GEcruzer

We’ve arranged a car rental for the drive to Litchfield National Park, driving along the highway we spot camels and check out giant termite mounds.
We’ve highlighted a number of swimming holes but some are closed due to,believe it or not croc sightings![emoji246]
We manage a swim [emoji474]‍♀️ at Florence Falls which is refreshing and most welcome after the one hour forty minute drive.
Making our way back to Darwin we have time to visit the air and military museums along with a tour of Fanny Bay gaol.
All finished off with a cold brew from Shenannigans Irish pub.
A very busy day, looking forward to a massage and sauna in the spa 🧖‍♀️.[emoji568][emoji41]



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Interesting reading, it’s unfortunate that the cruise industry as a whole has been vilified by media and authorities.

As Mr Walker states a series of errors and failures has lead to poor  outcomes for all those involved. 
If you watch enough Aircraft investigation it’s not just one thing that leads to disaster, it’s a combination of many internal and external factors.

Im wondering why major airlines aren’t put under the same microscope?

 I’m pretty sure all those major international airlines had some role to play by disembarking possible virus infected passengers!

lets give a quiet thought to those who have lost their life for no reason other than going on a cruise.

20 hours ago, mr walker said:

I don't consider it to be so absolutely important of who may have been #0 or #1, depending on the convention chosen, on Ruby Princess.

 

The problem is the systemic & individual failures that followed the initial spread that have become apparent during the inquiry.

 

Disasters are most often the result of a series of mistakes/errors/failures & this will likely become a casebook study.

I can start on the unimpressive, the apple pie on QM2  in the MDR very, very average no better than a school canteen offering.

On the other hand the dinning experience in the Todd English restaurant  on the same ship was spectacular.

I always go for a self made roast beef sandwich on embarkation day a bit of a ritual and the beef on Majestic Princess was delicious.

The  desert tasting platter on Majestic Princess's sterling Steak House was just divine, also the service was first class.

Welcome, GEcruzer. Hope you enjoy the remainder of our virtual cruise. Each itinerary item is one day in real time but may cover multiple virtual days. 

As a fan of Princess and cruising in general I have been watching it closely. I am not a fan of the guardian and do not even read their articles anymore after seeing too much hype and nonsense. I did however find an interesting article on the ABC about it. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-12/ruby-princess-coronavirus-nsw-inquiry-hears-of-shortcommings/12235396 For the record I think there were mistakes and unpreparedness all around. Nothing malicious or intentional but just mistakes and adapting to this new situation.

Apologies for the late arrival, we just managed to negotiate an empty cabin in Busselton as we have been stranded in a time warp since Diamond Princess arrived as the first ever ship to visit way back in November 2014.

I recall the Cheeky Monkey brewery was a highlight selling some very strong stout.

Ah! The blow flies.

Also  Cowaramup  celebrating the upcoming festive season.

Ah! The blow flies.

Just received Princess's Captains Circle for Australia Asia 2016/17 and noticed that Diamond Princess is not cruising down under during 2017

And it looks like Emerald has taken her place.

Is this true?

Did Princess announce this during 2015?

Cheers

Gaz

Don't use your credit card in the taxi

My friend told me his card was scammed

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Where is Austrslia?

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Celebrity Eclipse

May 30 2015 Scandinavia and Russia

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A hot topic no doubt, I wonder if they have this debate on the USA forum?

We were of the opinion that opting out of the gratuities was a good idea and we could just tip the staff we felt did a good job.

But that changed after speaking to a few staff members on the Diamond Princess, in a nutshell we were told that all cash tips must be declared to the company/ supervisor

I think from now on we will opt in for all gratuities

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My wife and I did the opposite a few years ago.

The cruise finished in Fort Lauderdale and we hired as car and drove to Orlando via Kennedy space centre the roads are fantastic and to hire a car is not that expensive.

We stayed a few nights in Orlando ( could have stayed longer) then flew United to L.A then Qantas to Sydney

About 24 hours all up flying including time zone changes, but do able.

Also we could check 2x23 kg of luggage each on the return flights,

Based on my experience I would recommend flying to Orlando then do all the great stuff ( don't go during the vacation season) then drive to Fort Lauderdale/ Miami and relax on the cruise.

Cheers

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Thought it was funny at the time😄

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Sorry my humour didn't translate so well.

Should have been

Cam of the day "on top of the bridge of D.P)

cheers

Confirmed

Two for one during happy hour

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Diamond Princess bridge cam

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Diamond princess squeezes into her berth

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Hi Still on Diamond. I don't think people were using the baths as they now have them specialed at $10. The ship is great. Loved every minute of our cruise. We get off in Brisbane on Friday.

We are on the same cruise and bongaree is 100% correct, there was a flyer with heavily reduced prices in the Japanese bath, also the menu in the international dinning room did change back from a Japanese type/style on one page to the traditional always available which includes Cesar salad, two or three steaks chicken, salmon and Parmesan basket. There is also a daily chefs special.

Our wait staff have been fantastic and have accommodated our every request.

Don't worry about announcements they are all done in English.

I have noticed a huge improvement in the horizon court, the new layout is very good, and the staff are ever so helpful

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Hot and humid

A cold beer and then a walk back to the tender

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Late night departure from Freemantle

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Just jumped on the tender back to the Diamond Princess, approximately a 15/20 minute trip.

Busselton put on a super day, we hired a car and drove through the wine region.

Highly recommended port of call, well done to all concerned.

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Diamond Princess, Adelaide sail away

Albany here we come!

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No worries with transport to the ship lots of shuttles to and from

Berth was changed to accommodate visiting Chinese president, tight security all around

Also survived rough seas in Bass Straight

Otherwise a beautiful day here in Hobart Town

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