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Monday, May 31, 2010
John & Rick (Dick Who)
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Captain's Cocktail Party Tonight
31 May
Well, tonight is Captain's Cocktail Party for serial cruisers. We've received a personal invitation which means, I'm sure, that Captain McBain is dying to meet us. In case he's not dying to meet us and he's also invited lots of other people, we have plans for a) getting there early b) ascertaining where the waiters are entering the room and c) availing ourselves of a number of cocktails because, our favourite waiter du jour assures us that there will be real cocktails not just the flat champagne and beer which is usually served on these occasions. Of course, it could be a ploy to get as many people there as possible because many people are already moaning about it being formal night and having to wear a tie, heaven forbid. Seas are still very calm and it's hot outside. We are just rounding the south of Borneo and sailing up between Sumatra and Borneo. We've had an eventful day...breakfast, trivia, doing our bit to make sure a couple of sun lounges didn't blow overboard, lunch and a long swim in the pool. There were, eek, children in the little pool along with a child wrangler but they left fortunately. I could then do my bit by walking up and down the pool about forty times (well, maybe only thirty) for exercise. The was a man talking (moaning) to John in the pool. He said how he would be pleased to get off in Southampton because a cruise was the same thing day in, day out – how could anyone stand it. I personally can't see the problem. From my point of view, there is absolutely nothing to complain about on this ship. They are even so obliging that we get to put our clocks back not forward and how good is that? Another lovely day at sea tomorrow, then Singapore.
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Sunday, May 30, 2010
Bali
30 May
Bali today where we tendered in. Princess had hired a large catamaran, the Bali Hai II but it couldn't dock against the ship because there was quite a swell running. They lowered four tenders and didn't unhook one properly before the engine started. A large hook thingy swung out and smashed one of the tender's windows. Because of the failure of the catamaran, there was a huge delay in getting people ashore...much grumbling and complaining. We eventually got ashore about 10.20. Went to Sanur and walked along the beach before buying a couple of sarongs. Came back to the ship early because there would be a huge queue waiting for the late tenders and didn't want to be left on the dock waving goodbye as the Dawn Princess sailed into the distance. The trip back to the ship was extremely rough with waves breaking over the front of the tender and water gushing in the hatch on top. It also came in the side window, giving Allan an impromptu bath and two crew members a complete soaking because they were sitting under the hatch. For anyone from next year's cruise, there are a few Wireless internet sites on shore that you can access from the ship – I'm logged into BaliKamaHotspot.
Just heard, Dianne of GandD, who last year fell and broke her leg before she sailed on the Diamond Princess, fell in Kuta today, hurting her arm and leg - nothing broken but she's bruised and shaken up. Sailaway soon - we're going to the Riviera Bar and then to the Horizon (Horrorzone) Lounge for dinnner. Early night I hope.
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
29 May
We've used up one week already, eek!!! Had a very easy night last night – ate in the Horizon Lounge which was quiet, peaceful and almost empty. Was able to serve myself with a beautiful salad and small piece of fish instead of the big meals in the restaurant. Had a very easy day all around really, breakfast, trivia, lunch, movie, drinks with Di and Garth for Garth's birthday drinks with Allan and Sally, then dinner. Watched about half an hour of Pavarotti's concert on the huge screen on deck and went to bed early. Today we had our CruiseCritic lunch which eventually made it to the Princess Patter (PP). Took Jill a lot of effort to do this. Initially they wanted our cabin numbers, mother's maiden names, blood type etc. but seem to have relented. We met in Jammers, the nightclub on Deck 7 firstly then moved to the restaurant. In the PP they listed Jammers as on Deck 4. (Don't know if anyone went to the medical centre which is all that is down there). I've read before that when people read 'CruiseCritic' they think it is a forum to air complaints about the cruise. Lyn (Sunny and Lyn) was speaking to a woman who wanted to complain about the scarcity of washing machines. After patiently talking to her for a while and suggesting options of when she should do her washing – at mealtimes, late at night, shore days – the woman said “Just get more washing machines”. Lyn has readily agreed and she said she would make sure there were six extra washing machines installed immediately Another complained to Sally about shore tours but we didn't realise at that time that she expected us to fix the problem. Anyway, the lunch was most enjoyable with about 30 people turning up. We're going to meet now for lunch every Tuesday we are at sea. We have two trivia groups – neither of which seems to win, Di of GandD is forming a 'learn mahjong' group and we just socialise in general – joining the rollcall is certainly worthwhile. We've eventually got a bit of a swell in the sea but only just enough to make us realise we're on a ship. Trivia is going from bad to worse with only 13/20 today. Rick (DickWho) and Barry7 beat us by 1. Bali tomorrow where we tender in.
We've used up one week already, eek!!! Had a very easy night last night – ate in the Horizon Lounge which was quiet, peaceful and almost empty. Was able to serve myself with a beautiful salad and small piece of fish instead of the big meals in the restaurant. Had a very easy day all around really, breakfast, trivia, lunch, movie, drinks with Di and Garth for Garth's birthday drinks with Allan and Sally, then dinner. Watched about half an hour of Pavarotti's concert on the huge screen on deck and went to bed early. Today we had our CruiseCritic lunch which eventually made it to the Princess Patter (PP). Took Jill a lot of effort to do this. Initially they wanted our cabin numbers, mother's maiden names, blood type etc. but seem to have relented. We met in Jammers, the nightclub on Deck 7 firstly then moved to the restaurant. In the PP they listed Jammers as on Deck 4. (Don't know if anyone went to the medical centre which is all that is down there). I've read before that when people read 'CruiseCritic' they think it is a forum to air complaints about the cruise. Lyn (Sunny and Lyn) was speaking to a woman who wanted to complain about the scarcity of washing machines. After patiently talking to her for a while and suggesting options of when she should do her washing – at mealtimes, late at night, shore days – the woman said “Just get more washing machines”. Lyn has readily agreed and she said she would make sure there were six extra washing machines installed immediately Another complained to Sally about shore tours but we didn't realise at that time that she expected us to fix the problem. Anyway, the lunch was most enjoyable with about 30 people turning up. We're going to meet now for lunch every Tuesday we are at sea. We have two trivia groups – neither of which seems to win, Di of GandD is forming a 'learn mahjong' group and we just socialise in general – joining the rollcall is certainly worthwhile. We've eventually got a bit of a swell in the sea but only just enough to make us realise we're on a ship. Trivia is going from bad to worse with only 13/20 today. Rick (DickWho) and Barry7 beat us by 1. Bali tomorrow where we tender in.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
State of Origin and Darwin
26 May
Last night was State of Origin. At the last minute, Princess organised for it to be screened on the big screen on deck. Reportedly it cost them $15000. Probably made it up in beer sales at the Riveria bar. They certainly saved on food in the dining room. They had no maroon baloons but had red on one side of the Riveria deck and blue on the other side. Apparently they ran out of blue ones so the Queenslanders were ahead in the decoration department – and, of course, in the game as well. The restaurant was practically deserted for late sitting. Barry at our table made a valiant effort as the token man but made a lame excuse and left pretty soon after main course. Allan is now a celebrity because he was interviewed for the cruise video. John and Allan sat with the pilot who lives in North Arm on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Said it's the first time he's witnessed such a thing on a ship. Darwin today – Princess as usual, charged $7 each way for their shuttle bus. We walked and it took about 15 minutes. For next year's cruisers, when you follow the walkway around the harbour, you end up looking at a huge block of units. There is a lift there, on the outside of the building, that the public can use. Go up in the lift and it brings you out at almost street level in the town. There is a set of about ten stairs, or another lift that we didn't see and you're in town. We went to Casuarina shopping centre, along with almost half the ship I think. If you have a seniors card (government issued) buses are free. For everyone else it is $2 and I think, if you return within four hours the $2 covers it. When our bus driver coming back into town realised we were visitors, he pointed out some interesting bits and pieces. There was something which I thought was an iron sculpture but it's actually a lot of twisted telephone poles from Cyclone Tracy. We spent the rest of the day in town just wandering and having lunch. We brought two bottles of wine on board each and were basically told 'naughty passengers' but were allowed to keep them. Others brought three each and no one commented. It's our wedding anniversary today. I recorded it on cruise personaliser in the hope that we may score some free wine at dinner. Got a photocopied note of congratulations from the Captain and three baloons outside our cabin. Maybe there's still hope for the booze tonight. John is kindly taking me to dinner tonight to celebrate. He said he won't go to the disco afterwards unless he gets some good offers. Such a thoughtful man!
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, 26 May
Same old, same old. Woke up to a beautiful view of the ocean from the bed. The weather is still perfect and the seas calm. Delicious breakfast then trivia. For the Ccrs, our team was DickWho (Rick), Barry7 (Barry and Linda), Roymar (only Roy) and me. Came close today, 18/20 but some know it alls got 20/20. George and Dianne (GTR58) sprang for the $150 to do the ships tour so thought meeting the Captain was a better offer than going to trivia with us. Lots of flying fish out there today. We saw a school (if that's the correct collective noun – no wonder we don't win the quiz) of sharks all in a circle, eating some poor unfortunate deceased thing. Saw the 'production show' last night – Rock the Town but wasn't over impressed. It was good entertainment but not up to the standard i've seen on other cruises – picky, picky. They have belatedly announced that they will show the State of Origin on Movies Under the Stars big screen tonight. They've hastily rearranged the advertised entertainment and announced because it's because of a big Australian 'Rugby' match. I suppose Qld will be on the port side and NSW on the starboard. Hate to be in the middle when bottles start flying.Had another swim today, water is perfect and not too many people in there. Should I ever get up early, am going to swim laps. Darwin tomorrow. The ship's shuttle bus is $7 each way into town for a five minute ride one way. Allan and Sally have bought shuttle tickets but we're going to walk or get a cab with Garth and Dianne – I think the cab fare is about $10. Everyone is heading to Casuarina shopping centre with huge shopping lists. My shopping list includes wine so we can do more entertaining on the balcony or there is a lovely small deck at the stern, only a short walk from our cabin. It's a hard live but someone has to do it. Sally, if you're reading this, our 'purser feller' is a woman!! And cocktail report – Key Lime martini was average. More research coming up!!
Tuesday, 25 May
We've just rounded Cape York – so we've seen the northern tip of Australia. It's certainly stunning scenery and the colour of the ocean is tropical island turquoise. Counting today, we've had four days at sea with one to go before we arrive in Darwin. Sailed really close in to Cairns, Fitzroy Island, Green Island and saw Bowen at night. I would like not to arrive in Darwin but to keep sailing but no choice I suppose. The sea is so calm and flat it's hard to tell we're on a ship. Hopefully we'll get some bigger seas before long. I know we're probably the only ones on the ship hoping for this. The weather is sunny and warm. Had our first swim in the pool today. Haven't won trivia yet (or come close) – damn, and I wanted those luggage prize tags too. We had formal night on Monday – a bit of a non event. There was no captain's cocktail party, just a lot of people dressed up and milling about in the Atrium. There was free champagne but it was flat and disgusting. Don't know what it was but definitely not up to my standard. There were glasses of it left on tables everywhere. John said we could market it to run cars when oil starts to run out. The officers were presented to us on a little balcony far above the unwashed public, so, I suppose, they didn't get any germs from shaking hands with everyone. Food has been wonderful. George (for CruiseCritic people, GTR58) helped me upload the blog today. I couldn't paste anything into it so George showed me how to email the info to the Blog. Isn't technology wonderful (not to mention George). My next task is to work out how to email a photo (downsized) as well. So far I've managed to walk three, six or nine laps of the deck every day – three laps is one mile. Have only used the lifts when I'm wearing high heels or if I'm really in a hurry. John has half-heartedly done three laps or so every now and then. He's more into walking to the Wheelhouse bar with Allan then to Jammers nightclub. We had drinks on our balcony with Allan and Sally last night – three of us could fit on the balcony and the other one in the doorway. Drank the wine and champagne that I took on board as well as some of my Benedictine. Princess kindly provided the nibblies, purloined from the Horizon Lounge at lunch time. God I'm a good hostess..
For whoever asked – I haven't seen any cider on the drink list. Will try to remember to ask a waiter tonight. Sally, haven't had any cocktails yet – none of our favourites there. Have found a Key Lime cocktail that looks interesting. Will sample it and let you know, in the interests of research of course.
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Well, we made it to the ship. Just. Our lovely friend Heather drove us to the airport through pouring rain and peak hour traffic (hope she speaks to us again). We checked in, luggage overweight, but weren't charged. Thank you QANTAS. No trouble taking my two bottles of bubbly as hand luggage. Got there nice and early and when it came nearly time to board, were told that the plane we were to fly on had been struck by lightening on the flight Sydney/Brisbane and had to be thogoughly checked by engineers. If there was a problem it would be cancelled and all further flights were full. Ouch!! Eventually we left an hour and a half late. I was pleased when we were half way to Sydney because then they wouldn't turn back if there were problems. Met a few CruiseCritic people in the embarkation queue (Sunny and Lynn) and met GTR58, George and Dianne on deck when we sailed – fun people. Found Garth and Di from Sandstone Point and Steph and Jeff from Ceduna when we had a belated lunch. There was free champagne at the Sailaway party . I went up late but had I known, would have been there much earlier. Captain gave a huge blast of the whistle as we went under the bridge where there were bridge climbers and people just on the bridge waving. Wonderful. Our dinner last night, I thought was delicious. Allan, Sally and the two of us were at a table with people with whom we clicked instantly and had a wonderful (if rather noisy) time. Then we realised that the waiter had seated us at the wrong table. and that we probably would have to move to the correct one tonight. We are going to beg and plead and cry if necessary and mention how good the corner table is for john's bad hearing. Was beautiful to wake up this morning and be able to look out from the bed and see the ocean. Have walked my 2 miles around the deck today and haven't used the lifts yet.
For next year's cruise people:
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Get an early flight or go the night before if you don't live in Sydney
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Free champagne at sailaway – get there early
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We have a letter saying we have $400 free internet each for platinum whereas we thought it was $200 each.
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Whoever asked – there is raw sugar (am still to check on the cider)
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John packed most of my things in what he calls a containerisation system – clip lock bags – ie, one for tshirts, one for evening tops etc. Have decided to just leave them as they are in the suitcase and take out whatever when needed. Avoids cluttering the rather small wardrobe space.
Have just had our CruiseCritic 10CCrs 'Meet and Mingle' which was very successful. Lots of people there and it was great to put faces to names . Jill produced an huge spreadsheet with a list of activities for people to sign up for. Looks like we may have at least three trivia groups. The sea is very calm and the weathr sunny – we just passed Mt Warning so should be off Brisbane soon. I'm off to see It's Complicated, with Meryl Streep and then to Trivia. Will not be able to keep up this pace. Did I mention that I love being on this ship!!!
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