Majestic Princess - March April 2019 - Post 1

On 13th. March I rejoined Majestic Princess in Sydney for a 13 day New Zealand cruise followed by a 19 day repositioning voyage to Hong Kong. As always, the staff on board, a number of whom I'd sailed with previously, were welcoming, friendly and obliging and looked me after royally with excellent service and great food. Dear cruising friends of mine, Jules and Phil Garvin, were on board for the NZ cruise and other friends of mine, Pat and Rayden Crawley were aboard for the HK voyage. On that voyage we also had the pleasure of making friends with Jill and Mike, a couple from the US. A fabulous time throughout!

Sydney - 13th. March

Night time sailaway photos taken by Phil Garvin

 Fjordland, New Zealand - 16th. March

Early morning on deck.

Entering Milford Sound.

The ultra-luxury German cruise ship Europa 2 approaching the entrance to Milford Sound.

In Thompson Sound.

Passing the Noordam.

With Jules and Phil. A waiter took this photo while another was getting us refills.

Lovely Melody from the Philippines. I've sailed with her on several cruises on different ships.

Another great bar waiter, Gustavo from Mexico, He was aboard when I did the voyage from Shanghai to Sydney last August.

Majestic Princess - March April 2019 - Post 2

Port Chalmers - 17th. March

The pretty port town of Port Chalmers which serves nearby Dunedin and much of the South Island.

Alongside with Seabourn Encore.

Two of the beautiful models of old Union NZ Line ships in the passenger hall.

Seabourn Encore sailing.

I had a special order of Goanese lamb curry for dinner that night - delicious!

Akaroa - 18th. March

Heading back to the ship in one of the tenders.

Wellington - 19th. March

The original passenger liner pier in the foreground, now apartments.

Wellington has an excellent Maritime Museum, on the waterfront.

Thrusting off the wharf in late afternoon light.

Passing the harbour entrance.

Napier - 20th. March

A Chateauneuf du Pape sailaway with Jules and Phil.

Majestic Princess - March April 2019 - Post 3

Mount Manganui (Tauranga) - 21st. March

The beautiful seaside town of Mount Manganui.

Crystal Symphony berthed astern of us.

Majestic Princess, Crystal Symphony and Ponant's Le Lapérouse alongside. (Phil Garvin's photo)

Tauranga is a very busy cargo port.

I recall doing a compass adjustment aboard this ship, years ago.

 A Veuve Cliquot sailaway with Jules and Phil, on their balcony.

Two of the ship's Filipino coxswains.

 Auckland - 22nd, March

Crystal Symphony alongside Queen's Wharf.

The historic Auckland tug William C Daldy.

Ashore with Jules, Phil and other great cruising friends, locals Sheree and Arnold. (L-R) Sheree, me, Jules, Arnold.

At Sheree and Arnold's beautiful Takapuna home.

Back on board with F&B Director Karen. Yes, we had a great day.

 Bay of Islands - 24th. March

 

At the Most Travelled lunch with Jules and Phil.