Sydney, Australia

Second trip to Sydney and I thought I’d shake things up with a wildlife adventure. The rain had other plans — the Three Sisters played hard to get, visibility zero. But koalas? Penguins? Worth every damp layer. David, meanwhile, was dry and cultured at the Opera House catching Madama Butterfly. I felt every note of that FOMO. Sydney, round three is coming.

For Sydney round three, two things will be non-negotiable: an evening at the Opera House and a climb across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane – another modern and charming city. Residents are especially excited about the current 50-cent flat fare across trains, buses, trams, and ferries—regardless of distance. We took the CityCat ferry to explore South Bank, pass under the Story Bridge, and soak in the laid-back, late-summer vibe.

Melbourne, Australia

Though we spent just one night in Melbourne, the city made a lasting impression – modern, vibrant, and full of life. Jet lag worked in our favor, giving us an early start to watch rowers and joggers at sunrise before heading to the Queen Victoria Market. The size, variety, and freshness of the produce and seafood were exceptional—far beyond what we’re accustomed to in the U.S.

Cairns, Australia

The weather dashed our hopes of reaching the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system – leaving us, especially David, disappointed. His afternoon attempt at crocodile spotting didn’t fare any better. Thankfully, the next day we took the scenic railway up to Kuranda and the Skyrail back down, soaking in the beauty of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Darwin, Australia

The highlight of Darwin was seeing saltwater crocodiles. They still give me goosebumps, reminding me of my first encounter nearly three decades ago in Thailand. Another bucket list moment for David.

Sweetheart

Darwin’s famous crocodile “Sweetheart” had a habit of biting outboard motors. Despite his reputation, he never attacked a human and was believed to be 50–80 years old when he died accidentally in 1979.

Crystal Serenity

My heart was still full even two weeks after our journey on the Crystal Serenity. Beyond the exceptional food and service, what truly stood out were the enriching onboard experiences – playing bridge, singing, dancing, learning iMovie, and attending fascinating lectures on global destinations and even the Middle East by a former Australian foreign affairs minister.

I also had the joy of performing with the Crystal Chorus and learning many new songs, including “I Still Call Australia Home” – which our cruise director cleverly suggested we rename “I Still Call Crystal Home.”

Despite a full schedule, I had the opportunity to work with Owen Price, the ship’s photographer, capturing a range of outfits and the joyful spirit of the experience.

Here’s a 1-minute video capturing some of these wonderful moments onboard. Enjoy!

Bali, Indonesia

We stayed in a villa at the W Hotel in Bali for three nights after our cruise ended. During our time there, we visited many iconic sites, enjoyed delicious food, and shared wonderful moments together. I especially loved dressing up in traditional Balinese costume – it was such a fun experience.

Here’s the link to a 2.5-minute video on YouTube: