Wil, Melbourne is great. If you have some free time, get over to St. Kilda to see the penguins. We spent a week in Melbourne a few years ago (in fact, about a month after I met you at your talk in Boston in 2006), and we loved it! yeah, it's a long flight; if you can upgrade to business class, it's bearable. Otherwise, lots of walking around, lots of water; bring movies. ;) You will land at Sydney at oh god hundred, go through customs and then (if you're on United) get on the same plane that will take off for Melbourne. Prepare to be a bit tiddly the first day just from jet lag. Safe travels! Spacewriter

Spacewriter here. I'm not going to be on the cruise, but just for the record, you CAN wear the same suit twice for formal nights. I do frequent appearances on cruises as an astronomy speaker and most cruise lines have many choices about foods and formal wear. So, rock out! I wish I were going to be there!