Diamond Princess - September 2024 - Post 1

In early September I joined my favourite Princess ship, Diamond Princess, in Yokohama for her 24 day  repositioning voyage to Melbourne. The ship was in very good condition and the service I received on board was excellent throughout, as usual. It was a most enjoyable voyage. 

My very comfortable cabin.

Shimizu

Osaka

From the massive dockside ferris wheel.

Wall plaques for sale in the shopping centre.

I wouldn't have minded buying one of these Samurai swords for a souvenir but the ship's security personnel and Australian Border Force would have been difficult.

Keelung

Hong Kong

Early evening sailing from the cruise terminal. built on the site of the old Kai Tak airport.

Diamond Princess - September 2024 - Post 2

Manila

Like most large Asian cities, the traffic congestion is challenging.

I had lunch at the Manila Hotel.

Evening sailing.

A tropical evening at sea.

Diamond Princess - September 2024 - Post 3

With Rui, the excellent Maitre d' who looked after me splendidly.

Two of the Head Waiters at a flambe station.

Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Breakfast as we sail out of Milne Bay.

Tim Left, Akmal, Tim Right at Akmal's Oasis Bar.

Looking upriver from the Brisbane Cruise Terminal.

Relaxing in my cosy cabin as we sail from a very cold and wet Sydney.

With Stephanie, a friend from previous cruises.

With Filipina, another friend from previous cruises.

At the Casino Bar with Cherry, also a friend from previous cruises and Akmal.

Approaching Wilson's Promontory at sunset, the evening before our Melbourne arrival.

Royal Princess - February, March 2024 - Post 1

 In February and March 2025 I took two cruises abord Royal Princess from Sydney, the first to New Zealand and the second to Fiji.

Celebrity Edge sailing the afternoon before the first Royal Princess cruise.

Royal Princess berthing after the previous cruise.

My very comfortable cabin.

Milford Sound.

Vasco da Gama, ex-Pacific Eden, ex-Statendam berthing at Port Chalmers.

My private dining table for all meals.

With head waiter Domenico.

Dear friends and regular cruise companions, Jules and Phil.

Sunset from my cabin balcony.

Berthed at Mount Manganui.

Late afternoon sailing.

Early morning in Auckland with Viking Orion at Princes Pier.

Viking Orion sailing.