As a travel fanatic, I wanted to see what the protocols were on Princess Cruises sailing back into Australia. So I booked the trip and off I went… and the hubby too. Yes, it was a weekender with Jeff, but I wanted to be able to explain how the Medallion class ships operate to all our clients from my own point of view. First stop, Brisbane!
We flew from Port Macquarie up to Brisbane for our 3-night cruise onboard the
Coral Princess. The new cruise port in Brisbane is not the hottest spot in town, so when you chose to embark on Princess from Brisbane, go the day before! I recommend staying at the airport or going to Brisbane city for direct access to the cityscape. It is important to know there is no accommodation at the wharf and the drive from the airport is about 20 minutes.
The process of embarkation (entering the ship) was seamless, stress free and exceptionally fast. I believe this is because most departure requirements are now completed through the Princess Medallion App prior to cruise day. The staff were highly professional and the procedure in place made the experience to board the ship easy. Once we dropped our luggage, checked in, collected our medallions (the new cruise card) and cleared security, we were onboard and in our balcony cabin. Our luggage had already been delivered! Fantastic service.
Prior to sail away, all onboard were required to watch the safety video from either their phone on the medallion app or in their stateroom and then report to their designated muster station. A very easy procedure and limited close contact with others avoiding the standard waiting on deck protocol.
4.00pm hit and sail away began. This was such an enjoyable afternoon on the Lido deck with entertainment from professional dancers and the majestic sunset on the horizon. We decided to experience both main dining rooms for dinner and one specialty dining restaurant whilst we were onboard. There just wasn’t enough time to try all the dinner options on the 3-day cruise however, we were completely thrilled at the choices and service we experienced.
The two main dining rooms are at the aft of the ship, one called Provence and the other Bordeuax. Our choice for specialty dining was the Bayou Café and Steakhouse and we were certainly satisfied with all our choices. Some of the other restaurant venues were:
• Horizon Court buffet, where all guests are required to hand wash in basins prior to entry
• Sabatini’s, a specialty Italian restaurant with a $20 additional payment per person
• Princess Pizzeria
• Trident Grill and Bar
• Chefs Table, again with a cover charge
• La Patisserie and the Ice Cream Bar
There is 24 hour room service available at no additional charge and we utilized this facility once – it was quick and our food and coffee was hot. There is also an Ultimate Balcony Dining experience for those wanting a romantic breakfast or dinner for two on their own private balcony. Breakfast surcharge is $32 per cabin and dinner is $50 per person as you have personal dedicated wait staff, cocktails, champagne and a deluxe four course meal – we will try this one next time!
After our scrumptious dinner we headed to the Main Theatre for the show, and we were certainly entertained by the Princess show team. Afterwards, we headed to the Wheelhouse Bar for a nightcap and then back to the cabin excited for our port stop in Newcastle.
The following morning, we arrived in the Port of Newcastle and disembarked the ship with ease where they had transfer buses running all day to take guests into the city (approx. a 5-minute drive). It was so lovely to head to Newcastle and catch up with our daughter Caitlyn (and her puppy Shadow) for a few hours who currently studies at UoN. After the catch up which had been paired with coffee from Good Brothers Espresso, we decided to walk the harbour foreshore. It was such a nice day and a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunny winter's day.
Once back onboard we spent the afternoon discovering more of the ship and some of the facilities which we hadn’t checked out so far. The Sanctuary was by far my favourite. This is an adults-only retreat for relaxation located at the back or aft of the ship with its own infinity pool, day beds, light meals and beverages. There is a minimal charge of $20 per person for half a day or $40 per person per full day. Some of the other facilities on board were the gym, Lotus Spa, shopping, art gallery and so much more.
We thoroughly enjoyed our short time on
Coral Princess and sailing back into Sydney Harbour once again after so long was special.
Coral Princess you were a delight and we look forward to coming back onboard. Maybe for a longer trip next time!