Grand Princess - January 2023 - Post 1

Between January and March I enjoyed four cruises, over eight weeks, aboard Grand Princess from Melbourne to New Zealand and the South Pacific. Although now Princess' oldest ship, I really enjoyed her. She is very comfortable and well laid out. I much prefer her and the later iterations of her class to the newer Royal class ships. The service and food I received were excellent throughout.

A lovely, hot day to embark in Melbourne.

Viking Mars at Outer East.

Some of the ship's orchestra playing jazz in the Atrium. All fabulous musicians.

From my regular stool at Crooners Bar.

Early morning arrival at Milford Sound.

Second call at Milford Sound.

At Port Chalmers.

A lovely lunch with Elaine and Tim at the Carey Bay Hotel, Port Chalmers.

Other shipping at Port Chalmers.

Sailing from Port Chalmers.

Beautiful Lyttelton.

Berthing at Wellington with Majestic Princess arriving in the background.

Evening off the beautiful NZ coast, north of Wellington.

Grand Princess - January 2023 - Post 2

Dear friends Elaine and Tim at 'Tim's office'.

Late afternoon on the promenade deck.

Dinner with Donna Campbell, a friend of mine over many years.

Pacific Explorer (ex-Dawn Princess) arriving at Melbourne during our second call.

Arriving at Suva during the South Pacific cruise.

A relaxing afternoon at sea on my cabin balcony.

Arriving at Napier (first call).

Arriving at Napier (second call).

The Napier pilot disembarking.

A nightcap on my balcony.

Viking Neptune sailing from Mount Manganui.

About to sail from Mount Manganui.

At Auckland.

An air ambulance disembarking an ill passenger off Lakes Entrance.

Grand Princess - January 2023 - Post 3

My cabin for the 2nd and 3rd cruises.

Some of the wonderful staff 

At the Captain’s Circle presentation with the lovely CC Hostess Grace and the fabulous Captain Christopher Lye - the ship’s Master who has a wonderfully dry British sense of humour.  I was the passenger on this cruise with the most number of days aboard Princess ships - 1079 days. Photo by Tim Hegarty

At the Most Travelled lunch with Captain Lye and Tim Hegarty.

Maitre d'  Giuseppe Franchina is an old friend of mine from many cruises over many years.

Lovely bartender Grace.

Barmen Ketut and Francisco

Rosie and Mowin.

Some of the delicious dishes prepared especially for me by the Executive Chef.