Coral Coast Cruise

We've heard a lot of people talking about their experience doing a cruise on a cruise ship. So, about 6 months ago we did something for the first time of our life, we boarded a cruise ship for an 8 day-s cruise along the WA coast. 'Along the coast' not to be take too literally of course, given those ships don't really stay in sight of the coast :-).

The ship we were on was called the Pacific Jewel. Big enough to have about 2000 passengers (and 700 crew!) on board. The ship was 12 decks high, our cabin (with a balcony:-)) was on the 10th deck.

Here are some photos:









The weather was a bit 'iffie' when we left:





The food was excellent - both at the buffet restaurant as well as at the 'a la carte' restaurant:





Arrival at Geraldton. The ship is too big to be able to get to the jetty's, so all passengers (the ones that wanted to go to land :-)) had to be transported with tenders:







So here are a few shots of Geraldton:

















Well deserved refreshment after the hot walk:





Back to the ship:



Goodbye Geraldton:



Every night when returning to the cabin, some towel-art found its way into our cabin:



This was our most favorite spot to stay in quiet moments. At the end of our deck (10). This deck only allowed for adults:-)



Oh yeah, did I mention the food yet:



How long is a piece of string? (or: how long is cruise ship hallway?)



And, NO 'Land Ahoy' for a while (unless crossing a 'ocean freeway')





Closing in to Broome (next destination). Here the ship will be able to dock at the jetty, but they will always have to be piloted by a pilot who knows the local situation in detail. Also the last turn is done with the help of a local 'tug':





Still waiting (docking is a lengthy procedure:-))





So this time we could actually walk off the ship straight onto land (ok, the jetty):



Impression of Broome:





Now, back to talking about food.. The food aboard the ship was excellent, no complaints at all. In Broome however we found a little café where they served Nasi Goreng. This was the first time since we live in Australia that we tasted Nasi Goreng as we were used to back in the Netherlands at an Indonesian restaurant. This dish alone makes Broome more than deserving of being named the 'Pearl of the North'!!



Some further impressions of Broome



















And then back to the ship, where we found another piece of towelart:







One of the entertainment afternoon (for kids:-)): paper plane competition:



Clearly enjoying ourselves:



Whilst on the ship we enjoyed a couple of entertainment activities (A guitar playing couple doing a Pink Floyd music with laser show; a art-appreciation workshop and an information session about the cooking and kitchen (including a tour) aboard the ship:





























And with that, we leave you to it: