Day 13 - Art Deco Napier - briefly

This always was a planned short day and another sunny one.  We ambled up to the Horizon Court buffet for a (very) light bite of granola/yoghurt, and juice and sat with Wolfgang and Danielle. Wolfgang corrupted me by eating a quarter waffle so I did the same – with maple syrup and cream.  Why not?
I haven’t really felt like an early cooked breakfast and the lack of decent bacon hasn’t helped.
Out on the quay was a lovely old Austin with the dapper driver welcoming people to Napier. As the Art Deco capital of NZ, the locals make sure that visitors know about it and none more so than the local car club.  Their big event is always in February when there is a whole week of celebrations.

The free shuttle to town, to the i-Centre was easy enough and we landed about 9:55am – before the chemist/pharmacy was open. There was a queue…
Paula needed throat sweets and bought  ‘Colloidial Silver’, but  also needed a Panadol, which also meant water, so we dived into an amusement arcade for the water. A total rip off at $4.00 for a small bottle - and we grizzle at the price of petrol?
Into the chemists for throat lozenges and Paula had already faded, so we headed back to the shuttle bus.

Now most people on wheelie walkers are considerate, letting faster people past, but there is a percentage who are grossly inconsiderate.
We didn’t really mind standing in the hot sun whilst the fatty in front parked the wheelie walker, then took three minutes to ascend the steps to the front seat of the coach – and not wearing the mask properly.  What rankled was back at the dock, instead of waiting whilst the 35 people behind stepped off, she insisted on being first up and then struggled for another three minutes holding everyone else up.  Maybe I’m getting less tolerant in my old age?
However, back at the port gates, the port security came on the coach and physically checked everyone’s government photo ID and the tiny writing on the medallion, to make sure they matched.
Apparently, the rumour was that there was a ‘secret shopper’ trying to ‘bust’ the security. As soon as you are back on board though, you present your ‘medallion’ which comes up with your photograph, so I’m not sure how far an ‘intruder’ would actually get.
Paula was effectively shattered so lay down.  I wasn’t feeling too bad so raided the buffet for protein.
On the other dock was the Grand Princess.
After Paula’s nod, we went down to a production show in the rear lounge – Universe,  for ‘Down on The Bayou’, featuring the ships musicians, singers and dancers. A good set but it was to recorded music, so the ‘band’ were miming. Although I couldn’t see them properly, I believe one was holding a banjo, an instrument that rarely gets played on board.  It was also an incorrect five string ‘G’ banjo, normally used for Bluegrass/Folk, not a tenor!
Paula made an early exit but I enjoyed the show.

Later I went up to the buffet – curry night. I couldn’t really do it justice - and Paula totally missed out…
We had a surplus of on board credit, so Paula bought a pendant.
We had a hot chocolate which was a bit too strong, but whatever they use these days, isn’t the sickly sweet stuff of the past, then back to the cabin.
December 27^th 1989 my dad passed away, so I always remember it with some sadness. Maybe this year won’t be a Christmas to remember with any great fondness...

Day 12 - Boxing Day in Wellington - a highlight

The day we’d been eagerly looking forward to.  Not just my freedom, but getting picked up by #1 grandson, who we missed at the pre-Christmas family catch up.

I must have been excited as I misread the clock and we were up and organised by 7:30am. Another sunny day. The ship was berthed on the port side just opposite ‘the Cake Tin’, the Wellington stadium.  As a working port, we knew we couldn’t just walk off.  Paula still wasn’t very well but put on a brave front as this was a highlight day.

As a working port, we weren’t allowed to just walk off, so we caught the complimentary shuttle and hopped out at the port gate, ready for a planned pick up at about 10am.

That was easy enough, then a ride out to Churton, where he is building houses on contract.  He drove us around and pointed out each house he’d built.  I’m staggered at how he can build a house on his own and do it so quickly.

On then to his own house – his second, on a very steep section. Very impressive and great to catch up with his partner and the dog – Leo.  We’d bought Leo a squeaky hippo toy – well, not exactly squeaky.  Too deep for that. He loved it!
Brunch was excellent and included a few strips of Silver Fern farmed venison, courtesy of his partner’s dad.  So tender.

It was hot in the sun so we stayed indoors until it was time to return to the ship.

At the port entrance, we showed our photo ID and the young security officer just led us around the corner and pointed us towards the ship.  Easy.

Paula was tired so to the cabin for the rest of the day.  I grabbed some chicken and bok choy from the buffet and Paula just wanted a bread roll.

Bed was early and another film.

At least we managed to achieve what we wanted.  A family catch up.  From now on, we really don’t mind, but Paula is  certainly far worse having tested negative, than I was having tested positive.

Napier tomorrow and nothing planned.             

Day 11 - Christmas Day - in Lyttleton NZ almost

And so we wake to a rather different Christmas to the one that was planned or envisaged.  Even the weather was better than the early forecast.
The captain announced our arrival in sunny Lyttleton before we were properly awake. So here we are, ten days after leaving NZ, back again – but stuck on board.  
An exciting breakfast of yoghurt and fruit juice – nothing like our old Nottingham tradition of a slice of Pork Farms pork pie!  I have no idea where that tradition came from, but I still remember it with fondness.

I rang for a couple of RAT test kits, as I had to test today and we only had one test kit left.
A knock on the cabin door a few minutes later and not RAT tests, but a bottle of bubbles and a plate of mince pies!  A nice gesture from the staff.

I took the last RAT test anyway and it appeared to be negative, but then we had another package delivered and a note to say I had to take the RAT test at 5pm and someone from the medical dept would collect the test and result just after 5:15. 
Although Paula wasn’t the best, she was better than yesterday and fetched me a decent coffee with an extra shot.

Then a bit of upsetting family news, which knocked things back again.
The front desk told us that they’d recorded last night’s carol service, so I snapped a pic from the TV.

The 5pm RAT test was indeed negative so I was cleared for a midnight escape, though I didn’t take advantage.

Our turkey Christmas dinner was fine with piles of turkey.  Too much in fact.

Paula nipped out for a short while but came back feeling a bit emotional, a combination of the news from home, everyone else dressed up etc.
Early to bed again and we watched an ancient Tom Hanks movie.
So that was it for Christmas Day. One with ups and downs, but maybe one we’d probably not choose to place in our top ten.
Our real highlight, assuming Paula can manage it, is tomorrow in Wellington. Just our second day ashore.         

Day 10 - Christmas Eve - on the move

Not the exactly the best of Christmas Eve’s and Paula well and truly off colour, so she spent most of the day in bed.  For me, yet another day in quarantine.  Not exactly what we’d planned for Christmas.  But there again, we aren’t suffering the freezing cold and snow, nor being bombed or persecuted because of our gender or beliefs or location.

Paula still tested negative, though, she is convinced she must have Covid.
As Paula couldn’t fetch me a coffee, I ordered on screen. Pity I forgot to ask for an extra shot or they didn’t read the order properly, as the coffee was like dishwater. Yeuk. Paula’s tea arrived without the cold milk that was ordered, so we swapped. I had black tea and Paula had the weedy coffee.
Christmas Eve dinner was a nice soup and filet mignon with lobster. Although the steak was more than a little over done, it was still tender. Not a huge plateful but very nice anyway.  I’d also ordered a couple of bottles of Somersby cider, but only drank half a bottle.

The big disappointment was having to miss Steve Larkin’s second show, as apparently it was excellent.

About 9pm, we watched the Jack Black film – ‘Gulliver’s Travels’.  We thoroughly enjoyed it too.

Christmas Day tomorrow won’t exactly be in any way normal, but if I test negative, I’m effectively released at midnight.
This is written a couple of days after Christmas, so I have some catching up to do.      

Day 9 - And yet more of the same - December 23rd

I’d ordered the breakfast muffin.  Not a good choice. That is the English style, not the cake.
More of the same? Another medevac whilst the divers laboured on. Once again, we hope the airlifted passenger is OK.
Paula was off colour again but still tested negative.
I ordered two bottled of Schweppes bitter lemon, but what arrived with lunch, were two cans of Lift.  Now Lift has often been my choice of soft drink when Coca Cola wasn’t available, but it didn’t taste ‘normal’.  I suspected they’d used aspartame as  a sweetener and I hate that stuff. No mention of ‘Aspartame’ on the can - but sweeteners 950 & 955. A google search soon showed that there was Aspartame in it. Yeuk. I won’t be buying that again.

Paula managed to grab me a coffee but I don’t think one coffee a day is enough.

The divers finished spot on time at the predicted 5pm, but it was a further 2 hours before we had Bio Security clearance and headed away for another day at sea, en-route for Lyttleton in the south island.

Dinner from the normal menu was a lamb shank but another 30 minutes cooking might have been warranted.
With zero exercise (and yes, of course I could bounce around in the cabin, but no thanks), I’m not eating too much. Paula  even less.
A bit of time on the internet and doing codewords. Some would say that this is what a relaxing holiday should be like. H’mm. No thanks.   
Once again, ready for bed too early.
The last real sea day tomorrow – hopefully, but still two days of quarantine to go.         

Day 8 - More of the same - December 22nd

The idea of writing a blog isn’t just a personal diary, as I keep one of those anyway, but having learned from other blogs about ships, places and people, the idea is that a blog can be informative for those intending to travel, and there may be an occasional tip they may find useful.

It is also a means of keeping in touch with family and friends without sending daily postcards (remember them?).

About the only thing this blog will be good for is as an insomnia cure.  I obviously can’t now post much about the various sections of the ship, the activities or the entertainment, for which I can only apologise.

Breakfast was delivered between 8:30 and 9:00am, the only meal where you can choose a time.

Paula, although not feeling 100%, tested negative so is still free to wander, fetched me a coffee and a toasted Ciabatta with ham and cheese and I had my sugar supply for the coffee.

I rang the front desk to find out how the free internet could be accessed and they gave me a voucher code. I expected the free internet for four days but it is for seven – for up to 4 devices. So Paula’s laptop and phone are now OK.

Paula’s WhatsApp group had 77 messages and one, from a dear Swiss friend, had no less than 33Mb of pictures… Sorry Mr R, we had to delete - far better to post the pics on Farcebook.  The same goes for umpteen videos. Not everyone has unlimited data or a fast internet speed.

My laptop is set up to send emails, but incoming emails stay on the server, so I can access them without downloading. Once home, they are then downloaded to the PC.  However, as has happened many times before on board, I can’t access them. Something about ‘my IP address has changed’. I’ll just have to leave them until later. Hopefully, if I’m free Boxing Day, I can sort them whilst ashore.

Murray’s prediction proved to be correct as the Captain made the announcement that we were heading straight to off shore Tauranga, where we’d be met by a team of divers at 5pm and they’d work for 24 hours cleaning the hull of sea snails, Russian mini subs, drug attachments, illegal immigrants and any other nasties, to the satisfaction of NZ Bio Security.

And another Captain’s announcement at 1pm.  A medical evacuation at 2pm.  For those out on the decks, they had to scuttle indoors whilst those of us on the port side, had to keep off the cabin balconies. I snapped the helicopter’s arrival from just inside the cabin, before closing the door. Interesting that in the past, the helicopter has hovered over the rear of the ship, and all occupants of cabins in the aft section (that is a nautical term for the rear…) had to vacate their cabins, even if in the middle of the night.

This time the helicopter hovered mid ship or forward, (at a rough guess) so either the protocol has changed or this ship layout is more conducive to a medivac.

All went well and whoever was airlifted off made it to Auckland hospital.  We wish them well.

The dive crew arrived spot on time at 5pm and therefore, nothing happened to report, as we sit patiently for 24 hours, before resuming the journey – a wet Christmas day in Lyttleton.

The evening was a quiet one after watching the end of the Bond film. The varying sound quality played havoc with my hearing and a low drawl from the baddie was totally unintelligible most of the time. I couldn’t help getting his brilliant portrayal of Freddie Mercury out of my mind.

We usually go to bed at 11:30pm at home, so being all showered and tucked up at 9pm is a new experience.

A static day at sea tomorrow and although I’m feeling OK, I haven’t yet taken another RAT test, so no idea whether I’m testing negative or positive.            

Day 7 - It had to happen sooner or later

A better sleep but our cabin steward was early delivering us a pack of RAT tests. Bearing in mind I had been just a little off colour, it was with some trepidation that I took the test. Sure enough, I tested positive.  Paula tested negative. The ship’s system is quite clear. If you test positive you have to ring Customer Services and they then confirm you are in quarantine.

Within an hour or two, the little table is outside your cabin door and the steward delivered a large clear bag for used towels and or bed linen, a red bag for rubbish, a spray bottle of disinfectant and cloths.
Then under the door, the lunch menu (which is the same as the dining room menu) and a dinner menu.
The Medical Centre rang to see how I was and asked a few basic questions and also asked if I wanted the Covid drug, which I declined. (Covid related medical issues aren’t charged.) I said that I’d been a little off colour for two or three days and they confirmed I’d be confined to the cabin and if I tested negative Christmas Day, I was clear to resume normal life Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Paula, as a close contact was free to circulate, collect food/coffee from any of the outlets, but has to return to the cabin to consume the food and should test daily.

More paperwork arrived explaining a few other bits and pieces.  One of which was that we’d get a future cruise credit for the days in quarantine (which is generous, as no way are Princess to blame) plus free internet for four days, so that future  arrangements can be made, relatives informed etc.

Paula managed to wander and grab me a decent coffee and a tasty cheese and ham toasted ciabatta. She had a chat to Murray who estimated that due to our current course, we’d be going past the north of the north island and not around the bottom of the south island at all.
In the past on the last two European cruises, we’d managed to be in the top 40 ‘most travelled passengers’ which meant a special lunch or similar.  No chance on this cruise.  Wolfgang and Danielle on 800+ cruise days are 27^th!  

The rest of the day was merely existing, but unlike my 14 day quarantine (MIQ) I at least had Paula for company and a balcony for fresh air, even if there are no walkies.

The evening meal delivered was my favourite lobster bisque, and beef medallion plus veg. Delicious. As it was formal night, my Mickey Mouse waistcoat and bow tie remained on the hanger.

We then opted to watch the most recent James Bond movie, which we’d missed as we were in lockdown and Paula didn’t have a vaccine passport. I had a little weep as The Aston Martin DB5 was peppered with gunshot…

It’s a long movie so we were able to leave it with 50 minutes to go.
Now Paula was feeling a little off colour but still tested negative.

Once again, we switched to the Hawaiian music channel and crashed quite early.
Quite where I picked up Covid, it is impossible to say. It could have been from Australians on board prior to Brisbane, but given the incubation period, it could even have been in Auckland. At least my symptoms are mild and I have had far worse on board, especially late 2011, when smokers in the adjacent cabin were at it 24/7.  It took me three months to get over that.

Thank goodness Princess banned smoking in cabins, on balconies and all indoor venues from 2012. Just a couple of places for smokers that are easily avoided. The number seen smoking seems to be very few these days.     

For those anti cruisers, claiming that cruise ships are floating petri dishes, I don’t blame the ship at all, as their on-board hygiene protocols are exemplary.

We’ll miss Christmas Day, but Boxing Day we hope is OK in Wellington, as we plan to catch up with #1 grandson and his partner, who missed out on the family Christmas lunch (no) thanks to Jetstar cancelling their flight from Wellington to Auckland.

So what is next, that is unplanned we ask?

Day 6 -December 20th here we go... More sea day's.

Not a very good night. There was a bit of ship movement – other than forwards of course and something outside was rattling. Neither of us managed to sleep well.  Ironic really, having told new cruisers at our dinner table that very rarely was there enough movement to disturb us…

We switched the TV onto the ‘listening’ section and decided that Hawaiian music might be a suitable back ground. The lack of sleep was quite tiring so breakfast was nothing more than a hot drink of water, lemon and honey.  I also took a Coldral tablet, my go to medication when a bit snuffly.  I felt much better after that, but eating nothing early morning is no bad thing as my normal at home is cider vinegar and honey until brunch.

A new staff member took the morning trivia – Holly from Canada. We still didn’t win.

Then the dreaded captain’s announcement: “NZ Bio Security have demanded we scrub the bottom of the ship, so we will not now be going into Fjordland.  A team of divers will do the work, which will take 24 hours, and we won’t now be going to Port Chalmers (Dunedin) either.

As compensation, each passenger will get an on board credit of $100 and also a 15% future cruise credit, based on what they paid for this cruise.”

No doubt those Dunedin residents who moaned about the arrival of a cruise ship a couple of weeks ago will be ecstatic, but the tour providers and Dunedin central shops won’t be too happy at missing out on what was going to be a Christmas shop for many, including us.

A soup for lunch then I opted to pay for 24 hours internet access and uploaded the blog and sent out some emails. However, as has happened before when at sea, I couldn’t access my email host website, so have no idea what is in the ‘Inbox’. Not a very good bargain at $13.50 which is half price, due to our loyalty status.  Previously, it was free.
An afternoon trying to catch up with sleep.

At our dinner table, the guy opposite not only had the same Christian name, but also the same surname! Another had two MG’s, so that worked well.

On then to the theatre and one of the performers we have seen before – Kiwi Steve Larkin and his ‘Mercury Rising’ show, a  tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen.  A great show.  As always, the orchestra’s lead guitarist did a  stunning job on the Brian May guitar solos. I’ve given him a 10/10.

We then had a note to say that tomorrow morning, we all have to do a RAT test and if positive, confined to the cabin.  Bearing in mind the slight snuffle and an occasion cough, will we test positive?

How can you tell where the Covid cases are on board?  Simple. There is a small table outside their cabin door on which the meals and empty trays are placed.  Prior to Brisbane, there were two on the port side of our deck.          

Day 5 - December 19th - Brisbane

The ship arrived about 6am and was moored on the starboard side.  Our first port of call. In the past, we have boarded in Sydney and enjoyed Melbourne and Hobart en-route to NZ but by boarding in Auckland, three days at sea before Brisbane and four back to Port Chalmers, with scenic cruising in Fjordland for a day.
This was the first time we’d been to the new Brisbane cruise terminal and few seem to have a good word for it.

Modern it may be, but just a shed miles from anywhere.  We rang our friends who said they’d be arriving between 9:30 and 10:00 but the impression was that they wanted everyone off the ship by then for the zero count. We tagged on to those departing and had to queue to hand in our arrival cards which no doubt will just go into a waste bin somewhere.

There is a Coca cola machine and snack dispenser inside, then there was a coffee cart outside, but there appeared to be very little outdoor seating as people were perched on concrete walls awaiting their transport.  A good job it was bright and sunny.

As it isn’t a port where there are cruise ships in nearly every day, I doubt there’ll will be any demand for businesses setting up in the vicinity of the port either. However, for transit passengers there was a complimentary coach laid on to the DFO shopping outlet which is fairly close to the airport. That is where we were heading.

Although Brett hates shopping, he put up with us again and I bought two Rodd & Gunn polo shirts for $110 (3 for $99 last time) and filled my $33 box at the Lindt shop - ($28 last time). Overall, we found prices more expensive than previously.

A ginger beer and a toasted ham and cheese sandwich at Coffee Club – they were advertising a turkey sandwich, but had run out of turkey.

Across then to Dan Murphy’s and I just grabbed a 2 litre cask of tawny port for about $12. (A mall glass on the ship is about $8.75 I think).  We hadn’t intended opening the cask, which was perhaps as well as it was confiscated back at the terminal anyway. In the past we have managed to get a bottle of port on board but the ship’ screw member wasn’t having a bar of it.  As far as I can gather, you can’t take spirits or beer on board, but there is nothing in writing that I have seen that bans fortified wine or cider.

Obviously those embarking at Brisbane had been delayed as we were stuck behind them at X-Ray, so returning to the ship wasn’t really very quick.

We had an early dinner with a good table of eight. I felt a little off colour, but nothing more than that, so we watched a film on the cabin TV.

Tomorrow, I’ll bite the bullet and pay for a day’s internet.             

Day 4 - Another Sea Day

Pics are from yesterday.

I think drinking too much cold water at dinner may not be too sensible, as I’m making several visits during the night. Although we were awake earlier, it was an 8:45 trip to the buffet.  This is the last day for those who boarded in Brisbane.  I’m not really a cereals sort of person, but toasted granola on top of a fruit yoghurt presented in a small glass with a few rather sour tinned apricots isn’t a bad start, washed down with a small glass of pineapple juice.

A couple of brioche rolls, a slice of ham and a sausage was my way of cutting down on breakfast.

Morning quiz with Julie and Neville – of course we didn’t win.  The presenter was Jase and I think we were on board a few years ago, for his first spell as an assistant Cruise Director.

Usually, we’ve had table companions who are really good but we had a coffee in the International Café on deck 6 and were subjected to a monologue of this old bats cruise history, and how she was cheated out of being #1 on a previous cruise, not that it mattered (but it obviously did). She went on and on and on.  As soon as Murray and Vivian’s table companions left, we switched tables.

Back to the cabin after grabbing a bit of lunch, to try and catch up with the blog, but I obviously couldn’t upload it as even the 50% discounted Elite fee at $13.50AUD was a rip off so I decided to not bother.
We then arranged to catch up with a couple of friends of Paula’s UK friend and moved on to dinner. But they ate very slowly so we  missed whatever was in the theatre.

Now the frustrating part of cruising. Although 1700 people are getting off tomorrow the remaining 200 HAVE to get off too, as the Australian Border Force need a zero count before anyone is allowed back on board.  We are getting off anyway, being picked up by our Kiwi friends who have been working locally for the last three years. Back on board time has been shifted from 4pm to 5pm.

One or two covid cases on board, and we know where they. are as there is a small table just outside the cabin where the food deliveries can be placed.         

Day 2 - At sea - at last

A decent night’s sleep in a comfortable bed and the clocks an hour back, so a relaxing start. We headed out from Deck 9 to the Horizon Court buffet on deck 14, fully expecting to find seating an issue, but there was plenty of seating.

I was intrigued to see what changes had been made to buffet style eating, given that it is both highly popular with regular users and also highly criticised by those deeming it somewhere between ‘pigs at a trough’, to ‘a petri dish of nasties’.
We have always frequented the buffet for breakfasts, and nearly all lunches, an occasional dinner and also an occasional snack.
The main hot food was still ‘serve yourself’ and the cold food often ready portioned. I won’t list all the hot options just yet, but once again no ‘Canadian/English’ style bacon, just American, which means streaky, wafer thin and over cooked.
We were joined by Neville & Julie from Cruise Critic and caught up with them at morning trivia.

Needless to say we spotted a well-known group of regular ‘winners’ from past cruises.  The session was run by Tamas, from Hungary and much to our surprise, we guessed the answer to the Hungarian question correctly.

Later, a wander up for lunch and sampled several dishes, including Adobe pork, roast chicken, filo fish, veges, a spring roll and then a ‘green’ soup.  Missing these days is the free lemonade on tap.

We checked our stateroom account on the TV and sure enough, we’d been charged for the two coffee cards which should have been free, so off down to customer services and they printed out our account. Forewarned by Sandie and Dave, we also found a beverage charge from the dining room, which certainly wasn’t ours.  The young lady on the desk soon corrected that, so our folio was back to zero.

We then went up to the central area on deck 14, the covered pool and relaxed and read.  It was very peaceful as the pool was still empty.

Afternoon trivia, we were on our own and it was all sports. The last 5 questions were all on cricket umpiring.  Overall, I think we got 11/22 which was pretty good. Needless to say, the smarty pants got 20 or 21

On our return to the cabin, there was a bunch of flowers and a personal note from Angus, which was a very nice touch and most unexpected.

Just before dinner, we just happened to catch Angus in the Atrium and were able to thank him for the flowers.  Quite a chat and we managed to confirm that not only does he still like fruit cake, but prefers it with the marzipan and royal icing. 

A call into the shop and we spied Whittaker’s chocolate (not that we needed any) and noted the price. At $11AUD a block, more than double what we’d pay in a NZ supermarket. So to our Aussie cruiser friends, buy your Whittakers ashore.

About 1900 passengers on board and the least crowded of any ship we have been on, partly, because they have added the International café onto deck 6, yet there is still a bar serving drinks and coffees on deck 5.  In fact, deck six is now a main deck with more venues and extra eating, meeting and seating options and the casino is about a quarter of the size of the previous Sun class ships.  There are more coffee outlets than on even the larger ships too, which is a very good move.  Free soft serve ice cream is back and the paid for NZ ice cream gone. The covered pool in the centre of deck 14 is also a great addition from the earlier ships of this size.

At dinner, we just bowled up to the Bordeaux dining room again on deck 5 about 7pm, but we hadn’t pre-booked. No queue and no problem and put on a table of six – with Julie and Neville from ou Quiz team and Christchurch! (They know Col & Jude so hi from them…) The other couple were Geordies – from Auckland, so a Kiwi table. Another good night. Paula had the turkey which was beautiful and moist and I had two starters then the ‘surf and turf’. Not a thick filet but extremely tender and most enjoyable.

The theatre show was a husband and wife duo who were finalists on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ albeit a while ago. Billed as Cameo Rascale, they had a mix of him throwing her around, juggling and balancing acts – not easy on a ship that was moving around a little. A very well-crafted show with some good effects. I gave them a 9/10.

On the way out of the theatre we spied Wolfgang and Danielle, so we decamped to the Wheelhouse bar for a catch up, where the singer/guitarist was far too loud for the half dozen people who were in there at that time of night. Fortunately, it was almost at the end of her set, so it wasn’t long before the room was quiet. We were the last to leave at 11:45pm – but the clocks back another hour, so really, it was only 10:45, but still past Wolfgang’s bed time.

Our first full day at sea since February 2020. So nice to be back.  We are relaxing and enjoying this ship – a lot.

Day 1 - Auckland December 15th 2022

Having a cruise from Auckland means not having to get up at silly-o’clock for a shuttle, nor a drive to the airport battling traffic, parking the car in the international or long stay car park. with a walk in the rain to the terminal, hanging around for about three hours just wasting time.  In fact, a check in during the afternoon, to a cruise that for many, had started in Brisbane, meant that it was unlikely there would be a huge queue.

We had plenty of time to finalise the packing, before heading for our usual Thursday morning badminton friends brunch.

The weather wasn’t so good with a heavy mist and drizzle first thing and fortunately, someone had posted on Cruise Critic, that the ship had docked.

After an excellent chicken and mushroom pie, we headed home for a quick change then our friends Dave & Marilyn very kindly picked us up and transported us to Queen’s Wharf, arriving about 1:40pm. We dropped off our luggage and proceeded to check in.  About six staff doing the check in and no queue whatever. The check in itself was a bit slower than usual, despite the Medallion or website inputs. Passports examined; Australian visa checked (a paper copy essential as they are not connected to the Australian immigration computer system - we travel on UK passports); Paula’s exemption paperwork caused a bit of a stir hiccup, but the lady called over a staff member who was already aware of her status and just let the check in carry on; photographic evidence of our negative RAT’s yesterday, that included my watch and our driving licences. All done.
Over to the desk to be issued with our ‘Medallions’ and lanyards, then carry-on baggage X-Ray and immigration – all without any queuing at all. Straight onto the ship, the medallion zapped and our first surprise. Standing there was Customer Services Director Angus, who we first met 2011 and 2012 on the Dawn Princess. If we’d known, Paula would have baked him a fruit cake!  The good news for those doing the World Cruise in June, is that Angus will be aboard and we might have to arrange a cake delivery.
Up to D624 cabin and the door unlocks as you approach - and shows your picture.
Our two suitcases were already there!

The cabin was as expected. What we’d call a home from home and for us, the ‘right way around’, meaning Paula’s side of the bed is alongside the dressing table.  The balcony deck was larger than usual, so we were very happy with that. One Australian/NZ power point built into the dressing table – but neither of the two USB points seemed to work. They were damaged.  Another USA power outlet where the TV used to be in the corner and two USA power-points to the left of the dressing table.

A large flat screen TV opposite the foot of the bed, but I have no idea if there is a USB or HDMI socket. 
The system now is that instead of a muster station briefing, the TV shows that you are in the cabin and once you have watched the briefing video on the TV, a green tick appears besides your name.  Clever.
The next stage requires you to head to your muster station, and if you are lucky, there is a staff member there who scans your Medallion, which proves you have been there. There was no one at our station (E) so we returned later when all new arrivals who hadn’t done the above, had to assemble for the video.  Entertainment Director Kelvin Joy who we’d cruised with before, scanned us and that was that, we just strolled away.

Meanwhile we’d bumped into Murray and Vivian from Warkworth whilst wandering around. Then we ambled up to the buffet but we were just looking anyway but spied Ian and Mary, tablemates from our Pacific Circle cruise.  Love our cruising friendship circle.

Another wander around and back to the buffet as we were a bit peckish, but lunch had just finished, 3pm, so both sides of the buffet were closed and just light snacks from the Amuleto Café in the centre – the fresh waffles smelled delicious, but we settled for a small, pre-portioned  bowl of nachos and ditto, salsa and guacamole. The Princess solution to cutting down on passengers handling tongs and spoons. Sensible.

We had our free (Elite) Minibar removed and asked for the two coffee cards instead. Not sure yet whether or not they have in fact been credited.

A small Cruise Critic catch up at the Wheelhouse bar with Mayday, Alikat and Tranquility Base.

We’d booked a 7:20 dinner in one of the dining rooms (Bordeaux) and asked to be put on a shared table and joined Kevin & Elizabeth, Carl & Julie, then the last two to join us were Alison (Alikat) & Chrissie from the Cruise Critic meeting.
Italian night. Eggplant Parmesan (a much, much smaller portion than previously served as an entree), followed by Osso Bucco which had hardly any meat on it, a barely noticeable spoonful of polenta, roasted brussel sprouts. Tasty, but a small meal for me, even though I have cut down on my evening meals lately.
I thought I’d stick with the Italian theme and had Tiramisu – which was still almost frozen in the centre.
But then things livened up as Carl emerged as a bit of a comedian.  I’d go as far as to say we had more laughs out of him than many so called comedians.  Short and snappy funnies well delivered.

‘I misread the boarding instructions and in my checked luggage, I’d brought aboard two bottles of wine for me and two for my wife.  Two bottles got confiscated so I went down to the caged security, only to be faced with this fearsome woman, who should have been in a cage, and told me off saying I was very naughty. I said ”My wife needs those two bottles as she is an alcoholic.” She passed them over.’

‘I’d been going out with my wife for three months, and didn’t realise she was an alcoholic, as that was the first time I’d seen her sober…’

We shot off to the theatre (last table out of the dining room) to catch the 9:30 show. Lisa Woodbrook, from Perth, billed as a comedy vocalist. We sat on the back row, and left after three numbers. The singing was OK, but definitely more of a vocalist.

We went out onto deck 7, the promenade deck for the prompt 10pm sailaway. It was very muggy and misty but Auckland a bit brighter downtown than it used to be and the LED lights on the harbour bridge were dimmed by the mist, but an attractive addition.

We wandered then to the rear of the ship to the other entertainment area, the two floored Universe Lounge. The party band seemed to be OK and just two couples from a Brisbane dance group doing their thing on the dance floor.

Clocks back an hour tonight (and the next two, as Brisbane doesn’t have a clock change for summer).

Impressions so far - we really like this ship.

Over the coming days, probably an opportunity to cover the layout - and maybe, as usual for me, comments on the food.  We now have three sea days before Brisbane.                       

Day 3 - Another Sea and Formal Night #1

As yesterday, a relaxing start to the day after watching the Wake Show on TV presented by Cruise Director Karen Rogers. Very well prepared, but speaks just a little too quickly for me, so goodness knows how those where English is a second language cope.

Up then for a grazing type breakfast, but still no decent bacon.

We decided to grab a book each and head out on deck for a while, but our cabin steward was well into a cabin refresh so I told him about the duff USB ports.  A few hours later, the electrician arrived and fixed it. Well done guys!
Out on deck it was calm and sunny and although there was a little ship movement, hardly noticeable other than the pool developing a swell, so after the trivia, we went to a Jive class, run by the ship’s dance captain, Luke.  Pretty good and well taught.

A late lunch and relaxed in the cabin before getting dressed up for formal night #1.

Unlike all previous formal nights, there was no atrium champagne waterfall, no captain’s address or Captain’s Circle meet, so effectively, a non-event. Many seem to think that although our cruise started in Auckland, they are treating it  as a Brisbane – Brisbane cruise and we (Kiwis) are just there to make up the numbers.

At dinner, just one other couple on a table for 4.  No lobster option, so beef Wellington - which was superb.

Late production show – ‘Motor City’. They seem to have rather a large cast. Four singers, 4 male dancers and we think, six female.  Mainly Tamla Motown tunes.  Not too sure why, but the orchestra has no trumpet player.

We then headed for the hypnotist down in the Universe lounge at the rear of the ship, but not the best we have seen, so only a 7/10.

Once again, clocks back 1 hour to put us on Brisbane time.   

Technology moves on! Or does it?

Princess announced their ‘Medallion Class’ on selected ships just before the cruise industry was permanently grounded – or docked.

During this enforced lockdown, the surviving ships in the fleet were all updated to ‘Medallion Class’.

The theory is fairly straightforward and the medallion technology has been around now for quite a while.  In fact, when we visited Disneyworld in Florida December 2016, they were using the system. Put simply, you carry or wear a medallion and this acts as your door key; your on board charge card; and can be preloaded with bookings; your photo ID etc.  The theory is that you don’t need a cruise card but the Princess system has moved a step ahead of what we wore at Disneyworld.

Embracing the ‘Smartphones’ that just about every person over the age of 8, now has attached to their person – permanently, Princess basically jumped in and effectively demanded that every passenger used their 'Application' to do all the pre cruise paperwork that used to be done via their website – and then some.

Quoting from Princess:   A Princess MedallionClass vacation offers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with your Medallion®, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered. Spend more time connecting with each other and doing what you love on a Princess MedallionClass® vacation. 

The reality has been somewhat different and the majority of reviews on the app rate it 1 out of 5. I suspect that if there was a minus score, there would be a load in there too.    

The general consensus – especially amongst Android users – is that it is hopeless.

Having purchased an unwanted, later version Android phone, (I just can’t be bothered using one as  a rule) I dutifully downloaded the Medallion App.

Oh dear. Just about every time I clicked on it, it either took an age to load up, or just went around in circles for ten minutes before I gave up.

When it did load, very rarely was I able to actually do anything, so I went back to the website. I also detest trying to input anything on a tiny keypad, which half the time, wouldn’t even appear anyway.

So onto the website. Now we have done a whole heap of Princess cruises over the last ten years and the pre-cruise paperwork has been a doddle.

Not this time. It didn’t matter whether I logged in with my Princess account or used the booking number, progress was usually minimal and more often than not, came to a full stop.  How long should you have to wait for an app to load? Ten seconds? Ten minutes? Half an hour?  
Cruise personaliser – “If you don’t have a smart phone, click here for our website version.”  Pity that doesn't work properly either.

Even up to three days before we cruise, I can’t get ‘Ocean Ready’.  Numerous calls to the Princess helpline (based in the Phillippines) over the last 4 months, always elicited the same response.  “We are experiencing technical difficulties and will ring you back.”  Guess what?  No-one EVER rang me back.

Bit by bit, I did manage to eventually upload photographs, passports etc., and with a just a week to go, I finally managed to get 5 ticks for each of us, but we were still stranded in the ‘Blue Lane’, not the Green Lane’.

Even there, I had to cheat. I ticked the box that said I was fully vaccinated. I uploaded my vaccine card OK, but what to do with Paula?  There was no option for an unvaccinated person – even with an exemption. So I ticked that she was fully vaccinated and uploaded the exemption letter!  Success.
A final call to Princess and the young man told me that we were TECHNICALLY in the Green Lane, but as Princess had sorted out my medallion (every time I tried to order it, the system crashed), the system was showing the Blue lane.

Somewhat appeased, the next problem is that within 24 hours we have to take a covid test, and get this – “upload via the app, a photograph of the test result, with a photo ID and a clock.” Nothing for those NOT using the App…
Far be it for me to point out the obvious gap in this system, but we’ll see how it goes.

Those we have met recently, doing several cruises with Princess, have all said that if it works, that is OK, but their opinion is that it has been launched without adequate testing and even now, has far too many bugs. The actual medallions sometimes don’t work at all and have to be replaced. Items are wrongly charged to the account, or often delivered to the wrong person, so it pays to keep a check on the ship-board account.  Booking the dining times has also been a shambles compared to the old system of a fixed time and table.

So we’ll see how it goes, but this is the first time ever, that the lead up has in anyway been frustrating or stressful. I’m usually very well organised and have not enjoyed the lead up to this cruise at all.

As Princess have deleted our free internet minutes, I have no idea when the next post will be, but it may well be from ashore somewhere. Princess seem to have done a hatchet job on the perks of ‘Elite’ status, the top tier of their loyalty progress.  

          

 

Covid 19 Vaccinations - or Not

When Covid hit with a real wallop, we’d just returned from a 7 day Queensland cruise February 2020 and just before the world lapsed into various levels of chaos and restrictions.

Lockdowns were something we’d never experienced before and the media and social media shifted into a mode that varied from totally supportive to totally dismissive. It was some time before NZ secured supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, as it was initially thought that being an island nation and borders locked down, we’d be relatively safe.

History alone will tell whether or not taking the vaccine and restricting those who couldn’t or wouldn’t be vaccinated was the right course of action, but for us, there was a problem. A major problem. Paula has a well-documented adverse reaction to many drugs, including penicillin and all known antibiotics.
Whilst many friends (and the government!) tried to say there was no problem with the vaccine and that if she didn’t get vaccinated, she’d be a danger to others and/or would die of Covid. It wasn’t too long after the vaccine roll out, that it became known that those allergic to PEG might have issues.

“Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the excipient found in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. We previously demonstrated PEG allergy was a cause of severe anaphylaxis to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.” 

Medical opinions varied but the NZ medical profession was effectively gagged from even expressing an opposing opinion to that of the government.

One high profile professor stated publically that there may be 100 people in NZ who would be adversely affected with an allergy to PEG. However, most said that although recipients could go into anaphylaxis, if under medical supervision, this could be dealt with.

What they failed to take into account, was the sheer terror experienced by those suffering from anaphylaxis with symptoms that effectively shut down the body very quickly.
What complicated things for us was that Paula had already had two heart attacks and the potential for a third brought on by a vaccination could be life threatening. A risk we decided wasn’t worth taking. Whilst the cardiology department advised against the vaccine - verbally, no one would put anything in writing.

Without the vaccine, Paula’s life was severely restricted and despite pleas to the Ministry of Health, no exemption was granted.  In fact, the only exemptions granted would be for front line staff - and on a temporary basis.
Many people lost their jobs and businesses were adversely affected, people suffered emotional and mental problems and even getting something simple such as a haircut, was impossible unless vaccinated. Banned from cafes, restaurants and a normal life, was tough.

Fast forward to the cruise industry reawakening and Princess sensibly decided that they could accept a small percentage of passengers who were unvaccinated, provided they made an application.

However, then we hit a stalemate. Princess would consider an exemption if there was accompanying proof of a  medical problem.  This was granted for a 12 day round GB cruise in 2023 but the Australian authorities demanded a Dr’s approved for Australian cruises (not flights!) and this cruise calls into Brisbane.

Various emails were sent and the local ‘Travel Doctor’ intimated he’d be struck off if he granted an exemption.

More emails including one to the NZ Minister of Health – Andrew Little, which was totally ignored.  A second email to the Associate Minister of Health, also the Minister for Seniors, did get a response that was next to useless basically saying it was the Departments of Health’s responsibility and it was an ‘operational matter’.

I emailed again stating that this wasn’t acceptable and that it was tine the media was alerted, then lo and behold, a response from the Department of Health implying that Dr’s could now grant an exemption on medical grounds.
Armed with this latest info, I contacted the Travel Doctor again (Paula’s GP hasn’t exactly been supportive) and he agreed to see Paula so I sent him her medical papers. The consultation was thorough and went well enough for him to agree that Paula shouldn’t risk the vaccine and his report was approved by the excellent and supportive Princess exemption department.

Job done!

 

The next hurdle was ‘Medallion Class’.

 

                   

Heading away again

After almost two years of limited travel and certainly no cruising, great to be looking forward to two weeks on the Coral Princess, a ship that is of a size we like, (2000 passengers) but a bit newer than our much loved Sun Class ships – the Dawn, Sea and Sun Princess.

 During the lead up to this first cruise since the Covid 19 pandemic put a stop to everyone’s travel, things were anything but smooth and straightforward. 

 Firstly, Paula’s bad reaction to a wide range of drugs, with progressively more serious reactions, the advice was to NOT take the Covid vaccine especially after suffering two heart attacks.  Getting an exemption was effectively thwarted by the NZ politicians.     

 Secondly, unlike our previous Princess cruises, this is classed as a ‘Medallion Class’ cruise, meaning that Princess have tried to force everyone into using a smartphone.

 I’ll deal with each of those issues separately.