Wansbrough's Cruise Blog

Today it was windy but with mostly clear skies, our usual place on deck 17 didn’t even have the sun beds put out so we came down a deck where it was still windy but with less chance of taking off and going to Munchkin Country.

We stayed until lunch time and then grabbed some food and ate it in our cabin. While Nicole stayed there to read her book, I went to the enrichment talk which today was all about the mutiny on the Bounty. Interesting to hear about something l knew little of and it passed 45 minutes.

The rest of the day was pretty much a pedestrian sea day with shower, food and bar time.

At around 9:30 we just happened to be out on deck as we passed the northern most tip/area of Queensland, Australia and from Google maps we were able to determine that we were passing Keriri Island. Nicole took the following photos on her phone and despite me having the same model I could not compete with her results.

We were even able to spot a fire of some description on the land as we passed by. During the night we will be heading south towards Cairns. Fitbit Steps 10,119

After yesterday it was great to be able to kick back and enjoy the first of three sea days until we reach Cairns. With just over a week to go now the end is getting ever closer with just 2 more ports until we disembark in Sydney. The ship has remained very quiet today with the open decks almost completely deserted. If this was somewhere in the Mediterranean or Caribbean the outside decks would be packed and a sunbed difficult to get.

Now a grumble, as part of the Princess Plus Package you get two included meals at no cost in the ship’s casual restaurants, on Princess these include Vines, Salty Dog Pub, O’Malleys, Ocean Terrace, Planks, Steamers, Alfredo’s, and GiGi’s. Now on Crown Princess all we have is Vines Wine Bar (I’m not sure it’s applicable) and The Salty Dog Gastropub which is inside The Wheelhouse Bar. The gastro pub has on their menu a Beyond Burger which is vegan so we thought that’s great, we will use our included meals one lunchtime on one of the sea days. A good idea in principle if it was open at lunchtime. It turns out that the opening hours are from 5:30 – 9:30 so the only way we can give it a go is to let gluttony lead us astray and have both a meal there and in the MDR or forfeit the latter. It’s not an extensive enough menu to become an evening meal but it would make a great pub lunch. Come on Princess, engage the brain and open on a sea day for lunch.

Not much else has happened today so this is going to be one of the shortest posts of the cruise.

Fitbit Steps 9,407

As we were coming into Darwin this morning at 5:30 I was just about coming to but at 6:00 we were roused from our bed by the Rick Wakeman of didgeridoo players who proceeded to launch into some pretty impressive tunes along with a hearty “welcome to Darwin” at the end of his performance.

After an early breakfast it was back to the cabin to gather our things for our excursion today. Our meeting point was just outside the terminal at 8:00 am with a company called Lichfield Park Adventures who like us arrived almost bang on time. There were 19 of us on this tour today with one guide who was also our driver. His name was Aaron and he quickly established the fact he was going to be a great guide as we made our way to Lichfield Park.

During the journey he gave us some good information about Darwin and the local area while at the same time being very entertaining. The drive to the national park took just over an hour and a half through the bush along lots of pretty much deserted straight roads. We paused a couple of times to view some of the wildlife and in particular Wallabies and Wallaroos.

There were three stops in the park today and at all of them there was the opportunity to go swimming. So, our first stop was at Wangi Falls which was pretty spectacular even though it had not rained much in the last 7 months.

Aaron showed us some of the native trees and explained some of the details about them some of which had certain medical uses. I decided not to go in the water at the first one choosing to explore and take a few photos but Nicole made straight for the pool and was soon enjoying a cool dip. I found some impressive looking webs with spiders and there were also lots of Fruit Bats hanging from the trees.

After about an hour we travelled another 22 km to our second stop which went by the name of Buley Rock Hole, this was a series of plunge pools and this time I succumbed and followed Nicole into the water.

We enjoyed 45 minutes here and then gathered near the car park where Aaron had prepared a picnic lunch for us all. It also gave us time to dry off which didn’t take long at all.

Our next stop was only a short drive and probably my favourite, it was about 4 km down stream and another spectacular place called Florence Falls. There were two options for getting down to the pool and we took the shortest one which involved 100 or so steps down a metal staircase.

The other route being flatter and much longer which is how we got back to the bus afterwards. This was the busiest of the three places and easy to understand why as it was an amazing setting and the water was cool and refreshing on the skin. I quickly took several photos before eventually joining Nicole in the water. Like the first stop there were lots of Fruit Bats hanging in the trees presumably making the most of the cooler temperature near the water.

Once back to the bus it was time to make our way back to Darwin with a couple of stops along the way, one to visit some Magnetic Termite Mounds, one for a refreshing drink at a small town called Bachelor and lastly a quick one to look at a Bowerbird nest which was absolutely fascinating. Built by the male in order to attract a partner. We were told that if you moved stuff around, it would end up exactly in the same place when the Bowerbird returned.

We were back onboard just after 6:00 and ready to eat, the ship wasn’t due to leave until 10:00 but we decided that by the time we had changed and got ready, had something to eat it wouldn’t have been worth the effort as most of not all of the places we wanted to see would have been closed long ago. As it happens another medical emergency happened and we didn’t set sail until nearly midnight.

A fantastic day today and great fun.

Fitbit Steps 15,441

 

The clocks going forward an hour affected our routine and we were late going for coffee and breakfast. It didn’t make much of a difference because I think everyone else did the same thing. Once again the open decks were deserted with folk either inside or confined to cabins due to illness. I’m not sure how well the measures are going with regards to containing the virus, only time will tell. We have only been to the theatre once, we only use the buffet when it’s quiet and we always take the stairs and the Lotus Spa pool is by far the quieter of the four, so without even trying, our mixing has been kept to the minimum. Even our little MDR area has at most less than 100 regular users.

Finding a sunbed on the second part of this cruise has never been easier and it will be interesting to see how things go as we head south in the last week.

The requirement to save a bed by leaving a sunbathing book is definitely not a requirement on this cruise.

I also apologise as I am conscious that certain angles on my photos are repeating but on sea days there is little else on our radar that really warrants a photo and it’s nice to bring a little sunshine into your lives. 😉

The sea was the calmest it’s been around 5:00 pm and it was just like a mill pond. It’s such an eerie thing when it’s like that. The captain came over the PA during dinner to advise people not to worry about something that was floating on top of water, some had been concerned it was pollution but it’s a local phenomenon that occurs at this time of year called blue/green algae slicks. He described it as looking like sawdust floating on top of the water.

Early dinner and an early night, tomorrow we arrive at Darwin at 7:00 and our tour departs at 8:00. We also have another time change of ½ hour forward to contend with.

Fitbit Steps 8,050

At 7:00am this morning we started our cruise along the Kimberley Coast. Stopping for an hour or so around 10:00 to do some pirouettes which was more to do with resetting the ships magnetic compass than for the passengers benefit. It worked well though because it was a great spot which provided 3 spins and great photos.

Measures are still in place for virus prevention but the ship does feel very empty. I am uncertain if it’s the Aussies staying out of the sun or there is a lot of illness about. It reminds me of our trip out to Fiji from Sydney in 2017 when the outside decks were deserted.

We had lunch but it was a light one today as in the evening we dined in Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. Our head waiter’s wife runs this restaurant and we managed to get her to make some of the dishes vegan so Nicole could dine there. Not only a treat for Nicole but also for me as this never happens onboard a ship.

We had an amazing meal and fantastic service.

My choices below as taken from the menu.

Insalata Mista
Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, fennel, pickled red onion, carrot, celery, radish,  taggiasca black olives, dressed in extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar
Burrata Caprese
Fresh, creamy, stracciatella-filled cheese complemented by red & yellow tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze and basil oil
Penne Primavera
Bright, fresh tomatoes, sliced mushrooms and seasonal vegetables sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil and tossed with fresh basil and shaved parmesan
Grilled Striploin
Tender, juicy and accompanied by asparagus, roasted rosemary potatoes and calabrian chili butter
Chef’s specialty dessert (tasters of the 4 if you can’t make your mind up)
Rocher, Sabatini’s Tiramisu, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Zabaglione Marsala

Clocks go forward an hour tonight in preparation for our next port which is Darwin the day after next.

Fitbit Steps 10,665

Just as we were departing Broome last night the captain came over the PA to inform us that the ship is going to be employing certain measures due to a gastro virus onboard. The buffet has been set up to a point at what you want system with some of the areas not open at all. Hopefully it will pass quickly and we can avoid getting it ourselves.

Today is remembrance day and we have purchased a couple of poppies that we will wear to dinner tonight. They are a lot more delicate than the ones we get in the UK and actually look more life like.

At 11:00 the horn sounded and the ensign was once again dropped to half mast. They had a service in the theatre at 10:30 and although we didn’t go, I saw some photos on FB later and it was standing room only.

At midday we started our transit of Yampi Sound which continued during the afternoon. We passed by several islands along the route and heard commentary about various things as we progressed. One of the islands has an iron ore mine that produces the finest ore anywhere else in the world. It’s so good that you can actually weld two pieces together.

Other than that, it’s been a very relaxing day sat outside on deck 17, reading and taking a dip in the pool. Same again tomorrow

Fitbit Steps 12,764

Today we got off the ship for a few hours, we had pre-booked a short bus tour prior to leaving home with a local company called Broome & Around and the tour was called Broome Port Panoramic Sightseeing Adventure. Google research showed very little in the area other than some remarkable scenery and with it being a Sunday we decided to do a quick tour of the area then walk around the town. Last night we received a flyer with the Princess Patter telling us no private tours would be able to pick us up from the jetty which was not correct.

Broome & Around pay a fee to be allowed onto the jetty and we anticipated a bit of a fight to get off without a shuttle ticket but in the end it wasn’t an issue and we were soon on our way to our first stop which was a headland called Gantheaume Point. We were there for around 15 minutes and viewed some amazing looking colours and rock formations.

Our next stop was Cable Beach which again was a long stretch of white sands. We were given a quick talk about how the area evolved along with how it got it’s name which was after the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889.

The area was developed in the 1970’s by British gentleman called Lord Robert McAlpine who recognised the potential of making it a tourist destination which is exactly what he did. There is a statue of him on the lawn in front of the beach in recognition of his services to the region.

The next was a very quick stop to view a Japanese cemetery, they have their own graveyard because there was an influx of Japanese from the 1880s to the 1960s, seeking work in its pearl shell industry for which Broome is famous.

One last stop at Town Beach before being dropped off at China Town in Broome. 2 ½ hours was just about right for this quick look at the region and after walking around Broome for a similar time we caught the shuttle back to the ship for a quick bite to eat and a dip in the pool.

It was a lot warmer than forecast today and speaking to a few Aussie passengers, northern areas of Australia are experiencing higher than average temperatures and Mount Wellington in the south had an inch of snow. It’s not a happy planet at the moment that’s for sure.

Fitbit Steps 14,826

Today was an official sea day and one where Princess decided to fill the pool next to The Sanctuary. It had been empty up until today because all the slopping water was going over the edge and flooding into the spa area but now as the sea is much calmer it was deemed safe to fill up and what a difference that made. Only a handful of people are sat around the edges and it’s like a little oasis that hopefully remains that way.

At 11:00 we tested the Medallion app and ordered a couple of drinks to be brought to us, within 6 minutes they were with us so a big thumbs up with that experiment. Having the pool nearby was a big bonus and we were in and out of it many times before lunch.

Something out of the ordinary this morning was the appearance of about 8 or so rather large birds following alongside the ship. We did some googling and determined they were Lesser Frigatebirds which the Captain later confirmed during his midday address. Some eventually settling on the mast for a rest. So after about an hour of trying to get a decent photo of them flying and then giving up, they decided to sit still.

At 1:00 pm we picked up a few bits from the buffet and retired to our cabin with them so as to combine the hot part of the day with some aircon and sustenance.

Back outside in the afternoon, we had a quick dip in the pool again before going back to the cabin at 4:00. The temperature was given as 27°C but it felt much hotter. The forecast for tomorrow is 32°C.

Our evening meal was earlier than usual as Nicole was feeling very tired. On nights like this it seems to be when you strike up more conversations than usual but as much as we enjoyed the new interactions, bedtime beckoned. Fitbit Steps 10,118

We awoke this morning to yet more strong winds and it came as no surprise when at 8:25, the captain came over the PA to inform us that our visit to Exmouth had been cancelled as it was unsafe to operate the tenders. I was disappointed but as Exmouth was a replacement that really didn’t have too much to offer and especially as a tender port, it wasn’t too much of a loss.

However, it would have been nice to get off and at least have a walk and explore. We will never know why it was changed from Geraldton, the original itinerary had us docked, and then Princess changed it to a tender port with not half as much to experience. What is done is done so there is no point in dwelling on it and grumbling.

So, today was another sea day to add to the already long list and hopefully it will be the last time it happens on this cruise. (fingers crossed)

Once again we spent our morning on Deck 17 (oddly named the sports deck) which ought to be called the “Mary Celeste” deck because apart from ourselves and 4 others, it was deserted. The irony being the wind that had prevented us tendering had disappeared and there was absolutely no breeze at all and it was very hot, this eventually drove us back to the cabin, we like a bit of sunshine but it was just too hot.

On the way back Nicole had a quick dip in the pool to cool off. While waiting and enjoying a Dirty Banana cocktail, I noted the music being belted out at high volume in the pool area and considered that with the average age probably set around 72, what better to listen to being pelted out by the DJ than Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin. The young girl seemed totally oblivious to her audience and maintained the flow of what I considered inappropriate music pounding out for all to relax by the pool to. Having said that if their hearing is anything like mine they won’t hear anything anyway which is how it appeared.

Even several announcements by the cruise director telling us there is so much going on only added to the delirium of the situation. Our balcony eventually became the answer to the situation with it being peaceful, in the sun with a very small section of shade and room service looking after our needs.

At 5:00 we went for a walk but the prom deck was closed for maintenance so we did some laps on the upper decks instead which we visited again after dinner.

Not much else to report today other than my Fitbit Steps 11,398

Today was the first sea day that the wind was almost non-existent. For the first few hours of the morning after we had eaten breakfast we sat outside on deck 17 in front of an empty Sanctuary. There was glorious sunshine and it was more like what we were expecting the weather to heading north up the west coast.

The wind was still there but much milder and now with some warmth. However by 10:00 it had clouded over and normal service had resumed. There were 600 new passengers that got on in Fremantle yesterday so there have been a lot of new faces exploring the ship

At around 2:36 pm and in conjunction with Remembrance Day, the captain diverted our course so that we could sail directly over the wreck of HMAS Sydney which was Australia’s greatest naval tragedy. On 19 November 1941 the ship got into an encounter with the German Raider HSK Kormoran and was lost without trace losing all 645 crew. It wasn’t until 2008 that the wreck was located. HSK Kormoran also sank but their loses were minimal by comparison. As we passed over the site, the ensign was lowered to half mast and the ships horn sounded.

The afternoon weather was cloudy with sunny intervals and was really quite pleasant compared to previous sea days. All the outside areas of the ship were busy apart from where we were up on deck 17. Having so many aged passengers sometimes has its benefits as you need to go up two decks externally using the stairs and the lift up there is out of order so only the more mobile have ventured into that area. It also kept us away from all the noise and shenanigans going on poolside.

Late afternoon we returned to the cabin and sat on the balcony for 1 ½ hours and as the previous sea day, did 6 laps of the prom deck for some exercise.

Fitbit Steps 13,096