Saturday – November 3, 2018
The Majestic Princess crossed the Bass Straight last night between the island of Tasmania and mainland Australia. It was the roughest seas we’ve had yet on this entire voyage. The movement and creaking of our cabin kept waking me up. The ship rolled from side to side in the wind and shuddered as the waves hit the sides. The captain later said we had over six meter swells with sustained 60 knots of wind. That’s 20 foot waves!
As soon as the ship passed through the narrow 110 meter wide inlet into Port Philip Bay, everything became calm. It took Majestic three hours from the inlet to travel to the Port of Melbourne. I think that’s when I finally fell asleep.
It was a 15 minute tram ride from the port to the center of the city. We learned that Melbourne has more trams than any other city in the world. The CBD (Central Business District) is served by a “Free Tram” district including the City Circle Tram which takes passengers all around Melbourne.
We rode a modern tram to the Southern Cross Station on Collins Street and then walked to Queen Victoria Market. Melbourne is full of very new modern skyscrapers, with lots of construction, and wide streets with an elaborate tram system running everywhere.
I can’t adequately describe the Queen Victoria Market, except to say it was HUGE with stalls selling everything imaginable in countless “Sheds.” Clothing, household goods, and non-food stalls were followed by buildings full of fresh fruits, vegetables. The line of large sheds were identified by letters from “A” through “L.” Additional old warehouse buildings surrounded the sheds providing more retail space.
Behind the ‘alphabet’ sheds were large enclosed buildings which housed other food items: cheeses, prepared meats, pies, breads, baked meat pies, pastries, etc. Another large building housed stalls which sold fresh meat and fish.
I’ve visited many markets in a wide variety of countries and I really think this is the biggest market I’ve ever seen, selling such a wide assortment of food and goods. There is nothing like this market anywhere. Queen Victoria Market was sooo much fun! We bought meat pies and a soft drink called “Pub Squash” and ate lunch outside on tables set between the warehouse buildings.
Time at the market flew by and we wanted to return to downtown Melbourne so we found the City Circle Tram and rode about half way around town. Old historic trams were preserved and used for this line.
Newer, larger and more modern trams are used in other parts of the city and go out to the suburbs. Melbourne was a great surprise! It seems like a vibrant fun city!
There were many sight to see and places to visit but unfortunately we had to return to the ship by 4:00 o’clock. Too bad Melbourne isn’t closer to home! I would like to return and spend more time exploring the city. I bought a Bubble Tea to drink on the tram back to the Port of Melbourne and we returned to the ship in plenty of time for our “Sail Away.” Tomorrow is our last Day at Sea and our last day aboard the magnificent Majestic Princess before we reach Sydney.