Live from the Diamond Princess Jan 28 - Feb 9 Sydney to Auckland

[DonahCBrown]

Sea Day – not much to tell for today. My spa appointment time was wrong, so I cancelled, and mom had her nails done. Other than that, Dennis did better with the slots today, at least for a while. I played afternoon trivia – came in second. Seems that the prize for this ship is passport wallets – that’s what it was yesterday for morning trivia I think, and last night for Majority Rules, and today for afternoon trivia as well. Winning score was 15 and a half and the questions were pretty tough.

 

Attended the port talk on Hobart and continue to be very impressed with port lecturer – she is very thorough and gives good information for people doing independent tours. Sounds like Hobart will be interesting. We will be touring Richmond Village, Bonorong Wildlife Park and Glen Clyde House. The port area seems quite walkable, but these are more ‘outlying’ attractions and will involve a good bit of travel time – something on the order of three hours, according to our tour operator, but based on the pictures and the port lecture, it looks to be worthwhile. We’ll get to see all the Australian Wildlife, including the Tasmanian Devils.

 

Tonight’s headliner is Toni Stevens and as mom liked the ‘mini-show’ she did night before last, we attended and she was great – very entertaining and a real crowd pleaser. Then we stopped in briefly to the Wheelhouse where Maurizio has been moved as his fan base was too big for Crooners. Other activities this evening included a second show by Briscoe – the comic, and a 50s and 60s music trivia and dance party.

 

We had to go back to the cabin to try and cheer poor Andy on – not very effectively I fear. We were in time for the third set, and did our best, but it was not to be. Sorry Fiona!!

 

That’s it for now. More about Hobart tomorrow when we return from our tour

[Painter]

Thanks Donna!

 

Can I ask what percentage of men were in Tux on your Asian cruise. My hubby and I are on the Diamond for 20 days, Sydney to Bangkok in February.

 

You may like to see my review of Sapphire Princess NZ cruise

 

http://home.iprimus.com.au/marleneann/new_page_23.htm

 

Marleneann

[Kiwi Kruzer]

They have just arrived in Hobart....

 

 

 

[triple7tahoe]

It is so great to see your daily report. Now a slightly off the wall question: We were not real happy with the choice of slot machines on the Sapphire this Fall-You said that somebody in your party plays the "penny" slots; which ones are on Diamond? Hot Shots?.

thanks

[CruzinNoony]

Donna,

 

Thanks for taking the time to do a "live from". We are looking forward to taking this same cruise some day.

 

We just sailed on the Golden (Hawaii) with CD Lee Childers. He left the Golden and is now on the Diamond. Please tell him Bob and Meredith say "HI!!".:D

[DonahCBrown]

Computer was down last evening so here's yesterday's posting:

 

Hobart Tasmania – arrived right on time at 8 am and our tour was at 10 am, so all the initial hustle and bustle was over by the time we exited the secured area and met our tour guide Frank from Chauffered Cars, Ltd. He picked us up right on time and was unfailingly helpful and courteous, and particularly solicitous of my mom, which was much appreciated. He provided enough commentary to be interesting, not so much as to be overwhelming and shared insights into the past and present of Hobart and Tasmania from a number of perspectives.

 

We visited the village of Richmond, a well preserved town built in the 1800s by convict labor, and the Bonorong Wildlife Park, then drove up country to Glen Clyde for a Devonshire Tea at the old coaching inn there. There are a great many Scottish place names in this area including Glenorchy and Gretna Green, but the scenery, particularly along the river valley is strongly reminiscent of the Northern California wine country, as the orchards and sheep stations are being rapidly replaced by vineyards and bed and breakfasts.

 

The Pipe Band of the Hobart Police force entertained in the afternoon on board the ship, and the evening entertainment is Words and Music, which we skipped in favor of making a donation to the casino and an early turn in, as the clocks go forward both tonight and tomorrow night and mom has an 8 am spa visit scheduled.

 

Sea day tomorrow and the captain has advised that it might be a little rough.

[DonahCBrown]

Donna,

 

Thanks for taking the time to do a "live from". We are looking forward to taking this same cruise some day.

 

We just sailed on the Golden (Hawaii) with CD Lee Childers. He left the Golden and is now on the Diamond. Please tell him Bob and Meredith say "HI!!".:D

 

Will do!

[caramelo]

Really enjoying your "live" news Donah, thanks. Did you like the Bonorong Park? Did you cuddle a koala?

[DonahCBrown]

Sea Days 1 & 2

The usual round of shipboard activities and entertainments – did both Bingos yesterday to no avail and attended the show – an Australian banjo player. Today we’ve done the vegetable carving demo, gone through immigration screening, and are getting ready for the Captain’s Lunch – have no idea what the cutoff number was as we haven’t been around when the Captain’s Circle hostess was having office hours.

 

A new menu is on offer for the Pub Lunch – this one is breaded prawns and chips, steak and kidney pie, chicken curry, and Scotch egg and salad.

 

There’s another opal seminar today – first one was while we were in Australia, the specialty buffet is oriental and sushi, movie of the day is Transformers – it seems to be a sequel – there’s an afternoon tea dance, and, of course, Bingo, bridge, trivia – all the usual stuff. This evening’s show is a comic - Bobby Dennis. Gameshow is ‘Nowhere Near a Millionaire” and something called Love Boat Legends which invites you to become your favorite star from the show.

[Pia1913]

Sea Days 1 & 2

The usual round of shipboard activities and entertainments – did both Bingos yesterday to no avail and attended the show – an Australian banjo player. Today we’ve done the vegetable carving demo, gone through immigration screening, and are getting ready for the Captain’s Lunch – have no idea what the cutoff number was as we haven’t been around when the Captain’s Circle hostess was having office hours.

 

A new menu is on offer for the Pub Lunch – this one is breaded prawns and chips, steak and kidney pie, chicken curry, and Scotch egg and salad.

 

They had that on the Coral too. One day had the original menu, the other this one. You know I wouldn't have any of it. ;)

 

There’s another opal seminar today – first one was while we were in Australia, the specialty buffet is oriental and sushi, movie of the day is Transformers – it seems to be a sequel – there’s an afternoon tea dance, and, of course, Bingo, bridge, trivia – all the usual stuff. This evening’s show is a comic - Bobby Dennis. Gameshow is ‘Nowhere Near a Millionaire” and something called Love Boat Legends which invites you to become your favorite star from the show.

 

Donna, it is so interesting that you are attending all these "different" venues. I guess that's what happens when you travel with Mom. :D

[DonahCBrown]

Yep, it is different with mom. We did the 'Who's the Cuckoo' game show and I must say, Assistant Cruise Director Mark is a really good liar! He totally fooled us twice! Stayed on through for the trivia and came in second with 15 - winners were 16 and the staff member doing the quiz 'doesn't believe in' tie breakers so two teams got baseball caps. (and a bunch of folks got decks of cards for the Cuckoo game - which is basically a 'what's my line' variation)

 

Tonight we will do the Millionaire game. Captain's lunch was very nice - different menu than we've ever had, and we thoroughly enjoyed our host, the engineering officer, and our table mates. Dennis is threatening to skip dinner, though.

 

In re: questions - I don't know the specific slot machines you're asking about - as far as the penny slots - there are a bunch of the 'bars and 7s' ones, and a good selection of the video types - there are penny versions of the Denver Duck, Frog Prince, the leprechaun one, lots of the usual stuff and more penny slots, I think, than there were on the Coral - more than I really remember from the Sapphire, too. As far as the more expensive ones - I don't really know, but if you'll tell me what they do/look like I'll have a wander around.

 

Bonorong - very interesting and we did get to pet the koala, and feed the kangaroos. Saw baby bandicoots and wombats, some lizards, birds and the little tiny kangaroos that I can't remember the names of just at the moment - something with a 'w' -

 

In re: Diamond's refit in drydock - it will be after the Alaska season, they are adding MUTS and Sanctuary but not the International Cafe or other atrium remodeling - that probably won't be done until the ship is at least 10 or so years old. This is per our host the engineering officer. He has been with this ship since her inaugural year and plans to continue on with her until 2014. Otherwise, it will be the usual stuff - new carpet and soft goods, flat screen tvs, etc. etc. and the pools will be retiled.

 

Think that's it. Tomorrow is Fjordland - first up (early AM -7ish we hear) will be Milford Sound, then later in the day Dusky Sound and one of the other ones - don't have it in front of me right now. We've done Milford before and it is truly spectacular - it will be interesting to see from the 'outside in' as opposed to the 'inside out'.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Hi Donna,

Been following the cam and pleased to see you have had smooth seas.

All the best for your day in Fiordland tomorrow.

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

Bonorong - very interesting and we did get to pet the koala, and feed the kangaroos. Saw baby bandicoots and wombats, some lizards, birds and the little tiny kangaroos that I can't remember the names of just at the moment - something with a 'w' -

 

 

The word is wallaby :D

[coo359a2]

Hi Donna

Back home at last and catching up on your sightseeing around NZ. Sounds like ya'll are having lots of fun - can't wait for next Feb. Had a lot of fun on the CP cruise and had no complaints. Now to get back to cooking and cleaning. Enjoy the rest of the cruise.

[Coolmama_1]

Enjoy your cruise!

[cruiser02]

Does the Diamond offer the Captain's Table dinner?

[Pia1913]

Does the Diamond offer the Captain's Table dinner?

 

They all do.

[cruisin36]

Does the Diamond offer the Captain's Table dinner?

 

I have never seen a "Captains Table Dinner" on any of the ships. Perhaps you are referring to the Chef's Table Dinner which is available, I think, on all of the Princess ships.

[Pia1913]

I have never seen a "Captains Table Dinner" on any of the ships. Perhaps you are referring to the Chef's Table Dinner which is available, I think, on all of the Princess ships.

 

That's what I assumed the OP meant.

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes Chefs Table.

[hawkers]

Chef's Table on all Princess ships! We were on the Diamond's last sailing from Auckland and thought the Chef's Table experience was amazing. Does the Sun Princess also offer this experience?

[Gaznjo]

Chef's Table on all Princess ships! We were on the Diamond's last sailing from Auckland and thought the Chef's Table experience was amazing. Does the Sun Princess also offer this experience?

 

 

No, well they didn't at the xmas cruise .... I dont think they have them on either the sun or the dawn

 

joanne

[DonahCBrown]

Yes, there is a Chef’s Table and also the Ultimate Ship Tour – both have been rolled out fleet wide I believe, however, when there aren't sufficient folks signed up for Chef's Table, they may cancel it. I've been on a couple of cruises where that happened.

 

Yes, Wallaby! – thanks for that – cute little guys.

 

Today we are doing the Fjords – this AM was Milford, and we are now on the way to Dusky and Doubtful. Weather is overcast, seas are calm. Lots of helicopters in Milford, and we passed the old Crown Princess now sailing for P & O Australia as the Pacific Jewel, I believe.

 

Mom’s off to the salon (again) and we’ll do the gym while she gets her hair done.

 

This afternoon is likely the movies – Time Travelers Wife, and we’ll do the show – sounds new, or at least new to me – I Got the Music – or the Liar’s Club Game show.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

 

Hi Donna,

trust you are having a great day in the Fiords.

When I clicked on the web cam this morning I saw a ship in there with you, but it was too far away to identify. Bit of checking confirmed it was Pacific Jewel, ex Crown Princess and looks like she will be with you in Dunedin tomorrow as well.

[DonahCBrown]

Had a lovely day in the Fjords yesterday and are now on the way into Port Chalmers and will be doing a ship tour in Dunedin. Last night we did the Liar's Club game and it was absolutely hysterical. Mom said she hadn't laughed that hard in years. If you have Mark Weston as assistant cruise director ask him what 'chubble' means. Also, if you happen to do any of the 'liar' games with Mark and he give you what appears to be a totally outrageous tale, it is likely the truth - he's very good at making the truth sound like a lie.

 

Tonight we'll do the show - I Got the Music - today's movie is G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra. Not sure who Princess thinks their audience is here...we've also had Transformers. Can't quite get my head around movies based on children's toys.

 

Headliner in the Explorers is Trevor Knight, and it is Country and Western night with a Country Trivia and a hoe down party.