Kerikeri15

Re the Pitcairn blogs. On our day of arrival the wind speed was 30+ Knots with a rough sea. There was no way an open boat of the kind used by the Islanders would have been able to come alongside.AJ.

We did a Japanese cruise on DP in 2016. Absolutely loved it. She carries 3000+ passengers but there was no hint of overcrowding in the pool areas so unlike European cruise ships no dropping towels on recliners to claim them all day. Cabin and wait staff are mainly Phillipino with the odd Thai waiters plus European wine waiters. The Captain was British. We took the opportunity to use the free shuttles in the ports visited and wandered round taking in the scenes. I note the comments on Busan. We both enjoyed our visit there particularly the Korea War Cemetery. Beautifully kept and very moving. Allen.

I have sailed to Tonga many times on my own boat and taking charter yachts back and forth, Sadly there is not much to do in Neiafu(this is the port, Va-vau is the island group). You really need to charter a boat to get to the nearby islands, Some amazing places once away from the town. Whale watching in season,June - September from memory, can be memorable as the females bring their calves in amongst the islands. Enjoy.

We last visited Salerno on a "cruise" on board a car carrier in 2011. Had a really interesting time and loved the wandering round the narrow back streets and standing outside the Teatro Verdi listening to the opera singers practicing. We also found that to visit Amalfi cost 2 euros return on the local bus. Brilliant experience and amazing sights. Great place to visit.

Enjoyed the many threads on Sea Princess world tour. My wife, Judith, and I,Allen, are flying out of Auckland this coming Sunday to join up with Sea Princess in Southampton then, back to Auckland. 30 hours to get there and 52 days to return. Couldn't be better.

However you decide just go and enjoy your cruise on Carribean Princess. My wife and I have completed 2 voyages on Princess line ships and thoroughly enjoyed the. Far better than HAL. This coming Sunday we depart for Southampton, UK, to join Sea Princess for the voyage of a lifetime back to Auckland,NZ. 52 days of no dishes to wash, lawns to mow and great entertainment. Bliss:)).