What I failed to mention previously was that the dreaded announcement over the Tannoy was made two or three days ago. “Although we are still on schedule, one of our 4 diesel generators has thrown a wobbly (not the exact words...) and engineers will join the ship in Darwin to assess the extent of the problem.” Collective groan, but the Captain promised to keep us informed of progress and we know he will.
This time our first appointment of the day was for “new” cruisers, followed by Alana’s dance class – the Foxtrot. Amazing that in an hour, she not only does the basic step, but also manages a couple of moves. What is even more amazing is that 95% of the class seem to cope very well.
My body was almost back to full eating capacity so we went off to the Australian themed buffet. Funny, I never knew that spanakopita, moussaka or samosas were Australian. With plate piled, we headed outside as there was very little table space inside. I plonked myself down at a table that was probably a bit too close to the wooden banister rail, and promptly whacked the back of my lower neck on the nail. Immediate return of shoulder pain...
Part of the afternoon was spent trying to edit a bit of video – unsuccessfully. But, I did learn yet more about the Cyberlink programme. I can now extract the sound track from a video. I thought you’d like to know that...
Trivia – of course – at 4:30 and once again, we didn’t win, but we haven’t slipped down to below 10 – yet.
A light evening meal then to the theatre for an Irish/Australian Neil Diamond impersonator and comedian – Peter Byrne. Another great act with a Freddie Starr ‘ape walk’ impersonation that was probably lost on many of the audience.
He sang an extremely touching ballad called , I think, “My Old Man” about a boy’s relationship with his father. One or two damp eyes from the men.
Day 9 – June 2nd.
Now this was always going to be a full on day, so we were up early enough to grab a bit of fruit and a drink from the buffet before our TUST (The Ultimate Ship’s Tour), a behind the scenes tour of the ship. This is by ballot from the names of those who register for the tour on the first day, so it is not widely advertised and is indeed a ballot. Limited to just 12 per group, it can only be on a sea day. Cost is I believe $175 for a two and a half hour tour. Sounds expensive, but there is a bit more to it than that.
Meeting at the theatre, we were first given an insight into the Technical side, then the lead dancer – Lynsey (from Scotland) and her number 2, Francesca from Sheffield (about 30 miles from Nottingham) explained a bit of stage craft and what they do, plus a peek into the dressing room before we trooped off to a secure area.
Here it was all about anchors, ropes, mooring etc. Immaculate. On to the deck 5 kitchen and the Head Chef and Produce Manager (wrong title maybe) and Angus, the Chief Purser. A complimentary glass of champagne, a chocolate dipped strawberry and on to the stores, veg and meat freezers. On then to the tiny print department where they showed us just how much technology has improved particularly how they create the stencils/paper plates, from my time as a printer, 50 years ago!
On to the photographic dept but we had to skip the medical centre unfortunately. The chief engineer was next who explained all about his responsibilities. Fascinating to hear how environmentally friendly, yet how self sufficient this great ship really is. Needless to say, whilst he was talking, 8 of our party were avidly studying the CCTV where the engineers were working on the number 1 generator!
Down into the bowels of the ship to the sauna/laundry. Phew! Rather them than me working in there, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, months at a time. However, as mentioned previously, all staff regardless of where they are in the chain have a smile and cheery wave, even down here. Then from hell underground/water (deck 4) so to speak to heaven - by lift up to the bridge on deck 12 – again. Our paperwork specifically asked us to refrain from taking pics, yet the first thing the captain said as he joined us, was “take as many pics as you like...”
There are times when the circulated Princess paperwork and directives seem at odds with the reality.
Tip for 2012: Put your camera in your pocket, regardless as to what it says on the paperwork.
The tour ended in Magnum’s bar where most of the senior staff previously mentioned joined us again for another glass of champagne. Two drinks before lunch!
Cruise Director Warren joined us and rounded things off. A great tour and there was more to come.
A “Crazy Cruisers” lunch in the dining room (we just had tortellini) before we could crash out and do the blog from four days ago followed by a miserable trivia performance. On returning to our cabin, as part of the tour goodies, we each had a large package that contained a ‘one-size-fits-all’ (ho, ho, ho...) robe (see pic later), a sized chef’s jacket, a set of 4 group tour photographs and a personalised notepad. All up, not bad value for the money paid.
Back in Auckland, we know that come September, our regular dining friends (if they can still remember us) are going expect something rather more than a traditional BBQ or a stuffed pumpkin from us now we have the jackets.
A splash in the pool for Paula and the spa for me before the dress up again for formal night number 2. This time, Casanova Arnold (and Ros) failed to make it after Arnold had a fall whilst walking.
Immediately before dinner, Alana had managed to persuade the orchestra (who may even have volunteered), to play for a dance practice in the Vista lounge. With just about everyone dressed up, instead of the usual shorts, sandals and socks, it was most impressive . Having missed the morning class and with Alana calling out the steps, Paula managed to drag me onto the floor for an attempt at the New Vogue “Palma Waltz”.
At dinner, 7:45pm, Joanne was just about beside herself with excitement as the main, main, was lobster tail – with baked monkfish, creamed potatoes, asparagus and a butter sauce. Immediately, she asked the ever obliging waiter for two tails. After we had all eaten the first plateful, the waiter asked who else (other than Joanne) wanted a second and I think 4 of the 8 of us said yes. We were brought a completely new extra plateful. Beautiful. Back to normal eating for me then.
Onwards as usual at 9:45 to a show, this time in the theatre with the 6 dancers and 4 singers performing to a soundtrack “Thank You For The Music”. Those people can really sing and dance. A few minutes in the Atrium where Alana threw in another practice for the Palma Waltz, which was appreciated, before returning to the normal music.
During the afternoon, the Captain had announced that the ship had reduced speed a little but would still arrive in Singapore on time, but the full extent of the problem and its effect on the schedule was yet to be determined, but the general amateur consensus was that whatever needed fixing, Singapore would be the logical place anyway and an extra day(?) there, was not really a major problem, even if it meant skipping either Port Kelang or Langkawi. It seems almost certain that there will be a delay
Phew, almost up to date - but I’ll need to post one or two pics now.
Due in Singapore in Sunday and I think we cross the equator tomorrow, Saturday, with an appropriate ceremony for newbies... Should be worth videoing, though apart from Helen and Katie, most of our loose mob have crossed it before.
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