Sir Ken and Sheree's travels....

Happy New Year Rhapsody Style

2012-01-06T13:56:00.004+10:00

Nine days of Fun in the Sun

2012-01-06T13:53:00.003+10:00

So it's farewell Rhapsody from us, from him, from them, from we, from her, from him...

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Days EIGHT & NINE

2012-01-06T13:21:00.002+10:00

So we sat in the coffee lounge and stared at the sea, the view too from the schooner bar was just as good, we drank and we shopped, we chatted and enjoyed the endless hours of leisure time with great company before our holiday ended.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day SEVEN - Isle de Pines, New Caledonia

2012-01-06T13:13:00.005+10:00

We woke up to the rain today, light showers, but the lack of sun meant you couldn't see the magnificent hues of blues we had seen on two previous trips to this beautiful island. None the less we still managed to have a swim with Cassie and Di enjoying every minute of a snorkeling trip.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day SIX - LIFOU, LOYALTY ISLANDS

2012-01-06T12:50:00.005+10:00

Di was the only one to get off the ship for a swim at Lifou, the weather did not look great so Ken and I decided to stay onboard having been to Lifou on previous cruises. After two days on land the thought of a day onboard coffeeing and chatting to friends held much appeal. Cassie of course was sleeping in as you do when you spend each night at the disco and teen lounge partying until 1am every morning.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day FIVE - VILA, VANUATTU

2012-01-06T10:22:00.005+10:00

Beautiful Vila - we spent the day with our new found friends Kathy and Colin, hiring a mini-van for 4 hours to take us on a sight-seeing tour and a quick peek at Hide-away Island. Di and Cass chose to go on an excursion to Cascade Waterfalls and play with the Iguana's.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day FOUR - NOUMEA - NEW CALENDONIA

2012-01-06T10:09:00.005+10:00

Noumea today. We decided to do our own thing ashore this day, only to find out at the end of the day we had both done the same thing!!! Yes, my sister had disembarked 30 minutes before me and we were one hop on hop off bus apart! The whole day! So much for you do your thing and I'll do mine! In the afternoon we can be seen at the onboard cruise sales agent looking at our 2012 cruise prospects.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day THREE

2012-01-06T09:54:00.003+10:00

The seas were calm, and on day 2 at Sea, Di taught me how to play bingo.... and wouldn't you know it - I won the jackpot! $1,o00USD, but I had to share it with another bingo winner.... still it was smiles all round day 3 at Sea.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day TWO

2012-01-06T09:42:00.004+10:00

Day two was spent all day at Sea. Thanks for the tail elements of Cyclone Fena things at sea became a bit wobbly - but we all managed, Di and Ken had to find the low centre of gravity on the sea, (low on mid-deck 4) but Cassie and I had our sea legs and enjoyed the rocking cradle Rhapsody.

Nine days of Fun in the Sun - Day ONE!

2012-01-06T09:27:00.004+10:00

Ahead of us - 9 days of fun, first stop Coffee with the Boyz in Sydney who had just happened to disembark from the Rhapsody's Christmas Cruise..... thanks Steve and Alan the catchup and hints were just great - how lucky were we with these 2 experienced cruisers to help us deliver our bags to the luggage attendent....Cassie and Di just couldn't wait to get through that OPT (Overseas Passenger Terminal

shereeclem@gmail.com

2011-11-25T17:25:00.001+10:00

THREE CRUISES on the go............Aloha....

2011-06-04T10:02:00.018+10:00

On Dec 27th, Sir Ken and I, together with my sister and niece we will embark on Royal Carribeans Rhapsody..of the Seas... one of our favorite ships for a New Years Eve cruise around the PACIFIC.... 9 fabulous nights of fun and 9 days of sun/sand/surf/sea...... what more could you want to ring in the new year.....!

Cruise 1......

Cruise 2.......

We've always loved Tahiti, Sir Ken for decades used to tease me with, when I retire I'll send you postcards from Tahiti...... this will be the third time together we will travel to one of our most favorite places on the planet.... Bora Bora, on board the cruise ship Celebrity Century.....and as luck has it, this cruise also spends idyllic days in Pappeete, Moorea and Raiatea....so we'll be sending postcards to our children for a third time reminding them we are on another SKI holiday......(spending the kids inheritance)..... and fortunately for us the Celebrity Century cruise ship heads on to Maui and Hawaii!!! 18 shimmering cruise days from Sydney to Honolulu....... Departing 6th March, 2012 and arriving in Honolulu on the 23rd March, 2012.... where we will spend a day and night at the Hawaiian Hilton Village in Waikiki, before heading off around the Hawaiian Islands on March 25th,.....

Cruise 3....

Of course, one can't arrive in Hawaii and NOT sail off to all her beautiful islands of Kahului, Maui, Kona and Hilo on the 'Big Island'.. and Nawiliwili on Kauai.... 7 wonderful nights onboard the NCL's Pride of America await us....... departing 25th March, 2012

And what Holiday wouldn't be complete without 5 nights at the beautiful Sheraton Princess Kauilaini, a stones throw from the beautiful beach of Waikiki.....

And of course, when undertaking a Hawaiian Holiday one concludes with a flight on Hawaiian Airlines via Sydney then home just in time for the Easter Bunny to come on Easter Sunday, then it's back to work on Tuesday for me........Aloha......

Holidays...... a walk in the park.... Mannheim, Germany

2011-04-15T21:25:00.000+10:00

Cheers from Sir Ken... who's become addicted to hot chocolate n cream - San Diego..

2011-04-06T17:37:00.003+10:00

Tuesday 5th April - San Diego, California

Here I am... on the East side of the Pacific....San diego!

2011-04-06T17:26:00.005+10:00

Lunch today was just off route 66 - Peggy Sue's Diner.....

2011-04-05T18:04:00.005+10:00

Sir Ken has a new Las Vegas friend...

2011-04-05T18:00:00.001+10:00

Checking in at Caesars Palace...

2011-04-05T17:53:00.002+10:00

Damming the Colorado..... Hoover Dam

2011-04-05T17:47:00.006+10:00

From New York to Venice...

2011-04-05T17:40:00.006+10:00

Lions inside the MGM Casino - unbelievable!

2011-04-05T17:33:00.003+10:00

La to Vegas...

2011-04-05T16:39:00.009+10:00

It was a long haul flight to LA, Sir Ken had been patient and promised not to complain when all of a sudden with concern etched all over his face he said to me "what was that." "That" I said was the 747's wheels hitting the tarmac, welcome to LA..... The drive from LA to Vegas was very interesting......... major freeways everywhere, we wouldn't have lasted 2 minutes without the Sat NAV! I've been hanging onto the door handle in absolute terror so tight that it might need replacing before we leave the States......Las Vegas....Hilton.. nice place to stay - our room and view.... a sanctuary from the playground for adults called the Strip.

Our Round World (Air) Travels

2011-01-18T16:47:00.003+10:00

We look forward to sharing our travels 30/03 - 1/05 2011 with friends and family on this site.

Brisbane - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - San Diego - Frankfurt / Mannheim - Side, Turkey - Mannheim - Singapore - Brisbane.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight... from our World Cruise Blog

2009-10-20T06:47:00.007+10:00

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight...It's time to go, and leave this happy site.....

With 'coffee to go' from a very happy retired Sir Ken, its back to work from me. Thanks for joining us in cyberspace for our around the world cruise.

Sheree

Oh bugger!

2009-10-18T20:03:00.006+10:00

48 hours later and it's hello..... welcome back to the real world.... that is the one whereby food doesn't magically appear in front of you in the form of an al a carte menu and a smiling waiter. Thank goodness for my wonderful sonny boy Michael who had the foresight to come around and put some bread, milk, eggs and fruit in the fridge before his parents arrived home or Sir Ken and I would be seriously malnourished by now.

It's odd after nearly 4 months away from home how easily you forget to do things, I was kind of surprised today when I went back to my bedroom and the bed still hadn't been made (that's 2 days in a row), and no-one's picked up that towel in the bathroom I dropped on the floor yesterday morning. I've even had to turn down my own blanket in the evening and shock horror there are no chocolates on my pillow! I tried to use my mobile phone and had difficulty remembering what buttons to press in order to make a video call (you guessed it - yes, in the shopping/supermarket - I had to ring Sir Ken because I'd lost him again). There are dozens of messages on my answering machine and I can't recall how to delete them and I'm damned if I can remember the settings on my Saeco coffee machine, so I'm back to fiddling around to try and find my perfect cappuccino strength settings. I have to say though, Sir Ken hasn't lost his touch with culinary skills in the kitchen, last night was the best ever baked beans on toast we've ever had.

Here's hoping it doesn't take too long for us to assimilate back into society but I suspect we'll have that stunned look about us for a few more weeks as lifes "do it yourself" reality check sets in.

Cheers

I still call Australia home...

2009-10-16T21:04:00.006+10:00

Only mentally challenged people like Sir Ken and myself would rise at 4.30am to take their millionth peek at the Sydney Opera House as we sailed by in the early morn… I somehow recall thinking all those months ago it would be a rather poignant and momentous moment when we returned in front of her again… but in reality it was an almost a pitch black skyline as we entered Sydney heads…el capitain obviously had a good downhill run during the night and was ahead of time as we could see the city skyscraper lights just visible in the distance from Sydney Heads.

We were absolutely freezing in the crisp morning breeze up on Deck 14, so much so, we nicked the blankets from the Movies Under the Stars recliners to try and keep us warm as we hung over the rails of the Dawn soaking up the scenery….. I took one long look around me as the Opera House glided by… and it was obvious many up on deck had partied hard these past few days…as the sun rose we docked at Wharf 8 and I thought to myself– hhmm yes – I’ve been to cities that never close down, from NY to Rio and Old London Town, but no matter how far or how wide I roam, I still call Australia home…..let’s get all this bling and excess baggage to Qantas check-in Sir Ken….we only have 5 pieces and an overstuffed Prada handbag today.

Fortunately for us the Lovely Lyn and Glitter Gary are remaining onboard for 2 more nights until Dawn Princess docks in Brisbane and you guessed it – yes we’ll be there to greet the Dawn on her Hamilton Wharf arrival at sunrise…after all there’s another 40kg in 2 more suitcases containing the clothing and shoes we left behind in their cabin so we could cart off all that bling … oh, and of course, we would want to give the Hawkes a right royal welcome home!

Hint/tip no. 978 – book yourself a business class seat for your return flight home, not only will you bypass the humungous line of Princess passengers in the check-in queue, you’re allowed more luggage capacity/weight… and best of all, you can raise your pre-take off glass of champagne in the pointy end of the plane to all those Princess passengers heading back towards economy who have most likely pushed and shoved their way in front of you these past 104 days, whether it be to disembark, board, hop on the bus, get into an elevator, or line up at the waffle station...

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments and warm welcome home!

Welcome to Video night...

2009-10-15T14:12:00.009+10:00

The DVDs have arrived! All 21 of them, professionally prepared by the Dawn Princess photography crew. Sir Ken is just ecstatic (not), he is now the proud owner of over 22 hours of viewing pleasure to remind him of our world cruise and all the cities he managed to lose me in. We can’t wait to share these DVDs with our family and friends… I’m tipping it’s going to be a long time before any of our family and friends visit any time soon…

We’re not sad the cruise is over:

. We’re happy to have had the opportunity to do something most people never get a chance to experience.

. We’re happy to have undertaken such an exhausting schedule when we were young and agile.

. We’re happy to have had good health throughout the duration of the cruise.

. We’re happy to have met so many wonderful people and formed friendship bonds.

. We’re happy we stayed within budget – (we actually came in under, but that is either on account of my ability to restrain myself from spending, or I spent more time looking for a lost Sir Ken than shopping)

. We’re happy and felt privileged to have spent 104 days 24/7 together…and in the words of my wonderful son-in-law some eighteen months ago when we first booked the cruise “it must be true love if you get off the ship together”.

We did it our way....

2009-10-15T00:04:00.011+10:00

And now, the end is near, and so we face our final cruise day…

My cyber pals I’ll say it clear, and state our case we're not happy about this situation,

We’ve lived a cruise that’s full of life

We’ve travelled each and every ocean…sea…bay…canal…

And more, much more than this, we did it our way….

Our el captain planned, and charted each worldly course

Each careful step along the oceans highways

Oh and more than this, we did it our way….

Regrets, we’ve had a few

But then again so many we could mention

We did what we had to do

And partied each disco night without exemption

Yes there were times, the Princess Boyz and Sir Ken

..bit off more than they could chew

But they knew, a bit of bling and I was new..

We did it our way….

The Carnival is..... nearly over

2009-10-14T13:56:00.003+10:00

Reminiscing with the Dawn Princess Boyz on the promenade deck as the boyz sober up towards the end of our journey together.....they've promised to visit camp mother, but they'll most likely be bringing their laundry.... as they fifthwheeler by to some magical outback place.....

STOP PRESS: For those interested in 2011 Round World Cruise - I have it on good authority from Ireland that the 2011 Dawn Princess RWC will be in Cobh on 24.07.11 (No idea of its direction - but it answers the question will there be a 2011 world cruise) My recommendation here is Cobh is an excellent place to visit on foot......I wouldn't pre-arrange anything....this wonderful town will pull out all stops through the tourism bureau and give you the most wonderful day....don't head off to kiss the Blarney stone, kiss a Cohbian instead.....

Tropical North Queensland

2009-10-13T13:45:00.015+10:00

Another wonderful morning spent viewing the coastline of North Queensland. The Dawn Princess sailed with Green Island on her port side and Cairns on her starboard. I waved to my buddies in Cairns as we sailed by with Fitzroy Island ahead. This is an incredible experience to see the entire coastline of Queensland up close and I couldn’t help myself but share it with you all. (Photography compliments of Sir Ken)

For those of you who are not familiar with Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the reef system composes of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres or 1600 miles. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by a living organism.

Rounding Cape York – Monday 12/10

2009-10-13T13:02:00.010+10:00

What a surprise, our reef pilot onboard Captain Peter Martin gave us a running commentary as we rounded the very tip of eastern Australia. It was a very fascinating day watching the coastline and islands, Thursday Is, then there was Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Islands…. Booby Island through the Prince of Wales Channel, then the Adolfus Channel by 10:00am were directly opposite the most northern tip of Australia…by afternoon we’d past Cape Granville and Sunday Island and were heading to Cape Direction.

I had a great time hanging over the side of promenade deck, the wind in my face for hours and hours…I love it. Finding the wind somewhat ‘unpleasant’ Sir Ken said I reminded him of a dog he owned as a child – apparently it also liked to hanging out the car window for the blustery breeze…… what a Prince of Princes…..he’s so romantic…I remind him of his favourite pet. Anyway, what a bonus to be transiting through the Great Barrier Reef and seeing the very northern coastline of Australia.

Australian shores...we're nearly home

2009-10-10T18:05:00.010+10:00

Ahh Darwin, refreshingly clean, the colours of a landscape that are unique, you arrive back to Oz and the greens and blues are just so different to anywhere else in the world, in a word – vibrant. It only takes a few minutes walking and you hear that sound….unmistakable Australia.. the birds, I’ve missed the sound of birds…..they’re everywhere, its not San Fran or Seattle seagulls, but a chirp that says bush, Australia, home……

This was a new port of call for us today and we wanted to have a glimpse of the ‘north’….not too much, as it’s hot (35c) and keeping cool was a priority. We slept in until 9am this morning…. (this is a benefit of having an inside broom cupboard – come stateroom) but we managed to breakfast and be off the ship before 10am. The bay of Darwin at high tide looked very inviting, and then I remembered…this was crocodile territory. For the sum of $2 return we caught a local bus that took us through all of Darwin suburbia for about an hour ending at a large shopping complex in Casuarina where we enjoyed an Ozzie milkshake before returning back to Darwin city on the bus. What I noticed most in suburbia were the trees, the volume and colour, many homes were totally covered by shade from trees…somewhere along the way I saw the most magnificent boab tree that the picture will remain imprinted in my brain for a long time to come. We meandered around the city mall, purchased a local newspaper and began our walk back to the ship in the harbour – a very pleasant stroll indeed.

We're looking forward to the next 5 days at sea, we have a second pilot on board whose specialty is taking ships through the great barrier reef as we head down the coastline.... give us a wave if you live on the coast or reef islands - we're the big white liner heading south......

Big night out at sea…..

2009-10-10T17:07:00.006+10:00

During the recent sea days between Singapore and Darwin we booked a table at the speciality steak restaurant and enjoyed a fabulous night out on the ‘town’ with friends Ian and Linda who have also been on the round world cruise since Sydney….. Princess really know how to prepare mouth-watering steaks and the service was 5*……. Not to mention the Bin 389 and post dinner Limóncello liquors. After 3 hours of fine wine and dining we emerged to Riviera deck only to find the late night chocolate buffet being devoured by those onboard…Are sea days boring? Absolutely not! Are we bored on day 98? Absolutely not!

Port Hints for Dawn Princess 2010 World Cruisers

2009-10-10T00:20:00.003+10:00

This blog will be of interest mainly to those undertaking the Dawn Princess round world cruise in 2010.

These are my port transport recommendations based on 2 able bodied passengers, on a moderate budget with a moderate level of fitness and whom are cautious and only like to take ‘calculated’ risks ie low risk level of returning to the ship on time.

Princess have a policy whereby if you are on one of their tours, should something happen – the ship will wait, the cruise line will take responsibility to get you back to the ship, even if its at the next port.

We booked all our trips with Princess electronically prior to departure; it saved us time and allowed us to research at home. When we arrived onboard all the tickets (16 port excursions out of the 42 ports) were waiting for us in our stateroom – very convenient. I noticed from time to time that the tours do sell out, particularly Egypt – so my advice is book what you want ahead of time, you can cancel and be credited as long as you do so within the timeframes printed in the patter – usually 2/3 days in advance. This way you don’t miss out. If you meet up with friends and want to do a taxi instead of your arranged tour it’s simple to cancel your booking.

All $ referred to are to be considered AUD – otherwise the currency reference is made. AUD is the currency onboard the Dawn Princess.

The ports are in order of your 2010 World Cruise Itinerary

Darwin

tba

Padang Bay, Indonesia (Tender Required)

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Singapore

® Use the MRT which is adjacent to where the ship cruise terminal $2 Singapore dollars will get you just about anywhere you want to go one way – great public system. Ideal for getting to Orchard Rd.

® You can catch taxis right outside the door of the terminal – taxis are cheap in Singapore, regulated with a metre, they are the easiest way to get about. 4 in a taxi to Orchard Rd is less than the MRT fare.

Kuala Lumpur (Pt. Kelang), Malaysia

® Considerable research on this port. There is absolutely nothing dockside. If you want to go into KL the most economical way is by a taxi, however, you do run a risk of getting caught in heavy traffic on the return journey and could miss the ship – this is a risk you need to calculate.

® If you think you’ll take the train, think again, it is a 15 minute taxi ride as the port has north/south/east/west docks and Princess dock at the Star terminal, also you may have difficulty in getting a taxi on the return journey back to the ship from the train terminal at Port Kelang.

® Whilst initially it seemed expensive the $69 return ‘KL on your own’ bus fare was probably the best – no risk option if you wanted to look at KLCC towers and surrounds – 1.5 hours journey each way

® If you don’t want to visit KL the Bukkit Tingi Mall is just 15-20 minutes away from Pt Kelang and $7 each way on the shuttle (two in a taxi is a very similar fare to the ships shuttle) – the ship’s shuttle was more convenient for us and the centre had over 150 shops.

Langkawi, Malaysia

® The ships shuttle $7 each way takes you to Penai Cenang beach which is sort of interesting with shops and duty free – the shuttle takes about 20 minutes – many we knew then got taxis from Penai Cenang into Langkawi proper – so my recommendation would be get a taxi from the pier of you want to see Langkawi city….. if you walk to the end of the pier and the adjacent resort you will barter a reasonable priced taxi – those on the pier are ‘set’.

® I would recommend you take the Princess ‘Island Hopping LGK-A’ as I heard many passengers really enjoyed this day and from what I’ve seen on the video footage it looks a great trip.

Cochin

® Research this place beforehand, just outside the dock gates are lots of tuk tuk’s – negotiate a price, for around $10US each you’ll get a 4 hour guided tuk tuk tour that will show you as much if not more than the $50-99 Princess tours.

® We took the Princess city sights tour, it was enjoyable, but we could have seen the same very easily in the tuk tuks and perhaps enjoyed the day more.

Bombay, India

® For the adventurous and those that like to haggle for $10US each you’ll get a taxi here to take you to all the sights for 4 hours or more. You will however need to walk off the pier, which is a long distance in the heat to the gate.

® We took the Princess tour, which I would recommend it was somewhere I the vicinity of $50-60 each for the day, but I preferred using the quality coaches and being guided around. I would have been very nervous in the back of a taxi in this city.

Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Oman

® There are limited taxis in this port.

® The ships shuttle was $7AUD but they refunded this due to volume of passenger complaints – you could have walked to the shuttle drop off point (15 mins walking), it could be seen from the deck of the ship. The problem was the port refused to allow passengers on the dock, it was a commercial working port and you can’t have passengers walking amongst the cranes and containers. There is a bit to see in and around Oman but the souk was the main interest point, wouldn’t keep you occupied the whole day

® We took the Princess tour Mystical Muscat $60-70AUD per person and thoroughly enjoyed it, ending up in the Oman souks which gave us the best of both worlds. The Grand Mosque was exquisite, for this port my recommendation is definitely a Princess excursion, get in early as they do sell out.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

® Taxis are readily available on the dock if this is your preference, it is a long narrow island with a lot of distance to be covered.

® The hop on hop off bus is also right on the dock when you arrive and an excellent way to spend the day if you are fit and mobile. It has shade on the top open roof, and a fridge that allows you to have complimentary cold water (bottled) as much as you want. It is around $60-70AUD each and most likely excellent value for those who want to go all day and into the night up to departure time.

® We did a 5-hour princess tour called Easy Dubai for $59 per person and were very happy with the content, value and quality of the tour. For those wanting a glimpse of ‘everything’ with some gold souk shopping time I’d recommend this trip.

Luxor/Karnak (Safaga), Egypt

® There is absolutely nothing here at this port, you can get off dockside and walk around the local streets, but be warned you will be very very disappointed.

® Those more adventurous than us booked their own trips with private companies electronically – they were less than half the price of the Princess tours and from the feedback we received they saw much more than the ships tours as they were able to move about faster in smaller groups of 16 etc. The feedback on this arrangement ranged from excellent value and would do it again, down to the video footage I have on my laptop of one group actually push starting their bus to get it off the dock, this bus was some 30/40 minutes late returning to the ship and Captain did hold the ship over on this occasion and the tour company did contact the ship ahead of time – so all was well in the end, however one passenger indicated the stress from mid-day onwards of being late spoiled her enjoyment.

® We took the Princess tour SA1 – B Valley of the Kings and Karnak, $299 would thoroughly recommend this trip, we did hear people talking about the trip that included a Felucca ride down the Nile in lieu of the Karnak temple, all major tours see Valley of the Kings – then you hae a choice, Karnak temple, Luxor temple & Felucca ride – many who visited Luxor would have preferred Karnak after the drive by, but those on the Felucca’s seem to be the most excited listening to elevator chit chat.

Suez Canal, Egypt

® Best views either forward or aft. Could be a good day to check out the Sanctuary for half a day, scenic views outside under the umbrella’s etc looking forward.

Port Said, Egypt

® Very much the same advice as Safaga – do a Princess tour unless you’re very comfortable with making your own private arrangements. We took the PSD – B tour, ie Pyramids, Sphinx & Sakkara $299 per person. A similar tour is Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian museum, difference is here Sakkara are the very earliest pyramids built, but if you want to see King Tuts mask choose the museum tour, people were very happy with the Pyramids and Nile tour as well here.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Istanbul, Turkey

® You can get about here by taxi – $10US for a journey to the Mosque/Bazaar – negotiate first, the problem with this town is that it chokes itself with traffic. There were 5 cruise ships in when we docked and the busses literally brought the streets to a standstill – each ship would have had 25 large tour buses….

® We did the ships Easy Istanbul tour (5 hours) $69 per person, it was great the guide was excellent, we walked probably a third of the way after ditching the bus jammed in traffic… the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are an absolute must for me in this city.

® The best advice I can give you is acquaint yourself with a map and walk to the main attractions in this city – you have the time, and it is doable if you pace yourself. You’ll save $ and probably see more.

Anzac Cove, Turkey

® Plan to arrive at a spot 30 minutes before the event if you want to see anything. Up the stairs from Lido Deck (14) ie Deck 15 is a great spot overlooking the pool, you will also see the camera activity on the MUTS screen. Arrive at the schedule time and all you’ll see is the back of people’s heads 10-12 deep. With good binoculars you’ll clearly see Anzac Cover memorial onshore.

Santorini, Greek Isle, Greece (Tender Required)

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

® You can’t really walk to anything from this port.

® This is a place you could do relatively well by taxi

® We chose a ships tour bus as I wouldn’t rely on the public transport in this city – it turned out to be a good decision, we arrived late in this port due to the disembarkation of a passenger on medical grounds at an unscheduled stop – which meant we lost 2 or 3 hours in this port. We did the Athens on your Own $59 each – ie this means the ships bus takes you in to a point drops you off and collects you so many hours later. We spent most our time at the Acropolis and Plaka.

® Some passengers caught the train in and were successful, others found themselves mid-way and stopped due to a flash train strike, many had difficulty returning to the ship as the strike happened and taxis became scarce, the terminal was ‘out of the way’ with many taxis returning passengers to the wrong end of the port etc. Stressful for those who had to ‘run’ a long way knowing they were overtime. From memory the Captain departed late from this port with all passengers onboard.

Venice, Italy

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

® This is a commercial port; you can’t walk to anything from the ship

® This port is too far from Rome for taxis to be viable unless you go in a group maxi taxi

® Princess had a range of tours to choose from – Many arranged private tours through the internet here like ROME in a limo etc and these seemed to be excellent value – I’d research this port for private providers next time.

® We chose the ships bus for “Rome on your own’ $89 per person – same as Athens, dump you in a spot and collect in a designated time. We got on the hop off hop on bus immediately $25 and spent the day visiting familiar sights, many just got taxis from point to point and in a group of 4 it would have been more cost effective than the hop on hop off bus.

Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

® There was a ships shuttle for $7 one-way into the local town which was relatively close, but difficult to walk too. There wasn’t really much of interest there except fresh food markets, locals shop etc which all closed down at 1pm for siesta.

® Taxis were plentiful on the dock, as were ‘hire cars’ – from memory this was the only place hire cars were seen on the dock. Those that used taxis negotiated rates to see Pisa and Florence for less than $100US for the day and saw as much if not more than the ships tours.

® We took the LI1-L Florence on your Own $89 per person – same deal drop off and pick up at designated times – we enjoyed doing Florence on our own, plus we had the ‘safety’ of the bus returning us, it is about 1.5 hours from the port into Florence.

Cannes, France (Tender Required)

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Barcelona, Spain

® The ships shuttle again was $7 one way into the Ramblas, there is plenty to see and do from this drop off point and we heard many passengers were happy with their day

® Many passenger chose the hop on hop off bus that could be located from the drop off point and it seemed a good value day, from memory I think passengers paid the equivalent of $60AUD for the bus

® We were met by our family on this day – we had all been to Barcelona before so chose to spend the afternoon in the downtown Rambla area

Gibraltar, Great Britain

® Just at the end of the dock you will find plenty of taxi’s here all selling you a 4 hour tour of the Rock for either $25US or $20pound per person (6 per vehicle), ie the itinerary was very similar to one Princess offered for $100 per person. Our taxi guided tour was excellent, we saw more than the Princess tours, were taken further up the hill (we passed passengers from the Princess bus having to walk the last leg as the buses were too big)…… this is definitely the way to see Gibraltar

® If you want to walk around you can, but it is very very steep and you won’t see nearly as much even if you do reach the cable car – and then the cable is likely to cost you more than the shared taxi

Paris (Le Havre), France

® There are plenty of excursions on offer at the dock that are competitive in terms of itinerary and $

® Princess will provide a shuttle into Le Havre for $7 each way, there is plenty to see in Le Havre but you wont have the most ‘incredible’ day there. Its likely you could walk off the dock and explore this town which really is and industrial one.

® Many will take the ships tour to Paris for around $300 per person, due to the distance to be travelled if you haven’t seen Paris before there is security in using the ships service here, on our tour many of the ships busses were late back and captain held our departure time over

® There are many alternative tours also on offer and we chose a Visit to the city of Rouen $119 per person as we had visited Paris many times before, as Rouen was 1.5 hours away again we wanted the safety of the Princess bus.

London (Southampton), England

® You can walk off the dock and catch a train nearby to various locations – one set of our friends went to the Isle of Wight

® You need to catch a taxi to the local shopping mall (large) as it’s too far from where the ship docks to the port gate and then even further to the city – walking anywhere is an impossibility. A taxi ride from port to mall was less than 7pound each way.

® We chose a Princess excursion to SOU – C Stonehenge and Salisbury $129 as we had been to London many times (London day excursion was $199)

Dublin, Ireland

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

® I know already that the tourism bureau will pull out all stops again for this ships visit in 2010, it did so for us in 09 in Cobh.

Boston, Massachusetts

® Ships shuttle $7 each way will take you to Quincy Markets

® You can get a taxi right outside the terminal they are plentiful, even if there is a long line it goes quickly, in a taxi and you will find it less than $10US each way to Quincy Markets. 4 of you in a taxi is easy to organize at the taxi rank.

® My suggestion here is to purchase the hop on hop off trolley for about $25US each, gives you plenty of access and sights to see all day including a harbour ferry ride – this is a great place to do it on your own.

® Some walked into Quincy markets, but they were a youthful and energetic bunch!

Newport, Rhode Island (Tender Required)

® No shuttle required the tender puts you within walking distance of downtown, with lots of boutique places, churches to visit

® My suggestion here is to purchase a $5US ticket on the yellow bus which has a great ‘circuit’ that goes for about 1.5 hours and shows you all the wonderful houses and all there is to see – get off at the Cliffs and take the hillside walk, rejoin the bus and you’ll have a great day for $5US

® Princess tours will do exactly the same route/sights as the local $5 bus but at a cost of somewhere between $50 to $150 per excursion.

New York

® Princess docked downtown Manhattan which is in walking distance of Times Square and many other sights

® We did our own thing walking on this day and it was terrific. We hired a Pedi cab from 5^th Avenue Macy’s who took us all the way to Central Park for $10US. At central park you can negotiate a horse carriage ride for $40-50US for a couple of hours, they’ll start the opening bid for $100 – be prepared to haggle

® The ship had many tours – one of which was a hop on hop off bus that got rave reviews - the advantage of this would be you’d be offloaded from the ship first thing in the morning, the immigration systems for New York were such that although the ship docked at 7am, passengers were still trying to get off the ship at 11:15am…..frustrating.

Antigua

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Barbados

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Curacao, Antilles

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Panama Canal, Panama

® This is a great day, be prepared to jostle for viewing positions – tensions were high on this day with two sets of passengers requiring assistance from security to break up the scuffle. If you have a balcony – use it and be warned. As its such a long day with much to see I actually found sitting inside the atrium coffee shop at times just as fascinating seeing the ship go up and down inside the walls of the panama canal – I must be odd, as no-one else seemed to bother with this, but I was fascinated! Naturally throughout the course of the transit the aft/forward and promenade deck positions were all great.

Acapulco, Mexico

® You can walk off the ship and do you own thing downtown, but you will be limited in how far and what you can see.

® Right here in the terminus is an information bureau that you can negotiate a taxi for 4 hours with 4 people for approx $25US – you see absolutely everything and more Acapulco has to offer at a fraction of the Princess tour prices. Don’t forget to tell your driver/guide that you want to see the Cliff Divers. We found our guide spoke well, had a great pride in his country and heritage and was very willing to share it with us.

Manzanillo

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Los Angeles, California

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Honolulu, Oahu, United States

® You can walk off the dock and up the street and catch a local bus for less than $2 if you wish

® Alternatively you can hop on one of the few ‘courtesy’ busses provided – Walmart bus will take you to their store (about 10 minute bus ride away to one end of Waikiki) for free, just beside Walmart is the major bus line and for the princely sum of $2.60 you can get the bus that goes around the whole island – takes about 4 hours round trip – great value. Oh and if you’re a pensioner you only have to pay $1.60.

® If you don’t want to go around the whole island, nearby Walmart is the huge Ala Moana shopping complex, there is a ‘train-trolley’ open type that for about $5US will take you round and round Waikiki.

® Having been to Hawaii several times before I thought the Princess tours overpriced, particularly for those wanting to see the USS Arizona War Memorial.

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

® You an walk off the ship here as it parks right in the middle of downtown Papeete, interesting on foot etc but only enough to keep you occupied for half a day or so.

® We’ve also been here several times so as you have 2 days in this port I would recommend you hire a vehicle (pre-arrange before you leave) or walk in the heat 20minutes downtown to the Hertz car place. The island is easy to drive around and extremely beautiful, one major benefit is the car is air-conditioned!

® I noticed there were many taxis and companies offering trips at the dock just outside the gate.

Moorea, French Polynesia (Tender Required)

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

I have been here several times as well, don’t just walk ashore and see what’s around – you’ll be disappointed, take one of the tours on offer and see the whole island. From memory there’s not a lot of taxis or private arrangements you can make – Princess most likely tie up all available transportation etc. This is another port I recommend a Princess tour.

Pago Pago, American Samoa

RWC 2009 did not call at this port.

Auckland, New Zealand

® You can walk off the dock and into the middle of the city and start exploring immediately

® There are ferries readily available here as well within walking distance

® Taxis were plentiful

TIPS FOR 2010 WORLD CRUISERS

2009-10-07T18:28:00.001+10:00

By popular request I’ve posted the answers to 6 questions below from 5 of us onboard the Dawn Princess to give you a balanced outlook apart from my own! I intend preparing another tip blog with reference to the ports of call that are the same for the 2010 world cruise.

If you can go back to the start of the cruise what would you do differently?

Sir Ken

ð Forget about the shopping, do more sightseeing

The Lovely Lyn

ð I’d do a Princess ship tour in Limmassol – Cyprus

ð I wouldn’t do the ships tour in Acapulco because its easy to do your own thing there

Glitter Gary

ð Less shopping, eat less food, have more sleep

My best buddy Tim

ð Nothing

Princess Sheree

ð Take the ships tours in Apia – Western Samoa and Limmasol – Cyprus

ð Pack fewer clothes as you do purchase clothing along the way and wash frequently

ð We brought our video camera and lots of additional cassettes as we wanted lots of footage of ‘our world cruise’, by the time we reached Southhampton we realized we hadn’t taken the video out of the cupboard, the ships photography section were making a series of DVD’s of the world cruise which were just brilliant/professional and for the special price of $350AUD we could purchase the series which is now around 25 DVD’s …….we ummed and ahhed about it as we know we’ll never find the time to watch them, but just last week I had a weak moment and ordered them as we still haven’t touched the video camera! Next world cruise I’d leave it at home and just purchase the professional product.

What would you pack/bring differently for the next world cruise?

Sir Ken

ð Less clothes – because you wash every few days

The Lovely Lyn

ð I would not take Glitter Gary’s formal gear and the shoes that match – we’d ditch attending the formal nights

ð I wouldn’t bring my shampoo, soap, conditioner etc as it’s supplied

ð Bring more warm clothes because it’s cool in the ship and cold in some of the ports

Glitter Gary

ð My rubber blow up doll,

ð Looser fitting clothes

My best buddy Tim

ð Considering the size of the wardrobes I would bring less clothing

Princess Sheree

ð I wouldn’t bring any jewellery, evening bag or scarves, the ship has plenty onboard

ð I did pack more multiple “spare” reading glasses (3) – standard 1.5 off the shelf, but I found I lost them all by the time I reached Hawaii, thank goodness for Walmart where I purchased 3 more – I made it to Singapore and now there are only 2 left. (My good prescriptions set with decent frames are my emergency pair and so far I’ve only had to use them for about 3 days!)

What odds and sods did you bring/purchase that made the trip easier?

Sir Ken

ð Sheree

ð A small nightlight for the bathroom – it helps during the evening, and also during the day if you have an inside cabin

ð Walkie Talkies they work relatively well on the ship and on land

The Lovely Lyn

ð Soft pillows

ð Sunlight soap, washing powder to start up with laundry

ð A positive outlook to such a long trip – we knew it wasn’t going to be a bed of roses and their would be prickly days

Glitter Gary

ð Comfortable shoes

ð good hat and a big straw hat

ð sunglasses

ð binoculars

ð clothing such as dressy type sleeveless t-shirt

ð a big shopping bag that stretches/expands for the daily shopping trips

My best buddy Tim

ð Nothing – but I wished I had brought an extension lead for where I placed my laptop

Princess Sheree

ð My IPOD

ð My Macbook + external drive for backup/downloading pictures

ð My hair dryer (the stateroom has them but they’re a bit daggy)

ð Walkie Talkies……most useful for finding Sir Ken

ð Lanyards – the type that has a plastic pouch for inserting a card is best

ð Decent pillows (purchased 2 on first port of call)

ð Glen 20 disinfectant for our room

ð I brought a hang up shoe rack holder from IKEA that was just brilliant for shoe storage

What is the one thing you brought with you that you could not have done without?

Sir Ken

ð Sheree, Sun glasses, Sense of humour

The Lovely Lyn

ð Hawke (Glitter Gary) and the ATM card

Princess Sheree

ð My MacBook……. My lifeline to the outside world and my granddaughter… I can’t live without skype…..

ð Sir Ken to carry my shopping and share his clothes..

Glitter Gary

ð My diarrhea tablets and my amoline cream for my chafed backside after shopping with the Lovely Lyn all day

My best buddy Tim

ð Easy going attitude and don’t let too much worry you

What advice would you give others planning a world cruise ?

Sir Ken

ð Use the local transport systems more often ie taxis, buses rather than Princess Cruises’

ð Lots of patience

The Lovely Lyn

ð Go to the cruise talks on port calls (Port Lecturer) who give you tips on doing it on your own

ð Steer clear of the ships tours they are overpriced. When you do your own thing you can do it for a third of the price they charge

Glitter Gary

ð Have a good level of fitness, be able to keep yourself occupied and look for shorter trips than 105 days

ð Balance out the ratio of sea days to land days, you’ve got to be flexible and take the good with the bad – as the Cruise Director says onboard the Dawn Princess: “blessed are the flexible for they will not be bent out of shape”

My best buddy Tim

Try and plan your port days as much as you can before you get there to fit much into your day

Princess Sheree

** See the other section listed below

What did you enjoy the most about a world cruise?

Sir Ken

ð Seeing Cayla and Dany and Olli in Barcelona

ð All of the ports were interesting including observing the different cultures

The Lovely Lyn

ð All the ports we’ve been to, enjoyed all the ports and wandering around the souks, markets, bazaars, mixing with all the locals, wandering around in these far away places

Glitter Gary

ð I’m looking forward to the 19th October……

ð I enjoyed South America, Mexico and India.

Princess Sheree

ð Spending quality and quantity time with Sir Ken, even after 34 years of marriage there is still much to learn about each other as we shared new experiences in every port

ð Exploring other countries and cultures

ð Sharing our journey with our immediate family and friends

ð Skyping with my little granddaughter Cayla Victoria – okay and her parents!

My best buddy Tim

ð People, places, just the fact of what you see in the one trip

What did you enjoy least about the world cruise?

Sir Ken

ð Long bus rides, heat and humidity

ð Delays in the ships elevators due to people pushing all the buttons!

The Lovely Lyn

ð Overwhelming whinging of cranky old ozzie b’s that aren’t prepared to put up with anything - my fellow passengers

ð The inflated prices of photography, drinks etc.

Glitter Gary

ð I enjoyed least spending 105 days with 2,000 cranky prinks…..(I think he meant passengers)

My best buddy Tim

ð Realising its over and heading for home, in the early days I didn’t like the sea days, but by the time we got to Southampton I enjoyed the sea days.

ð Not being strong enough to leave Jammers nightclub at a reasonable hour

Princess Sheree

ð The rudeness of some senior passengers who are old and mature enough to know better, unfortunately as we get older we become more self absorbed……. But I do thank them for this insight……. It may help to make me a nicer senior citizen in my twilight years… oh, and to the little old lady who was seen on a regular basis running about the ship, pushing in, knocking others over to get to the buffet or whatever line first, then when it was a bus tour excursion day you very cleverly put on your rubber foot caste and hobbled along with your stick to ensure you got the front seat on the bus every time……. I wish you all the best exiting the ship as there is an army of enraged passengers who intend to ensure you take your turn, fake leg boot or not……..

Other:

a) You can use your stateroom telephone for wake up alarm calls

b) A small clock is useful as a backup alarm, but there is no clock in your room

c) A 4 way power board is handy to give you extra connections – your stateroom has 1 Australian and 1 American 1 euro socket + a universal shaver socket in the bathroom

d) Bring a small amount of laundry detergent on board if you can and a small container (1 washing dose) as it will make your washing life easier. We found we did the laundry in between lunch/coffee etc and it was easier to take a small portion of detergent in a sealed container – you will top up in your ports of call on laundry detergent/liquid – liquid wise you’ll go through a minimum of 3 litres overall if you wash every second/third day.

e) In 2009 the Round World Cruise only had 8 formal nights ie 2 per sector, which means you do not need many formal outfits – I brought 3 sets and that was plenty, women will most likely pick up outfits along the way that are suitable for formal nights. Don’t bring any scarves, purchase them along the way to jazz up your evening wear

f) Leave your jewellery at home, you will be tempted by lots of “bling” on the ship that is reasonably priced, your jewellery is best left at home, when you get off the ship in most ports it is advisable to wear no jewellery at all, otherwise you label yourself as an easy target – even the monkies in some cities are known to rip the gold necklace off your neck, so don’t even wear your imitation bling during day excursions.

g) Men must never, and I mean NEVER have a wallet in their pockets, front or back, there are numerous men on this ship – too many to mention, that are minus their wallets, credit cards etc from every port. Many women also have lost their wallets in ‘open handbags’ etc. The only safe way ashore is to have an undergarment pouch – particularly for men. Princess brought on a specialist in NY to lecture and demonstrate what the pickpockets do…. This guy teachers the police how to deal with ‘rackets’….his demonstrations were incredible as we discovered how easy it was to have your watch taken off your arm and not even know, we got to understand the psyche and behaviour surrounding this type of crime to make us more aware on the local streets. I’m sure they’ll repeat this lecture in 2010- don’t miss this very informative educational lecture.

h) Pack something that is easy to store and carry your washing in, ie pillow slip or very light cloth washing bag……. Plastic is not good…….. you’re clothes get very wet /sticky ashore etc and the last thing you should do is store them in plastic.

i) Males and Females need to remember they are visiting countries where they need to cover up, in Arabia and India men need to wear long trousers and long sleeve shirts (light cotton) – you can purchase these cheaply at your earlier ports of call. For eg: In India only the very poor and low caste males wear shorts…….Women you must cover your shoulders, and knees in many places, but in Arabia you will be subjected to checks right down to your ankles for coverage if you want to go into Mosques etc. Even I discovered that the ankle must be fully covered by a sock, not just your skirt. There were many Australians on this trip who tried to ‘flout’ the requirements through ignorance and arrogance, I can tell you I found many Princess passengers were sent back to the tour bus and not allowed entry to places due to their dress standard – and passengers were repeatedly and politely warned by Princess to cover up, it is the local custom. Like it or not, you must abide by and respect other people’s customs. It’s your choice how you dress, and remember when you are refused entry – this was your choice. Singlet, short and thongs is inappropriate attire in most Australian places of worship, but for some reason passengers felt it was appropriate for Muslim Mosques.

Sensational Singapore

2009-10-07T13:10:00.008+10:00

Singapore is one of my favourite shopping cities, a regular visitor to Singapore, today was just shopping at my favourite jaunts along Orchid Road, there’s Tangs, Takashimya, Isetan, Ngee Ann City all great for browsing your way through the day. Ion Centre has just opened directly above the MRT in Orchard Road, full of shops like Prada, Cartier and Louis Vuitton (I’ve been walking around the scaffolding of this part of Orchard Road for nearly 2 years now!) Sir Ken was sure to sneak a photo of me with my newfound colourful friends outside Prada today.

The cruise terminal has also just been refurbished and revitalised and now comes with the usual style mega mall adjacent just as you exit customs… one could spend the whole day in the cruise terminal if they wanted…in fact looking at the shopping and new suitcases being taken back onboard I think many did just that……….

Sail away was spectacular, Sir Ken and I spent 2 hours up on deck watching the lights of Singapore fade in the distance as we slowly made our way out through Malacca straights………I love the sail aways.

Next stop Australia! Darwin…….our final port of call before we return to the familiar sights of the Sydney Opera House… But first some R & R to get over the last 4 days in a row of port calls……I’ve discovered this cruising can be a tiring business.

Coffee, donuts and rice cookers……

2009-10-05T00:39:00.011+10:00

Another laid back day in Malaysia. Having lived in Malaysia and visited Kuala Lumpur multiple times in recent years we gave Kuala Lumpur a miss today and caught the ships shuttle bus to Bukkit Tingi shopping mall about 20 minutes from Port Klang harbour. This was my kind of relaxing day, 150 stores lots of restaurants and coffee shops, it felt like I was home in Oz in a Westfield shopping centre for the day. A little browsing and in no time Sir Ken and I found the ubiquitous Starbucks and it was definitely time for morning tea……some more browsing and it was a Thai speciality restaurant that had excellent spicy Phad Thai, Green Curry Chicken and mouth watering spicy seafood dishes – all washed down with Malaysia’s famous lime juice…… ah yes more browsing and another 50 shops done. I found nothing to make me open my wallet today (most unusual) but did enjoy the browsing, as for Sir Ken, well his mind must be focussed back on domesticity as he purchased one of the latest digital high tech rice cookers I’ve ever seen……yes I know it’s a long story……. (don’t ask ) Some more browsing and it was time for afternoon tea……. well not really, it’s just Sir Ken has a weakness for donuts…. the pictures tell the story……

Sail away was spent aft with the Lovely Lyn and Gregarious Glitter Gary as we watched the sun go down on yet another fabulous day in port and onboard the Dawn Princess……..tomorrow Singapore and 2,000 passengers hit town …..all shopped out….

Laid back Langkawi…….

2009-10-03T20:56:00.011+10:00

We had a lazy laid back day today and together with the Lovely Lyn and Gregarious Glitter Gary we caught the ships shuttle to the beach. Lots of interesting little market stalls, but it seems the bright end of town beckoned with all the ‘duty free’ stores. Sir Ken and Gregarious Glitter Gary were very patient as we went from stall to stall, (see pics below of GGG) after Oman, Dubai, India and Thailand we can barter with the best of the best locals. After a few hours we stumbled across the Pantai Cenang beachfront, initially hidden by the plethora of tourist market stalls and it was here I came across a little day spa overlooking the beach that beckoned……so the Lovely Lyn and I spent the next hour being pampered with a pedicure and foot massage whilst watching jet-skis and parasailers go by…. much needed therapy after weeks and weeks of endless shopping. Sir Ken was last seen heading off like a national geographic photographer on a beachfront photography shoot……….. and as for Gregarious Glitter Gary, well, he just laid back, dodged the jet skis and went for a swim in Pantai Cenang……

Practically perfect Phuket….

2009-10-02T22:06:00.012+10:00

We awoke to a bright beautiful blue sky, windex blue waters as far as the eye could see and lush tropical rainforest surrounding the port of Phuket (pronounced ‘poo – get’). Sawadee…… was the greeting from our tour guide for today’s sightseeing tour……ah yes, now I remember, the Thai people, how graceful, peaceful and kind they are….

Our tour took us through Phuket city and then onto Cape Promthep headlands which offered dramatic views of the island, islets and Andaman Sea. Passing rubber plantations and beaches we reached the Chalong Wat monastery the largest of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples.

We have been to Thailand on 2 previous occasions, but never Phuket so today was all new, but somehow after travelling the globe for over 90 days Thailand felt familiar, everything felt ‘right’, almost as if we were home…… civilisation as Sir Ken and I know it was starting to re-appear.

We had fun shopping in the market stalls and it was amusing for me to watch Sir Ken choosing little baby summer dresses, some with elephant appliqués, others hibiscus patterns for his grand-daughter, Cayla Victoria who’ll be visiting in January 2010. As a self appointed Queen of shopping and retail therapist he ‘done good’.

Mumbai musical interlude…….

2009-10-01T18:15:00.003+10:00

Inside the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai we discovered these 19^th Century musical instrument depicting Radha – Krishna and incarnations of Vishna, a little further on in the museum we came across some early Tibetan trumpets and percussive instruments. A Tibetan temple orchestra comprises entirely of wind and percussion instruments.

Cochin - India

2009-10-01T01:10:00.012+10:00

How incredible was Cochin……it provided the Rolls Royce of transportation that allowed us to view the highlights in a business class air-conditioned capsule! Cochin lays claim as the 4^th largest port in India and also the home of the very first Christian church on Indian soil built by the Portuguese in 1500 something or other. We really enjoyed taking in the sights of this city, from the ancient Chinese fishing nets to a cobra snake charmer! We were privileged to visit the Christian church in which Vasco de Gama was first buried. The people of Cochin seemed happy and friendly as they went about their daily business.

You can either love or dislike India…….but one things certain, you just can’t ignore it. What an experience to visit this incredible country.

The Goa Experience…… (Mormugao)

2009-09-29T19:11:00.011+10:00

Well we did ‘experience’ Goa…… although it’s not one we’d repeat in a hurry. After 15 minutes on ‘the bus’ that felt like the sweat box from hell as the air-con was not working and only 5 of the 6 fans were forcing hot air around the bus (with closed in windows) I crankily informed Sir Ken that the first stop on this tour agenda we’d be getting off and catching a taxi back to the cruise ship……..an hour and half later, deep into the dense jungle surrounds of old Goa, the bus made its first stop and so commenced our six hour enforced dehydration sweat tour…….oh and I forgot to mention, the seats were designed for small children or extremely anorexic adults…..

However, we did see the amalgam of east meeting west in middle class India with strong Hindu roots in a hybrid culture, 45% are Christian from Portuguese influence. Goa has a shrine to St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)– his remains are in a visible coffin within the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The missionary influence could also be seen in St Catherine’s Cathedral directory opposite the Basilica in Old Goa. Of interest was the original artwork of St Christopher and Jesus painted 1500 something whereby he’s carrying the orb/globe and the whole weight of the world in his hands.

At the Sri Mahalsa Temple I had quite an interesting experience, trying to recover from the intense humidity and heat journey thus far, I sat outside the temple in the shade on a wrought iron bench, before long it seemed the white-grey-haired foreigner and another passenger sitting on the bench were a bit of a curio and the locals wanted to have their photograph taken with us, being polite I was happy to oblige and before I knew it I wasn’t sure whether I was a celebrity or sideshow for the locals surrounding me……. I contented myself with the thought its not often the tourist becomes the attraction… these locals must have a good sense of humour and perhaps my photo would now be placed on a mantelpiece besides Shravana, Krishna and the holy cow.

Finally we visited the Panjim’s fruit and flower markets and it was here that walking along the roadside Sir Kens luck improved, yes, he’s one lucky man… as the myth goes…. a humungous bird swooped down and crapped all over his white shirt…… how lucky can you be. As it turns out very, as it only took me 10 minutes to get to barter, purchase and strip him off there and then in the market place to change into a new shirt!

2010 World Cruisers you can be thankful your itinerary doesn’t include Goa…. despite being advertised as the ‘latest must go’ place, its infrastructure is not ready for tourism and I suspect its popularity may lie within the ready availability of illicit substances more than its attractions…..

Footnote: I take it all back Goa was fantastic, we lost 3 kg each for the day! Sir Ken also thought Goa was great – not only did he get to strip off but it was so hot I basically didn't speak all day.....

Incredible !ndia (part 4)

2009-09-27T20:40:00.008+10:00

Street scenes Mumbai..... 26/09/09..... a picture says a thousand words.......

Back at the ship terminus......the lovely Lyn and Glitter Gary.....both had been blessed by one of India's holy men...

Incredible !ndia (part 3)

2009-09-27T15:12:00.006+10:00

Since I was a child I have held a fascination for Mahatma Gandhi and it was with great interest I visited a museum dedicated to him in Mumbai. Stepping into the small wooden structure of a building I expected the usual artefacts and pictorial history of his life and teachings when I came upon a room that claimed to be his library, awe inspired I was overcome with a section of the library that held all the books known to be read by Gandhi. Visiting India was somewhat confronting for me and here amongst his library there was a sense of tranquillity amongst the chaotic streets of Mumbai.

“My life is my message” – Gandhi (1869-1948)

Incredible India (Part 2)

2009-09-27T02:26:00.008+10:00

छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज वस्तुसंग्रहालय,

The Prince of Wales museum is architecture in the Indo-Saracenic style and houses approx 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as artifacts from many other countries, including Nepal and Tibet. The museum itself is in 3 sections, Art, Archeology and Natural History. Sir Ken and I spent an hour briefly looking at just some of the objects on display and we were absolutely fascinated with this museum in Mumbai. Oddly, this museum required 500 rupee if you wanted to take photos inside, so we decided to snap away to get our monies worth and share with you all! Hope you enjoy the half dozen photos selected.

Incredible India (Part 1)

2009-09-26T02:31:00.010+10:00

Well Mubai was certainly incredible……. Incredible traffic, incredible noise, incredible pollution, incredibly friendly people, and… we enjoyed every moment ashore. After an hour of our 6 hour tour of the city I began to feel like this city could grow on me, some sights, sounds and smells were reminiscent of my childhood having lived in Malaysia due to my parents military postings. That quintessential ‘British Raj influence’ can still be seen here, particularly in the gothic quarter around the Gate of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel whose doorman reminded me of a time at the Eastern and Oriental (Raffles) – Penang when in the 60’s I used to play with the Punjabi uniformed doormen. There were many children on the streets, unfortunately most of them begging, but this little girl (pictured below) tugged at our heart strings …

India was so incredible I'm preparing my blog photos in 4 parts.... across the next few days... stay tuned for more on Incredible !ndia.....

It's a formal sea day...

2009-09-24T18:20:00.006+10:00

How do we continue to entertain ourselves on sea days, this sea session has seen us leave the Arabian Gulf and cross the Indian Ocean ……well it’s quite simple, first there’s the leisurely lie in, followed by full waiter service breakfast, no request is too difficult for Princess wait staff, “yes madam I will go down and speak with chef now about the way you want your fruit arranged on the plate” …..the daily chit chat centres around how normal life can become on the world cruise circuit and then it’s time for cappuccino in the atrium bar , we can’t let a day go by without speaking with our favourite Barista – Dan, (you may remember he’s the one who’s being stalked in cyberspace by his gran.) Then there’s the bridge game, unless of course your like me and you don’t like to play bridge…… well, not if you want to stay married you don’t……it's called insurance for disembarking the ship together, after all I need someone to carry my suitcases off the ship, …..for me this morning it’s pampering day, yes, time for that manicure and pedicure whilst Sir Ken attends his morning bridge lecture on outmanoeuvring your opponents 101, yes, the comfy chairs in the Lotus Spa Salon are my kinda thing…..who cares if your holding a fistful of spades…….. my hands and feet already feel like they’re a fistful of diamonds………(which considering only a few days ago they were draped in sweaty whiffy Sir Ken socks at the Grand Mosque – Oman – it’s a miracle.) It’s formal night tonight……so the salon is busy but the hair needs to be coiffed…… we meet our new captain tonight and I must look my best.

What’s that Sir Ken you want lunch……mm we’ll Chef has put on a special sushi buffet today, press the elevator button dear…..I do love a good sushi and wasabe…… so many choices for the afternoon: a Lecture on India and its cultures, I could play bingo - not, join the mahjong players, or listen to the choir practice….. the talented trio are playing in the foyer -that could be nice, or there’s funkier music by the poolside – but its muggy out, the future cruise consultant is presenting Europe 2010 in the theatre - that could be nice, research the next cruise – Princess have a captured audience, hmmm there’s freebie champagne at the Art Auction at 2, the movie is ‘Crossing Over’ in the Vista lounge starring Harrison Ford- like Sir Ken he’s handsome too, Arts and Craft……unfortunately I want to count the pieces, not arrange them creatively…..I think I’ll just have a rest and prepare myself for this evenings formal…. I have to look my best, I have to compete with my best buddies Rod and Tim….el Capitain might want a dance….. and if I’m left like a wallflower this evening there’s always the passion of Barry Manilow on Movies Under the Stars followed by a Passage to India starring Judy Davis…….. given our imminent arrival in Mumbai this could be considered educational…..I can feel another past midnight bed-time coming on…….do you think they’ll notice the bags under my eyes in Mumbai….?

Day 82.......

2009-09-23T18:59:00.004+10:00

The newbies who embarked in Dubai are starting to settle in and for some reason they stand out more than those joining in San Fran, New York and Southampton. Can’t quite put my finger on why they stand out this time, its day 82 and in the Horizon Buffet dubbed Horror Zone by the round world cruisers (rwc) the newbies are piling up their plates excited at the volume of choices available…… the rwc’s are sort of, let’s say, not quite so excited and their plates not quite so full. Newbies are starting to infiltrate the coffee bars and the rwc’s are noticing ‘our’ waiters being a bit more attentive to the new faces and I’m sure I caught a glimpse of one today that said ‘oh dear not you again’ as I gestured my usual finger signage of day 82 code for 2 cappuccino’s on skinny milk please……. It is nice to hear the excitement on board again, us rwc’s are now taking everything for granted, some 300 new additions value add to the ships onboard culture and once again we find ourselves being polite and patient in the queue for elevators.

Starting our last leg of the world cruise Sir Ken and I have been discussing the top ten highlights thus far, which is more difficult than we imagined, but we have agreed we need a ‘top 11’ as Barcelona will always be number one, no matter what…… it’s where we met our first grandchild, on the Costa Dock, you can’t top that highlight. We still can’t believe how lucky we are to have visited the Pyramids of Giza, seen the Sphynx and visited the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, we will never forget the bright colours of Columbia, nor the one and only traffic light in Aruba. Bora Bora must be in our top 11 for consideration based on its sheer beauty and we really can’t decide which of the 3 Mexican ports should be up there as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco were all incredible experiences, Rhode Island-USA was a real surprise package, as was the walled city of Rhodos in Greece, but our memories and images of Cobh, Ireland still linger on. Mykonus, Muscat and Monte Carlo, the M cities really rank up there as well, and we’ve yet to visit Mumbai….. with eight ports remaining across the next 3 weeks there’s still time to refine and add to ‘the top 11 list’…. Thank goodness we still have those 3 weeks!

Go Ahead….Dubai…

2009-09-22T20:21:00.015+10:00

Finally, the red carpet treatment on our arrival in Dubai……. wondering what self appointed royalty was disembarking apart from Sir Ken and I, we tip toed our way down the gang plank, well maybe it was more like tap toeing as we marched off to the familiar band repertoire with a difference being performed with panache on the dock…. We hung around long enough to realise we weren’t going to be hearing any Hultgren, Hogg or Lloyd compositions any time soon and our tour guide was tapping her feet, but not necessarily in time to the music, trust me I know these things….

Once underway on the bus tour that was entitled “Easy Dubai,” yes, I picked this one purely from its label, for as of now, I’m ready for anything that’s easy…… my choice was a winner, our tour of the city’s highlights revealed incredible architecture and a very forward looking Dubai. Even Sir Ken was happy to have his backside on an air-conditioned coach seat for part of our 4-hour sightseeing excursion. Naturally the Burj al Arab 7 star hotel was on the ‘picture’ taking menu, this place doesn’t have ‘rooms’ it only has suites. A visit and morning tea at the huge Mall of Emirates revealed the famous ski fields of Dubai…….a little later it was 41 degree’s when we were in the gold souks of Dubai whilst it was minus 6 inside ski Dubai.

Back on board in the evening it was obvious from all our traveling companions that everyone had a fantastic day no matter what they chose to do. This city has shoppers paradise written all over it and is now number one on my stop-over hit list for flights to Europe. Our 10pm evening sail-away was one to remember, leaning against the aft balcony of Riviera deck, the warm humid breeze against our face, we sipped our ice something or other… recalled our days highlights, as the lights of Dubai faded into the distance……

Next stop incredible !ndia…………. but first 3 wonderful relaxing days at sea.

Ski Dubai - Mall of Emirates

Gold Souk - Dubai

Worlds tallest building officially opens in Dec 09. Predicted height 900 metres - to be advised.

High rise after high rise....mile upon mile....

Lots of people can afford homes like this.....

Oh man…….that was some Oman….

2009-09-21T01:34:00.008+10:00

It was obvious within 10 minutes of observing the country by bus as we headed some 40 kilometres away from the harbour to the Grand Mosque the leaders of this Sultanate have vision… The infrastructure is well ahead of its populous and everything, and I mean absolutely everything, is sparkling clean and laid out in an orderly fashion. Our guide Abdullah was extremely polite, (in fact we could all do with a lesson in Omani manners from today’s observations) and he gave us an insight into the life of Omani’s as we viewed the Mosque, the Sultans museum Bait Al Zubair, a quick photo stop of the Sultans palace and an hour or so shopping in the Muttrah Souk.

Sir Ken and I were mindful to observe the cultures requirements for dress code and anything else that was required; I must say I “thought” we had it right…. But today we had a learning curve that said “love is sharing with your mate”, yes it’s not often we readily share our clothing but today was an emergency and exception to the rule…… I discovered upon the mandatory dress code check for entry to the Mosque that my sandals were not appropriate and I needed to cover my feet ……. Here my Sir Ken of Arabia came to the rescue… quickly he whipped off his hot sweaty whiffy socks…..and shared…… how romantic is that…… I looked just dapper in socks and sandals, but the Grand Mosque was well worth every sweaty step, it was magnificent and took my breath away, just as the Blue Mosque did in Istanbul.

A lot of thought has gone into the planning of this city as well as the comfort and lifestyle of its citizens and I’d be very pleased to have an opportunity to visit Muscat again. Leaving this harbour I couldn’t help but think how lucky the Omani’s were to have his majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Sea days..........

2009-09-19T17:35:00.003+10:00

If you’re wondering what its like to cope with 5 days at sea after our schedule from Southampton to Safaga well it’s just heaven, I’ve enjoyed every lazy, laid back moment and the word boring doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. Day 1 every muscle and bone in my body ached from so much physical activity ashore the previous 3 weeks…….Day 5 at sea and the only ache to be found is in my backside when its been plastered too long in the atrium coffee bar chair……… How have we entertained ourselves? We’ll Sir Ken of Arabia is back to playing bridge every morning, noon and night and I ‘ve just had one endless round of coffee chats with all my newest bested buddies onboard. Going through pirate alley in the Gulf of Aden kept the humour going and I must admit every time the PA system announces ding ding ding… “this is your captain speaking” – (pregnant pause) I was expecting him to say “speaking to you from” (pregnant pause) – “lifeboat number 4”……..

There is much interest in our next two ports, Mina Qaboos – Muscat and Dubai. Muscat is new to tourism so we are expecting to be as much a curiosity to the locals and they are to us. Quite strict dress code policy with full cover required by ladies and long shirts/pants for men, even a behaviour code of what is and isn’t tolerated in this society………some of my friends are choosing not to go ashore on this day, but I’m looking forward seeing a new place with my Sir Ken of Arabia. Our visit coincides with the end of Ramadan and a festival called Eid, so much will be closed like a public holiday in Australia. On the positive side it’s not often you get to observe traditional customs and celebrations as they occur.

This one is for you Nathan…..

2009-09-19T00:56:00.003+10:00

Sea Days have allowed us to get back together every morning at 8am for our regular Dawn Princess dining experience with the Glitter Gary and the Lovely Lyn, we do enjoy catching up with friends who understand we’re not the most bubbly at this time of day. Excursion days see us rising anywhere from 5am onwards and grabbing a bite in the buffet, albeit briefly as we race down the gangplank looking for today’s excitement like there’s no tomorrow. As Glitter Gary is about to be best man at his sons wedding, breakfast talk centred around fitting into that suit……..and this mornings breakfast was kick starting the Dawn Princess weight loss regime…….less than 4 hours later they were spotted by my paparazzi camera in the Horizon food court……. the hot chip plates had been emptied and it was now dessert………good one Hawkies……

It’s Emily’s Birthday!

2009-09-19T00:20:00.003+10:00

This blog is for Emily’s mum in London, Ontario – Canada who is following this blog and stalking her daughter Emily as she travels around the world as a valued staff member and teen-coordinator on the Dawn Princess. Together with the Fifthwheeler Boyz we surprised her today and passed on special hugs from Emilys mum for her big day! In fact we were so impressed with the little children’s room where we met Emily I had a hard time getting the Fifthwheeler Boyz to put down the crayons and wipe away the finger paint……….from the Disco dance floor to the little Pelicans room these boyz are hard to keep up with……

Cruise Critique lunch 18/09

2009-09-19T00:13:00.005+10:00

For our cruise critique friends who’ve already disembarked the ship and those who are cruising with us in cyber………we saluted you over another cc meeting today…… For those joining us in Dubai - we'll meet you in the Wheelhouse Bar @ 4pm first sea day after Dubai as planned......Cheers!

Poppins Mary……

2009-09-19T00:11:00.002+10:00

There’s something about that Umbrella………Hello to Mary’s friend Judith whom I believe is umbrella cyber stalking Mary……..welcome aboard your cyber cruise.

Happy Birthday Olli

2009-09-17T22:43:00.003+10:00

For my dearest, worlds bestest son in law…… I wondered what to do for your birthday – Friday 18^th, given I’m trapped on the Dawn Princess at sea I knew you’d understand and probably appreciate the fact that I’m currently in the Gulf of Aden otherwise known as pirate alley. Yes, any minute now we could be under attack and you’ll be pleased to know el Capitain has your mother in law well protected. Most of the ship's passengers know these pirates don’t stand a chance, we all know how hard it is to re-board the ship, full of security checks, x-rays, body searches every time, we all know you just simply can’t board this ship without a Princess swipe cruise card no matter how hard you try. So I’m confident we’re all safe. Anyway, if pirates did board there’s no way they’d beat any of us to the afternoon cake session in the Horizon buffet. It would only take a dozen senior citizens to set them straight, on the floor, facing mecca……. You don’t mess with these peoples afternoon tea. That brings me to the solution I have found for your birthday present…… it’s a cake…..a cyber cake……comes with no calories and is always there at just a click of the mouse, you can enjoy until your hearts content.

Here’s wishing you a happy birthday, lots of nappy changes and lovely smiles from your two princesses. Oh and just in case you’ve forgotten, be careful for what you wish for, remember last birthday……..

Karnak Princess

2009-09-17T17:03:00.002+10:00

You can take the boy out of the Princess

But you can’t take the Princess out of the boy…..

Meet one of my newest bestest buddies ……..Egyptian Rod…..

On the road again….

2009-09-15T21:18:00.009+10:00

We’ve got a great big convoy, oh what a beautiful sight….I sang to myself as 30 buses peeled off the port one by one for our 3.5 hour drive to Luxor, home to Karnak temple and Valley of the Kings. The desert scenery was somewhat eerie as it was like nothing I’d ever seen before, the sun beamed down with intense dry heat on the high mountain ranges of sand. I was thankful for the air-conditioning and that Sir Ken of Arabia had the window seat. About an hour before Luxor, Egypt suddenly came to life, the Nile was visible and the vegetation changed to one of an oasis full of life. I just loved the simple little villages scattered on the side of the road, nothing here has changed in 2,000 years or longer, the homes were still made from the same mud brick, children riding donkeys or sitting in carts loaded mile high with donkeys pulling them along, the children looked happy – who wouldn’t be happy if you’re 10/12 years of age and in control of a moving vehicle on the highways of Egypt, albeit with a donkey at the helm. Our convoy most likely provided some comic relief – look at those wrinkly foreigners in a hurry to visit the graves of our ancestors……

Luxor, Valley of Kings and Karnak temple has restoreth my faith in Egypt as a worthwhile place to visit…..two days ago on the outskirts of Cairo I was not so sure. Dressed appropriately, Sir Ken of Arabia and I visited the Valley of the Kings and the tombs of Ramses IV, and Ramses IX……. the artwork and hieroglyphics were surreal, to be inside these burial chambers you couldn’t help but take yourself back in time and wonder what it must have been like. Unfortunately cameras are now banned totally in the Valley of the Kings (as of 10 days ago). It seems the polite requests and signage not to photograph with flash cannot be adhered too, so the authorities insist cameras be left on the bus. One can understand the policy, as these images need to be preserved, it was indeed sad to see one Princess passenger arguing with authorities about his rights as he’d smuggled in a camera through the x-ray security screen and was now caught in the act. Unfortunately in any demographic, including 2,000 cruise passengers there will always the ignorant and arrogant - world cruisers 2010 be warned, you will need to pack your patience along with your luggage.

The two ports of Said and Safaga have provided me with a greater insight into ancient and modern Egypt, and I probably have a greater understanding of the culture from these two very brief visits. We now have 5 sea days and I’ll try and give you some shipboard blogs so the 2010 World Cruisers can see more of the Dawn……Next stop: Mina Qaboos, Oman which affords me another opportunity to parade around with Sir Ken of Arabia……. can’t wait…in his arab attire he's so handsome!

Transiting the Suez Canal

2009-09-14T03:23:00.009+10:00

What a wonderful day cruising down the Suez Canal, we had a scenic breakfast, a scenic morning tea followed by a scenic lunch……. by now I’m sure you’re getting the picture, by afternoon we were back to looking at the sea…….that is the Red Sea……which oddly, in the afternoon sunlight doesn’t look red, I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation, fortunately the brilliant sunset from our deck chairs aft on Lido deck was red!

Part of a convoy of ships transiting, mostly container vessels we commenced our journey at 1am in the morning, by 8:00am and sunlight there was plenty to see with one side a dessert and the other a green oasis strip. Given our 14 hour excursion the previous day and tomorrow will be another 14 hour excursion to Valley of the Kings and Karnak temple it was just heaven to sit back and watch the world or should I say the Suez go by.

Port Said

2009-09-13T20:22:00.009+10:00

Port Said (pronounced Sigh eed) is a port we were very much looking forward to visiting. After all the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara and Sphinx reside here. Respectful of the countries culture we donned appropriate attire and I couldn’t help but think Sir Ken was rather dashing dressed like Sir Laurence of Arabia. I’ll have to make sure he wears those Demis Roussos type blouses more often…..

The pyramids of Menkaura, Khufu and Kafhre and the Sphynx were awe inspiring as expected, and I was ever so pleased Sir Ken clambered down into Khufu’s tomb. I knew my limits with stairs and decided to play with the camels beside the pyramid, praying my Sir Ken of Arabia would return before I was completely sunburned…...

Unexpectedly we found the 3.5 hour drive in convoy to and fro the outskirts of Cairo astonishing, probably just as much as the Giza pyramids themselves. Due to regulations and the fact that 67 American tourists were slain by terrorists in recent years at the pyramids we had a fully armed escort at the front, middle and rear in a convoy of over 30 busses, each bus also had its own visibly armed guard, there were 5 empty busses, just in case of a flat tyre or incident ….. our convoy was 3.5 hours non-stop, it felt like an official royal motorcade, the traffic on any crossroad was stopped by military or security officials – we went through every red light effortlessly, it was almost an embarrassing display of wealth over poverty, we’re tourists, we have money, move out of our way…… whilst this was difficult to come to terms with so was the countryside and the rubbish on display, children swam in canals of rubbish, beside dead donkeys, I wanted to ask the leaders of this country what are they doing for their citizens……… this area is in dire need of sanitation and rubbish removal systems.

Luxor/Safaga next……..Valley of the Kings, stay tuned for more photo’s of Sir Ken of Arabia…..

Limassol – Cyprus

2009-09-12T05:48:00.007+10:00

Cyprus only has 9 castles, and together with my aide de campe Sir Ken we were lucky enough to take a peek at the medieval castle built around 1000AD. I reminded Sir Ken that Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre here in 1191 and I’m sure he didn’t lose Princess Berengaria en route to the Third Crusade………..

It was a wonderful day in Limassol with Sir Ken carrying all my parcels, just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better back onboard after sail away at the Princess Boutiques Sir Ken had the privilege of paying for my new 14karat gold topaz ring……how lucky is Sir Ken who promises never to lose me again because it's too expensive.

Tomorrow is Egypt and the Pyramids of Giza, I wonder how much those gold cartouche’s cost…..