SYDNEY
A fair night’s sleep before an Ibis breakfast. Not a bad breakfast, with plenty of fruit and cereal options, machine coffee and the usual buffet fare of scrambled or boiled eggs, (chicken) sausages, tomatoes - and bacon that appeared to have been baked or microwaved rather than grilled. Just about the time we’d finished, enter Bert and Larriane from Tasmania, who were part of our morning trivia team last year. They hadn’t been staying in the hotel, but with friends.
We packed up (easy as we hadn’t really unpacked anyway!) before checking out and dumping our luggage with yet another friendly staff member, Dagmar, who was insanely jealous of our long trip ahead. Not an unusual reaction from those who are still wage and salary earners and limited to 4 weeks holiday a year. The very concept of a 75 day or even a 104 day round the world cruise is so alien to most (including us pre 2010), that it is a normal and understandable reaction.
Yesterday I mentioned the race simulator, but just to prove that relying on memory alone when writing a couple of days late, is foolhardy. The race simulator was in fact Tuesday morning. (see pic, proving that the TVR Tuscan doing 110mph approaching turn 1 at Hampton Down is quicker than my normal speed even though the laptime was slower.)
We walked up Union St., looking for a Coles supermarket. Although it was only about 200m up the street, we missed it, as the entrance was off a side street to the right and effectively behind us as we crossed the road. Further up the street, we turned around but had to ask a local, who whipped out his ‘phone, clicked on Google Maps, and sent us back down the street again. Modern technology isn’t all bad.
We found it but didn’t go in, as there was a booze shop opposite and I only wanted either cider or ginger beer - so I bought a 4 pack of Magners. A slow walk back to the Ibis to await the 1:30 shuttle that the staff in reception had very kindly arranged. We sat out on the terrace in the swinging chairs and although it wasn’t exactly warm, it was very pleasant. Our scheduled check in (Aloha deck) was 2:30pm but after a $10, 10 minute ride, we were still a bit early, but joined the queue for ‘preferred check in’ anyway - which was 5 times longer than the non-preferred check in. More black card (Elite) passengers than non-Elite. I kept an eye on that other queue and sure enough, it was indeed quicker.
Anyway, cruise cards issued and allocated to group ‘M’ for boarding and they were already up to K.
By the time our group was called (which included the same people who were in the non-preferred queue of course), the check in queue had shrunk to nothing and we were called at 2:30pm.
Immigration was quick and easy then there was the usual queue for hand luggage scanning, but apparently the real delay was on board as the photographs taken for the cruise card had to be on a white background, as these would also be used for the Korean visas, which the ship arranges. (Saves us the hassle, so everyone was quite patient.)
Needless to say, I got pulled over when the overly excited scanner operator spotted, ”Beer!, Beer!”, in my wheelie bag. I told the examiner that there was no beer in my luggage, opened the bag to show the cider label and was waved through. (Make of that what you will.) A bottle of wine per passenger is allowed at embarkation, but not beer. Our bottle of port was in the checked in luggage… All legal.
As you find out if you read Ganjo’s blog (link over on the right), Garry wasn’t too good at steering his laden trolley, whacked a corner and shattered one of the (many) wine bottles, for which he had to pay $15 corkage. Oh dear.
By the time we got to our cabin, they were already calling passengers for the compulsory muster/lifeboat drill, so we just dropped our carry-on luggage, grabbed our life jackets and headed to the familiar Vista lounge. Our host was Jamie (from the UK) who was very good indeed. After the drill, back to the cabin to dump the jackets, just as our 3 cases arrived.
A quick peek out to see the lines being detached and up on deck for a prompt 4:10pm sailaway, under the Sydney harbour bridge (clearance is a matter of just centimetres) with the setting sun providing many photographic opportunities for those thus inclined.
WE ARE OFF!
By this time, as we hadn’t had lunch and dinner wasn’t until 19:45, we hit the Horizon Court buffet, which was almost deserted. They have certainly made a great job of revamping this area. (See photograph.)
As a point of clarification, there are currently three sister ‘Sun Class’ ships in the Princess fleet. Although we are on the Sun Princess for the very first time, we have in the past been on the Sea Princess and the Dawn Princess and any mention of changes refers to previous layouts on any of the three ships, as since they were commissioned in the mid 1990’s, they have all been refurbished to a greater or lesser extent. The Dawn leaves Princess at the end of the year early 2017 and goes to P & O.
We were very impressed with the changes and as is often the case, the Lamb Rogan Josh proved irresistible. The forward end of the buffet (photograph) has seen the most extensive changes, with what was the raised area now down at normal floor level and the inside area now the Italian café, (Amuleto) with the middle area, opposite, the hot water/coffee iced water station. All seating is now between there and the windows which look to have had blinds fitted, ready to cut out either sun or heat.
Unpacking was the usual – unpack EVERYTHING! Unlike coach or other touring holidays, where there is a heap of packing/unpacking, or living out of the proverbial suitcase, totally unpacking just the once for over 70 days is a major bonus, one we are quick to broadcast to those not at all sure about the cruising concept.
The balcony cabin was exactly as we expected other than the flat screen TV set is now even bigger!
Many ask about power outlets in the cabins and these do seem to have varied from ship to ship. Behind the large TV, there is one Aus/NZ socket; one I believe is a 2 round pin socket (Euro?), but almost impossible to see as the TV is in the way; on the dressing table is just one US socket (2 flat pins, one round) and the same again, hidden under the small ‘hall’ table.
The shower and toilet appear to be new and Princess have gone to great lengths to tell us about the improved beds and pillows.
To the Regency dining room for 19:45 dinner, where we already knew 4 of our table mates, Jo & Garry of course, Marie and Mal – even though we’d only met them last night, Ian and Mary.
As usual, prime rib of beef was the first night meal choice for me and also as usual, beautifully tender. (Sorry, no pic – I don’t want anyone salivating onto their keyboard.) We knew Australian chef, Curtis Stone, had been commissioned by Princess but weren’t too sure what his impact on the menu would be. The menu looked a little bit different in terms of layout, but gone from the ‘available every day’ section was the steak. Added to the overall menu, was one Curtis Stone specific – in this case, chicken and leek pie.
On to the late show at 21:45, which traditionally, is a short number by the resident dancers, singers and the orchestra. This time the orchestra is led by Ting (or something similar), the trombonist.
The half show then by comedy magician Adam Dean – a performer we have seen before (rated 8/10 previously) and I suspect part of the act was also a repeat. The evening was closed by cruise Director Mark Turner, who we have had twice before – and we are happy with that.
So, pretty tired and off to our bed for the next 70 or so nights.
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