Sea Days and Return to Melbourne and disembarkation.
We have enjoyed our holiday and now we have 2 days at sea as we sail back across the Tasman and then into Bass Strait and finally through the Heads and then up Port Phillip Bay and into Melbourne.
We very much enjoy the sea days as an opportunity to relax and take in the many activities.
Jeanette also wishes to complete some shopping in the ship’s boutiques. As an initial comment, the weather has deteriorated as the low pressure that has deluged victoria makes its way into the Tasman with 4-6 metre swells, and much rocking and rolling. There are passengers unwell with motion and sea sickness.
We are also experiencing significant changes in protocols associated with Covid-19. On our floor there appear to be several ( 5-6 ) cabins now locked down with passengers locked away with Covid-19 and we hear that there are somewhere between 60-90 passengers and crew who are isolated. They are tested daily and only released with 2 days of negative RAT.
Jeanette and Ken remain well. The ship is busy and finding seating on the main decks becomes a challenge, with many older passengers ( ie older than us) taking seats in the morning and refusing to move on until lunch.
We have eaten in the Buffet and there are strict protocols, associated with food handling and washing hands, etc.
On our first sea day out of Auckland, the Captain imposes the wearing of masks in all public venues, including the theatre. They are upfront and working hard to manage the covid-19 outbreak.
Most people are cooperating. the ship’s staff are simply amazing as they take additional measures as to cleaning and looking after us.
We dine each evening apart from Specialty Restaurant bookings, in the Botticelli Restaurant aft of the ship. It is a large dining room, we like to share preferences for tables seating 6. We find the food and service very good, although we feel the menu has been tightened with fewer course alternatives available each evening. but hard to complain.
We have met many pleasant people. We attend the theatre show most evenings.
Arrival in Melbourne - Delays with Clearance and Covid-19 Challenges
We woke to find the ship berthed in Melbourne and despite our best endeavors we failed to see the ship come through the Heads and then up Port Phillip Bay.
The weather is improved and despite some heavy showers, it looks OK.
After a delightful Breakfast, we intend to go to the Casino area, which is closed, to wait with the other almost 40 elite Princess Circle members and we will then disembark from that area. We are delayed almost 90 minutes because there is a difficulty with the approximate 100 passengers who are consigned to their rooms with covid-19.
Doesn’t impact us other than the delay and sitting around in the somewhat uncomfortable casino area awaiting instructions to leave the ship.
We have been in constant telephone conversations with Gavin, but he is in the first car park awaiting us. Also, David has a client meeting in a nearby suburb and we are delighted to see him at Station Pier.
We depart the ship closer to 10.00 am, collect our luggage, and walk off the ship. Gavin finds us and takes Jeanett’s case.
We then have a pleasant drive from Station Pier to Wheelers hill the weather continues to improve and the sunshine is very pleasant.
We arrive home and Gavi takes our luggage through the garage.
The end of an enjoyable trip. It also means that we have finally used all Future Cruise Certificates.