Hello Prinsendam
May 13
Fort Lauderdale Florida
After brekkie it was just a little packing up, (have I told you before I hate packing), doing the final banking and catching up on emails, and making a few calls on skype before getting the shuttle at 10.45am to the ship.
We were held up in boarding for about an hour by the US Customs. Anyway I was one of the first on board because of the new 4 star status. With Harry and Carmen (from Sydney) I went to the Mariners welcome onboard lunch. I was surprised just how many said welcome back or Hello Sir Pat. I guess it is nice to be recognised but I guess this is because I stick out in a crowd, makes it a little easier to remember me.
I got all my dirty clothes off to the laundry and the suit and other trousers off to be dry cleaned. After every thing was unpacked I went off to the Crows Nest to see if my friend Rico the barman was still there. Yes he was, so after lots of greetings and shaking hands I suggested he better get me a drink. It was like it was only yesterday since I was on the Prinsendam although it was 5 Jan this year that I left this ship to go on the Amsterdam.
As Carmen and Harry were very tired after their long flight I didn’t catch up with them for dinner and I just went to the Lido as I wasn’t that hungry. Wow I walked in there and was treated like a returning celebrity with most of the staff and the officers coming up to say hello and welcome me back. Other guests looked on and must be thinking just who is this guy?
I went to the Lido for dinner and was met by a nice young guy called Made from Bali. These Indonesian guys esp the ones from Bali are just so helpful and really look after you. He ran around and got all my food and would not let me line up as he delivered it all to my table..
After dinner I went back to the Crows Nest and had 2 Wang Wangs. In that time I met many of the other officers and they are going to try to get Guinness on board for me in New York. At 10.30pm the Wang Wang’s were starting to act like a sleeping pill so I went down to the cabin for the night. I am in seventh heaven, I love this life on the ship and it seems like it is a good mob on board. So now we have the next 3 days at sea.
May 14 (At Sea)
Well today was a day at sea, so I went up to the Lido for a cuppa tea , I was met by Made (pronounced Mar de) who insisted I sit down and he would wait on me. With that kind of service. a bit like the Made’s service on the Amsterdam. This simple Aussie guy just accepted and did what he was told. I don’t wish to upset these guys wanting to be so helpful.
After Brekkie I checked in on Harry and Carmen and we arranged to meet for lunch. I went to the tour talk on New York by Maria. (the Liverpool sheila I first met on the Noordam 3 years ago).
I caught up with Carmen and Harry for pre lunch drinks and then we did lunch. After lunch I was invited as a 4 Star Mariner to a wine tasting function. It finished just in time to meet Harry for the Happy hour in the Crows Nest. Rico was in fine form and we had heaps of laughs.
The other Pax on this cruise seem to be a lively mob and not like the bulk of Pax on this ship when I did the Christmas Caribbean cruise as they were a dead and the dying very old lot.
Having open seating in the dining room for dinner in the evening gives us the chance to meet lots of different people. What ever table we have sat at we always seem to be the liveliest and fun table in the restaurant. Harry’s contagious laugh and my story telling seem to entertain and relax our table mates.
“The Unexpected Boys” show was very good and a tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. So to finish of this hectic day it was up to the Crows Nest for a few night caps at Happy Hour price.
May 15
I slept in this morning and joined Harry and Carmen for an 8.30am brekkie in the dinning room. It’s a dreary rainy day today so will give me a chance to recharge the batteries. Dinner that night was Formal so on went the tux etc. We had a nice table and the service was very good. It was such a sleepy kind of day I had an early night after a night cap in the Crows Nest.
May 16
I went up to the Lido and Made organised me with brekkie. The day was another dreary day with very thick fog. I went to a talk on New York. Frank the speaker was a pom with a wealth of knowledge. Carmen Harry and I went to see Made who suggested potato soup and then fish and chips for lunch. Lunch was followed by a nanna nap. We went up to the Crows Nest for Happy Hour and the temp had dropped dramatically. Only Harry and I went to dinner as Carmen had room service and because of the cold retired early. Everyone on board had in a manner of hours cone from summer clothes to winter gear.
It was Rico’s last night as when we got to NY he was to go home as his 10 month contract had ended. Marco who was taking over his job was introduced to us. I found out there were only 5 Cans of Guinness left on board so I bought them.
It was another early night in order to be ready for the Big Apple.
May 17
I was up early for the sail into NY along the Hudson River. What a disappointment as the weather had turned very cold with heavy rain and low cloud. After brekkie we set off to explore and by the time we had walked up Eight Ave to 50th Street we were drenched even though we had rain proof jackets, our jeans shoes and sox were very wet. So we walked down the hill back to the ship to get dry clothes and warm up. I made a few more attempts to go out but the weather was just as bad. I guess I will have to visit NY again to see the sights. I did see the Statue of Liberty on the way in and got a photo of it in the rain.
The good news of the day was the Wine and Beverage Manager saw me and told me they had managed to get new supplies of Guinness on board.
May 18
After an early and well rested night we woke up in the thick fog off Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. There were delays in getting the tenders ready because of the fog as the land could not be seen from the ship. About 10am me set off on an uneventful tender ride into the thick fog and arrived at the little boat harbour. It reminded me a little of Barr Harbour.
It was good to be on the land legs again and not in the rain like yesterday in NY. There were the usual t-shirt and souvenir shops for people to browse. I actually bought a Martha’s Landing t-shirt for my self. I also stocked up on the chemists items for the trip to Europe and the last chance to spend my Yankee $s before we change to the Euro.
After a few hours and because the fog was coming in much thicker we thought it would be a good idea to get a tender back before the weather got worse. Thank God we did, as the seas had freshened up and were very choppy. Trying to get off the tender was a bit of a challenge, as always the old unstable farts race to be first off before it is safe, and wonder why they fall over. Anyway we got off safely and the waves smashed 2 windows in the process. The later tenders had real problems as the seas got worse.
For us it was a late lunch on board at the Lido. Made appeared and next thing we were seated and he had our lunch under control. After lunch I downloaded my camera, updated this travel news and it was time to go to happy hour at the Ocean Bar as the crows nest was closed for a private function. After a shower it was off to The Crows nest for the 7 to 8pm Happy Hour. Then off to dinner with 2 couples. We had fun with them and as most of them had already been to OZ and I had seen more of the USA than them we had a great time.
Tonight we put the clocks back an hour so I decided to have an early night.
May 19
Another Sea Day.
A very restful day with starting with a good brekkie, I only did 2 laps of the deck on this very cold and windy morning. I went to a talk on Lisbon which was to prepare us for the next port. By late afternoon the fog had lifted and the sun broke through the clouds. I also went to my first Cruise Critic meeting. After dinner went to the show to see ‘A man with his Duck’. Had a few good laughs but as I had seen the show before on another ship I only stayed for about 25 minutes then headed off to bed.
3 At sea
May 20 … Day at Sea
Well what a beaut day after all the fog and rain etc. the ocean is as calm as a millpond so I went up to the Lido to get the last email off before too many were on line. The ships internet is very slow and expensive so it is better to use it when not many are on line.
Made got me green tea and a raisin bun without being asked while I was on the laptop and when he saw I was finished he quickly served me my ham and cheese omelette with tomato juice without being asked. I asked him how did he know I wanted an omelette? He said because I had fried eggs and English bacon yesterday. I have only been on the ship for a week today and he has my breakfast eating habits all worked out. I’m pleased someone has.
Then it was the mile in laps around the deck followed by the talks on the future ports. As you can see it is a hectic life on board. I think I will just have a hotdog and salad for lunch as it is a formal night tonight.
Craig the Hotel Manager is still apologising about the lack of Guinness every time he runs into me, but Peter the Wine and Beverage Manager suggests I get down on my knees and pray that they can get it at the Azores our next stop. We seem to be the only 3 that are drinking it. Although I did hear some old bloke asked for it at Happy Hour yesterday.
May 21 .. At sea
I logged into the net in my cabin early, without problems this morning then I went up for a cuppa and a bun. This really confused Made because he had worked out it was a Eggs Benedict day for me. But No no no , I had arranged to meet Harry and Carmen at 8.30 for brekkie in the dining room. I did have the eggs Benedict…I didn’t want to break up Made’s routine for feeding Sir Pat brekkie. So after brekkie it was off to have a shower and get ready for Frank’s talk on the French ports. Then a Pommie bloke gave a talk on the English language and the different meanings of words in other English speaking countries. It was a hoot and he had everyone rolling around in laughter. For example.. boot and trunk on a car.
At lunch there was an American BBQ on the Lido midships. Boy oh boy it was crowded, so I went into the Lido restaurant, shock ,horror no Made, so like everyone else I had to get my on lunch. I’m juggling my plate and iced tea trying to find a table when Peter the Wine and Beverage Manager grabbed me and presented me with a Miller’s Lite military type cap. With no spare hands he plonked it on my head, I thanked him and set of to find a table. Towards the end of the meal Made found me and apologised profusely for not being there to look after me, as he was working out at the crowded BBQ. He then wanted to take photos of me in the new cap and he informed me I was very special for Mr Peter to have given me the cap.
The clocks went forward at 12 noon… what a stupid time as it cut short my nanna nap by an hour. After the nap I went up to listen to Sally Jones singing Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, what a great voice, she put on a fantastic show.
The dinning staff management have given us a permanent table for our open dinning which is fantastic. They seem to like our relaxed and happy demeanour, so we get royal service.
It’s now 10.33pm Sat and the poor nutcase who predicted the world would end at 6pm NY time has being proven wrong ‘again’. So I will go to bed and hopefully will wake up with another day in the morning.
May 22 .. At Sea
The world did not end over night.
I had a good night’s sleep, the seas for the crossing have been very calm so far so we have been very lucky. Today was to be the usual at sea routine with brekkie, but No No no, Where was Made? Sir Pat had to serve himself, OMG what is the world coming to? Just as I was about finished, Made came racing in and apologised that he wasn’t there to look after me, as he had been sent to the main dining room at short notice. The poor bloke then had to scoot back down to the dining room before he was missed.
There were a few whales off the starboard side as I was doing my morning walk around the deck.. They are always great to watch. I’m sure one even winked at me. We lost another hour at mid day as the clocks went forward another hour. We are now only 11 hours behind Aust EST.
I was not hungry so skipped lunch and went to the cabin to have a nanna nap. I even give the 4pm happy hour a miss and had a quiet one in the cabin and then met up with Harry and Carmen at the 7pm happy hour before going to dinner.
The show was excellent with an Irish bloke with a flute named Jonathan Johnson.
May 23 At Sea
We woke to another calm day at sea, the last in a series of 5 days.
Happy Birthday wishes to Elizabeth (my sister) in Melbourne.
OMG did I have email problems this morning and all I wanted to do was check the inbox and send out one update. It cost me about 30 minutes @ 55cents/min so you can see you are an expensive mob to keep in touch with from the ship. I’m not even sure if the email went as a copy to myself hasn’t got to me. It took the computer man (The IT Manager) about 45 mins to get me sorted out. What I have been doing is doing up the daily notes in word then copy and paste them to the Gmail and send. But this morning the pics would not copy. I am now set up with Live mail so I can do up the email off line and send when I log on. So I hope all my email problems are now resolved.
All was good with Brekkie as Made was there to look after me. I asked him what I should have to day and he told me it was the Eggs Benedict turn so I said ok.
We had to put the clocks forward another hour today so that makes it 3 hours in three days.
I have been invited to a cocktail party with the Captain and the Hotel Manager just before dinner. I think it must be for 4 Star Mariners. The lurks and perks of that extra star, what a party, even top shelf drinks were included so that’s what this simple bloke from the bush had.
Happy Victoria Day to all the Canadians was announced at lunch time today.
As we go ashore for the first time in 5 days I am having an early night.
May 24 Terceira ,Azores.
What a great postcard perfect day to arrive at this island of Portugal. The sunrise out of the ocean was just magic and I hope the photos do it justice. Made found me out on the deck and offered to take some photos of me with the rising sun. He then got down to the serious business of what ‘Mr Pat’ was to eat and advised me it was scrambled eggs turn with a slice of English bacon. That sounded good to me so he then organised my brekkie. He was hoping to go ashore for a few hours today.
Carmen Harry and I set off on the shuttle bus about 8.30am and had a great time exploring this beautiful little town and country side. The stone walls on the farms and the greenery reminded me of Ireland. The narrow lanes in the town and countryside reminded me of parts of Malta (after rain).
We spent about 4 hours exploring and in that time got some Euro from an ATM, visited the main church that was first built in 1456 and has had extensions put on it over the centuries. The main alter and the side alters were works of art in themselves. We then found an Internet Wifi place so it was good to ring some of the family in Cairns and in Melbourne. I got my days a bit mixed up as I thought it was tonight that the State of Origin was to be played, but my brother corrected me and advised me the mighty Queenslanders will trash New South Wales tomorrow night. (this is a best of 3 Rugby League Footy games played between the 2 Aussie States) Go Queensland. I will be at sea when the game is played so I will rely on my friends to send me the score.
In the afternoon I had a relaxing time drafting some emails and as most of you know I’m a very slow typist, I didn’t achieve much, actually a lot of rubbish so I sent it to a friend with much the same sense of humour. He will probably arrange for the men in white coats to meet the ship in Lisbon to take me away.
What a splendid sail away happy hour party was held in the crows nest bar and lounge.
Dinner is always a fun time as the staff gave us excellent service. Tomorrow night we will have an Officer joins us for the dinner and the very formal Black and White Ball. Crikey, that means free wine.
May 25 At Sea
I slept in and forgot to put my watch forward before I went to bed. The seas blew up a bit over night and I slept like a baby I went up to brekkie about 9.45am and stayed talking in the Lido with folk until 2pm. Made was not there so I had to serve myself, as he was sent down to the main dinning room to help out. Peter the Wine and Beverage Manager informed me the Guinness supply order has been confirmed for when we get to Lisbon.
I had an easy afternoon with a rest and Happy Hour. I then got ready for the black and white dinner and ball. Chris the 2nd Engineer was the officer allocated to our table for dinner. He had his recently widowed Dutch mother with him. What great company they were and we had a most enjoyable meal. The wine for dinner was provider by Chris. The ball was well attended and went on for about an hour. The dancing and the Ball had to finish because of the rough seas.
I called it a day about 12.30am after a few of us went up to the Crows Nest for a night cap. The seas were very wild by now and even the spray from the crashing waves was flying past the Crows Nest windows and the Crows Nest is on level 12 on this ship.
May 26
The big swell and the rain are great for sleeping in. I made it up to the dinning room by 9pm and was too late for Made, so had to serve myself. I sat with a Kiwi couple and we shared many stories of our travels and they said they will meet me in New Plymouth NZ for my day there on the Christmas cruise.
The seas are to wild to the laps around the deck to day so it is a bit of a rest day. Now that we are 13 days into the cruise people just seem to want to come up and talk to me, so that takes up a lot of time. They seem to like my stories and I learn heaps of things from them.
The seas have settled down a bit and I have heard from a Brissie Mate that we won the first game of the State of Origin …. Queensland 16, New South Wales 12. All the drink waiters wear Maroon jackets so I get them to say to my mate Harry they are wearing the Queensland colours because they are winners. Harry is from NSW and he takes it in good fun.
We learnt that 75 Aussies get on the next segment of the cruise in Amsterdam. Yippee.
At 4.30pm today we reached the mainland of Portugal and sailed up the river to the port of Lisbon, the rain eased but there was a bit of fog around. We left the ship for a walk around the city about 7pm and what we saw was very impressive. The folks I spoke to were very friendly and helpful. One guy even told me he plays cricket for Portugal and one day he hopes team is good enough to play Australia. We arrived back on the ship just in time for a local folk group show on the main stage. It was an excellent show.
Happy Birthday wishes to Frances (my sister) who is on the Noordam currently doing a Mediterranean cruise.
Portugal
May 27 Lisbon
What a fantastic place Lisbon is, I think I saw just about every nook and cranny of this great city. First of all it was much bigger than I had expected so I did the 2 hop on hop off bus rides through the different parts of the city , but the bonus was the 1 hour little tram (trolley car) ride through the narrow and very hilly parts of the old city. This is one city I would love to come back to and spend some time in. The gods worked their magic and provided us with a perfect sunny day which was a relief from the 2 previous days of wind and rain.
The sail away was very brilliant as we sailed out of the city along the Tagus River and past the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer and the other city sights as I enjoyed a Guinness while chatting to a couple from Dublin.
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go to an internet café so I hope do Internet in Oporto tomorrow.
May 28
It is hard to believe I have been on the ship for the past fortnight, time flies when you are having fun. The good news is the new supply of Guinness is now on board.
All of a sudden, heaps of people want to buy Guinness so it looks like our limited stock will soon run out. I now have a small stockpile of the black stuff in my cabin.
Today it was a train ride into the city of Porto, a city I had never heard of until a few days ago. I was surprised to see how big and clean it was and how friendly its people are. I got a chance to do some internet banking, emails and talked on skype.
Just before I got back to the ship I smelt the smoke of a fish BBQ, so I went over to investigate and sure enough all these people were sitting around under big umbrellas having a late lunch and drinking wine. I joined them and had a glass of local port.
The sail away was specular as we cruised down the river and out into the ocean and the timing also coincided with Happy hour.
Portugal Spain
May 28
It is hard to believe I have been on the ship for the past fortnight, time flies when you are having fun. The good news is the new supply of Guinness is now on board.
All of a sudden, heaps of people want to buy Guinness so it looks like our limited stock will soon run out. I now have a small stockpile of the black stuff in my cabin.
Today it was a train ride into the city of Porto, a city I had never heard of until a few days ago. I was surprised to see how big and clean it was and how friendly its people are. I got a chance to do some internet banking, emails and talked on skype.
Just before I got back to the ship I smelt the smoke of a fish BBQ, so I went over to investigate and sure enough all these people were sitting around under big umbrellas having a late lunch and drinking wine. I joined them and had a glass of local port.
The sail away was specular as we cruised down the river and out into the ocean and the timing also coincided with Happy hour.
May 29 Spain.
This morning I was cheated of another hours sleep as we had to put the clocks back, so I didn’t wake up till 7.30am. Rush Rush Rush to get up to the Lido for brekkie and get some photos as the early sun rose up over A Coruna Spain. We docked in the city itself so everything was very close.
Made had my brekkie organised and informed me it was the turn for bacon and eggs, so who am I to ague . I then went to the nearby shopping centre to use the free wifi although the shops were closed as all the good folks were at Sunday Mass. The place was deserted so I used a rubbish thingo as my office desk and set up shop. Anyway I got all my banking up to date and tried to contact a few on Skype but ended up leaving many messages on voicemail. I came back to the ship for a cuppa and then set out with a Kiwi couple to do the Tourist tram around the coastline and then we walked back through the very clean city and talked to heaps of local friendly people. This is another city I would like to revisit at a later date.
I went back to the shopping mall to do some more skyping in the hope I may be able to catch some one home. I set up shop on another rubbish bin and got many funny looks by the locals as a heap of young Indonesian crew were sitting on the floor along the wall.
If Sir Pat sat on the floor he would never have got up.
If Sir Pat sat on the floor he would never have got up.
A storm came up just as we were leaving the dock and the temp dropped a few degrees so everyone was rushing to get their coats.
The dinner was of a Spanish theme tonight, with the crew dressed up as bull fighters so it was an lot of fun. Tomorrow is another formal night and we were asked if the Dutch 2nd Engineer and his recently widowed mother could sit with us again as he told the Metre de we were the best table he had ever sat with. Well I said of course they could as we had a lot of fun with them last week and it will be another dinner of free wine. Tomorrow is a day at sea.
May 30
Sleep in was the order of the day as it was a sea day so no need to rush. It was a bit overcast in the morning but the sun came out in the arvo. The crossing of the Bay of Biscay has been very smooth so far. Ryan, one of the bar attendants has been giving me some lessons on the use of my mobile phone’s finer points. .
We have a formal night tonight with Chris and his mother so we will have free wine with dinner k;.
I will try to have a nanna nap In order to be in top form for tonight.
May 31 Bordeaux
The early dawn sailing up the Gironde River to the Port of Bordeaux was very scenic and the colours of the city came to life for our arrival at 8am. The river has a 7 metre rise and fall with the tide which meant that had to be moved from different decks as the day progressed. Bordeaux is a beautiful city with a rich historical legacy.
I went off the ship early to see if I could find wifi nearby, but this was not the case so after walking around for 90 minutes and visiting an old church I decided to return to the ship for a cuppa. At about 11.30am I set off again and this time I rode a tram out of town and then returned back to the city centre, the tram ride was tops and a beaut way to see the place.
I discovered an Apple store that also provided free wifi for email. So after a few emails and a couple of Skype calls, I set off to have a good look around the city. This is another city I would like to revisit. The majority of locals I had to ask directions/questions were very friendly and helpful.
The boys from the Crows Nest Bar have invited me to go out with them on the town after they finish work after midnight. I declined their kind offer and decided to retire about 11pm. I must be getting wise at last as they are 30 to 40 years younger than me. I realise my pace is a lot slower now than when I was their ages however sometimes I forget as some of you know.
June 1
I was up early and up on the Lido deck for the sunrise and the departure from this beautiful city for the long trip out along the Gironde River to the Bay of Biscay. The towns, factories and farm lands along this waterway were a sight to behold for the next 5 hours and when we were out in the Bay again a helicopter came and winched the pilot of the boat and took him back to the port. This pilot transfer was a sight to behold. About 12 years ago I was privileged to go as an observer with the marine pilot from Gladstone by helicopter to a large coal ship and we landed on the deck, but there was no being lowered by a winch to the deck.
Nick the computer guy spent some time with me and showed me how to reduce the size of my photo attachments with my emails. Sorry for the large attachments with the last email, but isn’t it great to learn new things as I still adjusting to windows 7.
I had a late night with trivia pursuit in the crows nest and then chatting afterwards to about 12.30am than off to bed .
June 2
We arrived at Brest today on Assention Thursday, a French Public Holiday so everything was closed. I went into town on the shuttle bus and had a walk around then came back to the ship for lunch. Some shops and the internet will open after 12 noon, so I will go back then for a short while as we depart at 4.30 this arvo.
I will send this from the ship now and hope to use my new skills of using the phone for Skype and Facebook from town on Wi-Fi. I wish someone would teach the French to speak English, its dam inconvenient of them. Ha ha
Mr Skype would not let me in on the mobile so I reset the password and still couldn’t log in. I said to a friend of mine some folk on the ship have carers but I need a technical assistant for all my gadgets.
Tonight I have another Cocktail party with the Capt and the Hotel Manager and it will be top shelf drinks again so the boys will have a double sapphire blue gin waiting for me.
The evening finished with the Indonesian show in the theatre. This was the best show I have ever seen on any of the Hal Cruises I have done and many of the other guests felt the same.
June 3 St Malo France
Wow what a place and step back in time with fairy-tale castles and a walled city. Today was a tender transfer to the old city and we landed at a ancient boat ramp. So then I entered through the old wall to a fantastic historic city. First of all it was to the get some coffee and use the free wifi and make some Skype calls. It is a month today since I left Cairns on this fantastic trip.
I then explored the narrow lanes and all were filled with eating places, I tried some crapes, they were yummy. To finish off the visit I walked around the top of the wall to where the tenders were leaving. The height of the wall offered fantastic views of the old town as well as the port and the surrounding towns.
It was another specular sail away happy hour in the crows nest. The views were splendid and were a bonus for the photographers.
The evening proved to be a late night or better still an early morning as I got caught up with as few of the officers who were shouting me some drinks. I called it a night at 1.35am.
June 4 Cherbourg France
Today Harry and I went ashore to explore this layback city as the locals went about their shopping at markets. It was beaut to walk around and take some photos and we even had a local beer. It was a very foggy and overcast cool day a complete contrast to what we had over the past few days at the other ports. The conditions reflected my own condition after the late night.
June 6 Amsterdam
Not a great day weather wise, with fog and showers and 80% of the passengers left the ship so there were lots of sad goodbyes. I went out and did the canal cruise tour for a couple of hours to take in the sights of this beautiful city. Just after we boarded the boat the rain started so my photos look very different. We had to be on board by 4pm to be ready to sail by 5.30pm.
I was a pity the fog and rain spoilt the sail away as far as photo oppertptunitys were concerned. It was strange having all these new folk on board.
I had an early night for bed and was asleep by 10pm.
June 7 Hamburg
A day was very cold foggy and rainy, so a good day for heaps of rest.
Tonight at about 8pm we arrive at Hamburg for an overnight stay so I hope to get out tonight and visit a few pubs etc with some of the crew.
The drinks with the crew ended being on board as it was to late for them to go out.
Hamburg is a nice city but it was a shame it was foggy and rainy.
Amsterdam to Hamburg
June 6 Amsterdam
Not a great day weather wise, with fog and showers and 80% of the passengers left the ship so there were lots of sad goodbyes. I went out and did the canal cruise tour for a couple of hours to take in the sights of this beautiful city. Just after we boarded the boat the rain started so my photos look very different. We had to be on board by 4pm to be ready to sail by 5.30pm.
I was a pity the fog and rain spoilt the sail away as far as photo oppertptunitys were concerned. It was strange having all these new folk on board.
I had an early night for bed and was asleep by 10pm.
June 7 Hamburg
A day was very cold foggy and rainy, so a good day for heaps of rest.
Tonight at about 8pm we arrive at Hamburg for an overnight stay so I hope to get out tonight and visit a few pubs etc with some of the crew.
The drinks with the crew ended being on board as it was to late for them to go out.
Hamburg is a nice city but it was a shame it was foggy and rainy.
June 9 Kiel Canal
No fog, sunshine with a bit of cloud, fantastic views as we cruise along the 108km Canal. The transit will take approx. 7 hours, depending on traffic and will save a full day’s journey if we were to go around the Jutland Peninsula.
The countryside is so green and lush and the cows seem very contented to live here. Many folk are along the Canal in their camper vans and cars waving flags at us as we sail by. (I haven’t seen an Aussie flags as yet)
I have had many emails from some of you and asking much the same questions, so I will try to answer them here for you.
No, Made and I have not had a tiff or a fall out, he has been promoted and moved to the dinning room, so if I go to the Lido now I have to serve my self. I see him when I go to the dinning room however he has not been allocated my table as yet to wait on. No Jim to your other question.
The photo of me and the attractive young lady in the yellow dress, her name is Jennifer and this bright young 24 yo lady was travelling with her grandmother. One day we went ashore together as she didn’t want to go off alone to find some free wifi. Of course she knew the muscle bound fit and athletic Sir Pat would protect her. OMG the ribbing I got from all the blokes and the young male crew.
My ego was inflated more than ever, but the truth of the matter was she felt safe with me and she became a good mate (friend) and would join me and some of the blokes for happy hour each arvo. This really started the tongues waging. In Amsterdam, Jennifer and her grandmother got off the ship and flew to London. She and Sir Pat made a great team and she is sadly missed by all the young males on board. Yes we will keep in contact and have been since she left the ship.
Yes the new Guinness supplies are on board and the bars have been restocked.
I have arranged for Marco to stay in the crows nest for this leg of the cruise as the bar tender and he conducts the Happy Hour ‘Mass’ each day at 4pm. I have said before being on a cruise is like living in Lar Lar land so why not have some fun.
Tonight Carmen, Harry and I are off to the Pinnacle Grill for formal dinner. The Hotel Manager arranged it for us. I saw Craig the hotel manager today and he accepted my invitation and will join us at dinner tonight.
A German Ompha Band was on board for our Canal transit and played at the Beer fest BBQ around the Lido pool. The demand for the German beer was a bit of a shock, even the iced water brigade were drinking. I pitched in to help Peter the Wine and Brev manager at the keg. Great move as he gave me free beer for the 2 hours I helped. The old folk were all singing and clapping to the band music.
On the way down to get ready for the wine tasting I got cornered by the cruise director to join in the Golf chipping comp….. Guess what, I won. It must have been the German beer that caused a miracle. I was presented with a golf towel and balls.
Dinner in the Pinnacle restaurant was fantastic, not only did Craig the hotel manager join us but also Peter and Leslie the Cruise Director joined us for coffee and ports at the end of the meal. Let me tell you the tongues were waging by the plumb in the mouth better than thou brigade. It was such a fun night and Peter presented me with an apron in appreciation for the help I gave with the German beer at lunch time. After dinner Peter took me up to the Crows Nest for a night cap as he was paying and we were only drinking top shelf, how could I refuse this offer. We called it a night at 2am.
June 10
I awoke at 8.15am and I knew at once the 35yo mind forgot all about the 61yo body. Boy oh boy I felt retarded (well more than usual) and it was a great effort to get up to meet the kids for brekkie at 8.30am. Harry was fine but Carmen was not sparking on all six so we thought we would have a rest morning and go out and explore Copenhagen this afternoon. Im gunna have a Panadol and go back to bed for a while. It is also very windy and cold outside.
After 2 hours sleep I was up for lunch and feeling much better so it was off the ship and on to the on/off bus to see the beautiful city of Copenhagen. After touring the city I found a great Irish pub and paid $ US10 for a Guinness so I only had one. I went next door to MacDonald’s to use the free Internet and got up todate with the news from home.
Back to the ship to late for the 4pm happy hour so I got ready for the 7pm Happy Hour then dinner. I then went up to the Crows Nest for the night cap to find they were just starting Karaoke and were looking for singers so I was asked to sing….. no way. Sir Pat allows others to make fools of themselves but Karaoke has never been on his agenda and I never had any intention of changing my mind. Then Along came Kelly the Events Manager and remembered me from a sing a long on the Marsdam last year singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ so next thing I knew I was up on stage doing a duet with her. So I guess there is a first for everything and it seemed to go over well with my clowning around.
I had a early night and called it a day at 11pm (Just after the sun went down.
June 9 Kiel Canal
No fog, sunshine with a bit of cloud, fantastic views as we cruise along the 108km Canal. The transit will take approx. 7 hours, depending on traffic and will save a full day’s journey if we were to go around the Jutland Peninsula.
The countryside is so green and lush and the cows seem very contented to live here. Many folk are along the Canal in their camper vans and cars waving flags at us as we sail by. (I haven’t seen an Aussie flags as yet)
I have had many emails from some of you and asking much the same questions, so I will try to answer them here for you.
No, Made and I have not had a tiff or a fall out, he has been promoted and moved to the dinning room, so if I go to the Lido now I have to serve my self. I see him when I go to the dinning room however he has not been allocated my table as yet to wait on. No Jim to your other question.
The photo of me and the attractive young lady in the yellow dress, her name is Jennifer and this bright young 24 yo lady was travelling with her grandmother. One day we went ashore together as she didn’t want to go off alone to find some free wifi. Of course she knew the muscle bound fit and athletic Sir Pat would protect her. OMG the ribbing I got from all the blokes and the young male crew. My ego was inflated more than ever, but the truth of the matter was she felt safe with me and she became a good mate (friend) and would join me and some of the blokes for happy hour each arvo. This really started the tongues waging. In Amsterdam, Jennifer and her grandmother got off the ship and flew to London. She and Sir Pat made a great team and she is sadly missed by all the young males on board. Yes we will keep in contact and have been since she left the ship.
Yes the new Guinness supplies are on board and the bars have been restocked.
I have arranged for Marko to stay in the crows nest for this leg of the cruise as the bar tender and he conducts the Happy Hour ‘Mass’ each day at 4pm. I have said before being on a cruise is like living in Lar Lar land so why not have some fun.
Tonight Carmen, Harry and I are off to the Pinnacle Grill for formal dinner. The Hotel Manager arranged it for us. I saw Craig the hotel manager today and he accepted my invitation and will try to join us at dinner tonight.
A German Ompha Band was on board for our Canal transit and played at the Beer fest BBQ around the Lido pool. The demand for the German beer was a bit of a shock, even the iced water brigade were drinking. I pitched in to help Peter the Wine and Brev manager at the keg. Great move as he gave me free beer for the 2 hours I helped. The old folk were all singing and clapping to the band music.
On the way down to get ready for the wine tasting I got cornered by the cruise director to join in the Golf chipping comp….. Guess what, I won. It must have been the German beer that caused a miracle. I was presented with a golf towel and balls.
Dinner in the Pinnacle restaurant was fantastic, not only did Craig the hotel manager join us but also Peter and Linda the Cruise Director joined us for coffee and ports at the end of the meal. Let me tell you the tongues were waging by the plumb in the mouth better than thou brigade. It was such a fun night and Peter presented me with an apron in appreciation for the help I gave with the German beer at lunch time. After dinner Peter took me up to the Crows Nest for a night cap as he was paying and we were only drinking top shelf, how could I refuse this offer. We called it a night at 2am.
9a Cool Norway
The Gods were kind again to us and turned on postcard perfect weather for our arrival at this stunning city of Oslo. It was so fresh and clean and we learnt from the locals we arrived on the first day of sunshine after 10 days of rain. The hop on hop off bus was the way I toured this fairy tail city and its attractions. As it was a Sunday and a fine and warm day(for the locals) everyone seemed to be out and enjoying the attractions. The friendliness of the locals was very noticeable and this helps to give visitors a good image of the city.
Before sailing I went over to the Train station with a few of the Pilipino crew to see Mr Big Mac for his free wifi. The temp was dropping quickly and even though I was well rugged up I sensed I was getting a cold. Sure enough by dinner I was loosing my voice and getting a sore throat. Could you imagine Sir Pat without a voice, so after dinner I went straight to bed. Opened up my private supply of medications and started my own recovery program.
June 13
Today we are at sea all day, and at brekkie I noticed heaps of others were coughing and spluttering so I would love to get hold of that big fat lady that sneezed several times without covering her mouth yesterday in the lift.
So after Brekkie I went back to bed for a few hours and had a light lunch and a hot toddy before going back to bed. When I awoke I made myself another hot toddy in my room before going up to Happy Hour for 2 Guinness.
It’s a formal night but we were not allocated an officer for our dinner table, which was good in a way as I was able to leave early and get back to bed. I want to be as fit as possible for tomorrow’s port.
June 14
I woke up feeling a lot better but not 100% so I had an easy day and took the shuttle into the town of Skjolden, Norway. The cruise in the Fjord and the sunrise was a fantastic sight. It was a pity the clouds and the rain came along just as we got off the ship. Anyway this very small town of only a couple of hundred people on the bank of the fjord and bounded by snow capped peaks. The town only took about 20 minutes to have a good look at and it was back to the terminal for the free wifi.
I managed to get online on the mobile phone for only a few minutes . The little server grossly overloaded and even when I went back this arvo and joined all the grey headed coughing and spluttering brigade frustrated because they couldn’t log on either. Sorry to the folk I told I would call them on Skype. Im gunna have a nanna nap this arvo and not over do it.
I made it to both happy hours but drank only half of what I would normally drink. I went to dinner and then called it a night as I’m only on about 50% as I nurse this head cold.
The long hours of day light have played havoc with my body clock, the sun sets at 11.15pm tonight and it never gets totally dark and the sun is up again at 4am. The temp today made a max of 12 C and tomorrow it is expected to be lower.
June 15 Alesund, Norway
Well what a beaut ‘Art Nouveau’ town on the Stor Fjord. The town was completely destroyed by fire in 1904 and has been rebuilt in stone and fire proof materials. What a beaut place to visit with its cobble stone streets even though the weather was not kind to us with low temps, rain and cloud. Late in the afternoon the sun came out and did not set until 11.30pm. Because I’m still nursing the cold I only spent half the day ashore and had a nanna nap in the arvo.
The State Of Origin (Qld v NSW) was on and I was emailed the score, it was Them 18 and QLD 8, well I guess we have to let the Blues have a win now and then. In this years series it is now level so the 3rd and final game of the series should be a good one.
I decided to stay up later tonight in the hope I would not wake too early in the morning. Peter had his people make me a hot toddy just before I left the sun filled Crows Nest at 11.20pm. Wow Peter’s special toddy had me asleep within 5 minutes of going to bed.
Kurt, I didn’t see the ellipse here so I hope you were able to record it in Brissie.
The sun was well and truly up when it woke me at 3.15am.
June 16 Trondheim, Norway.
I had an early start, green tea with honey made with water from the hot water tap for the sore throat and then the pills to get the day going.
So far it looks like it will be a fine day but that observation is based on the outside view at 4am however the temp is expected to reach 11C so for me it will be cold.
We walked the 30 minutes into the city as there were no shuttle busses provided to take us into the city centre. The bonus was it had warmed up to 18C and not much breeze so it was a pleasant day. The locals were very friendly in giving directions and most of the younger ones spoke very good English. After an hour or so I headed back to the terminal in order to make a few Skype call back home at a reasonable hour.
Well you know me, head down tail up I missed a turn and ended up at another part of this industrial port. I could not see our ship for buildings. So I thought if I stayed near to the water and hopefully walked in the correct direction I would see the ship. Whoopee that is what happened, but there was no way I could get through the security to get there. I had to go back and try again. Well I finally came opon a big complex that was beside the little terminal. So I made a be line for this big building complex as I still couldn’t find the terminal. In I want and the part I went into was only for ladies, and they were in the ‘all together’ for the sauna and a huge spa. ( I think it must have been Grandma’s day as they were very old. )
The complex was a large swimming aqua centre. A lady came up to me with a hint of anxiety in her voice and escorted me out and gave me directions to the men’s nude facilities. She must have thought it strange when I asked her for directions to get back to the ship. Grey hair has its advantages and she got one of her assistants to escort me through the outside building site then through a car park and around a few corners and I was there. She was a beautiful young, tanned and blue eyes well spoken blonde. I gave her a small Koala for her troubles and went to shake her hand but she planted a kiss on my cheek. I think it was for the Koala.
I then went in to the little terminal to use the free wifi with over 200 crew and 300 passengers. No way was the server going to handle this volume, so after 30 minutes I gave up and came back to the ship for lunch and a nanna nap.
We had the 3rd officer as our dinner guest and what a delightful and Knowable young lady she was and a pleasure to have dinner with. As we left the table late I went straight to bed afterwards.
June 17 at sea
It was a very restful day and caught up on sending out the washing, catching up with the internet and sleeping. It was much colder and windy so I didn’t go outside at all. Today was the Mariner’s lunch and presentation so I have a couple of tiles to add my collection. I’m not going to dinner tonight as I don’t feel hungry at all.
We are well and truly in the Artic circle now so we can expect it to get much colder over the next week.
Tonight’s entertainment was provided by The Celtic Tenors, and what an excellent show they put on for an hour. Their rendition of Danny Boy without music was brilliant. Many commented it was the best show so far on the cruise.
Tomorrow we call in to Honningsvag, Norway which is the world’s northern most town and the expected max temp will be 6C (42F)
June 18
We went ashore in Honningsvag, Norway to a very cold and slightly overcast day. What a beautiful little city it is to walk around in. Once again the locals were very friendly and helpful. I went to a Sports Café (A kind of TAB betting shop) where I was able to use their wifi and catch up with the emails. I took some great photos in the town which I still have to download. It was beaut to get back on the ship and warm up. The other great news is that this Cold virus thingo I had was lifting and my anti biotic were working.
I had a nanna nap in the arvo so was well rested for Happy hour and dinner. It was great to have my taste buds working again and enjoy my meal.
After dinner one of the blokes from Celtic Tenors came up to the crows nest and played the piano and sang a few songs for us. What a beaut impromptu evening it turned out to be. I had the privilege of having a chat with him.
June 19
We arrived in the Russian port city of Murmansk, what a cold and depressing dump it was and that was the first impression from the ships deck. I was one of the 300 passengers that could not leave the ship because of wrong information given to me by the Russian Consulate in Sydney.
About 25 serious looking Russian Officers came on board to do the most complicated visa passport check I have ever seen on a ship, the process took about 3 hours. I couldn’t go ashore as I didn’t have a booked tour or a visa so they would not let me off the ship at all.
Anyway I won the golf putting competition, well I was the only one playing, so I was awarded the first and second prizes. (They will be great additions to my bar.)
At lunch time we had the Ruskies invade the Lido, Wow, you should have seen them, they touched and tried everything. You would have thought they had not eaten for a week.
In the late afternoon the sun came out and it improved the depressing views to not so depressing views. If you know what I mean and highlighted the wrecks and the floating rusting non maintained vessels..
The Crows nest sail away was the highlight of the day (as we were leaving this place)
June 20.
It’s a day at sea today, so a great day to catch up on some rest as tonight will be the formal dinner and Black & White ball. I went to the Good Morning Prinsendam chat where Linda the Cruise Director interviewed the 3 boys from the Celtic Tenors. It was a pity that there was only a 30 minute time frame as we could have listened to these guys for hours.
I called in to see Mr Casino for a little bit and while there won a Tshirt and a bottle of champers and made a donation of $30 so it wasn’t a total loss.
After lunch it was the Nanna nap and the usual routine of happy hour and get ready for the ball. We had Chris the 2nd Engineer as the officer at our table, ans as in the past it was a fun meal.
I went down and changed out of the formal gear after dinner as I wanted to give the ball a miss so I went up to the Crows Nest. About half way through my first drink the phone rang and I sensed I was being spoken about. I had to speak to Peter and he demander my presence immediately at the ball or risk ( its better if you don’t know, but it had something to do with a life jacket.)
Sir Pat arrives at the ball and the only person not in formal gear. Peter meets me with a double Bombay Blue Sapphire and tonic. Next thing I know Craig the Hotel Manager has arranged for his young female staff to have me up on the dance floor as much as possible. I guess it was fun as I enjoyed myself. After the ball most adjourned to the Ocean Bar for more dancing but I went up to the Crows Nest to finish my drink up there. Thank God tomorrow is another sea day.
June 21
I slept in and after breakfast went to the travel talk for the remaining Norwegian ports and for Rosyth Scotland. Its hard to believe that this time next week I will have been of the ship for over 24 hours and in Amsterdam.
This afternoon we crossed the Artic Circle again as we headed back south so lets hope it will warm up a bit for the remainder of the cruise.
No Happy hour at the Crows Nest at 4pm or 7pm tonight as private functions are being held for the Dutch. I will have to go to the Ocean Bar for a drink.
9c Delightful Norway
June 22
Well what a great day and we are in the beautiful and scenic port city of Molde, Norway. The contrasts of the warm sun and the snow on the mountains combined with the reflections on the waters of the fjord, The temp is 18C and no wind so the Cairns Guy felt very comfortable after the freezing cold artic circle temps.
I went ashore walked around then went to the library to use the internet and catch up on emails. Marco the Crows Nest barman met up with me so we had a couple of beers on a deck going out into the harbour and it was very pleasant in the sunshine.
At 7pm the ship put on a cocktail party for the Aussies, Kiwis and Poms and hosted by Craig the hotel manager. I also said a few words to thank the management and staff for their excellent service during the cruise on behalf of the passengers at the function.
After dinner it was off to the Celtic Tenors last concert on the cruise. The show went off so well there were many standing ovations. I think it was the best show of its kind I have ever seen on a ship.
While the crew show was on I got roped into singing at Karaoke again so I did Sweet Caroline again with the Asst Cruise Director. No body walked out or booed which surprised me as my voice is still a bit nasal from the cold I had.
At Midnight the Tenors arrived and we had the greatest of music sessions around the piano. At the beginning there would have been about 100 and within 30 minutes the crowd had swelled to nearly 200. It’s a small world when folks from all corners of the globe can get together for an impromptu informal sing along. It was about 2am when I got to bed.
June 23
I awoke at 9.20am, so I had to have a late brekkie in the Lido before going out on the town to explore. What another beaut city Bergen is and it was much larger than I thought it was. I walked from the ship to the town and found a MacDonald’s I could use the internet. Unfortunately they had blocked Skype so I couldn’t ring home to Aust.
As I was walking through the city I found a little train pulled along by a tractor looking vehicle so 20 Euro later I set off on the city sights tour. It was great value as it took us to places that the coaches couldn’t go especially the high steep slopes. I had 70 Krona left so I spent it on a souvenir.
The 2nd happy hour was at the ocean bar before dinner because of a private function. After dinner I was planning an early night, so I told Marco the barman I would be in bed by 11pm. No No No, I had not planned on Peter dropping in and he bought me a few drinks, so it was 12.30am by the time I got to bed.
June 24
Today is a day at sea, and a good day to recharge the batteries. The sad realisation is that there are only 3 days left on the cruise. The thing I hate the most is the thought of having to pack up after 7 weeks. Did I mention I hate packing.
The last formal night was held but we were not allocated an officer so I finished up my wine package. There was a large walk out of the crows nest last night as a group of Dutch old folk were smoking and everyone was coughing and spluttering. I wish Holland America would have the balls to ban all smoking on there ships.
June 25
We are up the waterway to Rosyth (Edinburgh) Scotland and it is a grey yucky day, so I better get out the warm and rain proof clothes out. Today I’m took Marco the barman into Edinburgh for a drink and some lunch at an old pub called the Last Drop, I discovered 13 years ago on my last visit to Edinburgh.
What a great day we had and as it was Serviceman’s Day so a big parade down the Royal Mile and a jet flyover with the coloured smoke coming out of the there exhausts. We found the pub after asking some Policemen for directions. We ran into Kevin the Irishman so he joined us for a Guinness. At this pub instead of drawing the shamrock on the head, they draw a stickman hanging from the gallows. The executions in the old days were held outside the pub and the prisoner would be bought into the pub for their last drink before they were hung, so there for ‘Last Drop’. I may have mentioned there is a fantastic old couple known as ’ the Kellys’ and are in their mid 80’s well they walked in and joined us. Boy oh boy we were made so welcome and all the locals were chatting with us and wanting to know all about our cruise. I don’t think they had ever had this combination of folk (2 Yanks, an Aussie, Filipino and an Irishman) so they were getting heaps of photos of us.
After a few Guinness we set off to the Royal Mile and I bought a Kilt. That’s a long story for another day. Anyway I had to have Marco back to the ship by 3.30pm for his shift. We just made it with only a minute to spare so Marco was first out of the shuttle bus and ran to the gang plank with everyone shouting ‘run Marco run’. I will send photos of the day from Amsterdam.
In the evening I was invited to join Craig and Peter for cocktails and then dinner in the Pinnacle Grill as their farewell dinner to me. I have been really looked after on this ship and can only congratulate Craig and all his hotel staff in all areas for the way they have made this cruise the best ever. Oh I love that top shelf Port.
June 27
It is last day and at sea and the packing had to be done. Craig sent down some of the house keeping staff to help me pack. I will try to send this update now from the ship as I have a few minutes left in the account. The next email will be from the Hotel in Amsterdam also I hope to be able to use Skype again then. The on board Wi-Fi is so slow so I’m not sure when this email will go.
Good Bye Prinsendam
June 27 Amsterdam
I had brekkie with Harry and Carmen and then made the goodbye rounds to say Good bye to as many as possible. I had coffee with Peter but I missed seeing Craig before going. Wow what a cruise I think it was the best so far and I certainly got the royal treatment.
After a short cab ride to my hotel I was able to check in straight away to a small single room in the attic I think because of the window. The room has a single bed and is a third of the size of my cabin but it is clean and is not air conditioned. The temp got up over 30C here today.
In the afternoon I went out exploring in the perfect weather and had Dutch pancakes in a little café overlooking the canal. I got some great photos. I think there are 50 million bikes in this city and they are a danger to pedestrians well old Aussies that walk on the wrong side of the footpath. Amsterdam is truly a beautiful city and with the warm temps it is like a big summer party city. The folks are so fit and tanned and seem a very active mob.
There is an Irish Pub only 70metres from my hotel. I have a city sights tour booked for tomorrow and a shuttle booked for Wed to take me to the airport for the flight to the UK.
There is an Irish Pub only 70metres from my hotel. I have a city sights tour booked for tomorrow and a shuttle booked for Wed to take me to the airport for the flight to the UK.
I’m having Mateus Rose as my sunset drink (10pm)and I have to lighten the load for the flight.
June 28
Slept in after a very hot and humid nites sleep, anyone would have thought I was in the tropics without aircon. Had a nice brekkie in the basement and to get there I had to go down these ladder type stairs… didn’t know if I should go down backwards or forwards. Then it was off to do a tour and see the beautiful, sunshine then a storm and sunshine and high humidity again. I went to the Irish pub nearby for a cool Guinness.
So overall the couple of days in Amsterdam have been great and the smell of what some smoke makes you feel very calm.
I have to get up early in the morning to pack and get to the airport so Im off to bed at 11pm.
To the UK
June 29
I had an early morning rise to have brekkie and get ready for the trip to the airport on a rainy Amsterdam morning. Thank God it had cooled off a bit as it had been a very hot and humid night with no aircon in my little room and as it was raining I could not open the roof window. The check-in at the airport went without a hitch except I had to pay 40Euro for the additional luggage. I was soon in the BA lounge trying to redeem my 40 euro in food and drink. I thought the BA flight has dropped its standards and was about the same as American Airlines with no thrills at all.
On arrival at Heathrow it was the quickest entry I have ever had through British Passport control, I was even down at luggage collection before the bags arrived.
Brian was there to meet me and he took me over to Windsor Castle for the rest of the day. Wow, what an interesting place and so big in everyway. The Queen was not home as she was at work at her Buck house office, so I didn’t catch up with her for a cuppa. The Castle tour was well worth every cent and minute of the visit steeped in so much history.
The weather in England was a surprise..it was a perfect day.
We arrived home at Brian’s house to be met by Mary his wife who promptly had me drinking the best cuppa tea I had had since leaving home. Mary served up a beaut dinner and after chatting for a few hours and a Murphy’s Stout it was off to bed.
June 30
Mary served up a full English Brekkie that kept us going all day. Brian and I went off to the Chatham Maritime Museum. What a huge place as it was formally a large navy shipyard. We spent over 6 hours there doing the various tours and just walking around the restored ships, subs and choppers. It was well worth the visit even though we had walked many miles.
Mary had another beaut cuppa for us when we arrived home. Then we went out to dinner at Wealden Hall that was built in the 13th centaury. We had an excellent 3 course meal with great service. It was fantastic for me to be eating in a place with so much history.
July 1
After another one of Mary’s hearty English brekkies Brian and I set off for Dover to visit the Castle. What a fantastic place with all its history over 2000 years and in particular the part it played in WW2 for the evacuation of Dunkirk. The war reproduction AV’s ,the sound and light effects were specular in the underground tunnels. The castle restoration is a credit to this Museum. The visit was well worth the visit.
Boy oh boy I have learnt so much history over the past 3 days and many thanks to Brian and Mary for making this all happen for me. Mary had a beaut roast pork dinner for us tonight, which was greatly appreciated. As some of you know roast pork is my favourite roast.
July 3
We then had fish and chips at a traditional place which was yummy and the chips were real chips.
In the late afternoon Brian and Mary drove me up to Derek and Pauline’s place in Hertfordshire. The drive took about 90 minutes and OMG the traffic was so heavy. I don’t think I could drive in all that traffic.
When we arrived we were welcomed with tea and cake out in the garden, (I had bought the perfect sunny weather) which was most enjoyable. Then it was time for me to say my sad goodbyes to Brian and Mary who had been the perfect hosts during my visit with them.
Derek and Pauline took me down to their sports club to have a Guinness and meet some of their friends. We then went to a Chinese restaurant for a most enjoyable dinner. It is was well after midnight by the time we got home.
July 3
Today is Derek’s birthday and the reason for the timing of this visit as he is having about 90 guests over for a party in his beautiful garden. It is another fine sunny day so all should be good weather wise for the party. Derek and I went up the hill to bring the horse back down the stables for the day. The horse and I got on well and I fed it some apple. It didn’t bite me when I had a photo taken with it.
The morning was spent getting ready and setting up for the outdoor garden party. Just after 1pm the guests started arriving and the party had begun. The locals loved the outdoor setting and the sunny weather. Pauline had done an excellent job of the catering and the drinks were flowing well. Guess what I was drinking? Yes you are right, I had a few Guinness. Some young blokes were drinking Fosters…… Yucky stuff!! They threatened to get a photo of me with a Fosters. No way.
I think it was about midnight when I decided to call it a night and there were only about 6 folk left and who knows what they were talking about. It was a fantastic party and everyone had a great time.
July 4
I slept in until about 8.30am and Pauline had a yummy brekkie for us outside in the garden. This was the 3rd day in a row that they had been able to eat in the garden.
Then we all got to work with the clean up, the removal of the tent gazebos and all the outdoor furniture. We had a late lunch and I went and had a nanna nap.
After the nanna nap it was up to the stables to take ‘Bella’ the horse up to the paddock for the night. After this we walked along a little lane beside the Bowes Lyon mansion and estate. This is where the Queen Mother grew up as a child. It was arranged for me to do a tour of the gardens and the grounds. I was impressed to see how the rich and famous lived over a100 years ago. Then it was down to one of the small village pubs for a few pints. This little pub had a great atmosphere and the barmaid even allowed me behind the bar to have some photos taken. We bought some of the folk from the pub to join us for dinner. There was heaps of food left over from Saturday night’s party. It was just after midnight before I got to bed.
July 5
We had an early brekkie as we were off to do sight seeing today and visited the old town of Bury St Edmonds. This old English town was great and we walked over the site of the old Abby that Henry viii had destroyed after he established his own church. The grounds and gardens were spectular and many young folk were taking advantage of the sunshine and warmth to get a suntan.
After a walk around the town we found a beaut French restaurant called Maison Bleue to have a beaut lunch.
In the evening we went to an Italian restaurant and were waited on by a Kiwi Shelia, the food was excellent.
June 6/7/8
The day started off with one of Pauline’s hearty brekkies and then up the hill to fetch the horse and bring her down to the stables. It is a rainy day and my last day in the UK. The State of Origin was on the Sky TV.
Wow, what a game. We (Queensland) won the State of Origin Rugby League series against New South Wales for the 6th consecutive year
Derek drove me down to Heathrow Airport later in the arvo for the flight home to Cairns. The check in was low key however they did put me through the x-ray machine. The shared BA/Qantas lounge was up to its high standard so I had a little drinkies and a snack before boarding the big A380 for Singapore. I had preselected seat 71D because there is no 70D so I had heaps of leg room. (This was the first Qantas International flight in 4 years I had not been upgraded to Business or Premium Economy so I was pleased I had a seat with heaps of legroom.
A young bloke that looked a bit like Keith Urban named Robbie sat beside me. What an interesting guy he was as he had just got out of war torn Libya where he was working for the Red Cross. We chatted for hours. When we arrived in Singapore I invited him to the Qantas lounge to freshen up and join me for a drink and snack. He also set up a blog site for me for to use on future trips which I still have to learn how to drive.
The jumbo cattle class flight to Brisbane was full cramped and uneventful so it was a relief to land in Brisbane and get out and transfer to the Domestic terminal for the flight to Cairns. I arrived back in Cairns at lunchtime Fri 8July to be met by my brother John and my nephews Matt and David. We called into the supermarket to get basic supplies on the way home. So after they joined me for a cuppa and cake I was left alone to unpack and check the place out.
My next door neighbours Peter and Maureen who had been kindly collecting my mail over the past 9 weeks presented me with a shopping bag full of mail so that will keep me occupied for a while.
So now its back to reality as Sir Pat has now to cook his own meals, do his own washing and make is own bed.
To answer the question many of you have asked, Yes, I have already booked another cruise and it is the Volendam 16 day NZ cruise Ex Sydney 19 Dec. Other than that I plan to have a 2 week campervan or car trip in North Qld with a mate from Brissie in August and maybe a rail trip out to Charleville and Longreach in Western Qld in October.
I seem to always say after each cruise holiday it was the best well I am sure this last cruise on the Prinsendam was the best cruise mainly because of the excellent hotel management and the high staff morale of the crew combined with a fantastic itinerary.
The other highlights of this trip were the visit to the Grand Canyon, meeting up in Las Vegas with my very good Canadian friends Davie & Sheila. After the cruise the visit to the UK and my stays with Brian & Mary in Kent and also Derek and Pauline in Hertfordshire, these two couples invited me into their homes, treated me like royalty and proudly showed me their local attractions.
To all concerned (including my travel agents Marianne in Cairns and Kay in Florida) for making this a top holiday my sincere appreciation and thanks.
Once again thanks for your emails and comments while I was away.
Some of the Crew and Guests from the cruise,
Some of the Crew and Guests from the cruise,
