Irene's Blog

GOLDEN PRINCESS QUEENSLAND GREAT BARRIER REEF 15TH TO 25TH OCTOBER, 2017 Have just returned from a wonderful 10 day cruise up the east coast of Australia, leaving Sydney and going up as far as Port Douglas.  The weather at the beginning of the cruise wasn't so good but it improved later on. View from our balcony cabin of the Sydney Opera House Weather a bit dismal first few days Seas a bit rough at times but for John, that's not a problem. The rougher the better The sun did shine  Having a go in the casino - unfortunately, we left empty handed In Port Douglas we took a cruise on a little paddle boat A deck party on a warm night was a big hit with everyone....it was THE LOVE BOAT PARTY We went ashore by tender in Airlie Beach There's a market along at the end of the beach with some lovely items for sale In Airlie Beach, John met a new friend...John's the one on the left! All dressed up on a formal e...

GOLDEN PRINCESS :  NEW ZEALAND / TASMANIA 31st January, 2017 to 19th February, 2017 Once more, sailing to New Zealand on the beautiful Golden Princess from Melbourne.  This time we went anti-clockwise around New Zealand and visited the ports we'd visited on our two previous occasions. Sailing in FIORDLAND is always stunning.  High mountains and huge waterfalls - best seen while it's raining or after it's rained.  It's usually quite cold too. We docked in Port Chalmers then took the shuttle bus into DUNEDIN where there's a statue of Robert Burns right in the centre of the city.  Dunedin has a Scottish influence which we loved, being that we're originally from Scotland. Our visit to GISBORNE was quite an adventure as we'd booked to go on an excursion to feed stingrays.  We were picked up from the ship and proceeded out to a reef area where we were supplied with waders and given instructions on what to do and what not ...

PHOTOS OF SEA PRINCESS Sea Princess is a lovely ship with plenty to keep you occupied on sea days between ports.  I'll add a few photos here.... Firstly, our cabin.  We took an inside cabin this time whereas in the past we've had a balcony cabin and one time even a full suite.  We found the inside cabin to be big enough for two and there was more than enough storage space. We were halfway along a long corridor.....which was good exercise especially considering the food on offer which was all delicious. The ship is berthed in Cairns in this photo.   Movies Under the Stars are shown daily where you can relax on a recliner with a blanket, eat popcorn and have a drink while watching the movie on a mega large screen. Just one of the pools.  Scenic cruising down the Kimberley coast meant everyone wanting to be on deck for sunrise. The Atrium is a favourite spot for coffee or ...