MY DAY IN SYDNEY

This morning I found myself sitting in Dizzy’s Lounge, Deck 14 at 4:00am to watch our ship, The Explorer of the Seas, delicately maneuver it's way into Sydney harbor.  Arrival was scheduled into the Oversees Passenger Terminal at 6:00am.  Be sure you check your documents carefully as there are two cruise terminals in Sydney, the Oversees Passengers Terminal and the White Bay Terminal. 

Sailing into Sydney

I had been given group #46 for disembarkation and was scheduled to disembark at 9:15am.  The disembarkation process became somewhat sluggish so I did not walk off the ship until 9:30am.  Having already cleared Australian immigration before arriving into Sydney, I only needed to present my cruise card and walk off the ship.   

Departure Schedule

After disembarking I walked down to the baggage claim area, organized by color.  I found it quite easy to locate my luggage and proceeded out to the taxi area.  I was only about 3 blocks from the hotel but with luggage and a slight handicap of my travel companion, I found taxi to be the best option.    

The hotel selected for a one night stay in Sydney was The Mercantile in the Rocks located at 25 George Street. Unfortunately the taxi was unable to make a drop in front of the hotel as the weekend market was in full swing. A large outdoor market happens on the summer weekends so if your ship arrives on a Saturday or Sunday, taxis won't be able to get to several of the hotels located in The Rocks area. The taxi dropped us, with all of our luggage, at the George Street entrance barriers.  From here it became necessary to maneuver all the luggage up the slight incline to the hotel entrance.  It was only a block but proved to be a little difficult.  The taxi cost for the short 2 blocks was $12AUD, $15AUD including the tip.

George Street entrance of The Mercantile in the Rocks

 

The Mercantile in the Rocks at night

The check-in desk at The Mercantile is not located on the first floor. It's actually on the second floor and there are NO elevators. Due to the age of the hotel, stairs are small and narrow. I checked in and one of the staff members brought the luggage up to the 2nd floor reception desk.  Room assignment was room #13 and was located on the 3rd floor, another flight of stairs.  I had no need for my largest suitcase so that was left at reception in a locked room. Room #13 overlooked George Street, had a portable A/C unit in the room, 2 double beds, high speed internet, flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a bathroom, including toiletries, across the hall.  

Double bedded room at The Mercantile in the Rocks

The hotel was built in 1914 and has become an iconic Irish pub that also provides a great menu that includes such traditional Irish dishes as Shamrock Pie and Bangers & Champ.  There are plenty of other non-Irish selections including Schnitzel, Fish & Chips, Prawn Pasta, and a variety of burgers.  

Menu from The Mercantile in the Rocks

Great spicy fries

The Irish pub located downstairs at street level provides live music and happy hour nightly. Noise was not an issue. They also provide a very nice continental breakfast each morning.

Continental Breakfast

Continental Breakfast

Once check-in was completed, it was a short walk around Circular Quay to the Opera House.  I had purchased tickets at Viator so had to exchange my e-ticket for a paper ticket.  Tour time was scheduled for 12:15pm.   It was only 11:15am so a quick stroll around the outside of the Opera House and a few minutes at a restaurant for a local beer and it was time for check-in.  Arrival at ENGLISH Pole #1 was at 12:10pm and our guide Pam was already handing out headsets.  The tour lasted until 1:30pm and required climbing about 200 steps. If you have trouble with steps, they do offer a handicap tour but that only leaves once a day just before noon. This was not my first tour of the Opera House but I was, once again, awe struck by the sheer design and beauty of this building. It's the type of building that has you taking photo after photo. The architectural design is so unusual and the main venue is stunning. I was fortunate this time to sit in on a rehearsal of the Sydney Symphony. This iconic structure is truly outstanding and a must see in Sydney. You wouldn't go to Egypt without going to the pyramids and you shouldn't go to Sydney without a visit to the Opera House.

Sailing into Sydney

View of Opera House from our cabin

Sailing past Opera House

Walking up to Opera House

Opera House Tour

Opera House tour

View of ship from Opera House

Next reservation awaited at 5:30pm - a sunset dinner sailing aboard the Sydney Tall Ships.  

On board Sydney Tall Ships

Sydney Tall Ship docking

I left the room at The Mercantile at 5:10pm and walked to Walsh Bay Wharf  2 Pontoon to check in for the sailing.  A staff member was awaiting dockside for check-in.  Boarding was quick as there were only 12 passengers scheduled for the evening cruise.  The ship set sail promptly at 5:45pm and we sailed out to the opening that would take you to the ocean.  At this point the Captain turned the boat around and turned off the engine.  Sails were set and the ship quietly and gently sailed back toward the Opera House just as the sun was setting behind it. Beautiful sight. 

Sunset coming in from Sydney Tall Ships adventure

Dinner was served using paper plates, forks, knife, napkins, salt and pepper and consisted of a pasta salad, a regular salad, plain white rice with 2 different toppings.  One was a vegetarian gravy type topping and the other was a chicken mixture.  I opted for the chicken mixture.

Dinner on board Sydney Tall Ships

Deck hand helping set sails

The wind died down as we approached the Opera House so power was then used to get the vessel back to the docks.  

From the docks back to the hotel required a climb of about 100 steps and then a 5 minute walk back to the room at The Mercantile.  With some great Irish music being performed in the bar a beer just seemed to be in order.  After all the day had presented sleep came early, finding me in bed by 10pm.   Tomorrow would bring another exciting day as I was meeting up with a good friend from Wollongong. 

Steps back to The Mercantile in the Rocks