SYDNEY SAILAWAY

DAY 1  -  Wednesday, 12^th September, 2012

 

After months and weeks of dreaming, the big day has arrived and we so look forward to exploring new countries, as well as having a relaxing holiday.  With 13 ports (2 days in Hong Kong) and 26 sea days, that should fit the bill, on the "Sun Princess".

 

We have ship's tours booked for most of the ports, with the exception of Hong Kong, where we have relatives, and in Japan where we have organized our Goodwill Guides – that's going to be fascinating!

 

With bags packed & ready to go, we left home after an early lunch and caught a cab into which arrived in record time.  As there had been a delay in boarding, the arrival hall was jam-packed and leaving on time, we thought, quite out of the question.  Fortunately after checking-in to "Preferred Check-in", we proceeded straight to Customs – but then it did take a while as we hit a bottleneck and then  I also caused some delay - this time sending off the buzzer – took off shoes and off it went again – took off a bangle and I'm through!!!

 

"Welcome Home", is a fabulous greeting on stepping foot on any Princess ship, and as the "Dawn Princess" is a sister ship, we really did feel very much at home.  We found our way to our cabin – this time foregoing a balcony suite for a lovely ocean view stateroom, which is very roomy and comfortable – I guess the windows will always be streaky though!!!

 

We were only a few minutes late leaving and passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with only 1 metre to spare and funnels blasting, really does give you goose bumps – I had to get Colin to pinch me as well - just to make sure it was happening.  Phone calls back and forth to our family & friends from our Half World Cruise last year (and their World Cruise), made for a delightful sail out of this spectacular harbour with beautiful sunset blazing in the background.

 

Bags arrived and our Cabin Steward is Noel, from the Philippines.  Unpacking, and I'm thinking, something's wrong, the ship isn't rocking (leaving the Heads and first night is usually a bit wobbly), so Colin's happy!!  Only 6 people arrive at our dinner table of 10, but we meet 2 nice couples from Pennant Hills and Kingscliff and were warmly greeted by our Table Waiter, Danilo (Philippines), and Assistant Table Waiter, Lee (also from the Philippines), and they have a good sense of humour, which is always a bonus.   After a delightful meal, we decided not to go to the Princess Theatre for the late show, but headed for bed and some very welcome sleep.

 

PHOTOS:  Leaving Barangaroo, Darling Harbour – heading for China & Japan;  Getting blown away, but we're on our way;  Magnificent sunset as we leave our lovely Sydney Harbour.