Sunday, 28 February 2016

Dawn Princess - February 2016 - Post 2

Some shots from around the ship.

The first morning at sea. On most ships the Internet Manager's desk would have a queue a mile long as passengers seek help to setup their onboard internet accounts (not that it's complicated), In fact, when aboard Carnival Legend last year, I saw that ship had dispensed with a passenger Internet Manager altogether, leaving the bewildered to queue up at the Front Desk. Here however, the Customer Services Director (bottom right) had tables setup in the Atrium for the morning with himself and ten or so of his staff on hand to help passengers get themselves sorted out. Great Princess service, as always!

My very comfortable cabin. Although it's in one of the lower grades, I was very happy with it and its convenient and quiet location.
The Atrium and lobby bar area.

Two of the great bar staff. Melica from Serbia (top) and Lala from the Philippines (bottom).

A few of the lads pitching in to help the barman stock the fridge - don't want him away from the bar for longer than necessary!

Some shots from the bridge.


Passing Carnival Legend, en route to Noumea.

The standby helmsman and lookout.



The ship's bell - some Captains, mostly the older British ones, have it used to ring eight bells over the p.a. before the noon announcement.



The Captain, a very affable Welshman, and me.

Saturday, 26 December 2015

Dawn Princess - December 2015 - Post 1



I joined Dawn Princess in Sydney on December 7th for a 14 night cruise to Fiji and back. As always, the food and service I received were excellent throughout. The weather was good during the cruise - calm, sunny and hot and the ambiance on board was relaxed and peaceful. Unfortunately, though clean and well maintained, the ship is showing her age with the common bane of older passenger ships, leaking plumbing.



Sailing from Circular Quay, P&O Australia's latest addition, Pacfic Eden (ex-Statendam) outbound from the White Bay terminal, followed us out.

The RAN's two new helicopter carriers at Garden Island naval base.

Sydney harbour from one of my favourite spots.

 Port Denarau


A very enjoyable goat curry at an Indian restaurant ashore.
 Suva


All the conventional ships at anchor off Suva reminded me of my early days at sea with Blue Star Line.


The Captain (left) and Staff Captain.

A long held tradition in Suva - the police band welcomes and farewells visiting cruise ships.

Downtown Suva.
A few of the crew heading ashore.
Departure Suva - and the Chinese have arrived.
 

Dawn Princess - December 2015 - Post 2


 Savu Savu
Tendering ashore.







 Noumea

Osvaldo, the Hotel General Manager (front) and Steve, the Customer Services Manager.
Sommei from Thailand, one of the great bar staff.
Elaine and Tim, friends from an earlier cruise.
The usual, private, bridge visit.




Another lovely, hot day at sea, relaxing by the pool bar.
Me with the Captain.

Back in White Bay, Sydney and the end of another great cruise.