4. Day one on the Coral Princess, our private cruise ship

We started the day with a quick trip to the chemist for a few missing items, feeling as if we were starting to know our way around Cairns!



Finally, off to the boat. We dragged our bags the block or so to the wharf, and were surprised that we didn’t see a crowd of passengers waiting to board. The boat was there, but only crew seemed to be around. We asked if this was the time/place for check in and they said Yes! This is it! Come right up! So we checked in and prepared to board. I casually asked if the ship was full (50 passengers) and the attendant and the captain smiled and said, “Actually, no. There are four others, and you two! You will be well served on this trip!” Fourteen crew, six passengers. Wow.



And so began our almost-private four day cruise on the great barrier reef. Our traveling companions are a mother-daughter-two (grand)children group that had already cruised for several days. While we were a little disappointed not to have the opportunity to meet 48 other passengers from around the world – it’s nice not to fight for a lounge chair on the sun deck!!! Or wait for a turn at the fancy coffee maker. Or wonder if you’ll disturb anyone if you move to the front lounge. It’s very quiet in the evenings (granny, mom, and kids head off early) but we have the complete attention of the cruise director, dive instructor, captain, chef, etc. so we do what we want, when we want. The staff still acts as if it is a full cruise – announcements, presentations, activities, etc. but with a very, very personal touch.



And with that full attention, we are able to do things we might not otherwise have tried. The dive director convinced us to try scuba diving by saying, “hey! You will have me completely to yourselves for the instruction and dive, so why not? This is the time to try!” So she took us by the hand (literally) and Lindsay and I had our fist scuba dive! Lindsay stayed under the entire 40 minutes. I only made if 10 minutes due to some ear problems. But wow. Seeing the reef, fish, and all of it up close and 10 meters down is simply AMAZING.









After diving, we snorkeled a bit. Check out the pictures. It’s like swimming around inside a tropical fish tank!



After a wonderful dinner we were off to bed. Jet lag is still a bit of a problem.





We had a full, exciting, wonderful first day!