Wednesday 8 January 2014

Diamond Princess - December 2013 - Post 4 (final)



Phil Garvin took this photo of us bouncing our way back across the Tasman from Milford Sound to Hobart.

We arrived back in Hobart on 31/12 while the last of the Sydney to Hobart yachts were arriving.





Approaching Port Phillip heads en-route Sydney 02/01/14
Just before the ship swings on to the leads to exit Port Phillip
The pilot launch approaching to disembark the Port Phillip Sea Pilot, a friend of mine, Captain Barry Cuneo

The ship's Atrium

Good friends from a previous cruise, Jules and Phil
Hors d'ouvre in one of the lounges
Finishing up a splendid meal in the ship's Italian restaurant with Barolo, Frangelico and Zabaglione. It's how I keep my figure. With friends Jules, Phil, Dennis and Pete.

Me with the 1st Officer (L) and Captain (R) on the bridge
With the Staff Captain on the forward mooring deck
Fitness Instructor Sergey (L) and two of the other gym staff. I previously sailed with Sergey on several Dawn Princess cruises
New Year's Eve drinks on Jules' and Phil's balcony while sailing down the Derwent River. With Dennis and Pete.




At Sydney airport, back home to Melbourne 6/1


Diamond Princess - December 2013 - Post 3


With Sun Princess in Tauranga, New Zealand 22/12
  


Sun Princess, also on a cruise from Sydney, sailing for Wellington



At Auckland 23/12. Turn around day - end of this cruise and start of the next, back to Sydney
 

Phil Garvin, a friend of mine, took this great shot from atop Mt. Manganui 24/12

The expedition cruise ship Caledonia Sky in Tauranga 24/12
 

Sunny day this time in the Sounds


 


Tuesday 7 January 2014

Diamond Princess - December 2013 - Post 2


My cabin

A sunny day at last! Akaroa, New Zealand



Tendering ashore







Returning to the ship

Diamond Princess - December 2013 - Post 1

This year I spent Christmas and New Year aboard Diamond Princess on a cruise from Sydney to Auckland and back to Sydney. The ship was spacious and in very good condition and as I always find aboard Princess ships, the food and service I received were excellent.

Sailing from Sydney, 9pm on 11th December 2013
 

Arriving at Melbourne 13/12
Backing up to Outer West Station Pier
 
Sailing from Melbourne
At Hobart
  

In Milford Sound, New Zealand
 






Transiting Doubtful Sound