Sea Princess
This is a continuation of our recent 2015 World Cruise summary, with volume I discussing the organisation and volume II the positives. This post will review the areas that need some work, as these areas failed to meet our expectations. Continue reading
2015 World Cruise – Sea Princess – May 22nd to Sept 4th (104 Nights)
World Map showing our world cruise itinerary
Sitting here watching the planes take-off at the Sydney Airport Rydges Hotel, awaiting our flights home tomorrow, there is no better time to sit down and reminisce about our recently completed magnificent voyage of discovery.
This summary is solely based on our opinion, and is our personal views and recollections of the just completed World Cruise. It does not reflect the views of our many other fellow passengers; therefore, I encourage readers to read blogs written by fellow passengers, to attain a more balanced view. Continue reading
Sydney, Australia – Arrival
It’s all over, our epic voyage around the world aboard the Sea Princess has come to an end, as the vessel secured alongside the White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal in Sydney. One hundred and four nights, 5 continents and countless ports, unfortunately has reached a conclusion, and it’s time for us to say our final goodbyes to our many new friends, both crew and pax.
Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia
Our final day of the 2015 World Cruise, and based on the Captain’s forecast, we will be ending the cruise with the same conditions we experienced on that first night, oh so many days, even months ago. Today was a day for packing and saying our goodbyes to the many new friends we have met, including many of the wonderful crew aboard, who have worked extremely hard, with constant smiles, to make this almost completed 104 night adventure, most memorable.
Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia
During last night’s update the Captain advised of inclement weather expected today. Sure enough after sunrise the wind picked up and the swell steepened, creating considerable pounding and slamming, resulting in the Captain altering course to the south to avoid the worst of the seas. Other than the weather, today was much quieter than yesterday, with few activities of interest.
Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia
Wow, September is now upon us and it is hard to believe that on my first blog posting I typed May, it seems like an eternity since we excitedly boarded this ship in Sydney, full of great expectations. Well our final port is well and truly behind us as we rock, roll and slam our way across the wild and more than slightly windy Tasman Sea, towards the magnificent natural harbour of Sydney. Today was actually a rather busy day with a multitude of interesting activities on the daily schedule.
Auckland, New Zealand – 07:00 to 22:00
Our final port of call on this grand voyage around the world, before sailing into the magnificent Sydney Harbour on Friday morning. Having been in Auckland twice before, many years ago, I recall it as a spectacular arrival and was fully intending to be out on deck enjoying the sights. However, waking up my usual 04:30 I was serenaded by two minute blasts on the ship’s whistle. It wasn’t foggy, but with rain reducing the visibility, it was pointless heading our with the camera.
As we returned from the tour, we noted the Polynesian dancers and drummers on the dock, waiting to board the vessel. Fortunately, I remembered the show and cancelled my plans for taking a walk around the downtown area in the vicinity of the ship. Having been to all the Hawaiian Islands numerous times, we always attend a Luau, so we were interested in comparing both the costumes and dancing.
Pitcairn Island to Papeete, French Polynesia
Our second sea day between Pitcairn Island and Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. During his daily announcement last evening, Captain Kent advised the forecasts called for the winds and swell to abate, which they have done to a certain extent, but we still have a healthy swell causing a fair bit of pitching. After yesterday’s excellent schedule, we are basically back to the usual dross, so not much of interest. The galley today has also achieved new lows in mediocrity, excelling in the service of cold food.
As mentioned in a previous post, today was most definitely role reversal, as rather than the pax and crew pouring ashore, the local residents came out to visit the ship. Probably for the best, as I doubt Pitcairn Island could handle a sudden influx of 3,000 people. In this post I will start with the approach to the island in a healthy gale, show a few photographs of the resident’s boat coming alongside and unloading their ware, the onboard market place on Deck #12 and finally the scenic cruise around the island. I hope you enjoy.
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