Our Cruise to Visit Family Living Far Away
Patricia (center) with her nephew Paul and niece Patricia
February 7, 2012
by Patricia Martin
There are two unusual items that go in my suitcase when packing for a cruise….and I never set sail without them. Without fail, in my bag goes the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag, and the Lion Rampant, my country’s royal banner. My husband, Scott, and I like to display them as we sail in and out of ports. This time, I suspected our flags would carry greater meaning, as we’d be seeing relatives who had recently made the difficult decision to leave home and relocate to Australia.
Truth is, I was worried about my niece, Patricia, who’d moved with her husband and two small children to a town a few hours outside of Brisbane. A chef, Michael’s position was not turning out as planned and everyone was terribly homesick. This pained me as I have a special bond with Patricia. My
sister named her after me, and since her death, my connection to Patricia had grown.
Scott and I flew to Sydney with our friends Janet and Tony, with whom we have taken 26 cruises, to board the Sun Princess. From Sydney, we sailed along the beautiful Australian coastline, enjoying the sunny weather and companionship. Yet, I was anxious to get to Brisbane.
Patricia, along with her brother, Paul, who also had moved there, met us at the dock — sadly, Michael and the children weren’t able to come. We talked as we walked around the docks, catching up on family news, and had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Coral Sea. We realized that picking up and moving to a different country had been very hard on Patricia and her family and, in addition to some financial difficulties, they hadn’t yet cultivated a support system of new friends.
After our precious few hours together, Scott and I had to return to the ship, and we tearfully said our good-byes. We headed to our suite to prepare for departure and one last wave to Patricia. It would be easy for her and Paul to spot us as Scott had draped the Saltire and the Lion Rampant over our balcony railing.
It was then that I experienced the shock of a lifetime. Across the road from the port terminal stood a block of luxury flats and a housing complex. In a return greeting, some residents from these developments had draped their Scottish Saltire flags and Lion Rampants from their balconies and windows. Amazingly, a man stood on his balcony playing the bagpipes. What a wonderful sail-away, one we’d never experienced and surely will never forget!
I searched for Patricia’s face in the crowd and saw that she’d also seen the bagpiper and flags. I realized that she was not alone, that there were plenty of other Scottish people in Brisbane friendly enough to deck their balconies and wave us off. If we had not berthed in Brisbane on Sun Princess, none of us would have known that there were other Scots there to welcome her.
I took it as a wonderful sign that Patricia and her family would find new friends to help her settle into their new life in Australia.
Patricia resides in Glasgow, Scotland and has enjoyed four Princess cruises.
Awesome story Patricia! Thanks for sharing. I hope that your niece and her family finally settled in
About 8 years ago I too moved away from family & friends (althought not nearly as far as Patricia!). It did take a while but I found friends eventually, and this story reminds me how important it is to make the first move when I see someone new in town.
Great story!
Scots wha hae…….
wow thats awesome..loved the story..my parents were from glasgow
Patricia, your touching story about connecting with your niece (and namesake) in Brisbane is inspiring. We thank you for sharing!
Oh that is so beautiful….so happy to read this touching story. Hope your cousin is able to find a support group of friends and settle in easily.
Cheers
Lisa
Dear Patricia, i am not nearly as young as your niece,but have experienced the trials of picking up a family and relocating to someplace you really know very little about untill you get there. This is a beautifully written story and lesson for all of us, with change comes uncertainty and I’m sorry it was so hard on your niece………it’s wonderful that she may have some reassurance and connections now. Was she ever able to speak with the scottish folks in those flats?….not only does princess bring you the world, it brings you friends that can last a lifetime in surprising ways!…i hope she is getting on better. Best Wishes. Julie
want a cruise for a last time I will be 86 in March have a bad heart no relatives far away only South Carolina Main and Massacchusset would love to have a cruise with one of my 5 daugghters its a dream of mine
I hope you realize your wish
We took our children, in-laws, and grandchildren on a (short) cruise for our 50th wedding anniversary.
We have planned a cruise with our 93 year old grandmother to Alaska in May. My grandmother has cruised the world and my sister, father and I are looking forward to hearing more about her experiences and the bonding time that comes with family cruising. I hope you get your chance. All the best Elva!
Elva,
I hope you will realize your wish. Our family just completed a Caribbean Cruise with my 76-year-old mother, who lives in the south of France, her sister, who lives in Florida, my brother-in law, who’d never been outside the US before and two of our best girlfriends (from England and Arizona). With my husband and myself (from Arizona) there were seven of us and everyone had a wonderful time. Our table was the one with the loud people joking and laughing every night. We will never forget “our cruise”.
I sincerely hope your dream comes true!!!
Elva Horner
Dear Elva.
I’m 84 years old and last October I took a cruise to Hawaii by myself. I wasn’t a bit concerned as I knew the Princess people would be there to help me. I had a wonderful time and hopefully will get to do it again this year. I met so many nice people and made some new friends. I read the story about the Scottish gal in Brisbane. I’m originally from Brisbane and came to the States in 1947 as a War Bride. I’ve made a lot of friends here and have also joined some groups. I’ve always been told how friendly the Aussies are, so I’m sure there will be no problem with her getting together and making lots of new friends.
Lovely story, I have a tear in my eye good luck to the family if it is meant
to be they will be fine
Hi Patricia what a great way to go and see family by cruising, the first time I went to Geelong in Victoria was to see my Aunt who had been out there for years they had there hardships but never came back, it had been 34years since I seen her and the family it was a great reunion, so seeing your family must have felt like a reunion and seeing them hopefully it put your mind at rest,if your family are finding it hard and are still there that means they will get through it together good luck to all.
Cheers
Margaret
That was a wonderful story and very moving. Bet she went home with a lighter heart that day, hope it works out well for them.
Cruising is a wonderful way to see lots of new places and make new friends.
All the best
Katrina from Edinburgh
HELLO OUT THERE
READ THIS STORY AND WAS MOVED TO TEARS ..MY PARENTS IMIGRATED TO CANADA FROM ITALY ALONG WITH ME MANY YEARS AGO AND I OFTEN WONDERED HOW THEY GOT ALONG THE FIRST YEAR WITH NO ENGLISH OR JOB AT THAT TIME
CANADA HAS BEEN GREAT TO THEM AND THEY LIVE WELL .HOPE IT HAPPENS TO YOUR NIECE AND HER FAMILY ALSO..
PS I HAVE A SON IN VANCOUVER AND I WANT TO GO ON A CRUSE JUST TO SEE HIM AND PROBABLY TAKE HIM ALONG TO ALASKA
That would be a great experience.
Ahhh, what a wonderful story! Our dear pastor and is family is from Scotland… how we have fallen in love with the Scottish people and country because of him.. I do pray your niece finds friendship and peace in her new home…
WHAT A LOVING STORY….WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH BIG HEARTS…….I am Irish and the BagPipes are Music to our ears and Hearts…… You must
of topped the best sail away……..Chef Melody Mcginley Whitelaw…….
Patricia, what a great story!! My family and I moved to Shanghai, China 4-1/2 years ago and we had a similar experience to yours when we first got there. However, over time we met many new friends from all over the world. My son went to a British international school and some of his best friends now are from all over the world, including several friends from Australia. My assignment in China just ended and I have taken another assignment in Japan so the process is starting all over again for me and my family. It’s slow going so far but I’m sure we will end up meeting several nice people from Japan and other countries in much the same way that we did in Shanghai. Right now I am actually “homesick” for Shanghai because it was truly “home” after getting settled in.
Keep the Faith and enjoy the cultural exeperience!!
Ted Oberhellman
Kanazawa, Japan via Shanghai, China and Midland, Michigan USA
Although there’s not a drop of Scots blood in my veins, this is a lovely story and moved me to (near) tears. I hope Patricia made some immediate connections on the pier that day and her homesickness is now lessened.
What a lovely story…it gave me goosebumps!
What a wonderful story!!! Thanks for sharing that, and I hope Patricia has setttled, and is enjoying her new country.
Our first cruise will be on the Island Princess from Vancouver to Alaska. In Vancouver we will have a mini-reunion with my cousins (from England and Scotland) who emigrated to Canada in the 1970/80′s from the UK (I emigrated to the US). In Alaska we will meet newly-found second cousins who live in Palmer –my great aunt’s daughter’s children–my g-aunt emigrated to Alaska at the end of World War 1 after losing her husband, and her daughter eventually joined her; Both ladies married homesteaders. What was to be a simple Alaska cruise now has an amazing family connection.
Great story, my saltire flag is going with me this time Southampton to Florida aboard the Grand Princess in December. Our third Transatlantic cruise and we always meet other Scots whether it be on the ship or in some of the ports. Regards Ian Kerr.
God works in mysterious ways. What a great story.
Its my dream to go on a Trans-Atlantic Cruise! So far we have cruised to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. The last was a gift from my kids for our 50th anniversary.
My Husband and I are going on a 7 day Alaska cruise May 16. It will be our first cruise, our daughter surprised us with it for a Christmas present. I have no idea what kind of clothing to take along. Can anyone help me out with anything I may need. I really don’t know if I should take heavy clothing or light. Thanks so much
It will probably be rainey and cold. Have taken 3 cruises to Alaska, June, July and Aug. Rained each time. Sweatshirt is a must. Take several. Good walking shoes are important too.
Judy: I assume you will be going through the inside passage. May is still quite cool and you should take a warm jacket for viewing the wildlife from the deck of your ship. Since my husband and I were continuing on to Japan, South Korea and China we felt it wouldn’t be necessary to bundle up. However, that wasn’t the case and he finally broke down and purchased a fleece lined hoodie so he could enjoy all the outdoors had to offer, including the “calving” of the glaciers. In October we took a cruise through the Eastern Caribbean accompanied by our 51 year old daughter. What a great way to spend time together as we live 700 miles apart. Though we are in our 80′s we still look over the travel brochures to determine exactly where we will cruise next.
Layering clothes is easiest way to go (like top, vest, sweater). Stick with one basic color with colorful accents and bring scarfs. Be sure to take several nice outfits for the evening meals (nice tops with skirts or pants) & couple of dressier outfits. The only time it’s cold, is outside in the morning or evening, so one warm jacket. Check with your travel agent for details or go online for info.
My Self and my husband are going on the alaska cruise in july.Iam to wondering what clothes to take.this will be our third cruise with princes
Brilliant!!! Our parents immigrated to Canada when we were young children. We (my sister, myself, along with our husbands) are going to sail around the British Isles and visit our birthplace, Greenock, Scotland, aboard the Caribbean Princess this coming May!!! Gives me goosebumps to enjoy another ‘Princess’ cruise to such an important part of this world!!!
I am concerned about that stomach virus that is going on with cruising. Should a cruiser pack some bleach instead of a flag? Maybe some latex gloves and a respirator? Cruising is becoming a risky venture. Who wants goosebumps from two days of diarrhea.
Hey Mark……is your last name Downer? You can catch that illness anywhere, not just cruise ships.
Thanks for the suggestion. It gave me goosebumps.
As a nurse;; the only way you get the stomach bug is, if some one brings it on to the ship ,I have had several cruises and never caught anything
Been on 25 cruises and never gotten sick.
Wow, lucky you. I say the odds are you will.
Mark, it’s up to you. Keep your hands clean and use the disinfectant wipes they give you. Never had any problems on my cruises either.
Thanks Dr. Val!
mark i think your comment thanks dr val was very
sarcastic., the people on here were trying to help you .
you sound like a moaner to me & cruises can do without those kind of folk, so stay away ,
Great story Patricia..2 years ago, we were on a 31-day cruise that ended in Sydney but before that we stopped in 4 places in New Zealand. Couple of our tablemates were from England & planned to wave to their daughter & grandson from the ship as it came into port to a place up on a hill. Eventually they met up in Dunedin,, and finally emmigrated to that town to be with their only daughter and only grandchild. I occasionally exchange emails with them.
I love cruising with Princess; have gained so many friends (tablemates) during these cruises. We still keep in touch with a couple from Oregon who we met on our first Princess Cruise to the Mexican Riviera .
This Christmas, my husband & I plan to take our oldest daughter and her 2 teens on a cruise. and along with us will be our youngest daughter, her husband and youngster who will soon be 4 so there will be 8 of us on a (hopefully Princess) cruise. We look forward to enjoying a Christmas dinner without cooking or doing dishes and luxuriating in being looked after. Keeping my fingers crossed that we find a 7-day Princess cruise as 2 of our group will have to be back at work in the New Year. Joan Edmee
As an ex navy man, we’re tired of all the bus tours we’ve been taking. Packing and unpacking everydat is not much fun for vacationing. So,my wife and I took our first cruise to Alaska in 2011. It brought back so much memories that we’re booking other cruises already. When serving on board an aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, ’56-’57, the sea brings special peace and joy beyond expression. That’s why we believe, as physically able, we’d like many more cruises in years to come. .-. —
That was a very “touching” story! My wife and I flew to Sydney in November from Virginia for an 11 day cruise that ended on Thanksgiving. A looooong flight but well worth it! Brisbane was our last port of call before Sydney. What I remember most about Australia (besides the Opera house and Harbour bridge in Sydney) is the openness and friendliness of the Australian people. Everywhere we went we struck up conversations with them asking them question after question of life in Australia and they were just as interested in us being from the United States. One couple from our dinner table is from Newcastle, the 1st port of call we visited. It was fun “picking their brain” every night at dinner. We have kept in touch and hopefully they’ll come to visit us if they ever come to the U.S. Patricia, your niece is in good hands……….the Scots that live in Brisbane and the Aussies! AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE! OY! OY! OY!
Our oldest son moved to a Caribbean island 16 years ago and we’ve also taken cruises that stopped there, spending the day with him and his family. A great way to combine a family visit and a vacation.
What a touching story! I lived in Germany for 2 years and have experienced what it’s like to be homesick! Keep waving your flags! Hope your family is connecting with new friends now. Thanks for sharing your story.
Checked the internet. Alcohol wipes and the alcohol “lotion” dispensed by the ship DO NOT WORK with Norovirus. Benzethonium Chloride is the only chemical recommended for destroying this “bug.” This is readily and inexpensively found in “Wet Ones” and in “Lanacane Anti-Bacterial Spray.”
Leaving on the Crown Princess Feb 18 and already have my supply of both in my suitcase. Also plan to bring some surgical type gloves to tuck in my pocket.
Patricia, we too emigrated from the UK 32 years ago (to Canada) and found we missed our friends, probably even more than family (family tend to keep in touch more). However, we kept in touch with one couple who now live on Antigua during the winter and will be visiting them at the end of the month on our Emerald Princess cruise. We have also visited friends we made here but who move to the US when we cruised to Los Angeles. Cruising is a wonderful way of getting around the world!!
JEERS to the Staff Captain and Chief Purser of the Island Princess on the 14-21 September Southbound Alaska Cruise who made my entire group of 32 take their banners/flags off of the balconies. My group was displaying the flags from all of the States represented as well as Jamaica plus the banners of the 4 U.S. military services and in the Staff Captain’s opinion, this display of price was a safety hazard. Having cruised on Princess 29 times, this interpretation had never been voiced and while I fully appreciate the danger of fire on a ship, these flags were certainly not going to cause one. This short sighted act really put a damper on our cruise and the Staff Captain made it clear that he would insure that this “policy” would be enforced fleet wide. I sincerely hope the publication of this blog is an indication that the Island Princess Staff Captain’s opinion has been reversed and pride and fun will return to the Princess as was present in the “old days”. Bon Voyage, Lets get back to the old days of the Love Boat and return fun to cruising!!!!
What a wonderful story, it brought tears to my eyes.
what a great story. it takes me back several years ago when i was on the Diamond Princess and this huge ship docked near the famous Opera House. as we disembarked, there came my young niece and her two children (10 year old son and 9 year old daughter). we spent the whole day together after not seeing them since the children were toddlers. you could see the sadness in their faces but as we moved on, the excitement and joy meeting me and sharing their country and city, the three sisters mountain, etc. etc., the sad faces began to come back for all of us. i know the feeling. in the wasn’t it great to have the time and refresh the love? aunt carollyn
Loved your inspiring story Patricia….I moved from India to Toronto, Canada! – it was a big shock to me but here I am 30years later and well settled and so happy and feel so safe and very much blessed. It takes time. My sister Thelma on the contrary moved from India to Sydney, Australia and life was challenging for her too not knowing anyone. But god is great and things work out slowly but surely….good luck to your neice Patricia and her family.
I love cruising as well and it is my dream to go and visit my sister Thelma in Sydney Australia and would definitely consider sailing with PRINCESS……Jenette
Great to hear you have visited Brisbane Patricia…we live 1 hour north of Brissy on the very beautiful Sunshine Coast…moved up here from Sydney to be near to our 5 Grandchildren.
We have made lots of wonderful friends and have lovely walks along the beach most mornings.
I am sure your Aussie Family will soon find great friends and wish them well up here where weather is ‘beautiful one day and perfect the next’
I am so excited about our upcoming March 2012 Cruise! I am proposing to my husband of 30 years on the first night. Taking for granted he will say yes to remarry me I have a surprise vow renewal ceremony planned for March 15th on a St. Thomas beach. So if anyone cruising with us would like to celebrate with us come to Sapphire beach or celebrate with us back on the ship that evening!!
Great Stroy Patricia, thanx for sharing.
What wonderful stories. All of them bring back happy and sad memories. Travelling was reversed for me I left my wonderful land “Down Under” Tasmania,to be exact and landed in Canada 53 years ago. My husband and I cruised about 18 times to some wonderful places in this world we live in, renewing our Wedding Vows on one such adventure. Unfortunately my husband passed away a few years ago, but I have still managed a few cruises on my own, always feel very safe and protected on board ship and I may add have never had a problem with any viruses. Have not ever returned home by ship, but I still have that on the agenda.
Patricia, What a great story. I hope your niece has found new friends. We have lived over seas many times and in many different countries, it only takes one or two from home to make the new place feel like home! I am taking my mom and daughter on a cruise this summer and we are going to Glasgow, any tips on what we should see? All our best,
Nice story, but I am most surprised that one would go halfway around the world, cruise the area, and not make some time to stay on land and visit with such a close relative. I would havemade the strongest attempt to finish the ship adventure and go back forat least a few days to spend precious time with them—adding some land days on to the beginning or ending of a cruise is a must-do for us!!
KEEP IN MIND SOME CLOSED LOOP ITINERARY JUST DONT ALLOW FOR IT
I AGREE ON PRE AND POST LAND OPTIONS BUT NOT ALWAYS PRACTICAL
MIKE COYNE , CFD RETIRED
Whe I looked at the photo I guessed that was the bridge over the Firth of Forth. I have ben there on several Princess cruises. I will always remember the visit to Bannockburn, the monument and Sterling Castle. Before we got to Sterling Castle I took out my Telephoto lens and took a great shot of the castle from about 4 miles away.
Wow! That is quite a difference!! Enjoy your snripg weather. we’re still in the 40s. My dad leaves on Tuesday so I’m sure the temp will jump up then, although we never get that warm here. 70s is about it and we have one week in the summer that gets to 90. Other than that, its cool here and many times we’re wearing sweatshirts and pants. The wind off of the water is pretty cold.
I am going on a cruise and i am wondering if you feel dizzy while moving to much. Or maybe you won!t feel it?
My husband and I have been on 3 cruises-all with Princess. We had some pretty rough water and high winds off the coast of Central America, on our way to the Panama Canal. That was one of the only times we really noticed the movemont of the ship. I would com-pare that time to riding on the city bus or a train. Most of the time we couldn’t even tell if we were docking or leaving or even moving unless we were out on deck watching.
What an awesome story. Maybe one day you will be able to stay in Brisbane ith her as well as doing another cruise. I have been on Sun princess and the staff are awesome and the ship is amazing. Good luck to your niece and family. Its a big move just to move to another city but across to another country and climate is so very brave. I am sure as time gose by she and her family will be happy.love to yo all
Di
Adelaide Australia
My husband and I did the same thing you did,we had a 12 day cruise with Diamond Princess in January 2012 and we had a week on land in Australia it was wonderful.We also met up with my niece and her son at the end of our cruise in February 2012 who had moved to Sydney about 1 1/2 years earlier.We spend about three hours with them, had dinner on the wharf over looking the Oprah House it was such a beautiful time,she was so excited to see family from Canada,we have cruised with Princess 5 times and hope to cruise again.
Francina Canada
Most of cruises best deals are last mutnie, although that doesn’t give you much time. Most of the websites to book a cruise like vacationstogo.com or the cruise line websites will give you the same price. I always find the best deals on cruisecompete.com What you do is look for a sailing you’re interested in, and give them your email address. Within the next 2-3 days you will be emailed with several quotes; many of them different prices and different extras (onboard credit, etc.) You will definitely find the best deal there. Hope this helps good luck!
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