I forgot to mention something that happened 3 days ago (the morning after PNG). We suddenly
lurched to avoid a fishing boat which was probably an illegal boat from Indonesia. The
movement woke several passengers (it was 6:40 am) but I was up and simply wondered why the
sea momentarily seemed so rough.
Later that day, during his noon report, the Captain told us what hade happened, but he
didn't tell us the consequences. A great deal of water flowed out of the swimming pools.
There was water in the elevator shafts and repairs continued that day and the next day.
Ultimately, after much vacuuming and extraction, carpeting in the WJ had to be replaced.
During that same report, Capt Stein also repeatedly talked about our arrival in Darwin the
next morning. The only problem with that is the fact that the next day was scheduled as a
sea day. (Many of us checked the itinerary to confirm the fact that the Capt was wrong and
we were right.)
Nobody dared to criticize or correct the Capt publicly, but Carly did refer to the itinerary
carefully in her next public announcement, reviewing the day's activities and indicating
that there would be more of the same tomorrow, which would also be a sea day.
That evening there was a notice in the cabins "reminding" us of the intinerary for the
balance of the trip.
During his next noontime report, Capt Stein said we would indeed be in Darwin the next day.
Friday, March 6, 2009
FR 0306 Darwin
FR0306 - day 11 - Darwin
I took the Glimpse of Darwin tour. At 10 degrees from the equator, I wanted an easy tour. It was pretty much like the old Grey Line City tours - a drive around the city with limited on/off. It ended back at the ship or you could get off in town - at the Smith St Mall in the CBD - which is what I did.
The Mall is like a pedestrian street, rather than the huge single-building malls that we think of. Several restaurants and cafes, fine jewelry stores, gift shops, drug stores, even a dollar store. The only thing you wouldn't find at an American mall was the tobacco and bong shop.
On my way to the shuttle, I ran into Toni. She had takent the walking tour and loved it,
There were shuttles between the ship and the end of the mall. I didn't know that we would have a free entree into town until last night, but I do not regret having taken the tour I took.
I took the Glimpse of Darwin tour. At 10 degrees from the equator, I wanted an easy tour. It was pretty much like the old Grey Line City tours - a drive around the city with limited on/off. It ended back at the ship or you could get off in town - at the Smith St Mall in the CBD - which is what I did.
The Mall is like a pedestrian street, rather than the huge single-building malls that we think of. Several restaurants and cafes, fine jewelry stores, gift shops, drug stores, even a dollar store. The only thing you wouldn't find at an American mall was the tobacco and bong shop.
On my way to the shuttle, I ran into Toni. She had takent the walking tour and loved it,
There were shuttles between the ship and the end of the mall. I didn't know that we would have a free entree into town until last night, but I do not regret having taken the tour I took.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TU0303 - day 8 - PNG
TU0303 - day 8 - PNG
There were written warnings and announcements from the Captain and the Cruise Director about the safety precautions needed in third world countries. Stay with a group, avoid public transportation (including taxis), avoid crowds, don't go to remote places such as the cemetaries.
Well, we survived PNG!!!
There were 12 of us on a private tour arranged by two CruisteCritic posters - Angie in OZ and Glor stateside - 6 Aussies, 4 Americans, 2 Canadians. We paid $155AUD each (just under $100US) in advance - the Aussies handled their arrangements locally and the other 6 went into the tour agency in Sydney and paid by credit card in person. The tour was to be 7 hours, including lunch.
We were met promptly at the pier by two gentlemen, one (Jack) a regular employee of the company and the other the son of one of the other employees - Rex normally works for a hotel in the hospitality industry. Rex's roles became obvious in due course.
We were in a 15 passenger van - the 12 of us, the two of them, and a cooler with bottled water in the space of the 15th seat.
Our first stop was a market. Three of us instantly decided not to get out of the van. The other 9 went with Jack and a security guard - those of us who remained on the van did not know about the guard, but we were not too thrilled with how so many people seemed to follow the group with their eyes. Rex stayed with the van. It was unclear whether he was guarding the van or us, but we were locked in.
Then we went to the ANZAC cemetary. Very well done. Apparently the Aussie equivalent of the Normandy cemetaries and equally important to them.
Our lunch was at the March Girls - both a hotel and restaurant owned by a family from Rex's villate. The place is so-named because the daughters were all born in March. Nice lunch. Coconut welcome. Native dances by the daughters and other relatives.
We spent some time in Rex's village where we were offered more coconut drinks as well as shell necklaces. Wonderful hospitality which we didn't really expect.
Our final stop was a craft shop with native handicrafts. Good shopping if you're into maaks and carvings.
We made it back without incident. I'm glad we found a satisfactory arrangement, but I still think my anxiety was warranted.
There were written warnings and announcements from the Captain and the Cruise Director about the safety precautions needed in third world countries. Stay with a group, avoid public transportation (including taxis), avoid crowds, don't go to remote places such as the cemetaries.
Well, we survived PNG!!!
There were 12 of us on a private tour arranged by two CruisteCritic posters - Angie in OZ and Glor stateside - 6 Aussies, 4 Americans, 2 Canadians. We paid $155AUD each (just under $100US) in advance - the Aussies handled their arrangements locally and the other 6 went into the tour agency in Sydney and paid by credit card in person. The tour was to be 7 hours, including lunch.
We were met promptly at the pier by two gentlemen, one (Jack) a regular employee of the company and the other the son of one of the other employees - Rex normally works for a hotel in the hospitality industry. Rex's roles became obvious in due course.
We were in a 15 passenger van - the 12 of us, the two of them, and a cooler with bottled water in the space of the 15th seat.
Our first stop was a market. Three of us instantly decided not to get out of the van. The other 9 went with Jack and a security guard - those of us who remained on the van did not know about the guard, but we were not too thrilled with how so many people seemed to follow the group with their eyes. Rex stayed with the van. It was unclear whether he was guarding the van or us, but we were locked in.
Then we went to the ANZAC cemetary. Very well done. Apparently the Aussie equivalent of the Normandy cemetaries and equally important to them.
Our lunch was at the March Girls - both a hotel and restaurant owned by a family from Rex's villate. The place is so-named because the daughters were all born in March. Nice lunch. Coconut welcome. Native dances by the daughters and other relatives.
We spent some time in Rex's village where we were offered more coconut drinks as well as shell necklaces. Wonderful hospitality which we didn't really expect.
Our final stop was a craft shop with native handicrafts. Good shopping if you're into maaks and carvings.
We made it back without incident. I'm glad we found a satisfactory arrangement, but I still think my anxiety was warranted.
No chocolates
No daily newspaper
Daily chat w/cruise director Carly
To WolfCatHOrse: Capt Stein leaving April 13th - 2nd child due in May - vacation 10 weeks
Loyalty Ambassador leaving next week in Perth - Danny next
400+ b2b
To Gladys: everything fine - having a good time - reporting the differences and unusual things, so appears more negative - not reporting the normal things which are fine
To Bev/Nate: we're getting along just fine
Port security/customs: no open water bottles were allowed in at the Australian ports so far - we were also told no food products, not just fruits but including sealed packages of snacks - bottles confiscated first port - bottles and snacks second port - no overt confiscation third port, but dog sniffing all packages - this is all upon exiting the ship - normal xray and liquor procedures upon return
Gambling - no gambling in Western Austalian waters - today (day 10, Thurs 0305) is the last day for bingo and casino games until Adelaide 0318 or possibly when we are in Adelaide waters
No daily newspaper
Daily chat w/cruise director Carly
To WolfCatHOrse: Capt Stein leaving April 13th - 2nd child due in May - vacation 10 weeks
Loyalty Ambassador leaving next week in Perth - Danny next
400+ b2b
To Gladys: everything fine - having a good time - reporting the differences and unusual things, so appears more negative - not reporting the normal things which are fine
To Bev/Nate: we're getting along just fine
Port security/customs: no open water bottles were allowed in at the Australian ports so far - we were also told no food products, not just fruits but including sealed packages of snacks - bottles confiscated first port - bottles and snacks second port - no overt confiscation third port, but dog sniffing all packages - this is all upon exiting the ship - normal xray and liquor procedures upon return
Gambling - no gambling in Western Austalian waters - today (day 10, Thurs 0305) is the last day for bingo and casino games until Adelaide 0318 or possibly when we are in Adelaide waters
Shows
Day 1 - Los Pampas Gauchos - did not go - dinner ran late - one show combined for both sittings - good reports
Day 2 - Jonathan Clark - comedian/impressionist - did not go - rave reports - sorry I missed him - will not miss him next time
Day 3 - Production show - Piano Man - don't like production shows - went anyway - hated it
Day 4 - Colleen Austen - Divas - good show - Jonathan's wife
Day 5 - Fluoresence - by Los Pampas Gauchos - hard to describe but excellent........Professional dance duo - no wonder I donb't dance!........Jonathann Clark - now I know what they were raving about - he and Colleen leaving tomorrow - thought I could seen him on second leg
Day 6 - No show - Mamma Mia in showroom - Brisbane - later departure
Day 7 - Martin Lass - violinist - classical, Romanian, Fiddler on the Roof - enjoyed
Day 8 - Country Western Prodcuction show - don't like c/w - don't like productions shows - didn't go - heard it was better than previous production show
Day 9 - John Taylor - scheduled after Crown and Anchor platinum/diamond/d+ reception - no seats by the time I got to the theater
Day 2 - Jonathan Clark - comedian/impressionist - did not go - rave reports - sorry I missed him - will not miss him next time
Day 3 - Production show - Piano Man - don't like production shows - went anyway - hated it
Day 4 - Colleen Austen - Divas - good show - Jonathan's wife
Day 5 - Fluoresence - by Los Pampas Gauchos - hard to describe but excellent........Professional dance duo - no wonder I donb't dance!........Jonathann Clark - now I know what they were raving about - he and Colleen leaving tomorrow - thought I could seen him on second leg
Day 6 - No show - Mamma Mia in showroom - Brisbane - later departure
Day 7 - Martin Lass - violinist - classical, Romanian, Fiddler on the Roof - enjoyed
Day 8 - Country Western Prodcuction show - don't like c/w - don't like productions shows - didn't go - heard it was better than previous production show
Day 9 - John Taylor - scheduled after Crown and Anchor platinum/diamond/d+ reception - no seats by the time I got to the theater
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunn 0301 - Day 6 - Cairns
Sun 0301 - Day 6 - Cairns
This was another tender port as well as a shuttle port. I’m a little surprised that the tender docks so far from the city. I don’t like tenders, especially getting into and out of them. On the other hand, considering the rough water after my excursion, I was glad to be in a local twin-hulled cat rather than the ship’s tenders. I understand that tender operations were suspended for about 2 hours later in the day,
My tour was Cairns City Tour and Rainforest Village. We drove through residential areas and the beach areas. Of course there were rough surf warnings at the beaches. There is also an area where the swimming area is roped in - there is netting to keep the jelly fish away from the swimmers.
The drive through the rainforest on the way to the village was lovely. Quite reminiscent of driving through St John USVI although the road was more windy as in St Thomas. The shopping was flea market style, local crafts, nothing spectacular.
The tour itself was adequate and as described. Nothing spectacular. I guess the biggest dissatisfier is due to the distance between the tender pier and the sights. There seems to be so much wasted time, just sitting on the bus.
Toni took a different tour and she was really upset. Again, too much time on the bus and too little time at the venues she had been looking forward to. She said there were snippets of 5 or 10 minutes that were worthwhile.
It’s becoming quite obvious that this is her first and last cruise on Royal Caribbean.
This was another tender port as well as a shuttle port. I’m a little surprised that the tender docks so far from the city. I don’t like tenders, especially getting into and out of them. On the other hand, considering the rough water after my excursion, I was glad to be in a local twin-hulled cat rather than the ship’s tenders. I understand that tender operations were suspended for about 2 hours later in the day,
My tour was Cairns City Tour and Rainforest Village. We drove through residential areas and the beach areas. Of course there were rough surf warnings at the beaches. There is also an area where the swimming area is roped in - there is netting to keep the jelly fish away from the swimmers.
The drive through the rainforest on the way to the village was lovely. Quite reminiscent of driving through St John USVI although the road was more windy as in St Thomas. The shopping was flea market style, local crafts, nothing spectacular.
The tour itself was adequate and as described. Nothing spectacular. I guess the biggest dissatisfier is due to the distance between the tender pier and the sights. There seems to be so much wasted time, just sitting on the bus.
Toni took a different tour and she was really upset. Again, too much time on the bus and too little time at the venues she had been looking forward to. She said there were snippets of 5 or 10 minutes that were worthwhile.
It’s becoming quite obvious that this is her first and last cruise on Royal Caribbean.
Hamilton Island - additional tour info
Hamilton Island Tours
Our table mates did not do the same tour that Toni and I did. One couple just took the tender, the free island sightseeing shuttle, and then the free shuttle to a hotel and used the pool there. They commented that most of the towels on the lounges appeared to be from the ship.
The other couple took the all-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. They were very disappointed. First of all, there was a problem with breakfast. They had an early departure which coincided with the opening time fof the Windjammer. The dining room was still closed. The only thing available was the Continental breakfast outside the WJ, but the food was gone very early. I remember the same thing happening to me in St Petersburg on the Jewel OTS last summer.
Then they had an long trip to the Reef. It is unclear why the Reef is an excursion from Hamilton when the trip from Cairns is shorter.
A full wet suit was required but there were no private changing facilities. There were just 2 large, open rooms with no privacy. After donning the wet suits, they said they looked like teletubbies.
Due to weather conditions, their snorkeling was disappointing. Also due to the weather the sea conditions were terrible and most people got ill on the way back.
I’m really glad I took the High Tea excursion.
Our table mates did not do the same tour that Toni and I did. One couple just took the tender, the free island sightseeing shuttle, and then the free shuttle to a hotel and used the pool there. They commented that most of the towels on the lounges appeared to be from the ship.
The other couple took the all-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. They were very disappointed. First of all, there was a problem with breakfast. They had an early departure which coincided with the opening time fof the Windjammer. The dining room was still closed. The only thing available was the Continental breakfast outside the WJ, but the food was gone very early. I remember the same thing happening to me in St Petersburg on the Jewel OTS last summer.
Then they had an long trip to the Reef. It is unclear why the Reef is an excursion from Hamilton when the trip from Cairns is shorter.
A full wet suit was required but there were no private changing facilities. There were just 2 large, open rooms with no privacy. After donning the wet suits, they said they looked like teletubbies.
Due to weather conditions, their snorkeling was disappointing. Also due to the weather the sea conditions were terrible and most people got ill on the way back.
I’m really glad I took the High Tea excursion.
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