royal Promenade. |
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| Stairs to Palace Theater. |
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| Palais Theater. |
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| Peter on Deck 12. |
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| Peter playing mini golf. |
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| Pool decks from Dizzy's deck 14. |
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| Peter & Joy enjoying a drink at Dizzy's, Deck 14. |
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| View from the Ladies toilet on Deck 12. |
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| Joy having a "Titanic" moment! |
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| Ice skating on board. |
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| "Windjammer" for casual dining. |
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| Our cabin on arrival. |
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Peter reading.
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Midway through our cruise we met Vicki & Phil. It was truly a "God moment". Vicki & Phil knew they were meant to be on that cruise, little did they know it was Peter they had to meet. We spent many hours together in our cabin sharing Kingdom of God matters. There was an invitation for us to visit them in Newcastle on our return. |
Our visit to Newcastle 11-15 March 2016.
It very soon became evident that we needed to visit Newcastle NOW as Peter's health was deteriorating quickly. Vicki & Phil were keen for Peter to share Kingdom of God things with their friends. We had several home fellowship meetings and meals together which resulted in some very deep times of sharing.
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| Peter needed wheelchair access in Melbourne. |
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| Home fellowship in Newcastle. |
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| Lunch out with Vicki and Phil. |
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| Peter & Joy, Vicki & Phil at home in Newcastle. |
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Wheelchair access in Melbourne on our return.
On 9 May 2016, 8 weeks later, Peter went to be with his Lord and Saviour. |
"Well done, good and faithful servant".
If you have any comments please email Joy Olney - joyolney@gmail.com
