Ann Sherry and Kathy Freeman enjoying the Food and Wine Cruise
Hello all
I am back on dry land after Pacific Dawn’s 3-night Food and Wine cruise, where I had the privilege of travelling with Olympic champion and Pacific Dawn’s godmother, Catherine Freeman.
Before the cruise, Catherine and I launched a new fundraising initiative for the Catherine Freeman Foundation called “Walk the Decks”. The initiative will see our passengers walk more than 25,000km a year while at sea – the equivalent of travelling more than halfway around the world! For more information on the Catherine Freeman Foundation, visit www.catherinefreemanfoundation.com.au
It’s great to get onboard our ships from time to time to rediscover the P&O Cruises experience. Sydney Harbour is the best harbour in the world, and Friday night was glittering as we sailed out under the Harbour Bridge and past the stunning lights of the city’s skyline.
The calm seas and sunny skies during the cruise made it perfect whale-watching weather. Dozens of whales and dolphins dotted the coast, which was a highlight for the weekend.
Saturday night was Formal Night onboard Pacific Dawn. It was great to see everyone get into the spirit of the evening. After a delicious dinner in the Palm Court Dining Room with Captain Paoletti, it was up to The Dome – the hub of Pacific Dawn’s entertainment offerings. We were entertained by jazz performer, Neilson Gough – who was truly amazing.
Following jazz, I think a few people were surprised to see Catherine and I dancing the night away. The hot stone massage the next day was the only thing that was able to help my tired and aching legs recover!
On Sunday I experienced a variety of different activities including the very popular bingo and trivia, a stroll through the shops and a walk around the decks. There is something going on at every moment of the day.
Our guest chef, Andrew Clarke of Rock Restaurant in the Hunter Valley prepared a spectacular seven course degustation dinner on Sunday evening. I had great company at dinner including the celebrated wine maker, Bruce Tyrrell and his wife. My favourite course was the duck breast stuffed with raisins, apples and hazelnuts accompanied by zucchini noodles with liquorice sauce. Just divine!
With very full bellies, we headed back to The Dome for the charity wine auction. We donated the money raised at the auction to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Congratulations to all the passengers who secured a bottle of wine and thank you for contributing to a great cause.
After all the indulgence of the Food and Wine cruise it was back to the office on Monday morning with the thud of reality – back to back meetings and an inbox full of emails.
I hope to join you onboard again soon.
Ann Sherry AO
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