Sea Princess departs Auckland on 1 June for a 106 day world cruise - some 12 new ports this time (as well as a number of "repeats"). Delighted that the cruise also ends in Auckland on 16 September, so no more airports etc. (see below). Not only is Sea Princess the same ship we did the 2015 World Cruise on, but we also have the same stateroom 😃. We are looking forward to catching up with a large number of fellow cruisers we have previously met, as well as new friends of course.
Since my last post, we have actually had 2 holidays/cruises, but for a variety of reasons I did not include them on this blog. Firstly, in September we did a 15 day trip to China with Sinorama Holidays and I would thoroughly recommend them for a great trip at a ridiculously low price. The price may have been low (Government subsidy) but the experience was top rate. We experienced all the usual in Beijing, Xian (Terracotta Warriors), 4 day cruise up the Yangtze River, saw the pandas and back to Shanghai before heading home. There were many, many flights involved and in China even internal flights are treated to the highest level of security, with everyone being physically scanned and patted. I couldn't blog at the time as all Google products are blocked (& Blogger of course is a Google product).
In February we picked up a really good deal on a cruise Sydney to Auckland (via Melbourne, Hobart, Fiordland, Dunedin, Akaroa & Tauranga) on the Diamond Princess. We do like the Diamond and it is a pity that she is to be based in Asia for the next 3 years. As luck would have it the weather played it's part and we got into the Fiords (2 out of 4 and both times on the Diamond). The food and service was once again top notch and we were fortunate enough to make the top 40 cruisers again! Have no expectations on this coming cruise however as there will be 100's of far more seasoned cruisers.
I will post my next entry after we board ship and hope that at last I have mastered the art of attaching photos.
