Silver Nova - September 2025 - Post 1

I rejoined my favourite ship Silver Nova in Singapore on September 25th for a 19 day voyage to Melbourne. As previously, the service, food and comfort aboard were excellent. 

A Silversea publicity photo.

Bunkering LNG in Singapore.

Fabulous staff throughout. Friendly, obliging and efficient.

Most days I had lunch at the ship's buffet, starting with fresh tuna, scallops and smoked salmon - delicious.

At my 'deck office', by the Pool Bar.

Dinner in Silver Note - the ship's supper club.

Early evening in one of the beautiful lounges

Silver Nova - September 2025 - Post 2

A deck party in the tropics.

Strong winds while anchored off Mooloolooba.

Early morning arrival at Sydney.

Lunch at White Bay.

With one of the Maitre d's.

Dinner al fresco at the ship's excellent Italian restaurant.

Preparing for a compass adjustment after departure, with the Staff Captain.

On the bridge for departure Sydney.

Swinging off the berth at White Bay.

Passing Circular Quay, outbound.

The pilot launch approaching outside Sydney Heads.

Crown Princess - March to April 2025

 On 23rd. March I joined Crown Princess in Melbourne for a 24 day 'round Australia' cruise, disembarking in Sydney on 16th. April. It was a very comfortable cruise with great service and good food. 

    

Crown Princess in Cairns on 11th. April. (photo from Barry Cowdell)

Embarkation in Melbourne.

My very comfortable cabin.

Pacific Encounter (ex- Star Princess) being converted to Carnival Encounter

With barman Braulio.

Evening sailing.

On the compass platform with the Italian junior officers. During the voyage, Captain Christopher Lye asked me to perform a magnetic compass adjustment, which I was very pleased to do.

Captain Lye presented me with this ship's crest. With the Staff Captain (L) and Captain Lye (R).

Cruising in the Kimberley.

Bridge visit.

Sunset from my cabin balcony.

My favourite lounge on board.

Silver Nova - December 2024 - Post 1

In December I rejoined my latest favourite ship, Silver Nova, in Auckland for a sixteen-day cruise around the South Pacific islands, ending in Sydney. As expected, the ship was very comfortable with the same fabulous service and great food I enjoyed aboard her in October. The age demographic of the passengers on this cruise was a bit younger than I expected and all were congenial. 

(not my photo)

My very comfortable cabin.

The first evening in Auckland.

Relaxing back on board after visiting friends in Tauranga.

Enjoying a quiet glass of wine as we sailed from Mt. Manganui.

In the Observation Lounge.

A lovely dinner in the balmy tropical sea breezes.

This was an extended family group from Mexico City. All very polite (even the teenagers!) and friendly.

One of the very affable and obliging Restaurant Managers.

A delicious burger with some very enjoyable red wine for lunch.

There are lots of quiet places to relax on board - this at Norfolk Island.