Come sail with me on a virtual cruise on Majestic Princess to Fiji!

[ellie1145]

2 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Ellie: right click on a picture you want to delete, it will turn blue. Then backspace, it will go away.

Thanks for that. It seemed to work ok before, but I think I uploaded lots of photos and forgot to insert them and then they came up automatically in a bunch at the end. Then it just wouldn't let me delete. Very frustrating! 

[ellie1145]

Children are the same the world over!

 

The arrival of thousands of us visitors seemed of little interest to these local children.

 

I was curious about what they were eating, it looked like a McDonalds packet but they were certainly enjoying whatever it was, and sharing it around. 

 

The new jetty provided a great adventure playground for them and they spent their time ignoring us and daring each other to jump in the water.

 

 

The braver ones jumped in......

 

A few unfortunates found themselves pushed in!

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Back to the Ship - Our Last Glimpse of Lifou

 

 

The beach is beginning to clear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the church on the headland

 

 

 

The water is crystal clear.

The detritus of a modern world.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

After a quick shower, we make our way upstairs for afternoon trivia, then we are just in time for afternoon tea in the dining room. It’s one of our favourite things about Princess, as it’s elegant and relaxing, and the staff are wonderful in their white uniforms and white gloves.

 

 

 

We try to go every day and love chatting to the staff as they bring round the various delicacies for us to enjoy. They get to know us and always greet us, and know instinctively how we like our tea - hot of course, with just a little milk, and from a silver teapot!

 

There are little sandwiches and rolls, beautifully presented cakes and biscuits (cookies) and of course, the piece de resistance, freshly baked fruit scones with jam (jelly) and cream. We are shown to a table for two and sit and enjoy the whole experience.

 

After that its time for trivia and we join our team for another enjoyable afternoon of conversation, and searching our memories for answers.

 

We’ve met some wonderful Australians, and Americans during our Trivia sessions, particularly one Australian lady and her husband, who are two of the loveliest and most courageous people we have ever met. They shall, of course, remain nameless, but we feel honoured to have met them, and on our final night we meet up with them unexpectedly in the International Cafe and sit until the early hours of the morning, just talking, whilst the rest of the ship sleeps. A moment to treasure.

 

We return to our cabin to see our sailaway from the balcony, and what a beautiful evening it is. As we leave Lifou I manage to capture some sunset pictures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PaulS]

Don’t apologize for the extra pictures. I could look at pictures of the ship and the island all day. Seeing the pictures just makes me realize how much I miss being able to cruise.
 

Maybe some day......

[ellie1145]

10 hours ago, PaulS said:

Don’t apologize for the extra pictures. I could look at pictures of the ship and the island all day. Seeing the pictures just makes me realize how much I miss being able to cruise.
 

Maybe some day......

 

Thank you PaulS. Glad you are still enjoying the photos.

 

I think we MUST believe that eventually we will be able to cruise. I can’t imagine a life without cruising. There is nothing quite like it, and I cannot imagine sitting in a hotel or on a beach for 2 weeks, although many people enjoy that sort of holiday.

 

I love the ever changing nature of being on a cruise, the leaving port, reaching a new place and seeing it for the first time from your balcony, the conversations, the variety of eating places, the entertainment. Nothing else suffices I’m afraid. 

 

But i think it will be a long time coming.

 

So carry on enjoying your virtual cruise, we’ve a lot more adventures to come! And LOADS more photos! 😉

 

 

[ellie1145]

Farewell, Lifou.

I hope we will be back one day....

 

The pilot is onboard, the pilot boat waits patiently.

 

 

 

 

The pilot leaves, his job done

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

For those of you who remained onboard, these are some of the activities which you could have enjoyed today onboard.

 

Movies Under the Stars has had Cirque de Soleil: Kooza,  Movie of the Day: Tolkien, Music Concert: Annie Lennox, an Evening off Nostalgia, Music Concert: Crowded House- Farewell to the World, and finally, Evening Movie: The Sun is Also a Star.

 

There were plenty of seminars today, but sadly, I’m afraid I missed them...

 

There was Eat More to Weigh Less (now why didn’t I go to that, sounds perfect for a cruise, I could go to afternoon tea twice!), Free Consultations - learn how to enhance your natural beauty (can you gild the lily??), How to Prevent Hair Loss and Improve Scalp Circulation (phew, that’s one I DON’T need),  Complimentary Acupuncture Seminar, Arthritis Pain (thank goodness I don’t need that either !), Solve Your Health Problems with our Body Specialist (how long have they got? I think my consultation could take until the end of the cruise!), Walking in Comfort with Good Feet (too little, too late), Complimentary Facial Rejuvenation (now I really COULD have done with that! Bother!)

 

Forget the seminars, I’ll just go to the Baileys Tasting and Sale at 7.30, and after a couple of glasses I won’t worry about my weight, my aching feet, my ancient face or my health problems!

 

Anyone want to join me? 🤣

 

Edited July 18, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

We have second sitting dinner, so I have time for a swim up in the Hollywood swimming pool, on Deck 17, the Sun Deck, which at 6.00 pm is empty. It’s a simply wonderful pool, large and warm and I try to do at least 20 lengths a day. Its rejuvenating and just what I need.

 

The Hollywood Pool by Day.... (ADULTS ONLY! 👍)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And by Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rmf11699]

17 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

 

 

Finally a picture of you! (at least a finger anyway). Have you included yourself in any of these images? If not, please do so us faithful followers can better appreciate the author.

[cnd crsr]

Hi Ellie

What a wonderful relaxing day in Lifou!

After spending time in the sparkling turquoise surf and lying about in the warm sand, I had to take a quick  walk through the stalls. I  then spent more time in the water before returning to the ship on the last tender.

After cleaning up and dinner, I wandered up to the Conservatory, such a beautiful space even at night. I can hardly believe no one is utilizing it!

Sun and surf, what a wonderful way to spend the day...  combine that with the wonderful new Princess mattress and the gentle rocking of the Majestic... I will sleep like a baby tonight!

Life is good!

Gail

[ellie1145]

6 hours ago, rmf11699 said:

Finally a picture of you! (at least a finger anyway). Have you included yourself in any of these images? If not, please do so us faithful followers can better appreciate the author.

Oops! I didn’t notice that. So sorry 🥴 

 

And, no, I haven’t been in any of the images as I’m behind the camera 🤣

 

As you asked so nicely I will oblige.... 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

2 hours ago, cnd crsr said:

Hi Ellie

What a wonderful relaxing day in Lifou!

After spending time in the sparkling turquoise surf and lying about in the warm sand, I had to take a quick  walk through the stalls. I  then spent more time in the water before returning to the ship on the last tender.

After cleaning up and dinner, I wandered up to the Conservatory, such a beautiful space even at night. I can hardly believe no one is utilizing it!

Sun and surf, what a wonderful way to spend the day...  combine that with the wonderful new Princess mattress and the gentle rocking of the Majestic... I will sleep like a baby tonight!

Life is good!

Gail

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful day on Lifou, Gail.

 

You are right about the beds....dreamy aren’t they? I may have to put mine in my suitcase and bring it home with me.

 

 

[ellie1145]

6 hours ago, rmf11699 said:

Finally a picture of you! (at least a finger anyway). Have you included yourself in any of these images? If not, please do so us faithful followers can better appreciate the author.

 

That was a bit mean of me wasn’t it? 

 

So here is me in the swimming pool, taken by DH, who hardly ever takes photos and usually cuts people’s heads off, or their feet.. I’m waving at you by the way.

 

[ellie1145]

The Day is Not Yet Over, The Night is Still Young....

 

Tonight there is Big Band Ballroom with the Majestic Princess House Band in the piazza, or Comedy Ventriloquist Showtime with Dean Atkinson, an Oktoberfest Dance Class, Best of Queen Trivia, Festival of the World: Oktoberfest, Voice of the Ocean Round 3, and lots of live music around the ship. 

 

Interestingly, the Comedy Showtime is live streamed to Princess Live.

 

 

After a fantastic swim in my own private swimming pool, it’s back to the cabin for a shower and hair wash, before changing for dinner.

 

We both skip the starters.

 

DH orders the Rockfish, and I order the Grilled Spring Lamb Chops, with a baked potato and steamed vegetables.

 

Both were excellent.

 

 

After dinner we make our way to the theatre for tonight’s Showtime, which is Dean Atkinson, a Comedy Ventriloquist. He is, apparently, Australia’s most loved ventriloquist.

 

 

We really enjoyed this show, especially Fetch the Talking Dog. 

 

What a lovely day we’ve had, and more to come tomorrow - one of my favourite ports, Port Villa in Vanuatu, where we have an all day trip.

 

We will meet at the gangway prompt at 8.20. 

 

So goodnight, see you bright and early in the morning!

[ellie1145]

On 7/16/2020 at 6:42 PM, CruzinNoony said:

I am so enjoying your review.  I'm only on page 7, but thought I would let you know you have another reader!! The last time we were in Singapore was just this last February.  We were on a B2B cruise on the Sapphire and our 2nd leg was cancelled.  Princess put us up in the Fairmont Hotel for 3 nights until we could get a flight back to the US.  This was our third time in Singapore and it is one of our favorite cities.  Is the hotel you stayed in the Holiday Inn?  Lovely hotel.

 

Just wondered what page you were up to? 🙂

[tutuwahineLV]

Just wanted to thank you for sharing your adventures with us.  I love seeing new things through others eyes, helps expand my horizons.    While I don't consume meat in my everyday life, after your priceless description of the sausages on the breakfast buffet in Singapore, I'd never even consider those ever again.  LMAO.  thank you for the visual that I'll never be able to unsee.  From here on out I'm sure people will think me just a little off, when I am laughing for no apparent reason at the brekkie buffet. 

 

Looking forward to the remainder of the trip. 

Tutu

[ellie1145]

2 minutes ago, tutuwahineLV said:

Just wanted to thank you for sharing your adventures with us.  I love seeing new things through others eyes, helps expand my horizons.    While I don't consume meat in my everyday life, after your priceless description of the sausages on the breakfast buffet in Singapore, I'd never even consider those ever again.  LMAO.  thank you for the visual that I'll never be able to unsee.  From here on out I'm sure people will think me just a little off, when I am laughing for no apparent reason at the brekkie buffet. 

 

Looking forward to the remainder of the trip. 

Tutu

 

Hi Tutu!

 

Glad to have you along with us. 

 

Yes, I have to say I cannot bear to even look at those sausages, let alone eat one, and I’m not a vegetarian! 🤣

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of the trip, and especially Vanuatu tomorrow. 

[CruzinNoony]

1 hour ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Just wondered what page you were up to? 🙂

 

Hi Ellie,  I am up to page 15.  We have also been to Sydney several years ago and went on a day trip to the Blue Mountains.  Then, we boarded the Sea Princess and did a New Zealand cruise.  In fact, we were on our way to Christchurch when the earthquake happened and of course, we were rerouted.  I'm looking forward to when you are on the Majestic.  She is coming to the west coast of the states next year and we have a B2B booked on her.  Loving all your spectacular photos!!!  Meredith

[ellie1145]

Some Trivia to end the day..

 

 

1.  How many venomous snakes are there in Australia?

2.  What baby girl was born on February 22nd, 10,000 BC

3.  Which part of the body has no blood supply?

4.   What is the dot on an ‘i’ called?

 

Usual rules apply, and of course the winner will be receiving a prize in due course.....

[ellie1145]

Good morning all you Cruising Adventurers! 

 

Hope you are bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to explore the beautiful Vanuatu. 

 

We have a packed itinerary so I’ll see you at 8.20.

 

Don’f forget your water shoes and your mozzie spray!

 

[ellie1145]

Hi Meredith! 

 

You’re catching up!

 

I am a bit devastated that Majestic Princess is leaving Australia for the west coast of the USA, as I was so hoping she might do the Fijian Islands again. But at least you will be able to enjoy a BTB on her. I’m sure you will love her as much as we do. 

 

Glad to hear you are enjoying the photos. Lots more to come! 🙂

 

 

 

8 hours ago, CruzinNoony said:

 

Hi Ellie,  I am up to page 15.  We have also been to Sydney several years ago and

went on a day trip to the Blue Mountains.  Then, we boarded the Sea Princess and did a New Zealand cruise.  In fact, we were on our way to Christchurch when the earthquake happened and of course, we were rerouted.  I'm looking forward to when you are on the Majestic.  She is coming to the west coast of the states next year and we have a B2B booked on her.  Loving all your spectacular photos!!!  Meredith

[dides]

42 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

Some Trivia to end the day..

4.   What is the dot on an ‘i’ called?

 

Usual rules apply, and of course the winner will be receiving a prize in due course.....

 

We know this one - it's a "Tittle"!

 

Sandra

[ellie1145]

2 minutes ago, dides said:

 

We know this one - it's a "Tittle"!

 

Sandra

 

Well done! It’s one of those answers I always think I will remember, and promptly forget! 🤣

[dides]

13 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

That was a bit mean of me wasn’t it? 

 

So here is me in the swimming pool, taken by DH, who hardly ever takes photos and usually cuts people’s heads off, or their feet.. I’m waving at you by the way.

 

 

Hi Ellie, in the first few Majestic Princess cruises there were a few complaints that the Hollywood Pool area had a very strong smell of chlorine. Is that still the case?

 

Sandra