June 11th SP to SE Asia

[Koolkrewser]

Arrived in Perth MN Sunday after a bumpy flight with lots of snifflers & coughers around us. Sat willing all those germs away from us. Found that the largest import from Melb to Perth is Crispy Creme donuts, people carrying bags of up to 5 boxes. By the time we got to bed @ our daughters it was 0300 Melbourne time. Long day. Short night as my daughter had just picked up my grandchild substitute, a Main Coon kitten, which was not sitting well with their well spoiled golden retriever. Lots of barking & hissing, but very cute.

Well Perth is just a bit wet, cold & windy @ present, but we are having a great time. Went to a great restaurant last night in Perth, Balthazar, which was a terrific night out with my daughter & her partner. Today we got to Freo for lunch & then they drop us off @ Esplenade Hotel for the night. Few last minute items to get, then just wait to embark tomorrow, which may be a little late according to Sandra. Have not had any notification from Princess, so may only be a short delay in embarkation.

Well the next time I log on will be from SP, looking forward to starting this new adventure

Cheers

Jane & Rick;)

[newyork40]

 

Dear Jane & Rick,

 

Welcome to Perth!, shame about our lousy weather at the moment but its that time of the year!. Lucky you going to Balthazar restaurant, I have been wanting to go there for ages as it gets very good reviews.

 

Hope you have a lovely cruise and that there is plenty of Asian warm weather for you.

 

Regards,

 

Trish:)

[arxcards]

Looking forward to a repeat performance Jane.

 

Sandra & Dave have set the bar pretty high, but I am sure you will keep us all up to date just as well.

 

And an early tip Jane - make sure YOU are in charge of the photodiscs this time! ;)

 

Have a great cruise Jane & Rick!!

[kaseyoz]

It is nice to have another travelog to check up on so we can feel we are away sailing with you away from this pesky sydney weather.

 

Have a great time and "see" you on board

[susie2shoes]

Hi Jane and Rick,

Thanks for meeting for coffee this afternoon. We chatted just like old friends, didn't we! You just got to love CC for bringing people together. I'll look forward to reading your posts. Have a great cruise.

[jarbinks]

yes koolcruiser we have been informed ship not leaving till 8pm.embarking after 3pm.we will have long wait at freo to board as we booked early taxi just luck of the draw.hope to see you on board regards

David

[CRUISING ALONG]

Hi koolkrewser ( Jane & Rick)

Bon Voyage. Have a great cruise and look forward to reading your posts.

Hope that WA is putting on better weather for you today.

 

Regards

CRUISING ALONG:)

[Cinnabel]

Have just noticed on the web cam that Sun Princess is still Bound for Fremantle.........but land is in sight!

 

Won't be long now!

[arxcards]

Have just noticed on the web cam that Sun Princess is still Bound for Fremantle.........but land is in sight!

 

Won't be long now!

...and now the wharf.

 

Right on revised time - 4hrs late.

[NSWP]

Wonder why SP is late again, propulsion problems? :confused:

 

Cheers..Les:cool:

[arxcards]

Wonder why SP is late again, propulsion problems? :confused:

 

Cheers..Les:cool:

There was a fit of punctuality rage! ;)

[Koolkrewser]

Not impressed with checkin or the 5 hr wait we had in the "hall" in Freo. SP did not get in until 1030 & was still disembarking @ 1545. Eventually got called for boarding 1645, & we were the lucky ones with #2. As we were eating dinner @ 1830 people still boarding. YUK! BUUUUUT we are on board & sailing away.:D A little rough leaving & very mixed age demographic & all appear smiling & pleasant.

After a good nights sleep will be even happier

Cheers

Jane & Rick (AT SEA AT LAST)

[LouLou28]

Thanks for the update Jane & Rick ... looking forward to following your cruise on line! Have a wonderful time!!!

[TommyH2006]

Not impressed with checkin or the 5 hr wait we had in the "hall" in Freo. SP did not get in until 1030 & was still disembarking @ 1545. Eventually got called for boarding 1645, & we were the lucky ones with #2. As we were eating dinner @ 1830 people still boarding. YUK! BUUUUUT we are on board & sailing away.:D A little rough leaving & very mixed age demographic & all appear smiling & pleasant.

After a good nights sleep will be even happier

Cheers

Jane & Rick (AT SEA AT LAST)

 

Hi Jane & Rick.

Hope you enjoy the cruise.

Just make sure to BRING THE SHIP BACK ON TIME!!!!! We're on it next.:)

[NSWP]

Rick and Jane, enjoy SP. I am interested in your journey as have booked the same SP trip 'Treasures of Asia, next June.

 

And as TommyH2006 said 'Get back to Freo on time, so we can get on in the arvo. At least we do not have to go through immigration for our 'coasty cruise.' That might save a few minutes.:confused: Oh and don't drink all the 'crownies.';)

 

Cheers..Les:cool:

[Koolkrewser]

What a difference a good nights sleep makes! Yes the beds were fine! Had a bit of a sleep in then got the call for Muster Drill that they could not do last PM due to late embarkation. Surprisingly we have not heard too much complaining about how long it took to board & everyone was well behaved in the queue. The happiest people would have been those that had the food/drink concession in the departure hall. They can now afford a suite on the QM2 next sailing:D Most everone we have met have been friendly & chatty & mostly from WA. Just getting our bearings today. Quite a few waiting for the casino & bingo tomorrow, that has not been available whilst in WA waters. Nice tablemates 2nd sitting in Regency dining room & staff very vigilant with hand sanitiser. Food okay. Sandra had one of your famous Raspberry Fizzes Yuuummmm! Tom Jones tribute show tonight a bit tired! But what the heck we are cruising!!!

Cheers

Jane & Rick

[Koolkrewser]

1st formal night, lots of bling. Weather warming up, 24C today. Lots of kids around pool, but appear to be part of happy family groups. No real problems encountered, everone we have sat & talked to has been pleasent & happy to be here. Why not ??? Happy friendly crew. So all in all a great start.

Cheers

Jane & Rick;)

[Cinnabel]

Hi Koolkrewser,

Great to hear that the trip is improving after your delayed start!

 

How are you finding the amenities? Have you any problems getting seats for a pre-dinner drink or a table in the Buffet?

 

What is the food like? How are you filling in your days?

 

Details are what we are all hanging out for!!!!

 

Enjoy

[susie2shoes]

Hi Jane and Rick,

Glad you are having a fantastic time. I'm enjoying reading your posts. Keep them coming.

[Koolkrewser]

Very relaxing sea day today temp 27C. now that cruisers are out on decks more, not very crowded inside.

Cinnabel----Food, seeing as I don't have to shop or cook, it is really fine. Have been able to find a seat in showrooms & for a pre dinner drink. Please be aware that when you have the cocktail of the day in the afternoon, the motion of the ship increases somewhat!!. After dinner tonight did not go to show or film but had a lovely walk on deck on a lovely balmy night, with my wonderful husband.

Passed Christmas Is. this evening heading towards Java. Have not experienced any bad experiences or behaviour. NO laundry rage, in fact every time I pass the laundry it's very chatty.Strange huh??

Susie----The afternoon we had in Freo was just great. Rick & I had a great time chatting with you. We can't wait to take up where we left off in April.

Cheers

Jane & Rick

[Koolkrewser]

Woke up to it misty this morning as we passed into Java Sea. Temp about 27C. Decided to have room service breakfast this AM on balcony. Very pleasant. They did crossing the equater ceremony this afternoon. Rick & I went to movies. Coffee not bad in dining rooms, we bought coffee cards but not that impressed with the coffee from Patisserie. 50's night tonight, should be fun.Everywhere you go people are very relaxed, not rushed, other than there seems to be a contingent that seem to feel if they do not get into the dining room by 1200 they may miss out! It's happy hour in the Internet Cafe(1/2 price) but it is twice as slow, nearly fell asleep waiting to log in to cruise critic. Getting into the habit of trying a new cocktail in the afternoons. I'll have to train Rick to don the white jacket & tray & learn to make them for me. We are really having a great trip looking forward to Tuesday to the start of the port days.

Cheers to you all from the "low" seas

Jane & Rick

[Westaussie]

Hi Jane - keep those daily reports coming for those of us going through 'withdrawal' symptoms!!!

 

Glad all going smoothly. Is the ship still on red alert for norovirus - i.e. no self service? Who is the new captain? Last one was excellent and made a point of mingling with passengers almost every day.

 

Vera

[NSWP]

Jane Rick is the SP packed to the max? how many on board?

 

Enjoy..and get back to Freo on time!

 

Cheers..Les:cool:

[Koolkrewser]

Hi everyone! Spent the day passing Singapore & the multitude of ships(& rubbish) & into the Straits of Malacca. 30 C, balmy & hazy day. 2100 passengers on board 1982 of these Australians. Does not feel crowded. Down to yellow alert with the novovirus, still have staff with gel @ entrances to dining but back to self serve. Arrive Penang about 0900 and then tenders to shore, we have shore tour but not until 1300, have no idea if we will get off earlier. Show tonight was quite good. Island night tomorrow night. Two of our fellow table diners are English/Australians & asked maitre'D last night if any chance of lemon meringue pie & was told tonight they would do it specially for our table tomorrow night, really nice of them huh? NO LAUNDRY Rage, all is very peaceful when we pass by. Already read 2 books. They have very comprehensive shore talks in theatre. Only prob I have is the damn slow internet. But hey we are cruising!!! so is only a ripple in the otherwise lovely days

Cheers

Jane & Rick

[cheerful]

:) :) Hi Jane and Rick,I am loving reading your daily blog especially after following Sandra and Dave's 21 day cruise reports. We were on the May 6th sailing ,same itinarary as yours we to had the great weather ,good fellow passengers and an amazing holiday as first time cruisers.Thanks for taking the time in your day to share your news it makes me feel like I am still sharing a cruise with you. Continue to have a great time , sending best wishes to you, Cheerful.