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  • Wandering Ozzies

Japan Cruise

Diamond Princess Cruise from Brisbane to Japan. February/March 2025 Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 15, 2025
    Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    The Sail away party goes off.Electric violins

    Day 1 - BICT

    February 17 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Day 0 is finally here. Made it to Michelle's place ok yesterday and had a catch up with all the girls and grandkids. Heading off to the BICT this morning with a car full of luggage and excited senior citizens 😃🛳️
    Well, the check in took much longer than we had hoped. Seems the people getting off in Sydney had priority while those going to Japan had to wait. Quite a few disgruntled cruisers waiting in line.
    Finally on board, found Muster Station, checked in, had our first bubbles and beer, then headed to the cabin to unpack. Faye's bags arrived much earlier than mine so we were a bit delayed.
    Off to the Sail away party and a bit of an explore of the ship.
    Turns out our departure time was pushed back more than an hour because of a medical evacuation. Poor lady has missed her cruise 😟
    Had dinner in Santa Fe restaurant. Lovely meal. Back to the cabin to sleep as we were all knackered.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Kai Sushi menu. I had Miso soup, Eel, Mackerel and Surf & Turf with Matcha Ice cream. Yum

    Day 2 - Sea Day

    February 18, Coral Sea ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Woke early to a fine day off the coast of northern NSW. After a coffee & tea we headed to the Horizon Court buffet to brave the crowds. So good to see staff directing everyone to the wash basins before entering. Staff also served all food so no one was touching the utensils.
    Went to see an astronomer named Donna the Astronomer for a talk about how indigenous Australians used the stars. Unfortunately her projector broke down which took away a lot of the detail.
    A quiet afternoon catching up on our rest before heading to Kai Sushi for dinner. After a fabulous meal we headed to the Princess Theatre to catch the production show Bravo. These performers are seriously talented.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Faye pointing out exactly where we are.Newcastle BeachA little rough tonight

    Day 3 - Newcastle

    February 19 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    A lovely sail into Newcastle this morning for our first port of call. Breakfast again in the Buffet with a nice Eggs Florentine. Off to explore Newcastle via the free shuttle bus without Rob & Geoff. The Sushimi apparently didn't do Rob any favors last night. Walked along the redeveloped foreshore of the Hunter River down to the mouth and around to the ocean beaches. It really is quite lovely. A quick visit to the Newcastle Museum before back to the ship for lunch. Another failed trivia afternoon before watching the tugs hitch us up and guide us back out to the open ocean.
    Dinner at Pacific Moon with a great table, staff and meal. We were looking forward to a Fleetwood Mac tribute concert when there was some medical problem with the main performer so a group of the backing band and other randoms put together a great rock and roll concert. AC/DC, The Doors, Status Quo, it was a great concert.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler

    Day 4 - Sea Day

    February 20, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    A pretty uneventful sea day to allow us to catch up a bit. Sailing due east from Newcastle to pass the day as we couldn't get into Sydney until the next day. We filled the day attending briefings about the upcoming ports, exploring the ship, playing trivia and cards between meals. We kept a lookout for reported Chinese warships in the area but didn't spot any. A lovely dinner in The Savoy restaurant before settling in to watch the high energy production show Born To Be Wild. Looking forward to Sydney tomorrow.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    1
    Luna ParkOutside The Opera HouseManly BeachThe Diamond PrincessSail away

    Day 5 - Sydney

    February 21 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A spectacular sail in to Sydney Harbour in the early hours didn't disappoint. The city lights up like a Christmas tree. We had a leisurely breakfast while we watched all the unfortunates disembarking. Being "In-Transit" guests we were given a special card to show the port staff that allowed us to skip all the lines. After breakfast we headed off for a walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Spectacular as always. Back to Circular Quay to catch a Manly Ferry across the harbour to Manly Beach. By this time it was quite overcast and cool. Faye decided she needed a cardigan so we visited several op-shops in Manly but without success. A stroll along the Manly foreshore and then back to the ferry. By now the showers we could see out to sea had arrived so we headed back to the ship for some lunch. The magic "In-Transit" cards worked again as we strolled past numerous plebs of the NSW variety and straight on to the ship. The walk around The Rocks area was abandoned due to the persistent showers. Looking forward to another sail-away party.
    Well the weather didn't really cooperate so the sail away was moved indoors. People still seemed to enjoy themselves. The ship feels much more crowded now but hopefully it will settle down.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Sunrise
    Lazy days1This is as formal as we get.1Doesn't look much like Walking Like An Egyptian to me 😂The dance off. Our team clear winners.

    Day 6 - Sea Day

    February 22, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Time to wind down today after Sydney. Funny it took us 5 days to get from Brisbane to Sydney and yet we have made it back to offshore of Brisbane in less than a day 🤔. Formal night tonight so we get the glad rags on. More people than I expected with suits and tuxedos on. After dinner we went to a hilarious game show in the Explorers Lounge. Totally worn out again by the end of the night.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Good morning
    1In the Grand Plaza lift.Lovely

    Day 7 - Sea Day

    February 23, Coral Sea ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    A fine start to the day but we are watching a developing cyclone right in our path. Fingers crossed.
    A very interesting presentation this morning by the resident marine warfare expert about the significance of the Japanese advance through the South Pacific. The battles of Milne Bay and the Coral Sea held great consequences for Australia.
    Early afternoon and the seas are getting quite rough. The Captain has decided to head in closer to the reef to avoid Cyclone Alfred. With a strong south easterly behind us we are consistently doing 20+ knots. Amazing.
    A lovely meal in Santa Fe and a nightcap in The Wheelhouse Bar saw the day out.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    That's us the little blue triangle
    The edge of the cyclone has caught up to us.

    Day 8 - Sea Day

    February 24, Coral Sea ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Our last sea day for a little while and we seem to have avoided the cyclone so far. I did an overlay of our position on the cyclone map early this morning and we are past the worst of it. Now just worry about it going towards Bundaberg 🥺. Another interesting talk this morning about Rogues of the Pacific. There has certainly been some characters in our part of the world. Faye went to Zumba this morning and Line dancing this afternoon. With all the up and down stairs we hopefully will negate all the yummy food and drinks.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Milne Bay
    The main means of transport to and from AlotauThe favourite pastimeDifferent cultures but distressing just the same. He/she is alive.Loading/unloading provisions.Milne Bay War MemorialNot sure what the difference is between spittle and scum 🤢Clean up for the touristsLocal marketsCooling downOur welcome party. They were there most of the day in sweltering humidity 🫠🥵

    Day 9 - Alotau

    February 25 in Papua New Guinea ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We snuck into Alotau in the early morning. It's easy to see why the Japanese were so keen to take control of this lovely harbour. After breakfast we headed out into the town in overcast but pleasant weather. Alotau really is a very basic New Guinea town. The people are generally friendly and welcoming. The arrival of a ship the size of the Diamond has a huge impact on a town like this. We walked off ship and down the main street surrounded by locals, both adults and children. A favorite pastime of the locals is to follow the tourists and strike up a conversation. After offering advice they proceed to request payment for guide services. Some are more aggressive than others but we had no real problems.
    The photos will give an idea of the state of the streets. I think they had actually tried to have a clean up before the ship arrived as there were neat piles of rubbish scattered around.
    We walked down to the Milne Bay War Memorial and spent some time. The Memorial area was very well kept. By this time the heat and humidity had kicked in so we headed back to the ship, stopping at a local store to buy some necessities like hair conditioner and pegs 🤔. Back onboard a dip in the pool and several beers cooled us down    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Not a lot of sunshine around
    The covered indoor poolLots of this for exerciseNightcaps

    Day 10 - Conflict Islands (or not)

    February 26, Solomon Sea ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Bugger. The crappy weather and strengthening storm have combined to wipe out our day at Conflict Islands. We were so looking forward to being able to snorkel in the apparently crystal clear waters but it's not to be. The Captain announced the cancellation the night before so we now have 7 sea days to look forward to. An early visit to the gym for us both before Faye went off to a highly entertaining Zumba class. Good to be able to get a good workout in. The rest of the day spent swimming in the covered pool, playing cards and relaxing.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Brisbane's uninspiring port welcome 😟Some of the othersKobe's port welcome. BeautifulThe Grand PlazaAfternoon tea with scones & jam

    Day 11 - Sea Day

    February 28, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    The weather continues to be a nuisance with showers and wind restricting outdoors activities. We are watching the progress of Cyclone Alfred like everyone else even though it is not really affecting us any more. We spend our time exercising, Zumba and Line Dancing. Well, Faye does anyway. Exploring the ship gave up some interesting items. We found the plaques or mementos that each port gives the ship on its first visit to that port. Brisbane's was completely uninspiring compared to many others. The formal afternoon tea was a bit of fun where we met some American passengers. Vivaldi Restaurant for the first time for dinner It was no better or worse than the other included eateries.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    The WhirlpoolNot sure what this is 🤔Formal night at Sabatini's

    Day 12 - Yep. Another Sea Day

    February 28, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    The weather in the mornings is surprising. We seem to be getting dismal weather early and it fines up a bit later in the day. Explored more of the upper parts of the ship this morning. The golf course was closed off probably because of the wind and rain. Later in the day we realized we had changed from Polliwogs to Shellbacks but there was no official announcement by the Captain or staff. We've been told there will be a celebration tomorrow. Dinner tonight was at Sabatini's, one of the speciality restaurants onboard and it didn't disappoint. 6 courses of delicious Italian inspired, waist increasing scrumptiousness. After dinner show with a wonderful entertainer topped the day off nicely.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Calm seas but still rain around
    King Neptune arrivesOur Cruise Director getting what he deservesKing NeptuneJust another dessertThe Conservatory Pool at night

    Day 13 - Sea Day

    March 1, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Today was dominated by the Equator Crossing. Any staff and many passengers who had never crossed the Equator in a ship were inducted as Shellbacks by King Neptune and summarily thrown into the pool. A massive food fight ensued. Good fun all round. We are all a little tired of dressing up for dinner every night so a quick meal by the pool and an early night was called for.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler

    Day 14 & 15 - Sea Days

    Mar 2–3, Philippine Sea ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Nothing much happening on these days as I got a bit sick. Probably COVID but we don't have any test kits and I'm not going to the Medical Centre. It'll pass. A few nice shots of some brown boobies picking up fish scattered by the ship.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler

    Day 16 - Sea Day

    March 4, Philippine Sea ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Another sea day and another day spent mostly in bed for me. We have pretty much had a gutful of this bug which we think is influenza and Faye is coming down with it now as well. All variations of pills don't seem to be helping much. Perked up enough by dinner time to go to the Italian restaurant Sabatinis again for dinner. The menu is just as delicious as last time. Another early night.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Our welcome party
    These guys had serious confidence in their motor's ability to start.Fort Santiago entranceThe GardensA very brutal history of the fort during the Japanese occupation in the 2nd World WarMost of Intramuros was destroyedRizal Park Chinese GardenSpectacular sunset sail-away

    Day 17 - Manila

    March 5 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Finally some solid land again. Arrival in Manila Harbour was a bit chaotic with multiple small fishing boats moving out of our path at the last minute even with the captain blasting them on the horn. After arrival and disembarking it proved no less chaotic. Have to say we have never been so relentlessly hounded by locals as soon as you get off the boat as we were here.
    The Tuk-tuk (or tricycle) drivers were aggressive to the point of being abusive. And there were around 63,000 of them at the gates to the port. Our original intention was to take a Tuk-Tuk to Fort Santiago and then walk back to the ship through the Intramuros historical area. However the drivers were so aggressive in trying to sell a full day tour they would not listen to what we wanted, so we ended up taking a taxi. This turned into a comedy of errors as we had no local cash, the cabbie refused to take a card, even though he had a machine there, so we had to find an ATM to get cash. The driver spoke next to no English. Anyway, after all that we spent the day exploring Fort Santiago and The Intramuros. Manila is not a particularly clean city and it was hot and sticky as well. We were happy to get back to the ship for a cold beverage. Dinner followed by a Beatles tribute show rounded out a very busy day. The sunset sail-away was spectacular.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    The Wheelhouse Bar
    Probably the worst piece of fish I have ever had.Faye's lobster on the other hand was deliciousSouffle to finishAs if it wasn't sweet enough

    Day 18 - Sea Day

    March 6, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    Rest day after Manila and glad of it. Seems we are not as young as we used to be. A quiet day with a nice meal and entertainment in the Wheelhouse Bar before unconsciousness.

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    The massive escalator goes down hill in the morning and up hill after peak hour finishes
    The original English GaolA typical Hong Kong back streetTaoist Temple in the middle of the cityOutside the templeInside the templeLots of incenseLunch at a very popular restaurant. Many locals showed how good it wasVarious dumplings and sweetsFried rice, noodles and green teaLunchDing ding tram down the main street. Great insight into the cityThe British Maritime Guard Building to protect their interests in the early daysThe Peak TramPhotos don't do the slope justiceFrom the top

    Day 19 - Hong Kong

    March 7 in Hong Kong ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Another chaotic start to our day in Hong Kong. The ship provided very little information about transport options from the cruise terminal and we had to get to a start point in the city to meet our guide Gary. Ended up taking another taxi from the terminal with what we were told was an English speaking cabbie. This time we had what we thought was enough cash to pay. Gave the cabbie the address in the Central City and off we went..and went..and went. An hour later and the meter showing more cash than we had, the cabbie stops in this incredibly busy spot (not, it turned out, our requested destination) and demanded payment. Suddenly unable to speak english we gave him what cash we had and shot through. Still on time for our tour start but we had no idea where we were or how to get to where we should be. No internet connection and no legible street signs. Boy are we hopeless.
    A lovely young lady took pity on us and directed us to where we should be just in time for the tour start. Our faith in people somewhat restored we headed off with tour guide Gary and about 6 others, including a couple from the Gold Coast also on our ship. Drizzling rain didn't do much to cheer us up.
    Well, Gary was great, the tour was wonderfully exhausting and we dragged ourselves back to the ship via the Metro Underground and bus by around 8.00pm. An enormous day that turned out enjoyable in the end.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler

    Day 21 - Keelung (Taiwan)

    March 9 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Original plan was to catch the local train to Taipei to explore but we are all still feeling the effects of this bug we've caught so we decided to explore Keelung. First thing was a visit to a chemist for some throat lozenges. Thank goodness for Google Translate. Wandered around town for a bit and went up top of the near mountain to a shrine. Bit of a drizzly overcast day.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    The young girls love dressing up in kimonos.
    Cable car up to the Herb Garden.Kobe ChinatownKobe sailaway

    Day 25 - Kobe

    March 13 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Another drizzly cold day for our day in Kobe but it didn't really affect us much. Hopped on the Port Liner train for a quick trip into town. Went looking for the Herb Gardens Cable Car and eventually found it. A great trip up the side of the mountain to a Bavarian style resort. We read it had in fact been modelled on a place we visited in Wartburg, Germany. Explored the garden and enjoyed the trip back down.
    Hopped a quick train ride to Kobe Chinatown, apparently one of the oldest in the world. These shopping and food stall streets are bedlam but somehow enjoyable. Back to the ship for sail away drinks. Another big day.    Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    A friendly welcome.
    Shopping again in ShimizuThe fish markets

    Day 26 - Shimizu

    March 14 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    A late 1:00pm arrival time in Shimizu on another cold, drizzly day. We caught the free shuttle into town for a bit of an explore. Had a browse down the covered shopping street. Nowhere near as many people as Kobe. We decided to walk back to the ship as we had plenty of time. A big attraction in Shimizu is the fish market that was really interesting. A pleasant walk back along the foreshore past some of Japan's Fisheries boats. Very impressive.Read more

  • Wandering OzziesJapan CruiseTraveler
    Kappabashi Kitchen Street
    Good luck finding what you're after here.Ueno ParkGreat little restaurantWhat the?Senso Ji TempleHomozon Gate

    Day 27 - Yokohama / Tokyo

    March 15 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Very sad to leave the Diamond Princess but ready for the next part of our trip. Disembark went fairly smoothly after a bit of delay. The private transfer we had booked to get to our hotel was very efficient and professional and we dropped our bags there mid-morning, so we had plenty of time to explore some of the Asakusa area. The first stop was "kitchen street" where you can buy everything needed for the kitchen. The knife shops are fantastic. Further down the street we found Euno Park which is a large park with temples and markets included. We were delighted to find a couple of early blooming cherry blossoms. Very special. After checking in to the smallest hotel room I've ever seen, the weather was fine but cold so we decided to head out to Senso Ji temple which wasn't far. Spectacular at night. A small local restaurant near the hotel provided dinner. Geoff wasn't sure when whatever he ordered turned up on a small gas cooker. Cook your own! It was excellent though and we did return.Read more

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