As frequent cruisers would expect, the new Carnival Dream has some superb outdoor common areas such as swimming pools, miniature golf course, basketball and volleyball courts, and outdoor movie screen.

However, the Carnival Dream also features three exciting new outdoor areas -- The Lanai, WaterWorks, and the Serenity adults-only retreat. With easy access from the Ocean Plaza, The Lanai is a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship on Promenade deck 5. That's only two laps to the mile for us walkers! Along the Carnival Dream Lanai are four scenic whirlpools that extend out over the sea, as well as seating areas.

Carnival Dream Serenity (c) Linda Garrison

Cobh (pronounced "Cove") is a picturesque harbor town just a few miles from Cork, Ireland. Cruise ships dock in downtown Cobh and run shore excursions to Cork, the Blarney Castle, Waterford, Killarney, or the Irish countryside. However, Cobh is a nice place to spend the day if you want to just relax and just enjoy strolling around this pretty little village on Cork Harbor. It's also filled with maritime history, having been the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and near the site where the Lusitania was sunk during World War I.

Cobh (c) Linda Garrison

Sydney is a long way from the USA--a 15 hour flight from the west coast--but it is an exciting cosmopolitan city with a spectacular harbor and friendly people. Cruise ships visit Sydney year-round, with most ships sailing to Australia and the Southern Hemisphere in the months of November through March. The cruise ship pier is conveniently located near the south side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

I flew to Sydney and joined the third segment of a world cruise on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager. We had an overnight on the ship before sailing out of Sydney Harbour, which allowed a day and a half to explore the city on excursions or on our own. Here are some of the Sydney highlights.
Things to Do and See in Sydney, Australia When Your Cruise Ship Is in Port

Sydney Harbour Bridge Photo (c) Linda Garrison

Viminacium is near the Serbian town of Kostolac, and cruise ships sailing the Danube stopover for a few hours so that passengers can tour the three objects uncovered thus far at this large Roman archaeological site. It's very interesting to look out over today's crop fields and imagine a bustling town and Roman fort from almost 2000 years ago.

The three sites open include the northern Roman military gate, the thermal baths, and the imperial mausoleum. Guides, who may be either working archaeologists or professional guides, provide explanations, drawings, and models to help visitors understand what they are seeing on the tour.

Viminacium Imperial Mausoleum Graves (c) Linda Garrison