Day 05 - Still at sea... and Britain out of the EU

At wake up time, rather than Mark & Dave’s Wake Show on Princess TV, we hooked into BBC World News to follow the EU vote, which was very interesting, with Scotland effectively wanting to stay, London wanting to stay, but the majority of England and Wales effectively wanting out.  When we left the cabin it was neck and neck, with a small lead to the ‘Remains’.

Nothing out of the ordinary for a sea day, other than no morning trivia.  Apparently, as we later found out, they were two or three staff members  short.

An opportunity to try and make some progress with the blog before the ukulele beginners class – who seemed to cope with the given tune just as easily as the advanced class.

Just for a change,  we then headed to the theatre to watch the movie ‘Man from U N C L E’ which was OK – leaving the door wide open for a follow up.

We didn’t win the afternoon quiz.  It looks as though the winners are going to be the same couple of teams at every quiz.

Once again, we went via deck 14 for another go at the pulled pork and coleslaw.

To the Vista for another Adam Dean comedy magic show in which Joanne was one of the stars, mainly because I managed to deflect Adam getting Paula on stage – for which she was very grateful.  A very good show but even though we have seen the tricks before, very entertaining, but still worth an 8.5/10.

Dinner for me was lamb chops – and very nice they were too.  It was a toss-up at one point between them and the Curtis Stone seafood in a creamy broth, but I’m glad I stuck to the lamb.  Neither of the ladies who had it were very impressed. The late show was Kiwi singer Chris Powley.  An excellent show and not just because of his singing, but because it was an entertaining show, with more laughs than we have had in some so called comedy shows.  His closing number, with a tribute to the late Sir Howard Morrison of ‘How Great Thou Art’ would have made Howie very proud.  A standing ovation and well deserved.  A quick chat with him afterwards confirmed that he is a very nice guy.   Got to be worth a 9/10 at least.

Internet had been down or impossible during the afternoon, but a late connect to check emails was successful.

The BBC News Channel was obviously full of the ‘Brexit’ win and it was blatantly obvious that no-one had any real idea of what that would mean, it was all speculation – and any of us could speculate.  Will it mean a stronger trade ties with the Commonwealth or better access for Kiwis and Aussies wanting to work in the UK?  No-one knows - yet.

Sorry, a ‘no pics’ day.

 

Day 04 - At sea and formal night number 1 - table 188.

June 23^rd

The noise from the air con outlet was still intermittent through the night, but we managed OK.

The weather has already got warmer, so people are starting to change into shorts and also eat outside.  Whilst breakfasting, we watched the deck attendants getting their instruction on the ‘crane chair’.  After a fair coffee from the Horizon coffee bar (not the concentrate!), time for our morning trivia team’s first attempt at winning a sheep station, or was it a lanyard?  This is our 2015 morning team of Larraine & Bert, Dave and Sandie reunited.  Trivia was run by Junior Cruise Assistant Bethany from the UK.  Good quiz and as an ex-Disney character (Disneyland Paris), her quizzes may well have one Disney question.  Thank goodness she wasn’t previously a vet, or a nuclear physicist.  Did we win?  Of course not, but already, there is a team of smart Alecs who are going to have a case full of lanyards by the time they leave.

We toddled off to the advanced ukulele class, just in case there was an instrument spare.  (We’d signed for the beginner’s class.) There was – one!  As predicted,  yesterday, there were two or three who found it totally beyond them, so when they left after a few minutes, I grabbed a returned instrument so Paula was also able to have a go at “He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands” (Once issued by the Nottingham Forest football team – son Stewart will be impressed!)  Just two chords – C and G7.

A late lunch of fried chicken and vegetables then back to the cabin to work on the blog before trivia – where we won’t divulge either the score or where we came.  An early shower and a change into formal gear for the first dress up night of the cruise.  Again, a question often asked is how many formal nights?  It does vary but on this leg, Sydney to Yokohama Jul 21st, the answer is 4.  The pre-dinner show was a cruise favourite, one line specialist comedian, Ivor Richards.  For some reason, this wasn’t as side splitting as some of his past shows, so whether that was him or the crowd or some stuff we’d heard before, I am not sure. He could certainly have done without the somewhat hackneyed “Like my new shoes?” gag. “I got them from outside a Sydney mosque.” 

The Captain’s welcome in the atrium preceded dinner and he seems very relaxed speaking to the passengers.  As usual, he gave out the breakdown by passports and that was something like 1500 Australians, 250 Kiwis, 32 on UK passports etc.  The photograph shows two of the entertainment staff – Bethany (the smaller one, from Manchester) and Renee, originally from Te Anau.  Nice to chat to both of them.

Dinner was small steak medallions so Paula had 1 and I had 3…  Unusually for me, I had a dessert, which was a Norman Love chocolate creation (see pic).  As rich and tasty as it looks.  (Eat your heart out Marilyn).  The table was one of those entertaining ones where Garry and his video camera starred.  Waiter Ricky took over filming and almost fell off the step backwards, to cries of “Hope my video camera is alright?” from Garry.

After Ricky finished filming Sandie’s group on the next table, Garry played it back and projected it onto the silver ceiling, which didn’t work too well, so I used a serviette or the tablecloth as a screen , which worked much better.

On then to the production show “Sweet Soul Music”.   We’d seen it before but as seems to be the case, the number of singers and dancers seems to vary.  This time, just one male and one female vocalist, so it is difficult to compare them with last year’s 2 +2, with their brilliant harmonies.  On the way through the atrium, we managed a quick cha-cha to Darren Bethell’s piano playing. Thankfully, Darren is one who welcomes dancing whilst he is playing, in total contrast to one previous occupier of that piano stool .

A crucial day for the Brits as they went to vote on whether or not they’d stay in the EU and the general feeling was that it could go either way.  Being so close, there are divided opinions for staying or leaving but the truth is, that if GB votes to leave, no-one seems able to predict what the knock on effects will be.  The television tomorrow on BBC News should be worth watching. 

   

Days 03 - At Sea - the beginning of a 5 day run to Darwin

A fair sleep and we can confirm that the new beds and pillows are very comfortable.  One of the items we have taken on board this time is a digital, mains clock radio. Certainly not for the radio, or even the alarm, but with constant time changes, waking up in the night and knowing exactly what the time really is we find somewhat comforting.  That was $18 very well spent.  We were both a little disturbed by a very annoying, intermittent rattle, that we couldn’t isolate.  It could be anything, but appears to be either the air-conditioning, or even the curtain rods.  That will be a mystery to be solved as initially, it only seemed to happen at night, but that was because we usually had the TV on during the day.  My guess it is something in the air-conditioning ducting.

Breakfast in the Horizon Court (buffet) was first of all, a game of ‘hunt the porridge’.   (Paula, not me.  With over six years of watching prisoners being served it on a daily basis, I have successfully managed to avoid it ever since.)   There are changes in methodology and menu that were very apparent.

·        Instead of toast being available port and starboard, it is now in the Italian café section, with just one, bigger toaster

·        Gone seems to be the different breads, such as the rye bread, that in the past, you could get toasted to order – or make up a sandwich.

·        No sign of the lean Canadian/English bacon, just that disgusting overcooked streaky stuff, much beloved by Americans.

·        Baked beans now seem to be a different type, with a slightly larger bean – but very nice

·        Poached eggs galore, instead of just a few , but sitting in warm water means that the chances of my much loved runny yolk is slim.  Might have to ask.

·        The Italian café section now has an extensive range of Danish pastries behind glass – which means it is a lot more hygienic.

They are the most obvious buffet changes noticed so far.

 

Day 03

Still a little bit cool, so the majority of the men were still in long trousers – including me.

Breakfast table was shared with a nice couple as it was fairly crowded, because no one was sitting outside to eat.  That will soon change as we head steadily north.

Morning trivia was scheduled at 10:30, but as we had our Cruise Critic (Pacific Circlers) meeting at 11am and I had the name tags, we didn’t have time to stay, so headed off to the Deck 5 dining room – which already had the ‘Knitters and Natterers’ (often referred to as ‘Stitch & Bitch’) at one side and the bridge group of two or three tables on the other.  An influx of 180 or so Pacific Circler’s for our first Meet and Greet probably didn’t go down too well with the notoriously fragile bridge group.  (No offence meant, but they do seem a bit that way…)  There are very few venues on the ship capable of hosting such a large group – and we had the Captain and Senior Officers with our group, so there.

We always appreciate the attendance by the senior staff and Captain Rikard Lorentzen is Jo’s absolute favourite Princess Captain!  Jo had organised a ‘Getting to Know You’ exercise, with list of questions whereby you had to find people who maybe hadn’t done a long cruise, or were from outside Australia etc.

This went well as usual, but again, the noise may have disturbed the other groups.

We opted for a coffee on deck 7, as the improved deck 5 ‘International Café’, was full.  This is one of the better innovations o the ship, but despite notices on the table, there were several hogging the seating wit no intention of ordering. 

Our next scheduled appointment was to sign up for the Ukulele class at 1:15 in the Legends Sports bar, where the choir were just finishing their first rehearsal, run by Entertainment staffer, Whitney from Canada.  Wow! What a great voice she has.  Unlike earlier cruises with Alan Cooper or David Craythorne, the Atrium evening pianists, Whitney was doing it from recorded music.  She was somewhat staggered at the numbers attending - but she hadn’t done anything longer than a 25 day cruise before.  Different dynamics.

There were so many people wanting to sign up for the ukulele class, that Saloman, an atrium, pre-dinner  pianist, with only 30 Princess instruments available, split the group into 2 for signing on.  Group 1 (Maui) was for those who had some musical knowledge, had played a bit before, (or guitar) or had their own instruments.  Group 2 (Hilo) would be for absolute beginners.  As Paula had come along, we signed up for the beginner’s group.

The first meet would therefore be tomorrow for group 1.  A pound to a penny, that group 1 will have at least one or two who haven’t a clue…

Up to the Horizon court for a late lunch.

In 2010, Philip from NZ, blogged daily and bemoaned the number of MOB’s on board (Miserable Old B******s) which gave us much amusement.  It was still a bit cool outside and most tables occupied.  An older Kiwi couple from Northland joined us. Wifey went off to get her food.

Hubby to us:  “Are you enjoying your cruise?” (Bear in mind this is was half way through the very first sea day.)

Us:  “Yes.  Fine.  Are you?”

Hubby:  “No.”

Us: “Why not?”

Hubby” “It’s Princess.”

Us” “So why are you here?”

Hubby” “I just follow the suitcase my wife packs…”

Wifey (now returned): “It’s the only way we could do Alaska without flying long distance.”

Us: “Are you doing the whole trip?”

Them: “No. We are getting off in San Francisco…”

With a kick under the table we opted for coffee elsewhere.

We then had the dreaded announcement from the Captain: “A change of course and in 30 minutes time, a Medevac (nautical term for a helicopter medical Evacuation.) We headed back to our cabin, but as we are in the rear section, the way was barred. (The rear of the ship is always cleared when a helicopter is due to pick up a sick person.)  A perforated ulcer we believe was the reason so someone’s 75 day cruise didn’t get off to a very good start.

Once that was cleared, dear readers, to our first afternoon Trivia – something that we know is of vital importance to former cruisers.  Our afternoon team consists of Garry & Joanne, Mal & Marie, Paula and I – all from table 188.  Our team name?  Guessalots Mk 3.  Did we win?  Well, what do you think?  The winners managed 15 points and were in a tie break, but we did manage 14, so we were happy enough.  We nearly got 15 but the team didn’t agree on an answer and chose the wrong one.

We were a little peckish by 5:20 and the buffet was closed (until 5:30), so we headed out to the Terrace Grill  - another area that seems to have had a very positive make over and structure.  Hot chips are no longer served as part of your grill order, but from a self-serve dish, but the best innovation of all was a pot of chilli and another pot of delicious pulled pork.  The pulled pork got our vote, with coleslaw, which filled a gap nicely.

At dinner, we opted for the Curtis Stone dish of belly pork, which Marie claimed was well worth it.  It was.

There was no late show and bed at a reasonable 11:30pm.

 

*Internet has been a bit slow and erratic so blog posts may also be a bit erratic*

 

 

Day 02 - Sydney to the sea

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.   

 

Day 01 - Auckland to Sydney - and friends!

AUCKLAND

The travel part really starts here!  Just waffle up to now to test that the blog works and time for a few people to hook in.  That is not to say that there won’t be  a lot more waffle of course.

With the 3 cases packed, the two full sized ones were secured with bright orange lockable straps, with TSA approved combination locks.  (That just means that if travelling to the USA and they wants to get into the cases to search them – which they often do - they can do so without cutting off padlocks.)  The third case was also secured with a bright orange strap, but having had one come off in the past, I effected a simple , modification, to make it more secure.  I just drilled a couple of holes through the catch and threaded the ubiquitous cable ties through.  (See the pic.)  From past experience, snipping cable ties is easy enough, but some airport security staff still confiscate even the tiniest of Swiss army knives, so just one pocket of our luggage has an unsecured zip, and that pocket only contains a pen-knife. All others are secured with spare ties inside when flying out of the USA, but ties of a different colour.

Before we retired for the (short) night’s sleep, Paula wandered out on to the deck to check that the rear gate was fastened – and slipped over, grazing her arm very badly.  So at 11pm, instead of relaxing, she was running her arm under the cold water tap…  Shades of 2011, when she fell over and banged her head in Singapore, the day before we cruised out.

Eventually to bed and some sleep, to be woken by the alarm at 2:45am NZ time, and by 3:05am, we were ready to go.  (We all know people who would need to be up at least 90 minutes early - and even then, they’d be fluffing around at 3:30am, when the shuttle was due…)  Water turned off at the mains, electricity all turned off and the shuttle was spot on time, with two or three pick-ups on the way to the airport. Modern day check in  - certainly with Air NZ at Auckland is an absolute breeze.  We put one passports into the kiosk machine and printed out our luggage tags.  (I’d printed out our boarding passes at home.)  Tags attached, cases onto the conveyor – heaviest first (Paula’s..) 21.5kg, then 18.5 and 15.5 kg, so overall, well under the 3 x 23kg limit.

Straight through immigration with a minimum of delay, using the smart gate, hand luggage scan and to the Air NZ lounge, which has recently been expanded and updated, where we were one of the first in.

Apart from a lukewarm coffee on the aircraft which was undrinkable, (Paula’s tea was also lukewarm) a good flight, on time and within 15 minutes of landing in Sydney, we were out the door and in a taxi. The weather was exactly same as in Auckland.  Sunny and 17 degrees. (Pre Smart gate kiosks tip: use the first machines you come across = no delay.  They print out a ticket and you use that at the gate and also show it on exit when handing over your declaration firm.)  No sniffer dog or X-ray.

As we’d landed at 8:30am, we were straight into the Sydney rush hour traffic, which meant a slowish ride to our Ibis, Darling Harbour Hotel ($60).  Once two couples checking out had been despatched, our check in was fast and friendly and so straight to our room, for a shower.  (We’d paid extra for an early check in and for a Darling Harbour/Cockle Bay view.)  Sadly, the spectacular Sydney light show – Vivid – finished Saturday.

An early lunch was preceded by a run on the race car simulator, where this time I opted for a TVR Tuscan around Hampton Downs - and as last year with an E type Jaguar, 5 seconds slower than in the Marcos!

Lunch as usual, was a slice of pizza and some Greek yoghurt.  Three 20 something ladies busy taking selfies, just left their leftovers on the outside counter top and within seconds, there were 50 seagulls fighting over them, forcing other diners inside and leaving their own avian left overs on the counter top.  Yeuk. What is so difficult about putting the wrappers and left overs in a bin?

Back for a nana nap and on to the pre-cruise catch up at the Pyrmont Hotel, also as usual.  We started this in 2011 and have done it for each Sydney departure since.

 

PATHETIC PYRMONT MANAGEMENT

With 45 people heading here, Jo had let them know in advance and we were allocated three or four large tables on the second floor.  The first signs that all was not going to the usual plan was when I found out that the $5 ‘Happy Hour’ drink didn’t extend to the draught cider.  It did last year.  It wasn’t available at the top floor bar either, so I went down the first floor bar. At a steep $9 for a pint I opted for what they’d call a schooner at $7 – still a rip off.  Not a very Happy Hour as far as I was concerned.

The good move was that the building was now smoke free, as in the past, the upper terrace bar was noisy and smoky. However, when we opted to eat, the queue was about 20 people.  A mix of drinkers and diners and just one person behind the counter.  There were then grumbles that the ‘2 for 1’ meal deal as advertised throughout the hotel, including on their TV screen, wasn’t being honoured.  By then, I’d worked out that the first floor bar might be quieter and the queue shorter, so I went downstairs to order.  Not only was there virtually no queue, but the 2 for 1 deal WAS being honoured.

The Thai chicken curry was excellent and Paula’s chicken schnitzel and chips, plus salad, was also pretty good.

We had been joined by Col and Jude, from our 2011 and 2013 cruises, so it was a great catch up, though their meals were late and their garlic bread was badly burned, so it was sent back.  They weren’t too pleased.

Jo went to do battle with management about the 2 for 1 deal and was fobbed of by a totally disinterested duty manager, who tried to claim that as  it was a private function (it wasn’t as the bar and dining area was effectively open to anyone) and therefore the discount didn’t apply. So, having warned them that there would be 46 people coming in on what would otherwise be a quiet Monday night, it was used against us…

Once Jo had finished with him, Jude also had a go!

Net result?  Having supported them for years and telling all and sundry that it was a great place for a pre-cruise catch up, we won’t be back.  Watch out for a negative Trip Advisor review or two coming shortly… I hope they remember the old adage that satisfied customers tell 5 people, dissatisfied people tell 33.  

Afterwards, several of us went into Harbourside and the Turkish restaurant there, were quite happy to just serve us coffee.

And so to bed, feeling surprisingly good, given the lack of sleep.

Tomorrow, we cruise!  Yeeha… 

Just two days to go.

Like most people, the time leading up to a holiday is a mixture of anticipation, nerves and mild panic.  With a 72 day cruise ahead, rather than the 14 day holidays we grew up with, there is often more to anticipate,  a higher nervous state and an enhanced panic.  Ironically, having now done several long cruises, I’d like to think we are now pretty well organised, particularly with the ‘to do’ and ‘to take’ lists, so packing isn’t really a major problem.

Last weekend, I finally wrapped up my 20 year involvement as convenor of a successful Classic Race Series in NZ, and at a dinner attended by 150 people, a great send off, with lots of laughs and a 13 minute video about the series now on YouTube.  Such fame…

Whilst finalising this upcoming trip, I also had to sort out the planning for my own solo trip to the UK, just 5 days after we return, so lots of hits on the credit card.

So, 3:30am Monday June 20^th pick up by the airport shuttle, which means a 2:45am alarm and with Sydney being 2 hours behind NZ, our Australian friends, will have just nodded off to sleep, with a day to go.  Then we have a meeting or a pre-cruise catch up at the Pyrmont, Darling Harbour, with about 50 of us, getting in the swing a day early - though we may be nodding off...

So the next blog post will be  - Day 1 – Sydney! Feel free to post comments – though Spam will obviously be deleted.

A month to go... Chinese Visas sorted

A month since the last post and a month to go – well. 4 weeks anyway.

The hand operation seemed to go well, but wearing a splint full time is a bit restrictive, but the indications are that the operation was a success.  Maybe I won’t sell the banjo after all.  (Collective groan from the family/neighbours/local pets.)

We did indeed have another successful Kiwi Kruisers meeting May 9^th at our usual meeting place and we were joined by our great cruising friends, Mal & Megan, who are now on the World Cruise.  I think they were somewhat surprised at the sheer numbers!  We don’t have another catch up planned, but I wouldn’t rule it out just yet.

 

So, to the Chinese Visa update.  This may be of value to some future cruisers, but, Auckland has a rather large and growing Chinese population, so the queues at the Visa Processing office can be huge.  We knew it was likely to be busy, but our efficient TA (Travel Agent) Rachel had given us the Chinese Visa Application forms.  Not as onerous as the Indian forms, but they did want details of the date of our previous Chinese Visa, such as date and place of issue.  We also had to assemble details of Health Insurance and a recent bank statement proving that we could stump up $100 a day whilst in China.

We set off across town after the morning traffic rush, knowing that it might still be a bit busy, but hopeful that the infamous early morning rush for visas would be over.  We arrived at 11am – no parking, as usual, so Paula stayed in the car.  I went in clutching the paperwork, including old and current passports, but wasn’t even allowed to take the numbered ticket, as they were too busy and those ahead of us would take them up to 12 noon, when they closed.

The security guard (who was not Chinese – probably Samoan) told me that although the office opened at 9am, for at least the last four weeks, people had been queuing every day from about 7am!  No matter how far you had travelled, there was no booking system.
 

“Could we leave the forms then?”

“No.”

“Can we post them in?” No.
 

So, somewhat depressed and frustrated we did what we normally do.  We went back across the harbour again for our usual coffee.

Back at the computer, later in the day, I typed in “Chinese Visa NZ” and found to my surprise that we could apply on line!  It was less demanding than the printed version and was quite straightforward.  Within minutes of submitting it, I had an acknowledgement of receipt and the email said I’d get another email with details of the paperwork required – which sure enough, arrived an hour or three later.
 

I paid by internet banking (India required a bank cheque…) and the cost was $90 plus $40 admin fee each, for the double entry visa.  (Fees may vary according to passport nationality and we are both on UK passports.)  The tracking number in the email linked to the progress of the application showed that the fee had been paid and they were awaiting the documentation.
 

I collated our passports, passport sized photographs, itinerary, proof of flights (ours were only to Sydney) and I sent a copy of the boarding passes for the cruise.  No requirement for the insurance or bank statement.  A courier envelope (track and sign) at the Post Office and off they went to Wellington.

Email back from them a couple of days later, to say that the visas were being processed.  So at that stage, all seemed to be OK.  Reading the cruise paperwork, we need Visas whether staying on the ship or not and Princess stated that we only needed a single entry, as we were doing two Chinese ports, without going elsewhere.

However, it is not unknown for the Chinese authorities to state that the ship cannot do that and insist the ship goes elsewhere first, meaning a dual entry visa would be required.  We had heard of that happening so elected to get the dual entry visa.

We informed the Travel Agency that the on line system was operative, which was news to them, so hopefully, Kiwis reading this will know that they don’t need to face the Auckland traffic or the queues.  Christchurch is easier, as they don’t have the same sort of numbers of Chinese residents.

From the Cruise Critic Roll Call (message board), it seems that some Australian offices have an appointment system.

As it happened, our visas and passports were returned in little more than a week and on the same day (today!) we got an email from Princess stating that we now need a dual entry visa as the ship is going to Jeju Island (Korea) after Shanghai…

 
Anyway, that was the last major item ticked off our ‘to do’ list.  Everything else on the list is relatively straightforward and the low key packing has already started.

Low key means ‘items that it is easy to forget, but essential and not likely to be required before departure date’!  Top of the list as always is fresh coffee bags.  In the past, it was ‘Robert Timms’, but now I have added ‘Jeds’ which come in different strengths - up to 5 – but are a little bulkier.

Next to assemble are the current essentials of various chargers and cables for phones, Paula’s tablet, cameras, lap top, back up drive etc. – and my latest acquisition, a great torch that is charged via a USB cable and a recently purchased, cheap ($18!) end of run alarm clock/radio, small enough to pack.  With the frequent time changes when we travel, having a clock in the cabin is useful.

Visiting cool/cold Alaska after the steamy East means warm and cool clothing for this trip. At least we have done this trip before, so even I may find my previous blog of value as a refresher.

http://cruisinpacific.blogspot.co.nz/

The general itinerary is very similar, though in 2012, we left the cruise in San Francisco. There are plenty of sea days on this trip so this blog, as always will cover the ship and on board activities. 

 

THE SUN PRINCESS

We haven’t travelled on this ship before but it is a sister ship to the Dawn and the Sea Princess, both of which we have travelled on before.  It has had a recent refit and one or two changes to the Princess policies will be under intense scrutiny.  Gone is the free soft serve ice cream, now NZ natural (pay) and the popular pizzeria. We now have a seafood/sushi bar (pay) and a Curtis Stone ‘Share’ Restaurant (pay – a lot).  Not sure how many of our regular cruisers, on a 75 day trip are going to be paying out regularly for these extras.

We are looking forward to a new Princess Show - ‘Bravo’ - which features Paula’s favourite violinist, Chris Watkins.

 

Regardless, we’ll enjoy the trip and if we don’t have another Kiwi meet, we are meeting the night before the cruise as usual, at the Pyrmont Hotel on the edge of Darling Harbour.  So far, there are about 46 of us and once again, another opportunity to meet fellow cruisers before we head away.  The more people we meet before we set off, the better, but remembering people’s names is a challenge we all face – even without old age and memory loss creeping in.

Sorry, no picture on this post.  I'm sure a picture of my splinted hand is of no interest whatever.