Thurs 0226 - Day 3 - Brisbane

Thurs – Day 3 – Brisbane
When I first boarded, I learned that my Brisbane tour was cancelled by the tour operator, presumably for technical reasons. It was cancelled too early to have been lack of participation. I was looking forward to Vistas, Ferry, and Aboriginal Experience. I did not know what to book instead, so I went to the Shorex desk. I was asked what I was interested in, replied culture rather than animals, and she suggested Mt Tamborine and Gold Coast for approximately the same cost and the same duration. What a mistake!!
The tour was run as described – no more, no less. We left Brisbane heading for Gallery Row. I bought a key chain for someone who has a key chain collection and a coffee for me. I’m not into antiques. Then we got on the bus for the 5 minute drive to a winery – nice tasting, and nice shopping. Then another 5 minute drive to the St Bernard Hotel for a nice lunch. We go back on the bus 4 hours after we started and, as far as I’m concerned, all we did was a wine tasting and lunch. Not exactly what I would consider a tour.
Then we drove to the Gold Coast. We were dropped off in a touristy area that could have been Miami, Waikiki, anywhere where there are tourists, shops and beaches. We were probably there 45 minutes before heading into Brisbane for a very brief city tour – actually just an overview.
After hitting traffic, we got to the ship just at 5:30 which was the time we were due and we were the last to return to the ship. The only good thing about our late arrival was the fact that they didn’t argue very long regarding the wine we were carrying back.
The tour was very disappointing even though it was exactly as advertised. I guess we expected more.
I’m afraid I’m sounding negative. We’re really enjoying the cruise so far. I’ve only been reporting the unusual things, and they are the negatives.