Thursday, 25th April 2023 ANZAC DAY 

The 6am Dawn Service for Anzac Day was re-scheduled from the Lido Deck to the Princess Theatre due to inclement weather. Thank goodness! I am sure Paul would not have been able to stand during the 3/4 hour service! And to be frank, I doubt I would have either!. When entering the theatre there was a lovely gesture by Princess of fresh rosemary (for remembrance) and a pin to secure it to our clothing. A lovely service conducted by veterans and the Cruise Director, Karen. Anzac Requiem, poems 'for the fallen', 'in Flanders Fields', 'Please wear a poppy' and 'Who are these Men' read by veteran passengers, with 'The Ode' read before The Last Post, minute silence and Reveille sounded by the ship's trumpeter, then the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems lead by vocalist Lisa Woodbrook. 

Princess Cruises did themselves proud to support Anzac Day. 

All day long we could find platers of Anzac Biscuits scattered through the dining areas and atrium. There was also a cake to commemorate Anzac Day on display in the atrium. 

Sitting in the Theatre for the service. 

Cake on display in atrium

One of many platters of Anzac Biscuits scattered around the dining areas. 

24th April 2023

The ship left Darwin, N.T. on Friday, 21st April in the calm waters of Beagle Bay and into Timor Sea, sailing past Tiwi Island on our starboard side. We sailed east for three days passing the northern coastline of N.T. and across the Gulf of Carpenteria through the Arafura Sea before  rounding to most northern tip of Australia, Cape York. We experienced wet conditions and reasonable seas. The usual events for me (ukulele, arts and crafts, Grapevine wine tasting, trivia and enrichment: space rocks with Astronomer Matt Wedel or a ship's pilot to talk on his work navigating ships through the Great Barrier Reef) kept me busy apart from my morning walk and if possible a swim in the heated pool. 

The ship's course past Thursday Island, between the Great Barrier Reef. As we sailed, we could see the mainland clearly.

Darwin Friday 21st April 2023

We woke to realise the ship had already docked, gangways were in place and open to disembark. I stepped out onto our balcony to view several small 'tinnies' traversing the calm waters of the bay alternated by the occasional fishing vessel making its way out or into the bay. 

We decided to explore the newish waterfront area, just a small walk from the cruise terminal. The walkway which leads us from the dock to the shops and bars, alongside the shore/bay area is covered to protect walkers from the sun and rain. First thing was a coffee. I found the cappuccinos on board the ship to be woeful and was eager to drink something better. I was not disappointed.  A lovely couple of hours wandering around the precinct were had before heading back to the ship to sit on our balcony to witness our sail away from Darwin. 

Pilot escorting the ship out of Darwin

Walkway alongside the waterpark with interesting shops and various themed cafes and bars. 

Tidal swimming pool at the waterfront.

Plastic swimming tubes and umbrellas available for swimmers

Sandy beaches patrolled by life savers

Paul using his fold-up wheelchair as we visit the Waterfront in Darwin

Inflatable water play area at the waterfront.

 

Partial Eclipse of the Sun Thursday April. 20, 2023

Syzygy:- 3 celestial bodies in Alignment. 

The Coral Princess left Kuri Bay yesterday travelling north/northeast towards our next port, Darwin. We were fortunate to witness the partial 90%  eclipse of the sun. The moon started to cover the sun at around 11.40am ship's time (GMT+9). Maximum eclipse was about 1.15pm and ended around 2.50pm. We had Astronomer, Matt Wedel up on deck 12 narrating parts of the eclipse and demonstrating pinhole projection.

Passengers were given special Total Eclipse paper glasses to wear and were encouraged to use them to view the sun as it was eclipsed by the moon. 

The protectory of the eclipse.

Where the ship was positioned during the event

Passengers using their glasses to view the sun on the Lido deck, alongside the outdoor pool.

Kuri Bay, Western Australia Wednesday, 19th April 2023

Access to Kuri Bay is strictly controlled by the local authorities to protect the natural environment and indigenous peoples. Only passengers booked on the authorized shore tours were permitted to go ashore by water shuttle. Kuri Bay is one of the hottest places in Australia and experiences extreme daytime temperatures of 32C upwards. There are no bathroom facilities ashore. We decided not to book the hour and half walking tour of the Paspaley Pearl Farm and as a consequence we enjoyed the scenic views from the ship and the pools on board. 

View from the ship of Kuri Bay Pearl Farm

Close-up view showing the escapements 

View looking aft from our balcony

View from inside our cabin

 Kimberley Coast Scenic Cruising Tuesday, 18th April 2023

Map of ship entering Prince Frederick Sound.

Prince Frederick Harbour lies at the southern end of the York Sound in the Kimberley Region. One of the most scenic inlets of the coast. There are a number of islands lying in the harbour, Boongaree Island being the one of the larger. The islands are lined with mangoes and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. Extreme tides dominate this pristine marine environment. 

Sparkling waters of the sound with numerous islands in background. 

Escarpments veiled in smoke from fires created from lightning strikes from Cyclone IIsa. 

Beautiful hues from setting sun as we sail out of the sound. 

Sun setting over the many islands as we sail west, from this remote marine park. 

Broome part 2

Tidy streets with many sheltered sitting areas in Chinatown.

Bronze sculpture of A.S. 'Sam' Male, a driving force in the revival of the pearling industry during the 20th Century. He had a significant civil contribution to Broome.

Wooden sculpture of a small boat, diving helmet and equipment located in one of the streets in Chinatown. 

Collection of movie projectors at Sun Pictures

Indoor (under shelter) and outdoor seating at Sun Pictures.

Need to use protection when attending the outdoor movies.

Facade of Sun Pictures, the outdoor picture gardens. The world's oldest operating picture gardens. 

Enjoying the view of dusk over Roebuck Bay on our balcony

Gorgeous hues of dusk over Roebuck Bay.

We are sailing into the sunset as we depart Broome and Roebuck Bay.