I have put up a blog about cruise preparations you may be interested in     http://yeoeleven.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/preparing-for-cruise.html

We are no longer earthlings we are now cruiselings according to our Entertainment Director. But first to explode the myth that once you have paid for the cruise the main expence is over. Whilst in the boarding area we all were told that no water or alcohol could be brought on board and a very limited number of soft drinks was allowed. In the entertainment areas where the welcome activities were held it was like Phuket or Kuta Beach with cold drinks everywhere at exhorbitant prices.

The internet is available but at a cost, there are several options the cheapest being 55c per minute but you have to commit for $150, I have nominated pay as you go and it costs 75c per minute. I will be checking emails, The Grey Nomad's Forum and my blog with facebook on the back burner and preparing posts on wordpad for pasting across. I took the option of using my laptop instead of using the internet lounge and I can use it in all public areas. The phone is of no interest to me but there are costs and restrictions on it's use.

Once we were settled in it was time to take adantage of the smorgasbord lunch and unpack, by then it was the compulsary emergency drill. Followed by the Sailaway Party on the Lido deck then a time to look around the ship. We returned to the cabin and checked out the tour options for Noumea and Lifou and got changed for the evening. Made a couple of tour bookings and went to the Waterfront Restuarant for the evening meal, didn't know about booking for dinner but was fitted in no problems.

Then it was the Welcome Aboard Show in the Marquee Deck and afterwards there were many other musical options and a late movie but we had a big day and decided it was time to give it all away. So that was the first day at sea and a long one starting with the drive from the Gold Coast and negotiating the parking and boarding hassles. We are on the 6th floor and very convenient to the reception area where booking and checking accounts takes place.

Sunday morning and onto the newly created internet account and after a quick look into my various accounts I was able to log off 7 minutes later. The day moved smoothly along with a served breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant followed by more exploring then buffet lunch at the Plantation Restaurant. A lazy afternoon sunbathing on the pool deck filled out the afternoon whilst June investigated the casino.

We had booked at the same table for dinner as the previous night and was pleased to see another couple escorted to the same table, as it happened they were also travellers in a Transit van and like Keith and Alice (Kandagal) from the GN forum who also regularly go on cruises. We had plenty to talkabout with Bob and Hazel  not THE  Bob and Hazel from the political arena. An enjoyable meal was had by all and we hope to repeat it later on the cruise.

Another concert was held at the Marquee Deck then we spent time moving around the various musical venues and eventually returned to our cabin after another excellent day at sea. Have to listen to the announcements because the time moved on by one hour overnight and it is easy to get out of step.

Monday morning and the usual trip through the internet took 8 minutes and if I can maintain the past couple of day's average my decision to take the dearer minute cost per minute instead if the bulk deal will be vindicated. But I have yet to post any of the above so that will be the test after the Noumea tour later today, hopefully the sun will shine and some photos will be available. So up to the 11th floor pool deck for a cup of coffee and to watch the energetic souls marching around keeping fit on this dull and windy day.

Had the now usual day of breakfast then lunch before docking at Noumea and going through the formalities of leaving the ship to our waiting bus. We had booked for the Noumea in a Nutshell  tour a comprehensive tour of this picturesque peninsular with a guided overview of Noumea's city, hills, bays and beaches. We enjoyed the commentary and had time for photos with stops at the Church of La Conception and Palm Beach before being taken back to the ship in time for dinner.

Met up with Bob and Hazel again to go to the counry and western hour followed by a program of music representing the 50's and each decade up till now. That was the plan but the music was pathetic and impossible to dance to and as soon as it was apparent that the same band was carrying on through the change over we decided to give it away and head to our cabins for the night. Not impressed with either of the past 2 night's entertainment.   John