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.

Silver Nova - December 2024 - Post 2

The fabulous pool bar stewards regularly came around offering to polish reading and sun glasses for those who wanted. That's what you call great service!

 

This delicious wine was a favourite tipple of mine on this cruise.

Two of the wonderful barmen.

Dinner and a movie in, setup by my butler.

Anchored at Lifou, New Caledonia.

 

Two of my onboard friends had this lovely suite - they brought the Christmas tree with them!

Our mostly 'joyful' trivia team celebrating at the end of the cruise with French champagne and caviar. 

Being a smart arse, I sometimes went in the 'Guess the distance sailed from the last port' competition. It wasn't hard to figure out!

The end of the cruise at White Bay, Sydney. Westerdam also alongside.

The senior hotel officers farewelling the disembarking guests at the end of the cruise. A very nice touch.