We awake at 7.15 am after sleeping well realising it is likely that the Ship will have arrived in Sydney and we have missed that opportunity.

On opening the curtains we see the ship in port and the weather which has been forecast as likely to have heavy squalls is overcast and very humid and in the distance we observe heavy rain over the lower harbour and out to Sydney Heads. We shower and have a light breakfast before Ken decides he will spend some 2-3 hours in and around circular quay , board the new light rail and travel up George Street to Wynyard Station and then walk through the new express subway to the stunning Barangaroo Residential and Retail hub. This is a conversion of a vacant unused Container Terminal and this has been transformed into a remarkable 22 hectare site of stunning restaurants, office and soon to be completed 6 star hotel and Casino to be owned and Operated by the Crown Group.

Ken finds the tram easy to use, gets lost in Wynyard Railway Station but seeks directions , then walks through the many new skyscrapers and significant buildings and landscaped courtyards.

He does stop for muffin and coffee and to sit and watch the passing traffic at the upmarket Banksii after walking past the Barangaroo House a stunning 3 level building . Ken then stops at “Bel and Brio” which is Barangaroo’s fresh food providore featuring gourmet produce, a boutique wine bar and cellar restaurant and ready to go takeaway meals as well as stunning coffee and snacks. It is crowded at 10.15 am.

There is a new Ferry Station with 2 piers at the bottom of Barangaroo concourse overlooking the Harbour. There is also the magnificent building under construction which dwarfs all else in this area, soon to be the Hotel and Casino. He then catches a ferry back to Circular Quay again taking photos of the Harbour, Harbour Bridge and then the Majestic Princess.

We pack our gear, check out of the Shangri-La Hotel at 12.00pm, have our luggage stored at the Hotel and then walk 100 metres from the Hotel to Harps Hotel an old syle pub which has a wonderful reputation for good quality Pub food. We thoroughly enjoy a relaxing early afternoon, there is a heavy shower of rain, the meal is enjoyable.

Departure from the hotel lunch occurs with a break in the rain and we go back to the Shangri-La collect our luggage and then catch a cab to the Overseas Passenger Terminal with our check in as “Elite” Princess Cruise members taking all of 5 minutes, then through a modified security check and photos before we are admitted to the ship via a long walkway.

Our first glimpse of the ship is in the 3 storey Piazza and we can describe it as just awe inspiring. We take several photos.

We catch a lift to M level on deck 15 and our Cabin M 429 is on the Starboard (Red Carpet) passageway. We enter our Mini-Suite and can only say we are delighted. It is beautifully appointed with a queen bed, and separate lounge area. The bathroom is well fitted and the whole cabin is well proportioned.

We have our emergency drill display at 16.30 pm and this is the only time when we find the people numbers and the business somewhat daunting. The briefing takes place for about 15 minutes, with detailed explanations, illustrations of using the life jackets and then explanations of the emergency processes and systems.

Following this process , which with so many people is well managed, we return to our Suite in anticipation of having a drink and watching the ship depart at 6.45 pm , then going to dinner in one of the main dining rooms, given we have elected anytime dining. Our Cabin Steward, named Eric, serves us a welcome glass of Champagne and we have some canapes.

However, we are surprised to find that the ship is significantly delayed in its departure. There are differences between the ship[‘s numbers of staff and passengers and that of border force. This isn’t resolved quickly and the ship doesn’t depart until .9.15 pm and by bthis time it is dark and there is rainfall.

Jeanette makes the call to miss the departure and we change our mind and decide to enjoy Pizza at Alfredo’s Restaurant. We thne enjoy this meal followed by superb desserts.

The first night’s entertainment in the Princess Theatre is a musical instrumentalist playing a violin studded with diamonds, rhinestones and other assorted sparkling stones. He entertains us for approximately 35 minute and is very good, the cruise director then talks for 10 minutes and we finally depart the lounge at approximately 10.30 pm. It has been an enjoyable and interesting day.

We fall into bed at about 10.50 pm disappointed to miss the departure from Sydney, but to have enjoyed everything about the ship, with an excellent meal, first class entertainment and our cabin is just great.

We sleep well, shower and dress and then have breakfast in a dining room, which is very enjoyable. It is a designated “Sea day” with a myriad of activities. We enjoy some of the activities, Ken joins the Princess Choir with rehearsals at 11.15 am on Sea Days. There are approximately 55 women with 30 Sopranos and 25 men with about 6 tenors. The Choir leader and member of the Cruise director’s team is from Canada and is a well trained theatre presenter and both an actor and singer of Musical theatre. We have 5 songs to learn and practice. Good fun all round.

In the afternoon Ken goes taking photos and watching various activities, whilst Jeanette has a rest.

Dinner tonight is in the Crown Grill Steakhouse and we enjoy a superb meal of fillet mingnon. It is a lovely separate restaurant where you do pay an additional service fee. Ken enjoys a good glass of French red wine.

The show is a wonderful Musical Production show featuring the 4 singers and 12 dancers. There is also a glittering arranges of lighting and effects.

It is titled “XXXXXX” and ir really enjoyable.

We are in bed just after a terrific day. We are really delighted with the ship.