January 4, 2026 Sydney
Noordam arrived in Sydney ending the 14 day cruise and beginning the 28 day cruise. We stayed in the same stateroom. What a disappointment this morning to see on the News that United States invaded Venezuela and captured President Maduro and his wife in early morning of January 3. The Delta Force raided Caracus. Maduro was indicted in New York on drug and weapons charges. The States will run Venezuela until transition to a new government. [In Sydney the time is 18 hours ahead of Washington D.C.] We had breakfast in the dining room with three Australian women who are leaving the ship today. There are 142 passengers from this cruise staying on the ship for the next 28 day cruise like us. We were off the ship just after 8 a.m. We had our “In Transit” cards with us, to be able to bypass the checkin line when we return to the ship. Across from the cruise terminal was a statue of William Bligh 1754 - 1817. William Bligh was a Royal N...