BON VOYAGE Coral Princess World Cruisers 2024

[Cbtours]

5 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

The weather has been conspiring against us for our arrival in Cape Town. 

 

First there were some very nasty seas two nights ago. The captain moved the ship closer to shore so we avoided the worst of them but, even so, we were rocked to sleep by 5-6 metre seas. We lost a bit of time with this so all the ship's excursions have been rescheduled. Ah well, at least we didn't have to get up so early!

 

However there was thick fog this morning - so thick the pilot couldn't get out to the ship - so our arrival has been delayed a bit more. 

 

The fog started to lift just as we got back to our cabin after breakfast, giving us gorgeous views of Table Mountain while the city was still swathed in fog.

 

 

 

Shame for the delays into capetown but enjoy the time now

[OzKiwiJJ]

Just now, Cbtours said:

Shame for the delays into capetown but enjoy the time now

We will. We're currently sitting in the Explorer's Lounge waiting to do the Table Mountain excursion. 

[sewgood]

1 hour ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

The fog started to lift just as we got back to our cabin after breakfast, giving us gorgeous views of Table Mountain while the city was still swathed in fog.

 

Wow that was a view worth waiting for!

[Kiwi_cruiser]

After leaving Port Louism, Mauritius Coral Princess had 5 days at sea and has now arrived in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Coral Princess was late arriving in to port this morning local time, due to Flog.

 

She is spending overnight in port.

 

 

[ekka49]

6 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

We will. We're currently sitting in the Explorer's Lounge waiting to do the Table Mountain excursion. 

We have that tour tomorrow 

[OzKiwiJJ]

Just now, ekka49 said:

We have that tour tomorrow 

It was amazing. The views are incredible. Look out for the rock rabbits - they will be below the viewing areas.

[Tranquility Base]

Was Cape Town an embarking port ?

If so, I would be interested in knowing if there were any logistical issues regarding the actual arriving at ship side for boarding.

 

Thanks.

[Cbtours]

5 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

It was amazing. The views are incredible. Look out for the rock rabbits - they will be below the viewing areas.

So glad you enjoyed it 🥰

[cruiser3775]

Great photo of Table Mountain with the fog layer.

Those pointy mountains in Mauritius  are volcanic plugs, similar geology to the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland.

Edited May 20 by cruiser3775

[OzKiwiJJ]

3 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Was Cape Town an embarking port ?

If so, I would be interested in knowing if there were any logistical issues regarding the actual arriving at ship side for boarding.

 

Thanks.

It was an embarkation port - I noticed a number of people waiting with suitcases. However our late docking probably skewed the situation. We all had to go through immigration when leaving the ship so I imagine the ship had to reach zero count before check-ins were allowed. We were on an excursion originally due to leave the ship around 8am but with the docking delay and a very long immigration queue we boarded our bus just before noon. 

 

It appears to be very easy to get to the terminal and there were plenty of people there to guide us, both departing for tours and arriving back again. 

 

Unfortunately I can't comment about the actual check-in process but getting from the terminal to the ship was a quick walk down steps or ramps and across the wharf -see below.

 

 

 

[OzKiwiJJ]

On arrival in Port yesterday the hull of our ship was given a rigorous inspection by a local marine expert who we spotted relaxing after its efforts.

 

Edited May 20 by OzKiwiJJ

[Kiwi_cruiser]

Coral Princess spending overnight and her second day in Cape Town, South Africa today:
 

 

[Yaya_in_Oz]

I embarked Cape Town yesterday. I arrived at about 11.30 and my bag was taken by a porter. With the ship delayed I guess I waited about 2 hours to start checking in. Supposedly the terminal is new but there is only about 80 seats for people waiting. Ok but I wouldn’t want 2000 arriving at once. Most still had their suitcases which were later taken. Then a long line of new crew got on and so on. Finally we got to check in but only 5 at a time as that is all the staff they had. Inside the check in area was packed with people as all the staff had to come down and go through immigration and then get back on the ship. After getting the medallion there was a small waiting area with maybe about 30 seats and I didn’t wait there long before being called to the ship. This part only took a few minutes from entry to exit. Once at the gangway this couple said where did you get the medallion 😱. Someone took them and showed them and then announcements were made for people to check in first before heading to the ship! I think the staff were a bit confused as guests who were already on the ship were returning for the day and somehow a few made it to the gangway without checking in. It all worked out in the end I think.

Cape Town is a great place to visit. I’ve been here before for a week so had done a lot of tours already.

It’s nice to be aboard. Had the best time in economy with a spare seat next to me the whole way, 30+ hours! 2h in line to get through immigration at the CPT airport only 2, sometimes 3 officers for hundreds of people and planes kept landing. Landslide people very nice to me! So all good. Sat night the Waterfront was pumping, it was great.

Anyway, I don’t have Internet so if anything of excitement happens I’ll post in port. It’s 11 am and the Mountain is still covered in fog.

[Tranquility Base]

12 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

It was an embarkation port -

Great, many thanks for the detailed info.

Enjoy the cruise.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Just now, Tranquility Base said:

Great, many thanks for the detailed info.

Enjoy the cruise.

Thanks, Duncan.

 

It's definitely an adventure especially this first part where the itinerary changed. We loved Cape Town as a port stop.

[Tranquility Base]

10 hours ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

I embarked Cape Town yesterday.

Thanks for that info @Yaya_in_Oz

10 hours ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

Had the best time in economy with a spare seat next to me the whole way, 30+ hours! 2h in line to get through immigration at the CPT airport only 2, sometimes 3 officers for hundreds of people and planes kept landing. Landslide people very nice to me!

Did you use a private transfer from airport hotel ?

How was the hotel you used ?

[Kiwi_cruiser]

After leaving Cape Town, South Africa they had a day at sea before arriving in Walvis Bay, Namibia today:

 

 

 

I have been to Walvis Bay, Namibia before back in November 2019 on Queen Elizabeth.

 

There is not very much to do there, apart from a shopping centre and a lot of flamingos.

 

My memory's from my day where was a doggy taxi driver who took us to see the flamingos.

Edited May 22 by Kiwi_cruiser

[OzKiwiJJ]

Two Days in Cape Town

 

As mentioned earlier our arrival in Cape Town was delayed by fog, then a long queue at immigration meant we didn't board our bus for our "morning" excursion to Table Mountain until midday. However the delay worked in our favour as the fog had cleared and the weather was clear, sunny and warm.

 

We went straight to the cable car after leaving the terminal. The gondolas were very large, capable of taking our full bus load and then some. They had a revolving floor so everyone got a chance to see the view as we went up the mountain.

 

 

Our guide took us around some of the viewpoints, showing us the various parts of Cape Town and the surrounding countryside, then we had free time to wander around or visit the shop or restaurant.

 

There's a ship down there somewhere!

 

 

Ah, there it is!

 

 

 

Looking down a cleft in the mountain wall to the lower cable car terminal.

 

 

We spotted a small animal basking on a rock. At first we thought it was a cat but when it moved it was clear it wasn't. It turned out to be a rock rabbit. They live in crevices in the rocks and feed on the shrubs etc. We ended up seeing several of them.

 

 

We bought a couple of souvenirs, and Rolf bought a hat as he hadn't brought his good Panama, then had a light snack at the restaurant. The free time allowed turned out to be far too long and soon most of our bus group found rocks to sit on while we waited. There were some lovely black birds keeping a lookout for titbits- they were red winged starlings.

 

 

After descending the mountain and reboarding our bus we headed back to the cruise terminal via a different route - along the coast past wealthy seaside suburbs overlooking the beautiful bays we'd seen from above.

 

 

 

We were also given a quick tour around the city centre before arriving at the terminal.

 

We just had enough time to shower and change before heading out for our evening excursion - African Drumming and Dinner. This was held at the Gold Restaurant, a venue that is very popular for this type of dinner and show. Unfortunately the tables for our group were at one side of the stage so it was hard to see what was going on. I had developed a sore back from the first bus which also made it hard to twist around to see the stage.

 

We started with an interactive drumming show - everyone had been provided with a drum and we learnt various rhythms. This went on a bit too long though.

 

 

The meal was very interesting with 14 different dishes served. My favourites were the interestingly spiced tomato soup, the venison pie, and the orange walnut cake.

 

 

 

There were displays of traditional dances during the meal.

 

 

 

Next day we did an excursion to the Stellenbosch wine region. After an interesting drive past the outer suburbs of Cape Town and through some pretty countryside we arrived in Stellenbosch, a large university town with some beautiful old buildings. We had some free time to explore the centre of the town. We headed straight to a cafe for some excellent coffee then took photos of some of the interesting buildings including three quite old and very different churches.

 

 

 

 

Our final stop was at the Blaauwklippen winery where we tasted four table wines - a superb Chenin Blanc, a pleasant rosè, an excellent shiraz, and a Bordeaux blend - plus a delicious fortified wine called Before and After as it could be drunk as an aperitif as well as an after dinner wine. We bought two bottles of the Chenin Blanc.

 

We travelled back to Cape Town via a different route which took us past some of the Shantytowns that are relics of the Apartheid era. Some were worse than I imagined! So sad. There is high unemployment in Cape Town and subsequently a very high rate of crime. We were told not to walk around the city after dark, and not to go anywhere near certain parts of the city.

 

We were a bit late back due to slow traffic so didn't have enough time to explore the V&A waterfront. We had to go through departure immigration before reboarding the ship but this was very quick. Once back onboard we could not leave the ship again.

[Cbtours]

4 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Two Days in Cape Town

 

As mentioned earlier our arrival in Cape Town was delayed by fog, then a long queue at immigration meant we didn't board our bus for our "morning" excursion to Table Mountain until midday. However the delay worked in our favour as the fog had cleared and the weather was clear, sunny and warm.

 

We went straight to the cable car after leaving the terminal. The gondolas were very large, capable of taking our full bus load and then some. They had a revolving floor so everyone got a chance to see the view as we went up the mountain.

 

 

Our guide took us around some of the viewpoints, showing us the various parts of Cape Town and the surrounding countryside, then we had free time to wander around or visit the shop or restaurant.

 

There's a ship down there somewhere!

 

 

Ah, there it is!

 

 

 

Looking down a cleft in the mountain wall to the lower cable car terminal.

 

 

We spotted a small animal basking on a rock. At first we thought it was a cat but when it moved it was clear it wasn't. It turned out to be a rock rabbit. They live in crevices in the rocks and feed on the shrubs etc. We ended up seeing several of them.

 

 

We bought a couple of souvenirs, and Rolf bought a hat as he hadn't brought his good Panama, then had a light snack at the restaurant. The free time allowed turned out to be far too long and soon most of our bus group found rocks to sit on while we waited. There were some lovely black birds keeping a lookout for titbits- they were red winged starlings.

 

 

After descending the mountain and reboarding our bus we headed back to the cruise terminal via a different route - along the coast past wealthy seaside suburbs overlooking the beautiful bays we'd seen from above.

 

 

 

We were also given a quick tour around the city centre before arriving at the terminal.

 

We just had enough time to shower and change before heading out for our evening excursion - African Drumming and Dinner. This was held at the Gold Restaurant, a venue that is very popular for this type of dinner and show. Unfortunately the tables for our group were at one side of the stage so it was hard to see what was going on. I had developed a sore back from the first bus which also made it hard to twist around to see the stage.

 

We started with an interactive drumming show - everyone had been provided with a drum and we learnt various rhythms. This went on a bit too long though.

 

 

The meal was very interesting with 14 different dishes served. My favourites were the interestingly spiced tomato soup, the venison pie, and the orange walnut cake.

 

 

 

There were displays of traditional dances during the meal.

 

 

 

Next day we did an excursion to the Stellenbosch wine region. After an interesting drive past the outer suburbs of Cape Town and through some pretty countryside we arrived in Stellenbosch, a large university town with some beautiful old buildings. We had some free time to explore the centre of the town. We headed straight to a cafe for some excellent coffee then took photos of some of the interesting buildings including three quite old and very different churches.

 

 

 

 

Our final stop was at the Blaauwklippen winery where we tasted four table wines - a superb Chenin Blanc, a pleasant rosè, an excellent shiraz, and a Bordeaux blend - plus a delicious fortified wine called Before and After as it could be drunk as an aperitif as well as an after dinner wine. We bought two bottles of the Chenin Blanc.

 

We travelled back to Cape Town via a different route which took us past some of the Shantytowns that are relics of the Apartheid era. Some were worse than I imagined! So sad. There is high unemployment in Cape Town and subsequently a very high rate of crime. We were told not to walk around the city after dark, and not to go anywhere near certain parts of the city.

 

We were a bit late back due to slow traffic so didn't have enough time to explore the V&A waterfront. We had to go through departure immigration before reboarding the ship but this was very quick. Once back onboard we could not leave the ship again.

Excellent report and photos Julie. I’m so glad we are going back at Christmas or I’d be getting homesick for my adopted country by now 😁😁😁.

 

re the shanty towns, Frank tells me that many of the people living in them were given “Mandela” houses, a system Mabel’s set up to build basic brick houses that were free for the needy. But it wasn’t unusual to have the people “miss” their shanty community and so move back to live in shanty, and rent out their “house”.

 

SA doesn’t have any dole type system, so literally no income if you don’t or can’t work. The age pension is currently around 1800 Rand per month. Which is approx $160? Aud at todays rates.

 

when I first went to SA with Frank 16 years ago the basic food, etc was quarter of the Aus price. It is now same or higher! 
we live in a very “lucky” country here.

 

keep enjoying your cruise, we’re following along avidly 😁🥰

[arxcards]

10 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Two Days in Cape Town

 

As mentioned earlier our arrival in Cape Town was delayed by fog, then a long queue at immigration meant we didn't board our bus for our "morning" excursion to Table Mountain until midday. However the delay worked in our favour as the fog had cleared and the weather was clear, sunny and warm.

Ah, there it is!

 

 

Sounds like an awesome time in port. Thanks for sharing your experience and those fantastic photos.

[Kiwi_cruiser]

After leaving Walvis Bay, Namibia on Wednesday Coral Princess is currently day 3 of her 7 days at sea, before she arrives in Mindelo (São Vicente), Cape Verde Island on Thursday 30th May 2024:

 

 

 

[OzKiwiJJ]

Walvis Bay & Swakopmund, Namibia

 

Another delayed start! Surge issues meant it wasn't safe to dock at the cruise terminal. Eventually the port authorities decided to allow us to dock at wharf 1, an industrial wharf. Promises were made for shuttle buses for those self-exploring but apparently they never turned up so many passengers who were self-exploring didn't get a chance to get off the ship. 

 

Luckily our tour bus did arrive, as did all the other Princess booked tours and all/most of the privately booked tours. However we didn't get going until close to midday again. We had to do a face-to-face immigration but this was done onboard and the tour groups were sent through one at a time so it was very quick. The delays meant some of the longer tours weren't able to do the full tour but ours was OK.

 

We had a lovely trip down to Swakopmund. First we went to the lagoon at Walvis Bay to see the flamingos.

 

 

They look quite weird when they are walking around feeding.

 

 

The road to Swakopmund passes between the Ocean and the desert. We were on the Oceanside going down then on the desert side coming back.

 

Swakopmund has retained its German heritage with many lovely old buildings. Local regulations require new buildings to be built in similar styles resulting in a charming town.

 

 

 

 

Our first stop was at the gorgeous old railway station which is now a very elegant hotel. Then we walked to the Krystall Gallery where we saw huge crystal formations and many, many different types of gemstones.

 

 

From there we walked through the town to the waterfront where there was a very interesting museum. There was all sorts of memorabilia, stuffed animals and sea creatures, replicas of early living quarters, a pharmacy, even a dentist (ugh!), and a huge collection of model cars. There were old printing equipment including a linotype. I was fascinated by this old cabin trunk with drawers and hanging space.

 

 

After that we had some free time so found a great restaurant, Ocean Cellar, overlooking the ocean and had a light meal of local crayfish in crayfish bisque, accompanied by an icy cold local beer.

 

 

On the way back we first stopped at the Swakopmund wharf to watch the "Atlantic Growlers" - fierce waves that crashed spectacularly against the wharf.

 

 

Our final stop was where the sand dunes come right down to the ocean with just the road between them. We climbed up a small sand dune to enjoy the views of the desert. The sand was exceptionally fine, almost powdery.

 

 

 

Walvis Bay has "townships", their version of shantytowns as a result of the Apartheid regime, but much neater with proper small houses. The earlier townships allowed sheds to be built adjoining the houses so they are a bit scruffy, but newer developments don't allow this and look much nicer.

 

We got back with just had enough time for quick showers before dinner.

Edited May 25 by OzKiwiJJ

[Yaya_in_Oz]

On 5/21/2024 at 5:34 AM, Tranquility Base said:

Thanks for that info @Yaya_in_Oz

Did you use a private transfer from airport hotel ?

How was the hotel you used ?

I didn't bother with a private transfer. I had read to just take an authorised taxi from the airport. The attendant at the carousel must of thought I'd fall over if I tried to retrieve my bag so she grabbed it and then wheeled it to the authorised taxi man who wheeled it around the airport to their booth where they gave me the price of 450 Rand (about $40) and then to the taxi. I stayed at the Pullman in the CBD as I had read it was a nice hotel used by cruise passengers. It was $184 compared to $5-600 they were wanting for a waterfront hotel at my time of booking which was fairly last minute. Nice hotel, large rooms, pool. They had a shuttle every hour to the waterfront which you had to book in advance (about 1/2hr). The shuttle drops you off about 5-7 min walk on the flat from the cruise terminal. On the day the shuttle bus driver just took me around there although they don't have too. Oh, the advantages of being an old lady😄.

This pic is from my balcony on the ship and you can see the hotel with that pyramid thing on top (right of centre) so not far.

[Yaya_in_Oz]

I've absolutely no idea why this image appears upside down or how to fix it. I'm half way through the sea days so I got the Internet today for $23 as a plat/elite for the day. Quite reasonable considering they wanted $750 for the cruise. I don't have a package and certainly not worth it for just checking e-mails.

I have been impressed with the number of activities offered on a small ship. Dare I post a patter or two. They may be upside down.

Also very happy that they have ABC24 as a channel (as well as Sky 🙃) and BBC News among others. I like to be kept informed while away but its a bit to get used to watching Afternoon Briefing, Planet America and so on at 8 am! All the previous Destination Guides that have been presented are available for viewing also.

 

The only thing I saw or heard in Walvis Bay was the bunker boat whirring till all hours of the morning. Fortunately I'd been through Namibia before. The Captain said Walvis Bay was not up to the standard required for a cruise ship.

 

[OzKiwiJJ]

Just now, Yaya_in_Oz said:

I've absolutely no idea why this image appears upside down or how to fix it. I'm half way through the sea days so I got the Internet today for $23 as a plat/elite for the day. Quite reasonable considering they wanted $750 for the cruise. I don't have a package and certainly not worth it for just checking e-mails.

I have been impressed with the number of activities offered on a small ship. Dare I post a patter or two. They may be upside down.

Also very happy that they have ABC24 as a channel (as well as Sky 🙃) and BBC News among others. I like to be kept informed while away but its a bit to get used to watching Afternoon Briefing, Planet America and so on at 8 am! All the previous Destination Guides that have been presented are available for viewing also.

 

The only thing I saw or heard in Walvis Bay was the bunker boat whirring till all hours of the morning. Fortunately I'd been through Namibia before. The Captain said Walvis Bay was not up to the standard required for a cruise ship.

 

 

 

Yes, the Captain wasn't at all happy with Walvis Bay. However I suspect it is a necessary stop for bunkering as Cape Town to Cape Verde might be just a tad too far on one load of fuel. 

 

Anyway, good to hear you made it onboard. We've very much enjoyed the cruise so far and are looking forward to the rest of it