My Review Sun Princess 1/10/10

[wildweston]

Just going through withdrawal symptoms and reading this excellent review is making it harder!!! Not long till your next cruise ...

 

Vera

 

Well you know what they say, better go and book another cruise to fix those withdrawal symptons :D

 

Yep my cruise is getting closer, looking forward to it,

[Sandielle]

Haha Kate! Well do I remember that climb to the church! I reckon their penance must have been done just climbing up there to go to church.:eek:

 

Cheryl, I can't believe how quickly your cruise on the Rhapsody is coming around. Jas will be wanting to know all about it when you get back. ;)

[tompaddyelle]

Once we were back on the ship we had lunch in the dining room. I loved having my meals there and would have had them all there but DH was a fan of the buffet breakfast.

I think being seated with different people each meal gives you a chance to talk to people you probably wouldn't usually get to. Anyway I am a big chatterbox so I found people to talk to where ever I went.

 

Rightio back to what we did next. Like most afternoons we lazed around on the Riviera deck and drank and talked to people and drank and talked etc etc.

 

Oh and I usually went and got an ice cream from Scoops cause I am a big fan of ice cream!

Dinner as per usual in the dining room then we were off to the Vista lounge for country and western night.

First we had country music trivia which we won!!!!!! Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!

 

Now before you go thinking we had knowledge in this field let me tell you we won with a score of 6 out of 20! Pathetic hey? Seems other people know less about country music than we do :p

 

Well it was then time for line dancing. Of course I jumped up eager to go! (I'm a shy thing lol). ;)

Well as I was dancing Romeo, the assistant cruise director, gave me a serviette. This was because I and 9 others were chosen for the dance competition.

We had to put our blind folds on and do the electric slide while pretending to be a ballerina, Frankenstein and a sumo wrestler. Well they said that I could take my blindfold off if I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I did I was the last one on the stage which meant I had won! Yayyyyyyyyyy for me!! :D :D

 

Anyway it was a really fun night oh and I won a hat!

[tompaddyelle]

The usual morning activities with DH at the gym and me sleeping!

 

We were at Port Vila today so we were excited. We had a land based holiday here 2 years ago and fell totally in love with the place that they had to drag me to the plane on the way home!

But I digress.

 

We breakfasted as usual in the Horizon Court. It seems that a lot of people saw me dancing the night before because I was stopped many times going back to my table. One lady asked me for dance lessons!

 

Anyway after breakfast we headed for Vila. It's so easy when you don't have to catch a tender.

So off we got and I stood there for awhile just admiring the ship *sigh*

We caught a taxi into town to go shopping. Vila has changed in the two years since we had been there with several new buildings.

 

It was soooooooo busy! So different to the Vila you visit on a land holiday. When we stayed last time the locals warned us to stay clear of town when a ship was due .... now we understood why!

 

So we shopped until we could shop no longer (it was humid) and then caught a bus/minivan back to the ship.

 

We got the driver to drop us at the start of the stalls that line the road to the port.

 

We returned the ship and had lunch at Verdi's. After lunch we went to the Princess Theatre to see the movie "Letters to Juliet". Fluffy but easy viewing!

 

I wanted to go and take photos of the ship then so off we got again. Oh and I had to buy sunglasses cause I dropped mine somewhere.

 

 

I stayed up on deck that evening to watch sail away. You could see that Vila had settled back into it's usual sleepy state.

 

We had dinner in the Horizon Court because we were too late for our dining room sitting. the food was ewwwwwwwww again but then as I said before I'm just not a buffet type of person.

 

That night we went and saw "tribute" in the Princess Theatre which was ok but one of the girl dancers wasn't up to scratch so of course my eyes were drawn to her. Annoyed the heck out of me!

 

After that we headed back to the cabin and watched a movie on TV.

 

Such night owls again ......... NOT!

[Aussiemin]

Wow a big Thank you for your excellent review it is one of the best i have read for ages and complete with pictures i really enjoyed it and it brought back memories for me and hubby and our trip on the sun the cabin everything now my next move is to sweet talk hubby into another trip on her.

Min

[The_Big_M]

Very nicely paced review. You took a lot of pictures, which are coming in handy!

[tompaddyelle]

Well Dh was up and to the gym at 6am and me? well I stayed in bed until 7.30 of course.

We went off to our usual breakfast in Horizon Court.

Every morning I would have half a grapefruit (to try and start healthy) and finish with bacon, scrambled eggs and pancakes!

 

Whilst we were eating a couple came and asked if we would join their team for trivia that night. Apparently it would be based on music from the 50s and 60s.

Dh and I agreed with much enthusiasm until they walked away and we discussed the fact we knew Zilch about the 50s or 60s!

 

We were in Wala today which was another tender port so we hurried and got our tender tickets.

 

Wala is a very untouched place. I loved it as it hasn't been commercialised. DH didn't want to leave!

 

The locals had set up stalls selling the usual sarongs and bags.

 

One of the locals took us for a tour through their village. He told us that the children went to school across the water until high school when they had to go to school at Vila. If I was a kid there I can tell you I wouldn't want to leave this island! Such a lovely simple uncluttered lifestyle!

 

I was amazed to hear many people criticise this gorgeous place calling it dirty and primitive.

One woman was going on and on about how dirty their cooking areas were and how she didn't know how they lived like that! It amazes me at times how ignorant some people can be :rolleyes:

I guess some people are happier visiting places that have been totally developed and bland (hate places like that!)

 

The children were gorgeous and were so excited by any coin you gave them. They spoke french so I had to dredge up some of the limited words I remembered from high school.

 

It was quite warm this day so after wandering around we went for a swim.

The water was so warm and soft but we needed our reef shoes as there was quite a lot of coral and rocks.

 

We then tendered back to the ship as it was time for lunch

 

to be continued

[Sandielle]

I, too, like the unspoiled places, Kate. So many lovely, quiet holiday places I used to love have been taken over by ugly high-rise buildings. (Little boxes made of ticky-tacky, all the same.....as the song goes! :eek:) Progress, Huh! Great sometimes, but not always the best.

[newtocruisenett]

Hi Kate, well done! enjoying your review as its so refreshing sharing your excitement...we're off again 9th Jan '11 on Pacific Jewel....looking forward to reading the rest of your review, love it....thanks Nett

[cazz0069]

Haha Kate! Well do I remember that climb to the church! I reckon their penance must have been done just climbing up there to go to church.:eek:

 

Cheryl, I can't believe how quickly your cruise on the Rhapsody is coming around. Jas will be wanting to know all about it when you get back. ;)

 

You better believe it. I am just wondering if i want a 2500 or 3000 word essay about each day she is on the boat... ;):p

[robinph]

I, too, like the unspoiled places, Kate. So many lovely, quiet holiday places I used to love have been taken over by ugly high-rise buildings. (Little boxes made of ticky-tacky, all the same.....as the song goes! :eek:) Progress, Huh! Great sometimes, but not always the best.

 

This is why I was dissapointed with Port Denaru much prefer the beautiful unspoiled islands next time I go to Port Denaru I am going to go to Nandi, I know they say it is dirty etc etc but this is the reality of these places and that is what I like. Robin

[tompaddyelle]

Ok I hope you are all still awake!!

 

Now where was I?

 

Ok we were heading back to the ship!

 

We had lunch at Verdi's again (gotta love that pizza, not too greasy just right .... hm sounds like I am doing an ad)

After lunch we headed for the Vista Lounge to see the movie which was "When In Rome". Another fluffy chick flick which I always enjoy and DH tolerates :)

 

We then decided it was time for more sun and drinks so we hit the Riviera deck. DH decided to be energetic and entered the volleyball competition whilst I lay back and pretty much did nothing and felt no guilt (holidays are delicious aren't they!)

I went up the front of the ship for sail away. So so peaceful!

So we did the usual dinner in the dining room then headed for the casino where DH won and of course I lost :(

 

As I mentioned before it was 50s/60s night so we had to go to the Vista Lounge to play trivia. As we predicted we sucked and were left looking like this --> :confused: most of the time.

 

After trivia was over the dancing started. They announced that there would be a hula hoop competition ...... yep you guessed it I was chosen again.

I did really well in the practise round but I was beaten in the real competition .......... booooooooo hisssssssssssss!

 

I then had to choose a male to take my place. My DH was eager to defend the family honour and jumped up with the hula hoop.

Being a big muscley man he hooked the hoop on his thighs and wiggled his butt! Looked hilarious but again he didn't win :(

 

We then danced for a few hours and headed off to bed at 11pm (very late for us) :p

[bongaree]

Hi Kate - Loving your review. I must get my Sister in law to read it as she and her husband are coming with us next September for their first cruise.

We have been to many places around the world and our favourite place of all is Wala. I, like you, didn't want to leave. The people are very friendly. Another similar place is Kiribati (pronounced Kirabas) or sometimes referred to as Christmas Island but not the one near here.

 

Keep up the great review.

 

Janet:)

[tompaddyelle]

Hi Kate - Loving your review. I must get my Sister in law to read it as she and her husband are coming with us next September for their first cruise.

We have been to many places around the world and our favourite place of all is Wala. I, like you, didn't want to leave. The people are very friendly. Another similar place is Kiribati (pronounced Kirabas) or sometimes referred to as Christmas Island but not the one near here.

 

Keep up the great review.

 

Janet:)

 

the untouched is just so much nicer. We have been to Waikiki and hated it! So commercialised and ugly! Also didn't enjoy LA or Las Vegas, I was begging to get on the plane at the end of that holiday!

[tompaddyelle]

Well I was a sleepy head again today and managed to sleep until 8.30am. We then had breakfast then got our tender tickets.

 

Champagne Bay today! Now I knew I was going to love this place firstly because champagne is my beverage of choice and secondly I looked out the window and saw the most gorgeous coloured water ever!

 

It was very hot today so the water looked very tempting.

The water was warm and the sand powdery soft!

 

The locals had set up some stalls so we dragged ourselves out of the water and went shopping because that night was island night!

 

Yep that's me! Always ready to shop!

 

We got back into the water after shopping and met two women who were staying at a resort on the other side of the island. They were mightily shocked when they arrived at the beach expecting a quiet spot and finding a whole shipload of passengers!! Would be a wonderful place to come for a holiday.

 

 

So after 2 hours in the hot sun we thought we better head back to the ship so we reluctantly boarded our tender.

 

Hard to leave that place!

[kezza]

Loving your review Kate. Champagne Beach is our favourite out of all the islands we've been too. We are usually on the last passenger tender:):):).

 

Now I have to ask, why do you not go back onto the islands after lunch??

 

We tend to get off in the morning bright and early and we don't get back on the ship until near last (especially if it's a tendered port).

 

We booked our cruise next week because it had Champagne Bay in it. (love the others as well).

 

Keep it coming and the photos!!:):)

 

Kerri

[tompaddyelle]

Loving your review Kate. Champagne Beach is our favourite out of all the islands we've been too. We are usually on the last passenger tender:):).

 

Now I have to ask, why do you not go back onto the islands after lunch??

 

We tend to get off in the morning bright and early and we don't get back on the ship until near last (especially if it's a tendered port).

 

We booked our cruise next week because it had Champagne Bay in it. (love the others as well).

 

Keep it coming and the photos!!:):)

 

Kerri

 

Hi Kerri!

 

We usually don't go back to the ports because we end up having too much fun on board!

Plus as you can tell from my pictures I am very fair so I try not to get too much sun at once and I knew if I returned to some of those gorgeous beaches I would be a goner :o

 

I'll be posting the next installment soon. I have to choose whether to cook dinner or sit here .. hmmmmmmmmm tough choice! ;)

[tompaddyelle]

Now where were we??

 

Ok back to the ship for lunch, this time we went to the Terrace Grill for hamburgers. Dh went to the gym (again) and I went for a swim!

 

I took a glass of champers up to watch sail away (had to toast that beautiful place) then went and got ready for dinner.

 

After dinner we went to the casino and then it was time to get changed for Island night.

 

Well my DH looked hilarious and caused quite a stir amongst the older widowed group. Here he is Mr Tahitian Warrior!!

 

Many women asked him if he had anything on under his sarong! Classic!

 

So we danced a lot

 

threw a few streamers

 

and had a great time!

 

Well i think we managed to drag ourselves to bed at about 12.30 with very sore feet!

[wildweston]

Great review Kate, thank you

 

Sandy yes my cruise has come around really quick, starting to get excited.

 

Jas Jas Jas a review with that many words would bore everyone to tears, but I will do one and I will put some photos up too, anything in particular you want to know or want a photo of ( and no not knocking on the door of your balcony thingy to take photos of cabin !!) :)

[kuldalai]

SUN PRINCESS departed Sydney Wharf-5 Darling Harbour on Friday 01/10/10 around 1 hour late owing to late arrival of the Fuel Bunkering vessel .

 

Without full tanks of fuel oil SUN PRINCESS would not have got too far .

 

The reason for the delayed departure was announced shipwide on the PA by the Captain .

[tompaddyelle]

SUN PRINCESS departed Sydney Wharf-5 Darling Harbour on Friday 01/10/10 around 1 hour late owing to late arrival of the Fuel Bunkering vessel .

 

Without full tanks of fuel oil SUN PRINCESS would not have got too far .

 

The reason for the delayed departure was announced shipwide on the PA by the Captain .

 

Lol I was too busy drinking and dancing to hear! :o

 

I knew someone would know :D

[cazz0069]

Great review Kate, thank you

 

Sandy yes my cruise has come around really quick, starting to get excited.

 

Jas Jas Jas a review with that many words would bore everyone to tears, but I will do one and I will put some photos up too, anything in particular you want to know or want a photo of ( and no not knocking on the door of your balcony thingy to take photos of cabin !!) :)

 

HAHAHAHAHAHA Cheryl, soon as i read your offer, i thought i am going to ask her to knock on cabin 7152 and then i read the rest of the sentence hehe You know me too well. Already..... Its ok, Jillybean has friends in that cabin in the next few weeks too, so i think i have that covered... If you can keep an eye on the cocktail list for me :)

[tompaddyelle]

Sea day today!!

 

I have discovered I love sea days because you have the choice of doing so much or nothing at all. Its all so decadent.

 

So we did our usual buffet breakfast which usually took us ages because we would start talking to people as we walked in, when we sat down and then again on our way out!

 

So after eating too much and talking wayyyyyyy too much it was time for line dancing! I figured if I danced enough I could counteract some of my eating :o

 

We spent the rest of the morning out on the Riviera deck because it was such a lovely day.

We had a buffet lunch from the Terrace Grill which is the 1st level above the bar in this photo

 

and then we had my usual ice cream from Scoops. For some reason I didn't take a photo of this.

 

At 2.30 it was movie time in the Princess Theatre. Today's movie was "Knight and Day" starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

It was shocking so we left half way through it (don't know how we lasted that long) and went back to the pool.

 

 

This photo was from our first day because I kept forgetting to take my camera when I went to the pool. I had to carry my book, my sunscreen my cocktail etc etc :D

 

We did our usual dinner and casino thing and then decided we would try MUTS actually under the stars!!

 

The movie was the "Prince of Persia". Totally stupid movie but the popcorn they bring around was great!! So once the popcorn was finished we left the actors prancing around the screen and went to bed.

Lol have you noticed I have no tolerance for pathetic movies ;)

[the wombat]

Awesome review!!!

I was on the Sun in June/July up to Southeast Asia with my wife for our honeymoon. We had the Regency Dining Room Choir with our waiter and assistant waiter, Rui the Maitre d' and Alex the Regency Dining Room head waiter, plus a bottle of champagne and a nice cake that was shared around the table for dessert that night.

We did the Ultimate Balcony Dining on the third formal night that was no less than death by food! 6 courses, and the huge cake we had to send back to the kitchen to be held for us for dinner the following night.

The Tribute show was one of my favourites, actually. We met Lindsay and other one of the female dancers (the taller of the two blondes) when we went on the Ultimate Ship Tour.

The pizzeria was definitely very nice- we arrived back on board from our stop at Geraldton in the very early afternoon, and it made for a nice peaceful late lunch. In fact, most times we went to the pizzeria, we were just about the only ones there!

Glad you had a good time! We are going on the Sun again in January- this time to New Zealand!!

[kezza]

Kate, I notice you've got a blue Princess bag. Does that come with the room or do you have to buy it?

 

Thanks

 

Kerri:)