This Segment consisted of several Sea Days in groups of four to seven days. The first question that came to passengers’ minds was to wonder if they will be bored or if they will enjoy those Sea Days, have time to participate in the events set up by the crew, or to get caught up on some reading that has been put to the side while we were visiting various ports.
We weren’t bored! Cruise Specialists guests enjoyed daily Chat Times and socializing together. It was a time where we bonded and shared our own stories, listened to the other Cruise Specialists guests share their adventures and enjoyed each other’s special events. When we separated to follow our individual pursuits for the day, we found we still met each other in various locations where we shared interest. One such location was the pool deck, where lounges were set up next to each other and owners identified by various ‘pegs’ that held the towel in place. We were sure to find each other, always invited to share the lounge, to sit and chat as we liked. Another location was the dining room where a Cruise Specialists guest and another passenger held daily iPhoto classes, teaching us all how to use the various icons and Apps that would help us take more professional looking photographs. Looking across the room we would smile at each other in acknowledgement or sit near each other in a companionable way. The days were filled, and yet they were relaxing.
The Cruise Staff organized many activities throughout the day and into the late night. There are many venues for music on Island Princess. Choosing between Acoustic Guitar and Vocals, Classical and Pop Hits, Live Tribute to Musicals or Ballroom Music, the Showtime performance, as well as Lido Pool Deck Parties that keep you humming and practicing your dance steps for many hours. At times the choices were so many that you had to check you daily event listings to organize your day.
The Princess App once downloaded became a useful tool for planning and arranging Shore Excursions, dining reservations, downloading photos taken by the ship photographers, Spa appointments and personalized service on demand for food and drink orders. The placing of coffee orders was common for Cruise Specialists guests during our Chat times. It became a source of interest and good fun to see how long it would take for the coffees to arrive, the time between the placing of the order and the arrival varying greatly from day to day.
In addition to all the daily events organized by staff, several informal passenger led events took placedaily, such as the Knit and Sew group, sessions on photography on Apple and Android devices, and many card or puzzle groups. For example, a large table was set up for the ‘Puzzlers’ next to the Cruise Specialists Chat Time location because the puzzles were very large and they were now in a place where there would be no disturbing the various pieces, and the passengers could take their time completing these very complicated puzzles. Not being very good at comparing minute changes in colors and in the many different configurations of the little pieces, we were amazed at the skill and the determination of those passengers who worked on one puzzle for up to two weeks!
After leaving Sydney on February 14th, we stopped at Melbourne during the first of three days of the Taylor Swift concert. Many young Swifties were strolling along the Yarra River and exploring Melbourne, there was a lot of glitter and laughter everywhere you looked.
Guests enjoyed walking around the coastal capital, after being dropped off by a complimentary shuttle near the Flinders Street Railway Station. Guests enjoyed the plazas, Royal Botanic Gardens, various local bars, restaurants, and almost all of us visiting the Queen Victoria Market. Various tours offered other points of interest for passengers. The closest interesting location was the beach, where one of the Cruise Specialists guests learned that the door to the only public washroom had an almost non-functioning door. Locals and her husband rallied round to help her out, which she eventually managed to do, but not until after a local who knew the trick to the door shared this with her. Lots of applause greeted her when she finally opened the door!
Four Sea Days later, we arrived in Perth, the capital of Western Australia sitting along the Swan River. Once again, guests took tours that were of interest to them. For us, a day trip to Rottnest Island was going to be our goal. This island was quite a lovely surprise, a lovely get-away for locals, bike rental and fabulous beaches to explore. We saw our first Quokka (Kwoka) either sleeping curled up in the shade or sitting under bushes, since they are nocturnal. It was wonderful to see that the visitors and locals alike allowed the Quokkas to be wild animals and didn’t bother or feed them unhealthy foods.
Shortly after leaving Fremantle, the Western Australia Tactical Response Group boarded the ship - as part of an Emergency Response Drill. The Tactical Response Team (TRT) stands as Australian law enforcement's premier elite unit. They train in urban, rural, and maritime environments. They respond to armed offenders, terrorists, organized crime groups and instability overseas. Additionally, TRT performs high-risk arrests, the execution of search warrants, tactical support to investigative operations, and training of regional forces. Alex and I watched the speeding boats from deck 14. The submarine on the starboard side was involved in the war games with the two zodiac boats.
In an unusual announcement aboard Island Princess, Captain Marco Cataldi informed us of a navigational warning tied to space debris that entered the Earth's atmosphere today. As we sailed across the blue Indian Ocean, the message from the captain added an unexpected twist to the guests, who were ready to take photos of any debris. The captain had received this information from the National Hydrographic Office the day prior to making his announcement.
During a Sea Day, we arranged for a Bridge Tour for our Cruise Specialists guests. Everyone was delighted to learn how the ship’s navigation worked and which officers are on duty to ensure our safe navigation. The tour concluded with everyone posing wearing a Captain’s hat and a big smile.
Seven Sea Days later, we arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius. Most of the Cruise Specialists guests chose to take a tour that explored the history of Port Louis. Consequently, this paragraph will be focused on that. In the early 1830s the British Government set up a new system to recruit free labor after the abolition of slavery in 1834. The successful use of indentured labor encouraged other British Colonies to resort to indenture to recruit these free workers. The worry for the landowners was that if there were no more slaves, free or indentured men and women would not work as hard, and the economy would suffer. The Aapravasi Ghat is the symbol of the migration of laborers who are now no longer slaves, but indentured workers. Lunch was a charming local family style restaurant set in the middle of sugar cane and surrounded by restored cars and at least one small airplane. Everyone enjoyed their meal and a taste of the local wine and beer.
Another stop on this tour was the Pamplemousses Garden, an 18th Century botanical garden with 500 plant species including giant water lilies and Talipot palm. Our tour was going to be about 1 hour of walking in the very hot humid air, and we found that 30 minutes used so much energy we sat down in the shade of a round rest area and just enjoyed looking at the greenery. Most of the trees were fruit trees brought by sailors to provide a source of nutrition. Many fruits were also used to make local alcoholic drinks. It was a great tour for nature lovers and shuttles are available if walking is a concern. Most visitors were families, including little children who didn't seem to mind the heat at all, whereas we found the heat and humidity somewhat debilitating and enjoyed resting in a pavilion built in the Gardens, also called Mauritius National Botanical Garden.
March 1st was our second Cocktail Party and guests were very comfortable with one another. Daily meetings on Sea Days have helped for us to become quite close, to learn more about each other’s wishes for the World Cruise, and to be helpful to passengers who require a bit of extra information before they make their decisions. At this gathering, we shared photos given to us by Cruise Specialists guests from past cruises in a PowerPoint presentation, which created lively discussions and brought up happy memories.
Sitting on the deck of Island Princess, looking at Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town, we watched as the clouds descended over the top very quickly. It’s said that the mountain is now covered with a tablecloth. If you happen to be on top when the clouds roll in you must sit down or go into the cable car building that is up there, walking around freely is dangerous because of the crevasses and not being able to see where you are putting your foot. The last time we took the cable car to Table Mountain, the clouds rolled in after about one hour of bright sunshine and I rushed to get back to Alex and the cable car because I had walked around in the park on one of the hiking trails, watching the little Dassies (they look a lot like Quokkas) eating their green leaves.
On this visit several of the Cruise Specialists guests went on a tour to Cape Point Lighthouse, Simon's Town (to see great white sharks), and Fish Hoek (where the rich expatriates live). The beaches by Simon's Town and the shores of False Bay are stunning. The beaches are long with white sand and only used for riding horses along the beach since the waters are home to great white sharks. Early explorers thought that they found the way around the tip of Africa, and when they realized the Bay was not at the tip of Africa, they named it, Deception Bay.
The driver spoke about the history of Cape Town and South Africa, as well as the story of Apartheid. He spoke with feeling and an attempt to show us how wonderful Cape Town is now; how wonderful the people are, and how well they have done despite lack of education and opportunity. It was a heartfelt rendition of the very difficult years of apartheid, and the renewed effort of the locals who had been so disadvantaged to learn and to become strong citizens of the future South Africa. We all came away with a new respect of the champions who fought the previous government’s attempts to keep the law and the economy in the hands of the white citizens.
One positive behavior in most of these countries is the constant emphasis on recycling. It may have come from the need to use materials and not have to pay for them, but it's become a cultural movement to preserve the Earth. The recycled artwork was particularly interesting, and we loved the solid chairs made from old metal parts, chairs that would withstand the storms and winds near the sea front.
On March 16th, our ship docked in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Locals were lined up on both sides of the road as we walked into town, their wares laid out and eagerly trying to sell anything! There is a huge income disparity, and since we were not on a tour, it was the first time to walk through the throng of sellers.
Our memories, and those of many of the guests who booked tours on this cruise, include the lovely view of the town and the small area along the Walvis Bay lagoon where large colonies of flamingos eat near the shallow shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It's interesting to find out that one could live here for $50-$70 dollars per day, when the taxi drivers ask for $60 per person to drive a group of four somewhere ($240) - yes, they could be bargained down to $30 per person.
Some of the passengers booked a tour to Swakopmund, the almost German town established in 1892 by German colonists, that is now a vacation destination. Locals there have German names on administrative buildings, although many no longer speak the language, having immigrated from several other countries. The names of the most beautiful places to visit all herald back to German colonial times, Spitzkoppe, Waterberg Plateau, Mt. Brandberg, Hohenzollernhaus and Königstein. Other guests booked 4x4 tours over the sand dunes, climbing up and down, enjoying a wonderful lunch while sitting on top of one of the larger dunes, and seeing the Atlantic Ocean in the near distance.
Although the city of Swakopmund has great beaches with incredible surf, the Atlantic is too dangerous due to strong currents and, as always, great white sharks can be found on this coast, so a big no for swimming. Expensive homes can also be seen lining the beaches.
These ports were followed by seven more Sea Days, until we reached Mindelo, Cape Verde Islands on St. Patrick’s Day. The visit to this island was enjoyed by everyone, perhaps because we had been at sea for all those days, but we think it was due to the wonderful experiences everyone had on their tours. The wind was blowing strong, whipping up fine sand dust, and yet, the views when the sun came out from behind the clouds showed an island where the locals are friendly and proud of their villages and towns. The only negative was our arrival was on a Sunday, the day when shops are closed, although a market was opened for the tourists. This was one of the windiest locations on the whole cruise! We often ran into Cruise Specialists guests on various tours since the eight most popular sights on the island were visited by most of us. A few more Sea Days as we sail further north toward the Canary Islands, anticipating the new cultures of Europe and the many busy port days in the Mediterranean to come.
Santa Cruz, Tenerife was a delightful first port in a European city. Several of us met up in one of the local colorful streets and chose to spend the afternoon together, drinking special ice-cream coffees or tasting sangrias. There were many tours of interest for everyone, but some times, just sitting and listening to local musicians and street artists with friends are the best times of all.
After boarding Island Princess that afternoon, the captain updated passengers regarding the propulsion and related software problems, he apologized for the four-hour late arrival in Arrecife. Everyone had been looking forward to a full day excursion that had to be cancelled. Some guests joined shorter afternoon excursions, other guests simply enjoyed wandering and exploring the lovely little town of Arrecife stopping for an occasional refreshment of Sangria and watching the locals walk by. Despite the disappointment of the full day excursion cancellation, everyone had a wonderful day!
Agadir, Morocco was on the following day. Agadir is a major city in Morocco, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains. This suggests the image in mythology, of Atlas forced to carry the heavens or world for eternity on his shoulders, a punishment for leading the Titan rebellion against Zeus. Several excursions to the Best of Agadir were booked by guests. A fortunate guest found vendors selling amethysts geodes from the High Atlas Mountains. We purchased some last year, our biggest worry – how we would get these rocks through Security at the airport. We were successful and several friends and family were presented with these interesting geodes as gifts. In general, all guests returned to the Island Princess with very happy memories and many wonderful photos of their experiences in Agadir.
Most of the Cruise Specialists guests toured Lisbon on a Hop-on Hop-off bus, all travelling together for the day. It is one of the fabulous outcomes of belonging to Cruise Specialists that the guests formed close friendships with each other, a valuable social network. No one was left out! We all tried the famous Portuguese Custard Tarts and sampled various traditional Sangria red wines. There were many opportunities to explore Lisbon, everyone choosing what was most important to them and sharing their adventures at our next Cruise Specialists Chat Time. The hours seem to fly by at our Chat Times, many times we continued to chat over lunch on the Lido deck.
Now the ports came fast! Barcelona, a wonderful day exploring on foot or on an excursion. Followed by Marseille, a bit cooler but still as interesting. A delightful surprise was discovering the town of La Seyne sur Mer. For some it was a starting point to get to Toulon 7 km east, for many it was the destination after a walk of about 1 ½ km. This maritime town looks out onto Toulon Bay and the open sea. There is a rich history of popular artists from the 19th century who lived in the corniche. Strolling through the narrow pedestrian streets we found that more recent artists painted frescoes on many walls, all designed to embellish the town. However, the faded colors and old houses were the most picturesque of all! More time is needed to explore the beaches and all other historical churches and forts. The misty Sahara sand-filled air still obscured the distant views while we were in Genoa until the rain cleared in the afternoon. Guests with positive attitudes carried their umbrellas and explored either through the guided tours or venturing out on local transportation. Everywhere we met each other, the guests would give advice about interesting fountains or markets, location of washrooms, and best ways to wander back to the ship. It continues to be an uplifting experience, to see such camaraderie with not only Cruise Specialists guests, but most of the other passengers as well.
A general comment regarding the shuttle service is that passengers were surprised to find out that there was a charge for the shuttle buses in all these Mediterranean ports, passengers being used to free shuttles in working ports, or to a free shuttle ride to a more central location, for example, shopping, markets, or other places of interest. However, it was convenient that we could purchase tickets from Shore Excursions via the Princess App, or on the pier where the charges were added to our onboard account.
Our stop in Livorno was cancelled due to rough water, but some of us made plans to walk into Civitavecchia together and to explore some of the sites of interest. Not only did we cover our 10,000 steps each, but we also celebrated this accomplishment with some wine and a bit of tourist shopping.
The exploration of Rome will wait for tomorrow when several passengers have decided to use the ‘Rome on your own’ motorcoach tour from the Port to St. Peter’s Square, a ride of about 1 ½ hours each way. Unexpected variations of the itinerary have caused some disappointment, and yet, Cruise Specialists Travellers continue to be open to more adventures, planned or impromptu. Rome tomorrow – “All roads lead to Rome “, suggesting that whatever the destiny that brought us to Rome, we are now here. In the original language, “tutte le strade portano a Roma”.
2024 Princess World Cruise, chapter 1 | chapter 2