Live from Sapphire 3-12 AUK-SYD

[CrossMyHeart]

I'm so jealous!! Just got home now from the sailing before yours..totally depressed :( Please post lots of pictures when you're done! :)

[CrossMyHeart]

Oh, one more thing, if you can please post a review and pics especially for Dunedin!! We were unable to dock there because of very strong winds, so we had to skip that port entirely. :(

[lancefield]

hi coolcruises hope you had a great cruise we are going next week did you get on at sydney and if so how did it work was it organized i have left from sydney on superstar leo and boarding was a nightmare no seats for the olds and people very unhappy could you put your baggage in early like they said sorry about all the questions one more do you live here in aust lisa

[mringenoldus]

Day 4 Christchurch

 

I had originally booked a Princess tour called Wings and Ice. However, I became concerned that my DH wouldn't have enough time at the Antarctic Centre. Given confidence by the CC poster who listed all the public transportation access, I cancelled and we struck out on our own. We took the free shuttle from port to Lyttleton. The we purchased an all day bus pass for $10NZD each. The trip to the city centre was easy and then transfered to the A bus right to the Antarctic Centre. We experienced the bitter cold "storm romm" and rode the Hagglund. We also viewed the penguins that were being medically treated there. We had a great time.

 

Next we hopped the bus back to the city and wandered there for a bit. My favorite item was the sweaters made from Merino wool and possum. They are very soft and machine washable. The $200NZD price tag held me back - and now I regret it.

 

Back on the bus for a ride to the Gondola. The ticket is $22NZD but the views are great. On the bus again to the free shuttle - but the line was long so we decided to stroll back to the ship and bought a bottle of wine along the way. The only glitch was that you can't walk past security, so when a bus came along we hopped on it and rode through the gates to the pier.

 

We went to see Piano Man and thought it was excellent! We then went to see a comedian and briefly stopped by the casino. We didn't want to stay up too late as we had an 8AM tour in the morning.

 

Day 5

Our CC group had decided to meet in the breakfast dining room and leave the ship together. 16 of us had reserved a day with Arthur's Tours. Unfortunately, one couple had to pass due to illness.

 

Arthur is just as wonderful as everyone has reviewed! Our bus actually held 30 so we had plenty of room. The first stop was the albatross colony. This was very interesting and the guide was quite knowledgable about these endangered birds.

 

Next we headed for the Penguin Place. This is a very carefully tended area dedicated to increasing the yellow-banded population (there are only 4000 left) We were very lucky and got to see anumber of the penguins in their habitat along with NZ fur seals and other critters.

 

Then we headed off to the Speights brewery tour. This is a very indepth look at ale-making with generoud free tasting at the end.

 

Because I had promised a relative some NZ yarn, Arthur then managed to find a parking place right in town for the bus and we all browsed for about 30 minutes. I found exactly what I needed with Arthur's help.

 

Arthur regretted that we didn't have a bit more time to see the historic buildings - but no one wanted to risk missing the ship. It would be a very long swim to Hobart! We hated to say good-bye to Arthur. We had a great day and totally enjoyed the company of the others in our group.

 

Tonight we are planning to see Words an Music..and maybe take in a movie. Three days at sea are sounding very relaxing!

 

Crossmyheart - I will post photos as soon as I can. Had we arrived in Dunedin yesterday - we wouldn't have made it in either as they had gale force winds. Today's weather was awesome!

[margord]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your trip. DH and I hope to do tis cruise in 2009.

[mringenoldus]

Glad that you are enjoying the information - as we are definitely enjoying this cruise!

 

Day 6

 

It's St. Patrick's day and there are many related activities and decorations. But the real view is of the fjiordland area. We have seen 3 pods of dolphins so far a we enter the second sound. The weather is very chilly and windy and the clouds block some of the upper elevations.

 

They are repeating last night's show this afternoon and we plan to attend. I am also pleased that they have developed some new game activities. Tonight's seems like it will be a takeoff on Deal or No Deal.

 

Happy St.Patricks Day!

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Just watching the cam as you are about to enter Milford Sound.Looks like a big crowd up on the bow,and at least the seas look smooth .Even though there is rain about the waterfalls should look great.

 

[mringenoldus]

I was standing behind the plexiglass right up above the people in the photo. It was a bit chilly but luckily no wind. There is a ranger who narrates as you're going along. We saw many, many waterfalls and a few other boats. At the end of the falls, we picked up the people who had done the land tour and dropped off the ranger.

 

Today we're in the Tasman Sea. It is quite wavy - but sunny. Occasionally, we hit a large wave that shifts the direction you intended to walk :) (Or maybe we just celebrated too much on St Paddy's Day??) It is really lovely and relaxing to have three sea days.

 

We have a guest on our balcony today - a medium sized gull of some type. He seems perfectly content to sit in the corner. I'm just worried he has no water. We reported him to the steward so we'll see what happens to the poor thing.

 

I spoke to the Captains Circle person who claims she hasn't received any real negative feedback to the internet policy change. (Not sure I'm buying it!) She said it was to stop people from giving their cards to others and spending too much time on the internet. The laundry policy will stay the same but the dry cleaning will be a concern. She said that the inspectors were not pleased with the type of chemicals they need to use being also used on passengers clothing. Some ships won't offer dry cleaning.

 

I started the morning at Christian Fellowship in Club Fusion. There were about 70 people but no host from Princess. So members of the group took turns leading song and prayer. It was very nice - although I wish there had been a Catholic Mass. We have to stand in line today for Australian immigration processing. Then we plan to meet our CC group in the Wheelhouse. Later we'll go to horseracing in Club Fusion. We are also meeting another CC couple for dinner in the Savoy dining room this evening.

 

Picked up my Future Cruise Credit form today.

 

Anyone planning this trip has a lot to look forward to!

Maureen

[jonsey]

Thank you Maureen for going to the trouble to do a live ffrom...one more question how stocked is the library? should i bring books, and is there any problem with any time dining? Have a nice few days at sea (best time in the cruise 4 weeks till we sail on sapphire:D:D:D

[margord]

This is like a good book. I keep waiting for the next chapter.

[mringenoldus]

I'm glad you're enjoying my notes - just think how great your trip will be!

 

Day 7

We woke to somewhat calmer seas and blue skies this morning. We ordered room service to our balcony and enjoyed not having to do anything special.

 

I headed off to a spa seminar on makeup and Garrit went to take photos of the ship.

 

I came back to to a load of wash ($1.00 to wash or dry) and then went to see the movie in the Princess theater. The movie was Flags of our Fathers and it was very moving to see it with many older gentelmen in the audience. Some were quite teary as the movie ended.

 

I plan to head back to wooden horse racing ($3.00 per race) Your chances are 1 of 6 to win and the odds pay back anywhere from $1 to $30 depending on how many people bet on each horse.

 

I didn't do line dancing but it was a very popular activity. I'm also surprised at how full the computer classes are.

 

NEWS FLASH! For the gamblers among us - there casino manager told me they are converting from coins to swiping your cruise card to play the slots. This could get me in BIG trouble :)

 

We planned to have our CC group meet in the Wheelhouse yesterday but it was full with people attending a naturopath seminar. I would highly suggest Skywalkers to any other group trying to get together as they don't schedule activities there.

 

The library was well stocked at the beginning of the cruise but supplies are dwindling. DH has made a number of visits there.

 

Anytime dining works well for us. There are usually tables for 2 available and we can chat with the other couples seated nearby. Last night we made a reservation since we were joining another CC couple (wonderful people and great dinner companions!) It's great just deciding where and when you want to eat. I highly recommend something called "butterfish" - terrific!!

 

Tomorrow - Hobart!

[margord]

I

 

I came back to to a load of wash ($1.00 to wash or dry) and then went to see the movie in the Princess theater. The movie was Flags of our Fathers and it was very moving to see it with many older gentelmen in the audience. Some were quite teary as the movie ended.

 

Was it easy to get to the machines? Since this trip will be so long I may have to do some laundry while on the ship.

 

NEWS FLASH! For the gamblers among us - there casino manager told me they are converting from coins to swiping your cruise card to play the slots. This could get me in BIG trouble :)

 

Wow, I do not consider this a good thing. We like to put around $10 per night in the machines. I would much rather use cash. I hope thye at least give us an option.

 

 

Tomorrow - Hobart!

 

Marilee

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Tomorrow - Hobart!

 

A shot of Sapphire dominating the Harbour in Hobart this morning,captured from the cam on top of the Hobart Casino at Wrest Point.

 

[gambit57]

How's the state of the ship? Still quite new looking?

[tattboi26]

I'm so jealous!! Just got home now from the sailing before yours..totally depressed :( Please post lots of pictures when you're done! :)

 

 

I also was on your cruise and feel the same way, had to go back to work yesterday:mad: im looking at sailing on sapphire again next year but in Alaska

[Marie-Claude]

Maureen!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do a Live from...

We've just returned from a South America cruise, and are now looking for the next one!!

After reading your wonderful posts... this might be it!!

THanks again,

 

MC

[CrossMyHeart]

I also was on your cruise and feel the same way, had to go back to work yesterday:mad: im looking at sailing on sapphire again next year but in Alaska

Oh, good for you! :) At least you had all that time between the end of the cruise and 1st day of work! We also went to Alaska on the Sapphire in 2005. We went on Sapphire 3 times in a row :p

 

It looks like we might go on the Emerald this July

[mringenoldus]

David - you caught a great shot of the Sapphire in port! As you can see, the day started out cloudy but by afternoon, the sun was out and it was beautiful on deck as we sailed away.

 

We took a Princess tour to Port Arthur. First we stopped for morning tea and then on to the prison. I found the place quite a paradox as it is a beautiful setting but has such a sad and harsh history. We were given a short guided tour and then sent to explore on our own. Before leaving, we were given a cruise through the harbor to see the Isle of the Dead and the juvenile prison area.

 

On the way back we stopped in a national park area to see a canyon and natural bridge formation.

 

We were greeted today in port by a youth choir and sent off by the police bagpipe group. They played Auld Lang Syne and everyone watching from the decks sang along. It was a very, very nice farewell.

 

We saw the show, Port of Call, which had been cancelled earlier due to high seas on the Tasman. I think all three shows so far have been very well done. Now we're off to watch a jeapordy-style game show and then a comedian. We can afford to stay up late as tomorrow is another relaxing day at sea. I'm hoping that the weather may be nice enough to sit on my balcony or out on deck.

 

I was on this ship when she was less than 3 months old. I think she looks just as good today!

[margord]

Really enjoying, keep the posts coming. Did you have a hard time getting to do your wash. Was it crowded?

 

Marilee

[mistresskate]

Have really been enjoying your posts! We are on the next cruise - Sydney to Auckland.

Are you able to tell us if there is a drycleaning service onboard? We are aware that there is a self-service laundry, but are we able pay to get our suits/gowns pressed/steamed (we are getting married on board 2nd day)?

Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

 

Thank you!!

 

Kate

[harfield]

We are leaving on the 17th April from Sydney to LA on the Sapphire. Is the cruise director staying on for this cruise and what is he like. Thanks Hope you can help. Bob

[Kiwi Kruzer]

We took a Princess tour to Port Arthur. First we stopped for morning tea and then on to the prison. I found the place quite a paradox as it is a beautiful setting but has such a sad and harsh history. We were given a short guided tour and then sent to explore on our own. Before leaving, we were given a cruise through the harbor to see the Isle of the Dead and the juvenile prison area.

 

I am pleased you went to Port Arthur and took the guided tour.It is hard to comprehend such a sad history ,in such a beautiful setting.When I went,it felt like walking around a film set, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was all real.

[mringenoldus]

Day 10

We're having a beautiful sunny day at sea as we head to Melbourne. The sea is smooth and the temp is 70 degrees at noon.

 

I watched a movie this morning and then droped by to drop off our onboard booking. This afternoon, we will tour the backstage show area. then we have to decide between the movie or wooden horse racing and trivia. I haven't won a horse race yet - but we have won trivia two nights in a row. We have 4 tickets to turn in for prizes at the end of the cruise. Can't wait to see what that gets us :)

 

Tonight is formal night. Lobster is on the menu and the champagne waterfall will follow. We also have the Captains Cocktail reception to attend as past cruisers.

 

Last night I dropped by the Horizon court and they were serving diced fresh fruit drizzled with chocalte and white sauce with a bit of whipped cream. Oh my God!!

 

Besides the regular laundry, which also has irons, they have both laundry and dry cleaning service. My husband's shirts were $3 each to launder and press. The self-serve laundry is a little busy but I have gotten a machine each time I went. Maybe just lucky?

 

Congratulations on the wedding!! The staff mentioned that there were no weddings this trip but a couple on the next. This will be a wonderful honeymoon to remember.

 

The cruise director is a pleasant guy named Paul O'Laughlan (sp?) He does a good job of introducing shows but doesn't hog the stage. I don't see him on deck much but that doesn't bother me. Since the weather is so cool - there's not a lot of outside deck activity so that may be why you don't see him around. The assistants are very busy running activities however.

 

Off to find a nice deck chair and read for awhile!

Maureen

[kaseyoz]

I am pleased you went to Port Arthur and took the guided tour.It is hard to comprehend such a sad history ,in such a beautiful setting.When I went,it felt like walking around a film set, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was all real.

 

I STILL could not go to Port Arthur. I had children the same age as allanah and madeline so it hit me hard for a long time.

 

I am still unsure if Bryant was guilty, Too many questions unanswered BUT i have learned to get on with it.

One day I will get there.

 

As you said it is still a beautiful place if you can see past its history

 

karon

[margord]

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to do this review. Very enjoyable.