We are sailing, we are sailing

Day 1 - 21 June
Despite the dire predictions, the weather in Sydney has been pleasant and we were treated to a bright and sunny  (albeit chilly) sail away.  Out through the heads and turn left and full steam ahead.  5 straight sea days will certainly sort out the cruisers from the "others",  but I doubt that there are many of the latter on board.  Funny how the ship feels like an old slipper - comfortable and familiar, even if a little chewed around the edges.

On Monday we flew over to Sydney (between us we had just under 1kg (luggage weight) spare!).  Very pleased with accommodation at the Park Royal, Darling Harbour.  Checked out at 10.30 and took a taxi to White Bay Cruise Terminal, which is miles from civilisation - if you catch my drift.  We had memories of the chaos which prevailed last year,  but no, all went extremely well.  The exception was the security photos on board,  apparently the Korean authorities have strict requirements of no smile, no teeth, look grumpy (which is hard when you have just got on board).  We got to our stateroom just on noon and went down to the MDR, which had a total of less than a dozen for lunch  (including the Captain), as everyone was being directed to the buffet.

The usual "Muster station drill" was at 3.30 and we were out of there and up forward on Deck 10 for the sailing out of Sydney.  Quite a brilliant afternoon, although a bit chilly for Vivian.  On our way back to the stateroom,  we spied our luggage and had it delivered and unpacked by 6.00.  So, being one of the first on board seems to equate to last to get the luggage.

We have 2nd seating dinner at 7.45 and once again have a table of Kiwis - well we think so!  We are at a table for 8, but only 6 of us were there - a couple from Whangamata & another from Mangawhai.   So we will have to wait to see whether there is another couple coming to join us.  I don't blame them if they flew over on the day, as it would be pretty tiring.  We are so pleased to have come on Monday and had plenty of relaxation & a good night's sleep.  Talking of which, we retired immediately after dinner.  Princess have just updated the mattresses & pillows etc. and, yes VERY comfortable.

DAY 2 - 22 June
The body clock has not quite adjusted yet, so I was up ordering our cup of tea before 6.30.  I commented to the steward that this would be a regular order and he almost took me literally, so I explained that while the order will be the same, the timing is bound to change.  After breakfast we bumped into many of the cruisers from last year and we're delighted to catch up with Maggie & Ash from our table last year.  I think I've already mentioned that they are only 3 doors down from us.

Although the Sun Princess is the same as the Sea Princess from last year, there have been a number of changes in the interior  public areas,  which results in less seating space, particularly on Deck 7.  This is partially offset by the increased space on Deck 5, which is now the International Cafe, serving variety of food (free) in addition to coffee & tea.  The added bonus is that the Atrium is no longer used for indoor bowls, golf etc. which was a bugbear previously.

Our first Cruise Critic gathering was at 11.00 and there were over 200 in attendance along with senior officers, including the Captain, Rikard Lorentzen,  from Norway. He is a very personable man and even thus far, is very visible around the ship.  Of course Vivian has her bridge this afternoon and is partnered up with Danny, her partner for the second half of last year's cruise.  Thus I am able to get this blog up to date (before I forget what happened a couple of hours ago).  I also have managed (I hope) to get the photos up, although I recall that previously I had been able to label each one, I am happy with them as a block.

As I started this issue, the Captain came on and advised that due to a medical situation they were going to do an evacuation by helicopter, so we changed course heading towards the coast,  just south of Byron Bay.  You have to be impressed with the helicopter pilot as he hovered over the ship, almost landing but keeping off the deck, while we are motoring along and there is a keen breeze blowing.  Anyway the evacuation was successful and we resumed our more northerly course after about an hour.

Interestingly, by coming closer to the coast we travelled through a large pod of whales,  as they come here from Antarctica for birthing.  A number were really quite close to the ship,  but as you'd expect, I have some great shots of water - not the whales.  The  sea is calm and as we enter into Queensland, the temperature is getting warmer.  Shorts MAY be out tomorrow, we'll see.  Did our  mile walk this morning and it was freezing.....