Sunday 29 December

And the Christmas cruise comes to an end.

Yesterday was a good day. No headache all day, until dinner time. I did manage to eat but only just. Two Panadol a little rest and I was able to go say my goodbyes to my Sea Princess family. I worked out my days on this ship for this year and it is exactly one third of the year with some crew being on board for each cruise. MAny of them are leaving in the next couple of weeks and returning to other ships in the fleet, not Australian based, but you know I’m sure we will bump into each other again. One of the Casino team is going to the Sun, my next cruise, so I will see them in passing. I’m giving the Casino away, well once the perks dry up.

The choir performed in the Atrium, an assortment of Yule tide songs. It was fun, I actually had a front row position but found myself right at the back thanks to an exuberant lady who came to one rehearsal and threw herself right into the fun and the singing. She really enjoyed herself which was lovely. Her husband, on the other hand, was a little frazzled making sure she didn’t fall over. She did have a walker but insisted she didn’t need it.

Packing was the quickest I’ve ever done, everything thrown in, I think it will just all go into the machine when I get home. The best bit is no flying, Katrina and Mark will pick up the cars and we will stagger out with the bags, then a twenty minute drive home.

I hope the family have enjoyed their cruise, especially the first timers. I know the girls enjoy cruising and will be trying to get their dad to do another. Poor Mark gets off the ship and has to fly to Sydney for work tomorrow. Jasmine is picking up her first car tomorrow as well. As for me, I’m off to the bank to organise my accounts and get started on getting the house ready for downsizing. That will be a separate blog experience I think.

So from the Cruisinprincess it’s farewell for now until the next one, in April, hopefully. To my readers, thankyou, and Happy New Year, safe journeys, good health and of course planning that next cruise.

Saturday 28 December

What a lovely day. No headache. MTP lunch, CCCP, Twice Baked Goats Cheese Soufflé and lobster. After the lunch I could only manage half the Lobster and one prawn. Choir, trivia x 2 and my day was full. I managed a couple of wines at the CCCP, it was the 7pm one and lovely. Mary and Ian were number two and it was so nice seeing them introduced to the assembled throng. Over 500 platinum and 300 Elite and over 500 blues on board as well.

Today is a packing day. It’s gone so quickly. I’ll be busy washing when I get home as I didn’t send any laundry, just brought enough to get me through. Must admit to living in two simple dresses in the mornings. Last nights CCCP was smart casual and I was surprised to see people lining up in cut off shorts and t shirts. Oh well they ate on holidays. People do like to queue though and will join one as soon as they see one. Some joined the queue into the MTP lunch behind us and when they saw the invites asked if it was a private function. Probably just on the wrong deck as apparently it was a pub lunch yesterday. Know which one I was happy to be at.

Since I was having such a good day I decided not to tempt fate and headed back to the cabin after the CCCP and climbed into bed with a movie at 8:30, no idea what it was and the remote fell out of my hand when the girls came in. Today I have slept late and am having my La Pat tea at 8:15, seems strange. I will go upstairs for breakfast and probably have the same as yesterday. Don’t all faint but I had watermelon, rockmelon, strawberries and yogurt, oh and a piece of Stollen that only Princess chefs can make. It is so good. Today will be trivia, choir, lunch, performance, trivia and packing. The girls will probably go to Bingo, it has to go off today. If not in the morning then a free cruise will be won and it will go in the afternoon. Both sessions will be busy.

Christmas cruising definitely the way to go. New Year in New Zealand and lots of folks staying on.

Friday 27 December

Well Thursday ended up a wipe out. A fabulous day of rest in Luganville. The family went for a walk into town and ended up getting very wet. I meanwhile took the opportunity to lie on a lounger by the pool, undercover, and take it very easy. Caught up with Mary, Ian and Chris after breakfast before my rest. Made afternoon trivia with the family, made the PES lounge at 5, in the Vista, much nicer than Legends, had a chat to Stu then made it to dinner. Ate my entree and then the head started. First all day and it was a doozy. Was in bed by 6:15 where I remained until 7:30 this morning. It’s the MTP lunch today and the CCCP tonight I’m determined to go to both. Want to see Mary and Ian be acknowledged.

I am now wondering if the wine I brought from home is the culprit as I have only had two glasses of it and both nights have had to go to bed with a headache. Guess I’ll be pouring the rest out. I’ve probably only had the equivalent of one bottle of wine all cruise. I bought a bottle the first night in the Wheelhouse and it’s still half full. Just not me.

My internet is running out, don’t want to buy more so I’ll finish when I get home. Can’t be,I’ve that’s in two days.

Thursday 26 December

Well I’d always wondered why, and wanted to, experience Christmas on a cruise. Now I think I’m hooked. What a wonderful day it was. From the stocking on the bed the night before to the free champagne in the casino at night and everything in between.

The fact that it was Champagne Bay May have made it more special. It has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Soft sand, crystal clear water, sunshine, shade, children singing, an impromptu Cricket game, happy people. On board it was happy, smiling people, especially the crew. The Captain made a special announcement thanking them for all they were doing and how much he appreciates each and everyone of them. The children, 212, were noticeably excited and enjoying their day. Santa arrived by tender at 4:30 and was well received he was still handing out presents and having his photo taken at 5:30 when we went to dinner.

Dinner was a choice of Turkey, Ham, or Lamb delicious. Katrina ate my Brussel sprouts. Desserts were delicious too. The HW came around with Christmas Crackers so we all had corny jokes, hats and a favour. Quite a few family’s had group shirts for the day, in all sizes, from the Toddler to the grandpa. It was very colourful.

After dinner we made it to the Entertainment Staff performance in the Princess Theatre. Very entertaining, they are very talented. My lot went off to a Christmas Trivia, I went through the Wheelhouse to the Casino, my last visit this time, it’s so busy and not paying. The band were playing in the Wheelhouse and they were so loud I now know why folks complained on the world about the volume. There’s two rock and roll couples, gorgeous outfits, who dominate the dance floor, great to watch. But music too loud. There’s also a lovely young guitarist performing in various locations, he’s not John, easy on the ear.

Today is Luganville and I’m going to have a rest day.

Wednesday 25 December

It’s CHRISTMAS And I’m on a ship, wow, so exciting. Today is Champagne Bay and so much happening. I’m having my cup of tea in La Pat and it’s very quiet for 7:30. No kids on new bikes or scooters, no kids actually.

Yesterday was a fabulous day. Considering it was Port Vila and usually so humid that I do the markets come back and rest. Not yesterday I did my window shopping in the morning then just before lunch went out again with my card to their local ATM it had run out of cash and was closed. Came back on board used the ship one, remember it dispenses US$ so off to the desk to exchange, their system was down so couldn’t exchange. Had lunch then tried again and third time lucky I got change and off I went. I’m not sure if it was more stalls but it certainly wasnt as crowded as in the past and I got my few bits and pieces.

The family enjoyed their horse riding, Charlotte, who was the least excited. Ended up with the go pro helmet and the lead horse and ended up really enjoying herself. 3 of the 5 ended up doing the bareback into the water and their photos are wonderful. We made it to trivia in the afternoon and won with 17, Very exciting for all concerned. In the evening the Officers and crew had carol singing in the Atrium at 5 & 7 pm as well as PJ the Cruise Director, reading “The Night before Christmas” at 6:30. It was beautiful and very well attended. Our entertainment for the night was changed as they didn’t arrive until late because of flight problems so the comedian was on instead and he was simulcast to the Vista. We actually had a good laugh. Will have to find out his name. We stayed for the Majority Rules show and had a really good laugh. My family really enjoy PJ’s style and delivery. I love his shoes.

A visit to the casino and then bed. No head last night so that was a plus.

Santa is coming on the last tender, now called “water shuttle” at 5pm so it’s going to be a busy evening as well. Dinner looks yummy and it’s a formal night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

Tuesday 24 December

Another early morning start for me, courtesy of another early night. I didn’t even hear the girls come in to bed. Mystery Island obviously exhausted me. It is such a beautiful spot you could live there if you enjoyed isolation and the occasional cruise ship calling in. We spent our time there on the beach and in the crystal clear water. There was enough space that you felt you were on your own private beach. We started off on the less sheltered side, then after Charlotte and Mark went exploring we moved across the landing strip and secured ourselves a spot under a tree and that was it. The girls, including Katrina, snorkelled warning me of any approaching fish. I took a tumble exiting the water in my best impersonation of Beau Derrick that I could manage, luckily the sand was soft, and there was only family looking on. No harm done. Back to the ship for a late lunch, a Panadol and a sleep. Woke at 4:30 in time to get ready for dinner. A lovely dinner but I’m now wondering if it’s eating that’s causing the headache as I had to lie down straight after, only half an hour, before joining the family for a nitro bingo session. One game $500 prize, none of them won but it was well attended. A walk through, and $100, in the casino and it was off to bed with a Panadol for a really good sleep. Now it’s 6:30am and I’m sitting at the grill with a lemon tea and quite a few early risers. No teenagers to be seen as they had a Hot Tub Disco at the back of the ship last night, while the rest had the Love Boat Party on deck 12, these family cruises are busy, busy.

Port Vila today, the family are going horse riding, I’ll try to find Maureen and go look at the markets. I’m guessing it will be the usual hot and humid but we could be lucky.

Christmas tomorrow.

Sunday 22 December

Good grief the year is going quickly and so is this cruise. First port today, Lifou, it’s 6:45 I’m on the balcony at the grill, along with quite a few others, enjoying a balmy breeze and watching the eager organising themselves for a day ashore. Th family are still asleep, hopefully all in good health and ready for a day exploring ashore. I wonder at my lack of enthusiasm, is it because I’ve been here x number of times; because I’ve been to more exotic; or because I’m tired. I am looking forward to hearing how the family enjoyed it. I know a couple are looking forward to dry land.

Saturday went by in a blur. My trivia team are pretty good, Charlottes science and Jasmines Ancient History have come in very handy. Jasmine and I went to choir and made a new friend, a young girl from Port Macquarie. The young people on board are almost invisible. They had an activity session in the Atrium for the younger passengers, face painting, crafting etc. it was well attended and Stanley was there for photos. Had my first real coffee in the afternoon and it was so good I couldn’t nap after it. It was a poolside lunch from the grill for everyone and I think, even with lashings of sunscreen, there may be a few sun burn spots. Jasmine went to the gym with her dad and Uncle, says she needs to keep fit so that getting back into dancing won’t be as strenuous. Karen, first person I saw when I walked in was Jess, hug passed on. Beautiful young lady.

Dinner was served and eaten in record time as we were heading to a music trivia at 6:45 where we got a respectable 28/40. Knew the songs but singers were a problem. Highest was 33 but it was fun. I spent the evening after that in the casino, with no luck whatsoever, and was in bed by 10, Charlotte was already asleep and Jasmine pretty close. I did call into the wheelhouse and the duo “Great Escape” we’re playing. They are rather good. Haven’t heard the party band yet. Friends have changed from anytime dining to traditional as the queueing and waiting time, for a shared table, was ridiculous. Just heard that the change went well. Something to consider.

It’s now Monday 23 December and yesterday, after a hilarious, but unsettling breakfast, I curled up on a lounger by the pool and fell asleep. Hilarious because a lady and I pointed at one another saying World Cruise. We had shared many breakfasts earlier this year. Unsettling because 5 of the people at the table had lived in New Guinea, late 60’s, early 70’s and they were relating their time there and the flights, on single engine planes, through the mountains. They were so graphic in their telling that I started to get air sick and had to leave the table half way through, leaving half a salmon bagel uneaten. This is unheard of for me. I dozed in front of the Wake Show on the big screen until I’d settled then had my first coffee, that woke me up. A quick bite of lunch, was going to be pizza but it was so busy, I just grabbed a vegetarian roll from the buffet. It was such a nice day I decided to go over to the Island to see if I could see the family swimming. A lovely short tender ride, a stroll along the beach, no family but a voice from under a banyan tree attracted my attention and there was Chris, at last, and we are only 10 cabins apart. So my afternoon was spent catching up. Turns out the family must have got off the tender I got on. They had had a lovely time, hiking to the church, exploring the beach and snorkelling. Mark helped a lady in difficulty in the water, hopefully she is ok.

After a quiet tender ride back I had a shower then went to trivia, from trivia to dinner and like magic my headache started again. A day of half’s, half my veal cordon bleau was left on the plate and I headed straight to bed. I slept through a great performance of Blame it on the Boogie and the Hollywood Game Show, which the family enjoyed. Katrina went to the Casino and apparently they knew she belonged to me. They missed me I’m told. This morning much better and I’m planning on going with them to Mystery Island. Last time I set foot on it was 2006, been a couple of times since but too rough so today’s the day.

Saturday 21 December.

5:36am and I’m sitting on balcony at outdoor grill having a cup of tea. Why you ask, well I was in bed by 7pm last night and now wide awake. I can tell you it’s a bit chilly and there’s no one in the pool but a few early morning tea/coffee drinkers.

So why to bed so early. The first sea day was relatively easy, we did trivia, twice, quite respectable scores but we have a 20/20 team to compete with. Although we did win coasters in a music trivia the night before. The cousin teens went into the pool and then to the gym with their fathers. The sister teen relaxed. By dinner time the cousin teens were a bit queezy as was, Katrina. By first course my headache started and I just had to go to bed, as did the girls. Needless to say Ive had a good, Panadol induced, sleep. I’m up now for a while as I rotated Jasmine to my bed from the top bunk, which is a little hard.

Our first formal last night, menu uninspiring, Charlotte wasn’t up to eating but I’m told they had room service pizza in mums room later. It’s a totally different vibe, a holiday cruise. Holiday time rather than for a holiday. Jasmine and I have joined the Pop Choir, and why not, 4 rehearsals and a performance. Should be fun and fill in the day. I have made the MTP cut off so will be going to lunch. Will have to make sure I keep my glasses off all morning so that my head doesn’t start. Think that was my problem last night.

Lots of families on board and I’m told there are less young people than last year , not quite 200. I missed the Captains Welcome, and champagne waterfall last night but I did have a chat with him yesterday at lunch. He is such a lovely man.

Today’s breakfast was from here to eternity it took so long to order and to get our meals. The problem was the galley, apparently, I think it was just so busy. I’m hearing that anytime dining is the same with friends queueing for 20 minutes to be given a buzzer and then waiting another 20 minutes to get to a shared table. All part of the journey.

Today we’ll have trivia, choir, there’s a $15 garage sale on and a snooze in the afternoon . I probably won’t want lunch after such a late breakfast.

After today 5 port days in a row. Alls good

Friday 20 Dec.

Here I am on my office after my eggs Benedict breakfast and a great nights sleep.

Boarding wasn’t much fun, apparently border control stopped boarding for a while and we were queued up for at least an hour and a half. I also heard that because of the tide they had to move the gangway from 7 to 5,, causing delays. It was hot and busy. I ended up pulling rank and coming on board without the others just so I could get a drink and cool down. Then, between immigration and the cabin, I managed to lose my glasses. Probably because I’m not wearing them all the time they slipped out of my top. They turned up as we sailed away at the Pursers Desk.Must buy a chain. However I am noticing a difference in my head by not wearing them all the time.

Lots of hugs and welcome backs from crew friends, a new Captain from before but it’s Michele who was the Staff Captain earlier this year and he is wonderful. Stuart is the ED,Emily is still here and is doing choir starting today. Pursers Desk had a couple of familiar faces.Only know one person on the Casino but they have been very nice with a beautiful flower arrangement in our cabin and chocolates delivered last night. Have already caught up with Mary. Ian, Wendy, Bob, Craig and Kim. Craig tells me I will know a few other people from the World who are cruising with family also.

The ship looks beautiful with its decorations and tonight is our first formal night, so far the seas are calm and it’s sunny. We have already moved clocks forward an hour and it’s the usual first day orientation of finding our feet. Just under 200 young people under 18, quite a few toddlers, and lots of grandparents. I fit right in. Cabin is compact but we’ve managed, think we may have to rotate beds and bunk, Charlotte said it was a bit hard on the top bunk. I however floated on a cloud.

Another 9 days to go, busy days, but I will try to squeeze in a rest time. Early dinner, 5:30, is different but I’ll cope. Last night Prime Rib Beef was delicious.

All is good I’m at Sea.

Here I am again. No review of the World as yet as so much has happened since I came home I haven’t had time to think about it. Tomorrow, the 19th, I will be returning to my home at sea for a 10 day Christmas Cruise, this time with family.

So what’s been happening, well I came home early as mum was in hospital and quite ill. Once I got home she picked up, as we’d expected, and was going through rehab, doing well, looking at either coming home or going into a facility that could offer 24 hour care. Then one night out of the blue we got a call to say she was in a lot of pain and she was. When the situation was explained and it meant she would have to go through the three months she’d had already been through she decided enough was enough and just wanted pain relief. At 88, almost, 89 she slipped away peacefully in her sleep on the 9th of October. What followed was to her wishes, a funeral/cremation here in Qld, then a memorial in Wollongong where she would be placed with Dad. Both services were well attended and appeared to go off seamlessly. I think she would have been happy with both occasions, maybe not my wrapping her ashes in a tartan t-towel (new, a gift from a friend) but fitting as she was well known for her washing up skills. A very emotional time.

After the second service I developed a headache which has haunted me from that day, debilitating and exhausting. First put down to stress, then Migraine and now, after eye examination, it’s my glasses that are too strong. Yesterday I ended up in hospital after collapsing in the nail salon and it turns out that the migraine tablets I started on Monday don’t suit me. So today I’ve been so much better with no drugs, only wearing my glasses to read, and enjoying a coffee.

This is so positive for my next few days of cruising. I am beyond excited, I feel like I am going home. Friends are currently on board and have been filling me in on who’s there and I just can’t wait. I am also excited because I’ll be with my girls again. Sharing with grandchildren , Jasmine and Charlotte, and we have organised a door decoration, saying Merry Christmas from Grandma and her gorgeous granddaughters. No boys allowed ( Unless they have an available Grandpa). The girls think it’s hilarious, their idea, and we have lights and things to add atmosphere. Will try to take a photo and add it. As an extended family group this is going to be something new for me. There will be 8 of us with 3 first timers including 2 who are a bit iffy about long trousers on holidays, “they’re for work”.

So my packing is done, seriously looks too much, have packed some extras to take off in Champagne Bay on Christmas Day for the children. Some goodies to spoil my Sea family and bits and pieces just in case. We will be celebrating our family Christmas on New Year’s Day, which is traditionally our big day anyway. My son, daughter in law and the baby, Decoeta, are looking after the house while I’m away. Decoeta will be one tomorrow, she may be tiny but she is a pocket rocket and such a clever little thing given that she was 9 weeks early., she’s reached all her milestones. 

Having them here has taken the edge off living in a big empty house. I was widowed 15 years ago and finally got used to being on my own. Then mum came to stay, 9 years ago, and my first thought was I’ve been widowed again, the house is so big and so quiet. This holiday is just what I need to get my focus back. So I will attempt to continue my routine of writing about cruising life. As to whether Max comes, or not,will depend on how much space I have in my carry on after putting in my bottle of wine.