Recently we cruised on the Sea Princess out of Brisbane, Australia. This was the first time we have cruised on a Princess Boat even though we have cruised some 20+ times previously on P&O Australia, Carnival, Costa, MSC, Celebrity, NCL etc. out of the Americas, Europe and Australia. Only one of which, I am glad to say I was disappointed with (MSC). We boarded the Sea Princess with the knowledge that my parents, who are in their late 70’s-80’s recommended highly and are in fact Elite passengers on the Princess reward system. As mere youngsters in our late 50’s we did not realise how much of a god’s waiting room this ship was going to be and how much the ship targeted is entertainment etc for that market.
To say that we were youngsters if not in body but in mind, was an understatement. When one of the lead entertainers starts her show with “Roll Out the Barrel”, I think you get my meaning. Having said all that, we have never not enjoyed a cruise. We just enjoy some less than others and Princess would be second bottom on our list.
The saving grace for our Princess cruise was Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a relatively new and as such exciting destination. The land is still relatively primitive and untouched and to my knowledge P&O Australia and Princess (both of which are now owned by Carnival) are the only two cruise lines visiting there at this time. The people are friendly and welcoming whilst still living a true third world existence. Motor boats are present but dugout canoes are still a major vessel for fishing etc.. Children are still excited by being given colouring pencils and electricity is not necessarily available at all ports visited. A traffic jam occurs when the passengers from the ship block the path of the ONE VEHICLE on the island on their way to visit the one school and one the village. It was simply a fantastic destination.
Size of cabin was a little larger than some but problems with toilet were disappointing.
Again did our own thing. The Australian war history was great to experience. With some other passengers we hired a "taxi". It was a bit worrying watching the driver chew on his beatle nut.
We did our own thing and loved it. Was the first time we uncounted beatle nut. All the natives from a very young age seem to chew on it. The locals put on great free shows for the ship at the wharf and near the town area proper. Town is an easy walk.