We both woke up well rested – I think we slept over 9.5 hours! One of things that I love most about my job, is working for a global company. I have not one, but two gals that have lived in Sydney in the past! It’s always fun to a hear a local’s recommendations of things to do – and places to eat at.

Caroline had recommended a fun brunch spot, The Grounds at Alexandria. They are known for going all out with their decorations – and having excellent food. I had snagged one of the last reservations for when we were in town. It was kind of off in the middle of nowhere, but it was well worth it.

They transform their property into a Christmas wonderland. We had a lot of fun walking around – even in the rain!

After we had brunch, we made our way to the Sydney opera house. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, right?

We had booked an hour long tour and lunch. Our tour guide was incredible, and he said we might get lucky and someone might be rehearsing while we were on our tour.

We learned a lot about the history – like – it was funded from funds from a state lottery. It only cost $102 million, just about $95 million over budget! They didn’t have to raise taxes in order to build it and it took over 14 years to build.

The original architect didn’t get to see it completed – and there had been a lot of drama surrounding that. Unfortunately, politics got in the way and they weren’t willing to pay him. That meant someone else had to take over, and they weren’t sure on what the vision of the interior should be.

All this to say, it. Is. STUNNING. Designed to mirror the sailboats in the Sydney harbor, and they actually call it a sculpture.

Nick was able to sneak us into a rehearsal for the Circus 1903 production. We even got to see the acrobat practice. So cool! We couldn’t take any pictures because he made us promise if we got to see a rehearsal that we wouldn’t.

After the tour, we made our way back to the hotel to finish packing up before getting on the cruise ship. Our hotel was so close to the cruise ship port, that we decided to walk. And a bonus for us – it had finally stopped raining!

Our initial itinerary had us cruising up to Newcastle, but a change in the plan had us dock in Sydney for one more night. We had hoped we could go back in to see the full production of Circus 1903, but we found out too late that we COULD get back on the ship that night.

We were sad that we couldn’t see a production, but we agreed that just means we will have to come back to see a show sometime in the future.

We opted out of formal dining the first night and just did more casual snack food so we could get unpacked in our stateroom. This was our first time with the infinite veranda option. On our other two cruises, we had a balcony. The veranda differs slightly – it’s basically an extension of your room. I would almost call it a sunroom.

Our window wouldn’t open when we first got in, our attendant had shared that the captain may have locked everyone’s. So we weren’t too concerned at that time.

When we cruised in Alaska, we had the funniest Cruise Director, Giuseppe. We had hoped he would be here for this cruise – and he is! That already set the tone for our trip.

Accommodations: Celebrity Edge – Infinite Veranda

Up Next:

• Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb
• Sail away