It’s 11pm as I start this post, so this is going to be super speedy tonight. Our glorious Tasmanian weather continued today...at least until this evening. We had perfect weather and calm seas for our scenic cruising of Oyster and Wineglass Bays around Freycinet National Park this morning. We had been told by Captain Lewis last night that the Ruby Princess would be entering Oyster Bay around 7am this morning, and, sure enough, at 7am Destination Expert Hutch’s voice came into our cabin through the ship’s webcam channel. He was on the bridge, and for nearly the entire morning broadcast information to us in the cabin and to the outside decks. I was very impressed with the depth of his knowledge about every mountain, every rock, every beach and the history, flora and fauna of the area.
Scenic cruising on the eastern side of Tasmania
Île des Phoques Nature Reserve
The granite walls of Schouten Island
The ship repeatedly blew its horn to urge this fishing boat out of its way.
Rock islets known as the Hen and Chicks
A closer view of the Hen and Chicks
Schouten Island
Mt. Freycinet and Mt. Graham in Freycinet National Park
Cape Forestier on the left
Long expanses of beaches in Freycinet National Park
Wineglass Bay and Wineglass Bay Beach
The pilot boat approaching to retrieve the pilots that had been on board all morning
The Hazards
Our last look at Wineglass Bay
Captain Lewis told us tonight that it was one of the best days he has ever seen in the area. It felt warm in the sun, and the outside decks were full of people enjoying the views. Every so often we get lucky with weather, and we certainly have been on this cruise.
Just as we were leaving Freycinet National Park, Cruise Director Aaron made an announcement that there was space available for a new Discovery at Sea Planetarium experience in the Princess Theater. Not knowing what that might be, we decided to check it out. And inflatable ceiling covered the stage of the Princess Theater and was illuminated like a planetarium. Fifteen people at a time lie in their backs on the stage and gaze at the stars while hearing about...planets. That’s right, not only is the talk not about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, it’s not about the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere either. It’s about the planets. Maybe there is more than one topic available; we’ll check it out if it’s offered again. But right now, it kind of misses the mark. It’s also tough for most people on this ship to climb the narrow steps to the stage of the Princess Theater without a light or handrail, and then lie down on the hard wood floor,
We went directly from the Princess Theater to lunch in the DaVinci Dining Room. Not seeing anything that would work for me on the menu, I had special ordered a veggie curry, and was served a huge portion of it custom made for me. Nice!
Veggie curry made for me
Day 5 lunch menu, page 1
Day 5 lunch menu, page 2
G was busy all afternoon with the veterans get together in the Wheelhouse Bar and then the Grapevine Wine Tasting, but I sat in a lounge on the Terrace Deck and read, wrapped up in a blanket. It was chilly in the shade. We were dressed for formal night and went to the DaVinci Dining Room for dinner at 5pm.
Day 5 dinner menu, page 1
Day 5 dinner menu, page 2
Day 5 dessert menu
Tonight was the Captains Circle party for Platinum and Elite members and once again we were the cousin handing out the wedding programs at the back of the church. Yep, fourth most traveled, and I’m not certain it will change anytime soon. It seems everyone is on this ship for multiple cruises. We totally get it; these varied itineraries are perfect for back to back cruising. The third through first most traveled had between 1200 and 1500+ days.
Though we missed the 7:30 Princess Theater show by Australian comedian Tahir, we stayed up for his 9:30pm performance. It was tough. He was funny, we could tell, because the Aussies loved his show, but we faced two issues: understanding him, and understanding his humor. Still, we gleaned enough to make it worth our while.
We’re a bit bouncy tonight and the weather forecast for tomorrow isn’t great, but the forecast for Sydney on Friday looks perfect. Another turnaround day in Sydney, Australia...these cruises were made to be strung together for back to back cruises. It simply doesn’t get much better than this.
Day 5 Princess Patter, page 1
Day 5 Princess Patter, page 2
Day 5 Princess Patter, page 3
Day 5 Princess Patter, page 4