Thursday, May 19, 2011

Live From Australia - Marriott and Dinner Cruise

Cruise Notes From Mary – “Live from Australia”
Marriott Sydney Harbor Hotel, Australia - May 19, 2011
Marriott Sydney Harbor
The Marriott Sydney Harbor is a premium property in a premium location. It is centrally located and not far from the ferry terminal and the Sydney Opera House. If you want views of the harbor and the opera house, request it and ask for a high floor. But city view rooms, like the one I had, are not bad.

The Marriot just went through a major renovation so the rooms are sleek and modernistic. The rooms are decorated in a comfortable, modern style with flat-screen TVs, glasstop work space, and the legendary Marriott bedding. Rooms have large windows and afford excellent view of either the harbor or the city. My room was spacious with comfortable furniture and the bathroom had a large walk-in shower, but no tub.
Other hotels within walking distance is the Four Seasons, Sangrai La and Hyatt (currently closed until June for renovations). The location cannot be beat as it is so close to Circular Quay and The Rocks (a historic area full of shops and restaurants) .

Just returned for a dinner cruise with Sea Sydney Cruises and it was fantastic. Highly recommend this experience for those spending a day in Sydney. You will have a truly memorable personalized cruise on the beautiful Sydney Harbor.

This cruise is designed for small groups and includes a 3 course barbecue lunch aboard a luxurious 52 foot motor yacht. It is personalized 4 hour Sydney harbor cruising experience which includes a gourmet Australian lunch served with regional wines and local beers.

Our cruise set out at sunset and seeing the sun set in the back drop of the Sydney Operra House and Bridge was truly a sight to behold. Dinner started with a shrimp and bread at which time I tried the Vegemite, a dark brown Australian food paste made from yeast extract. Some people do not like it but for me it was not bad. You put just a small amount on a slice of bread spread with butter and the Aussie’s love it. Our next course was a combination of steak and salmon, two types of salad and your choice of wine, beer, and/or soft drink. A nice selection of cheeses, crackers and grapes rounded out the meal. And there was plenty of food so no one went hungry.

By now I am full, tired, and sleepy. But it doesn’t end there. I get back to the room and there is a welcome back platter of chocolate covered strawberries and assorted candies from the Marriott’s Assistant Director of Sales. So full or not, I have to try a strawberry.
Early morning tomorrow as we leave Sydney and journey to Hobart at 5:30 am. Good night all.

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