Jan 2016 World Cruise live report

On the original 2016 itinerary today we were to be in Nuku’alofa, Tonga but that was changed to a sea day in early 2015.* This was very unfortunate as I had a very nice tour planned with tour company ‘Risingsun’.* Also unfortunate as it would have been a new destination while we have been to its replacement -Samoa.

Today was another nice day at sea - around 25c (77f), mostly sunny, bit of a breeze and seas that were just rough enough to give some slight motion.

A few times throughout the day on the starboard side we could see mountainous islands but not much else except the endless water.

For a little twist today, 8 of the officers made up a team for afternoon trivia - out of 18 points they got 11 - for the 10 regular teams other scores ranged from 9 to 16 so they were near the bottom.

Tomorrow I have a 4 hour tour of Apia, Samoa.* The description of the proposed tour is posted below. The cost will be up to $42 US.

Half Day Tour: Apia Township and Surroundings

Duration: 4 Hours. Pick up at dock at 1:30 p.m. and return at 5:30 p.m.

*** Sites include the new Mulivai Cathedral with its impressive marriage of local and international architectural designs and stained glass windows; Samoa Cultural Village where displays of local activities are featured, including a Welcome Kava Ceremony; fire making (by rubbing of sticks together); Siapo (tapa making—a traditional art form made from a bark of the mulberry tree and natural dyes; basket weaving; and printing of traditional designs on “lavalavas” (sarongs). Of course, we will be able to purchase these handicrafts as souvenirs.

*** Then we drive to Mulinu’u—the sacred burial grounds of* Samoan Royalty, the Independence Monument, Parliament House, Lands & Titles Court, and the German Monument where the German flag was raised during the occupation in Samoa in the late 1800s.*

*** A stop will be made at the Fresh Produce Market with its fresh vegetables, fruits, handicrafts, souvenirs, kava, and cooked food. It is a place of interesting sights and smells.The tour continues through plantations and the University of the South Pacific Agricultural Campus with its experiments of* cross breeding of crops.

*** The last stop is the Robert Louis Stevenson’s Museum, former home of the famous Scottish author. The settings are from the period when he was residing in Samoa. A tour is conducted by its staff.* The grounds at “Vailima” are well maintained with local plants, flora and fauna that boasts a tropical haven. Light refreshments of chilled local fruits in season, bottled water and local fruit juice are served at the Museum Patio

*** A colorful drive along the north east coast of Upolu will take us through traditional villages nestled along the Coastline where time has changed little over the decades. A few stops (2) can be made for a photo opportunity.

*** Toilet stops are Samoa Cultural Village (garden toilet) and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Museum.

Includes refreshments of chilled local fruits, bottled water & chilled local juice & all entry fees.

At dinner tonight one of the couples had an interesting story for us.* The wife pointed out that “Despite the looks we are not father and daughter, yes there is a fair difference in our ages but there is a good reason.”* So of course another tablemate asked for the story behind the reason.* The wife explained “They were celebrating their 35th anniversary. During their party, a fairy appeared to congratulate them and grant them each one wish. The wife, now that she was 60 years old, she wanted to travel around the world.* The fairy waved her wand and poof the wife had tickets in her hand for this Insignia world cruise.* Next, the fairy asked the husband what he wanted.* He said; "I wish I had a wife 30 years younger than me." So the fairy picked up her wand and poof - the husband was 90.***

Today’s thought for the day - "The world is round, and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning." - Ivy Baker Priest

Waynetor ... thanks again for the great insight you are providing into the ports and the 2016 RTW experience.

If I might digress just a bit to send a message out to the 2017 RTWers and Segmenters ... we seem to have a roll call link problem using the "Find Your Roll Call" tool (reported to CC, but no action yet to fix). I imagine that many 2017ers are following this thread for the valuable insight from Waynetor on this year's RTW -- so if you're lurking here, do come and join us in the roll call. Here's the link.

And now returning this thread to its regularly scheduled programming.

Wayne, I am laughing out loud here,

"So the fairy picked up her wand and poof - the husband was 90.***"

I just did not see that coming. I thought the wife was going to be 30.

Keep them coming ....

Sorry you didn't go to Nuku'alofa to score a new country, but you didn't really miss much. The island is flat and rather densely populated. Its most interesting features are the vertical quilts in its cemeteries and the traditional clothing of the mighty Tongans. Interesting maybe also the small Chinese owned stores where the sales people sit behind metal bars as protection against theft. Tonga had sold passport to Chinese.

Samoa is an independent nation comprising the westernmost group of the Samoan Islands, in Polynesia. Many of its islands have reef-bordered beaches and rugged, rainforested interiors with gorges and waterfalls. The islands include Upolu, home to most of Samoa's population, and Savai'i, one of the largest islands in the South Pacific.

In 1900, an agreement between the US, Britain and Germany gave the western islands in Samoa to Germany and the US got the eastern islands.* In 1914 New Zealand took control of Western Samoa from Germany.* It became independent from New Zealand in 1962.* In 1997 it changed its name to just “Samoa”.

At the end of December 2011, Samoa jumped forward by 1 day, omitting 30 December from the local calendar, when the nation moved to the west of the International Date Line. This change aimed to help the nation boost its economy in doing business with Australia and New Zealand. Before this change, Samoa was 21 hours behind Sydney, but the change means it is now 3 hours ahead.

New Zealand continues to have a heavy influence here including immigration, culture such as cricket,and business.* So many natives were spending lengthy times in New Zealand that when they came back they would have trouble adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road.* On 7 September 2009 the government changed the driving orientation for motorists: Samoans now drive on the left hand side of the road. This brought Samoa into line with many other countries in the region. Samoa thus became the first country in the 21st century to switch to driving on the left.

Apia is the capital and the largest city of Samoa. From 1900 to 1919, it was the capital of the German Samoa. The city is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa's 2nd largest island.

The total population of the islands is over 190,000 with near 37,000 in Apia.

Today we are in Samoa which is the replacement for Tonga. While it is a beautiful island, we have been here before and would much rather have made the original port.

That time we went to a resort that was around the north-west corner of the island. I got to do some snorkeling, enjoyed the gardens there and relax around the pool. It was only a month and a half after they changed the side of the road to drive on but our guide said it had gone quite good. At the time of the change (midnight) anyone on the road was to stop for 5 minutes and then carefully cross the road to the new side and continue driving.

Most of the tourist sites are outside of town but in town there are some museums, the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral and some markets.

We had a nice sail into the port today as we slowly coasted along the shore before making a sharp turn into the harbour through a gap in the off-shore reefs.* The temp was 30c (86f) for a high - it was nice and sunny off shore but very cloudy over the island with a chance of a thunderstorm.

We were greeted before the ship made its final approach to the dock by a local dance/singing group of about 30 people. They performed until the ship was secure in postion and we were just about free to go ashore. On the dock some vendors were set up and 1 tour company was offering tours in a van. Taxis were available outside the port. A shuttle was available to town which was only about a km or .6 mile away.

For our tour today we had 3 vans, each with 9 people. As seems to be the case with many tours - 1 plan is given and then we end up dong other things. Our van had a bit of a medical issue right after leaving and 1 couple returned to the ship - nothing major but needed attending to.

A short drive through town took us past the Mulivai Cathedral to our first stop, the Samoa Cultural Village for a cultral experience right in Apia along the waterfront - this was a very long program which we only got to see part of. Other groups were there when we got there and a big O group showed up to join the experience as we were about to leave. We did see a demo on varoius ascepts of coconuts and then a demo on how food was prepared on a fire that turns rocks into a stove and how the food is then cooked. Other demos would have been done for those staying at the site longer.

Next we stopped at the Robert Louis Stevenson's home and museum. His home was inland about 5km - 3mi from town. The large home has period furniture and a wonderful garden around it. We did not have much time there but got a peek at what life would have been like for him in his latter years. Reshreshments were noted in the tour plan but none were offered.

From there we crossed the centre of the island and were in the clouds for a bit.* One place we did a photo stop was at a waterfall.***We stopped on 1 side of a steep valley and on the other side is a beautiful waterfall - not very wide but nice to see all the water crashing down the cliff surrounded by tropical trees.* The guide said usually it is quite clear in the area but today with clouds forming in the valley, the low visibility made it hard to get a great view.*

In the interior of the island there is very little population - the land is mostly owned by the local villages but people live along the coast - we did see some taro farms and small cattle farms but it is mostly tropical forest.*

Our longest stop was at the Sinalei restort.* The restort has a 9 hole golf coarse but not a very high calliber one.* It is streched out over a wonderful section of shoreline.* One one side of the property the shore is mostly lava rock and coral while on the other side there was a very nice beach - a wedding was going on there during our visit.* Some of the guest rooms were individual cabins right by the waterfront and others were cabins set just back a bit.* They had a very nice pool, ponds, gardens, restaurant and a common room with a library, ping pong and a TV.***I saw several types of crabs along the beach and from the resturant peir we could see tropical fish and an eel.*

We had a very brief sprinkle but the driver did not even need to use the wipers so the weather turned out quite good.

On the way back we did another photo stop at the waterfall - a bit better viewing this time.

Once back in Apia we took a short ride up the coast passing various interesting builings and monuments including 1 where the fromer German occupiers first raised the German flag.* There was a company along the shore offering helicopter rides for anyone looking for a different view of the island.

Our last stop was the Fresh Produce Market with its fresh vegetables, fruits, handicrafts and souvenirs - mostly clothing and jewellery. A lot of booths were not occupied and unless you wanted colourful clothing or jewelery there was not much of interest for tourist.* A couple people decided to walk back to the ship from there but the rest of us stuck with the van and were back about 5pm.*

Oceania planned a deck party for tonight with the same group that entertained as we arrived but a few short showers came through with a chance of more so the show was moved to the lounge - we got there very early and managed to get great photos of the 40 minute show. - very nice to have this type of show as it shows more of the local culture.

Samoa is located about half way between Tahiti and New Zealand, out of the way for most tourist looking for a bit of paradise. Samoa still offers a much more traditional Polynesian culture experience than other island groups where meeting demands of tourism impacts traditional life. If you are looking for a quite location in an ideal setting this may be an option for you. Some tourist do island hopping around the area including Fiji spending 5 days or so at each.

At midnight we cross the imaginary line and tomorrow will again be May 23rd. When we leave Samoa we will be 17 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, when we get to American Samoa we will be 7 hours behind.

As we have dinner this evening, back home it is the same day (Monday) but early in the middle of the night but tomorrow as we have dinner, at home it will be the middle of the night Tuesday while still being Monday evening onboard.

Over the next few days we will slowly get a bit closer to EST, then have about 2 weeks with no changes followed by more changes between Hawaii and LA.

Happy Victoria Day to our fellow Canucks– celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday My 19, 1819 - Canada is the only country in the world to celebrate Victoria Day, and the ‘May Two-Four’ long weekend is as distinctively Canadian as the two-four — a case of 24 bottles of beer — with which it is often celebrated (first warm weather long weekend). Canada passed the law in the very early 1900`s shortly after her death instituting the observance of Victoria Day on a Monday — May 24 if that worked out or the Monday immediately before if it didn’t. In 1953 the government made “the Monday preceding May 25″ the official birthday of Elizabeth II and all future Kings and Queens of Canada. So, to all my fellow Canadians, clink-clink, cheers, cheers.Happy Birthday to HRH. (Note the July 1 Victoria Day in Australia is a different celebration related to the state of Victoria.)

As we are about to live today over again, here is a timely thought for the day –

Time is ....

Too slow for those who wait,

Too swift for those who fear,

Too long for those who grieve,

Too short for those who rejoice,

But for those who love...

Time is Eternity

Take time out to think – it is the source of power

Take time out to play – it is the secret of youth

Take time out to read – it is the foundation of knowledge

Take time out to help and enjoy friends – this is the source of happiness

Take time out to love – it is the one sacrament of life

Take time out to dream – it hitches the soul to the stars

Take time out to laugh – it is the singing that helps life’s load

From time to time I have talked to people that find the International date line confusing so hopefully this info will help any reading here:

The line is one of convenience — any given day has to start and end somewhere.* The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line that runs from the North to the South Pole and separates one calendar day from the next.* It passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly following the 180° longitude but it deviates to pass around some territories and island groups.* The IDL is necessary to have a fixed, albeit arbitrary, boundary on the globe where the calendar date advances in the westbound direction.* Immediately to the left of the IDL the date is always one day ahead of the date immediately to the right of the IDL in the Western Hemisphere.* An eastbound traveler crossing the IDL (eg. Oceania Insignia) subtracts one day, or 24 hours, so that the calendar date to the west of the line is repeated after the following midnight.* Crossing the IDL westbound results in 24 hours being added, advancing the calendar date by one day.*

All nations unilaterally determine their standard time zones, applicable only on land and adjacent territorial waters.* These national zones do not extend into international waters.* No international organization, nor any treaty between nations, has fixed the IDL that is drawn by cartographers: the 1884 International Meridian Conference explicitly refused to propose or agree to any time zones, stating that they were outside its purview.* The conference resolved that the Universal Day, midnight-to-midnight Greenwich Mean Time (now known as Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC), which it did agree to, "shall not interfere with the use of local or standard time where desirable".* This decision has allowed Pacific Ocean countries to decide which side they are on and to move the line around so that widely spread out island groups can all be on the same day.

As noted, the precise course of the line in international waters is arbitrary and the IDL shown on maps is an artificial construct of cartographers.* This means that unlike sailing across the equator where you can say at a precise moment you have switched sides, with the IDL there is no exact location so for example there never is a situation where part way through a day you cross a line and suddenly the day changes, but instead you just know that when sailing between 2 points in this area that when it is midnight depending on direction you advance a day or repeat the day just ended.

Without this repeating of May 23, those of us on the ship would have a problem once we arrive back in Miami.* As we sailed eastward we have gone through multiple time changes resulting in 23 hour long days.* By the time we get to Miami we will have lost a total of 24 hours.* If we just changed the calendar day each night as early explorers did, then without the date adjustment we would be thinking that the last day of the cruise is July 2 while the people in Miami would be showing it to be July 1.* (Actually the problem would first show when we reach our first port after the IDL.)

It took early around the world explores quite a while to figure this out – they kept coming back to their home port being off a day on their calculations.* This effect was a big part of the 1883 Jules Verne’s book ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.*

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Samoa. American Samoa consists of 5 main islands and 2 coral atolls.

Most American Samoans are bilingual and can speak English and Samoan fluently. This is the same language spoken in independent Samoa.

Pago Pago is the territorial capital of American Samoa.* Pago Pago is one of the many villages in the Urban agglomeration of Pago Pago along the shore of Pago Pago Harbor.* The name Pago Pago is associated with the harbor itself—the only significant port of call in American Samoa—Pago Pago is now generally applied not only to the village itself, but to the whole harbor area and to the villages in it.* Much of the harbour is surrounded by high mountains with steep slopes covered with lush tropical tree forest.* The name is pronounced Pango Pango.

*

Tuna fishing/processing and tourism are the largest business here.

In 2010 the whole territory had a population of about 56,000 with Pago Pago having 3,656.

Last time we were here we did a nice island group tour – just 1 problem – as the old clunking bus went up one of the steep hills the transmission gave out. The drive got everybody out and then managed to back it up all the way down the hill. Fortunately it was still morning so there was lots of time to get a new bus to finish the tour. That was about 3 weeks after a major tsunami had hit the island causing many deaths and a lot of damage in the harbour area. Over 100 died in the region including about 2 dozen in American Samoa.

The weather today has not been very nice - twice we thought of getting off to wander around the town and the skies opened up for a major downpour both times - at least we stayed dry and did not spend any money getting wet on a tour. Finally around 11:30 I ventured ashore. There were drivers offering taxi rides and/or tours at the gate. There is no shuttle as the shopping area is right by the port. I headed to the left which took me past the rest of the port. The only boats there today were fishing boats but there are a lot of containers on the dock so large freighters do come and go here.

The next building over is the Administration office of the National Marine Sanctuaries. Although there is no marine life there, the buildings has educational displays on marine sanctuaries and the problems effecting life in the sea.

Just beyond that is a building with a restaurant and bar and has a small beach area where you can rent a spot for the day. Next to that area is some waterfront with some poor beach. Across the road are several office buildings, one of which has a very large 'Wyland' undersea mural painted on the side - the marine Sanctuary building also had a small Wyland mural by its entrance.

Coming back to the port area and heading the other way there is the small Jean P Hyden Museum near the port but it is closed as of yesterday for 2 weeks. Most of the shopping options are in this area including 2 markets with lots of tourist offerings. Very few of the items were priced so you had to ask the price if the slight bit interested. This port is nice for most people on Insignia as $US is the standard here.

There is no Tsuanami memorial in Pago Pago but there is one along the south/west coast.

Across the harbour from where we are docked is a large 'Charlie the Tuna' factory - if you get closes enough you will know what it is.

The afternoon weather turned much better - just a bit of rain, some sun but humid.

Since last night at 9pm on the cabin TV they have been showing the movie Ground Hog Day non-stop. Internet has been very poor today but it was up long enough to post this.

I've often been asked, 'What do you old folks do now that you're retired?'

Well...I'm fortunate to have a few friends who have chemical engineering backgrounds, and one of the things we enjoy most is turning beer, wine, rum, and martinis into urine.

And, we're pretty damn good at it, too!!

Today’s thought for the day - The world can’t end today because it’s already tomorrow in Australia – Charles M Schultz

I enjoy searching out Wyland Walls in my travels. Thanks for mentioning the ones in Pago Pago.

In the itinerary we booked way back in July 2013 today was to be a stop in the Cook Islands.* Unfortunately after about 10 months it was replaced with American Samoa and that change continued from the 2015 to the 2016 itinerary.

Overnight we moved an hour closer to our final time zone.

Today we are sailing through the South Pacific Ocean in a near straight east direction - from American Samoa to our 1st French Polynesian port it is just over 1,100 nautical mile.* As of noon today we were cruising at 18 knots over water 5,000m (16,500ft) deep.* Another wonderful weather day - the high today was 28c (82f), mostly sunny with sea swells around 2 -3m (6-10ft).

Last night we were in the bar again and observed the first part of this story but were not sure how it ended and then this morning we just happened to share a late breakfast with a couple and the rest of the story fell in. –

This little old guy got pretty drunk in the bar and when he stood up to leave he fell down. He tried to get up but couldn't and decided heck with it and crawled to the exit. He managed to hang onto the door enough to upright himself and fall out of the bar. He's lying on the carpet and decides to crawl to his suite. He gets to his cabin door and again, using the door for support, manages to get into his suite. He yet again tries to stand up to go to the bedroom but can't so crawls in there, drags himself up the side of the bed and goes to sleep. The next morning his wife started to get hungry and decided to wake him. She asked how he got so drunk last night. He asked “how did you know?” She told him the bartender just called and said he left his wheelchair at the bar again.

For today once again I will sign off with a group of related quotes –

Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Writer

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. - The Dalah Lama

The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy. - Florence Shinn (1871–1940) Writer

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. - Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982) Musician

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With yesterday's time change we will be on same time until after we leave the Hawaiian Islands with a one day exception.* On June 1st when we are in the Marquesas Island we move ahead a half hour and when we leave we go back a half hour.* With most of North America on Daylight Saving time we are now 3 hours behind the west coast.

The temperature today was similar to yesterday but today was more cloudy and a stronger breeze - quite nice unless you are trying to read something outdoors.

Tomorrow I have a tour that includes a tour of a vanilla farm, pearl farm and snorkelling with lunch on the beach.* Should be another great day.

Since Singapore Freda and I have been on the same afternoon trivia team with 6 other RTW passengers.* Two of the group are with spouses that do not play.* Tonight the 10 of us had a very nice dinner together to celebrate our trivia successes and to get to know each other a bit better.* The team includes Cynthia (CBB) who also does a live report on Cruise Critic.* We managed to get through dinner without boring the others about our blogs.* Cynthia and I had both previously won bottles of Champagne so tonight was a good night to use them up.* We had the dinner planned for a few days but we ended up with another reason to celebrate - one of the other players won the Bingo today - over $1,900 - she is on her 1st ever cruise - nice little bonus memory. *

Sitting out by the pool today a lady was telling us about an email she got.

Her son and DIL had just had their first child last week.* He asked “When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?”

Reflecting on her own experience, the lady's answer was: “When the kids are in college”.

Today’s thought for the day - The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails. - Joshua Slocum

Just wanted to thank you for your posts. They have brought back many memories and I am really enjoying the little stories!!

We were in the Samoa's on a segment of the Queen Elizabeth's 2015 world cruise. It was a part of a four month around the world trip I put together for the two of us combining three cruise segments and three land segments.

We had originally thought to do this cruise last year, but that wasn't meant to be and we wanted to do an around the world trip in 2015 for our 50th anniversary. I am so glad I have been able to do the trip after all through your wonderful blog!!

French Polynesia is often referred to as Tahiti but Tahiti is just the largest and most populous of the 118 islands and atolls making up this South Pacific country.* French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic. It is made up of 6 groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous is the Society Islands group followed by the Marquesas Islands.* French is the only official language of French Polynesia but Tahitian is also spoken, and the majority of tourist-related activities will be able to cater to English speakers.

Each of the French Polynesian islands is a water playground for all ages with options for independent travels or group tours.* Throughout the islands there are opportunities for power-boating, sailing, sunset cruising, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, glass bottom boat tours, sportfishing, kayaking, jet skiing, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, kite surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

The temperate climate, steady trade winds, proximity of the island to each other, central South Pacific location and an abundance of dramatic anchorages have made the islands of French Polynesia the sailing capitol of the south Pacific.

Raiatea is the 2nd largest of the Society Islands.* Raiatea, meaning “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light” was first named Havai’i after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians.* The islands of Raiatea and Taha'a are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island.

The island is home to the sacred historical site: Taputapuatea an immense archaeological area that is easily explored by foot and includes dozens of shrines and stone marae. A marae is a communal or sacred place that serves religious and social purposes were the center of power in ancient Polynesia.* It is now considered a national monument.* The principal village is Uturoa, with a population of over 10,000. This bustling port town features a colourful market and arts and crafts shops along the waterfront.*

Raiatea has a small road that runs around the entire island.

Over 80% of French Polynesia harvest of vanilla is grown here.* The air is often scented with the fragrance from vanilla pods curing in the sun.

Maeva (welcome), Bonjour and greeting from French Polynesia.* As a group these islands are often called the ‘ultimate honeymoon’ destination.*

Raiatea is another first time port for us.* The most popular tours here include aquatic adventures - all kinds of water excursions, from sport and deep-sea fishing to shark and mantra ray feedings, to sailing, kayaking and lagoon cruises as well as trips to a Black Pearl farm, Vanilla plantation and 4 wheel drive excursions. The popular black pearls which actually reflect a rainbow of hues are not only found here but in our next ports in French Polynesia.

Everyone that is leaving the ship in Pape'ete had to go through a mandatory immigration on the ship this morning while those staying on until LA or beyond received In-transit cards.*

We had a wonderful approach to the port this morning.* We had to do major zig-zags through the reefs and coasted along very close to some other islands before making to the pier here.***

Another delightful weather day - a nice sun/cloud mix, with temps around 30c (86f).* Raiatea and the surrounding islands are mountainous with steep cliffs so the interior was very cloudy.* The only road around the island is near sea-level and that is also where the homes are located.* I only saw a single 3 story building in town - everything else is just 1 or 2 story so our ship dominated everything man-made.**We were about a half hour late docking and getting secured at the dock.**On the dock there was a tourist booth and we were greeted by a small band.*

***

Today I did a tour while Freda stayed on board.* The tour was with L’excursion Bleue and cost 10,000XFP (roughly $100US).* We had to pre-pay 1,500XFP.* We could pay in US but with conversion it was better with the local currency or credit card.* The itinerary for the 13 of us was: Tour in motorized dugout to the island of Taha’a, including guided tours of a pearl farm (Champon) and a vanilla farm (Maison de la vanilla), lunch on a private beach bordering the Coral Garden, guided snorkelling in the Coral Garden, and swimming with stingrays and sharks in open water.

We were met just after 10:30am and arrived back to the port around just before 5pm.***After everyone settled their accounts we were off in the boat to Taha'a (Vanilla Island) about 20 minutes away.* We had a boat driver and a guide for the day.* They we had a short ride in a van to the vanilla farm.* Most of the vanilla is grown at other parts of the islands but they had a few plants there - they do mostly curing the pods in the sun preparing them for export.* The vanilla plant is a vine and they grow it around other trees which are used strictly as supporting plants.* They told us how the flowers need to be manually pollinated.* It takes 9 months to produce a mature pod.* Every 7 years they change the plants.*

Next up was a short boat ride to the pearl farm. The farm has about 10,000 oysters working on producing pearls.* The pearls of French Polynesia are called Black Pearls due to the species of oyster that they use - the pearls range in colour from white to greenish, greyish and shades of black.* Pearls are graded on size, quality (luster and imperfections) and shape resulting in grades of A, B and C.* Colour is a matter of customer personal taste and does not effect price.* After the demo on grading they showed us some of the jewelry they make - nice material with a nice price tag to match - they did not make any sales to our group.

From there we were off to a low, flat coral island.* At one end was a 5 star hotel where each unit was out over the water.* To get there you had to fly to Pape'ete, then to Raiatea followed by 2 boat rides.* We stopped for lunch just outside their property and had a nice meal.* Then we had a 5 minute walk to the far end of the island that was very rough ground consisting of fossilized coral and lava.* We were to swim back to the boat but in order to do so we would have to wear shoes into the water to protect our feet and then put on flippers while holding our shoes - we all passed on that so headed of to a better place to snorkel.

That better place was about 40 minutes ride away back to a point just inside where the reef divides the lagoon from the ocean.* The water was 2 - 3m (6 -10 ft) deep. The water was the clearest I have ever snorkelled in.* To start the driver threw in a handful of food that quickly brought about 10 black tip fin sharks around the boat - they are about the length of a human. The sharks were feeding on a variety of sea life.* I've got nothing them doing that, but sure do appreciate the locals here training the sharks to pass on some white meat like me.* Once the sharks calmed down in we went.* We could still see them along with a great variety of tropical fish in a wonderful range of shapes and colour - we even saw a huge eel and rays.* From there it was not too far back to the ship.

Most of the day we could see the peaks of Bora Bora, our next port in the distance.* Once back on shore I did a quick look around the port area - not much to see and most shops closed at 5 even thou we were not sailing until later. They only get about 9 cruise ships a year here - I would imagine the larger ships would have trouble navigating there way into the port.

Just as I was approaching the gangway to get back on the ship I noticed a small truck there along with the head chef and a couple other staff - they were unloading fresh fish for the Terrace Cafe buffet tonight.

Tipping is not customary in Tahitian culture and is generally not expected on the islands – some younger locals as they get more westernized are becoming more customized to tips and some do expect it more than the older generations.* Also, bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not normal in Tahiti and will often be perceived as rude.

A little trivia I learned today – Raiatea is believed to be the starting point for migration to Hawaii.

Tonight we sat at a table for 6 as we often do.* As we finished our wonderful dinner one of the gentleman tried to discretely point out to his wife that she had some food on her left cheek.* She picked up on the hint but rubbed her right cheek.* He tried to correct her by loudly whispering “no the other side”, so she reached into her mouth and rubbed the inside of her right cheek.*

Today’s thoughts for the day –

“It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” – Winston Churchill

“If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.” - Isaac Newton

“Leadership is action, not position.” - Donald H. McGannon

“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.* Do what you can.” - Sydney Smith*

“Well done is better than well said.” – Ben Franklin

I wish I could be there! My silk pareo is from Raiatea.

Bora Bora is located about 230km (140mi) northwest of Tahiti and is known as the Romantic Island and by many as the most beautiful island in the world.* It’s surrounded by a necklace shaped lagoon and a barrier reef (The reef has a few small gaps and 1 larger gap that ships can get through).* In the centre of the island are the lush tropical slopes and valleys remnants of an extinct volcano rising to iconic two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point is 727m (2,385ft).

The islands 9,000 full time inhabitants survive almost solely on a tourism based economy.* Over the last few years several resorts have been built on motu (small islands) surrounding the warm, clear, emerald water lagoon. Around 30 years ago, Hotel Bora Bora built the first over-the-water bungalows on stilts over the lagoon and today, romantic over-water bungalows are a standard feature of most Bora Bora resorts.* Snorkeling and scuba diving in and around the lagoon of Bora Bora are popular activities with infinite schools of marine life riding the current through the reef passes.* Many species of sharks and rays inhabit the surrounding body of water.* There are a few dive operators on the island offering tours where gigantic manta rays can be seen gliding just below the surface and also black-tip reef shark-feeding dives.* (They love tuna and other reef fish and generally don’t bother humans as long as you don’t interfere with their feeding).*

Like the other Polynesian islands almost everything has to be transported here making Bora Bora a tremendously pricey destination.* Everything (catering and activities) ranges from "expensive" to "indescribably expensive".

The average high temperature in May is 29C (84F) and rain in May is quite infrequent.

Bora Bora is one of the preeminent South Pacific destinations. Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island with its lagoon resembling an artist palette of bright blues and greens. As this alluring island comes into site, it is like walking into a South Seas travel brochure; you truly feel you’re in paradise.

The lagoons waters are a major draw for scuba divers along with those using an array of water craft to explore. The temperature in Bora Bora simply invites you to swim in the turquoise water; it’s on the hot side but not humid. Today was a prime example as we were around 29c (84f) with mostly sunny skies.

A popular excursion is having a guide pick you up and take you for a ride in a motorized outrigger canoe to a shallow area of the lagoon where you get out with the guide and he starts dropping food into the water, attracting many mantra rays and black-tipped reef sharks which brush past you as you stand there watching them.

We have been to Bora Bora, Morrea and Tahiti before but the other islands in this group are new to us. Last time here we did an island tour that included several stops including the famous ‘must stop at’ Bloody Mary’s lagoon front restaurant. Such a beautiful island!!

From where we were docked today and many other places on the island Mt. Otemanu pierces the sky, it peak is often hidden by clouds – today we were lucky that most of the time the mountain was mostly all clear except a small cloud that kept passing by - as 1 cloud moves past, another quickly forms and blocks the peak but there were times, especially late afternoon that offered perfect conditions.* I have not heard of people climbing it but it would be a real challenge.

Being a tender port Freda stayed on the ship. I took the 5 minute ride just before 10am. On the pier were several operators offering a 2 hour island tour for $35US for a minimum of 6 people with the option to customize. The tour makes 7 stops. There were also helicopter rides available, boating rides for snorkelling, and taxis. There was also a couple places that offered a free shuttle to their pearl farm.

Many taxis were offering rides to Matira Beach for $5 each way. I decided to do that - it is about 10 minutes away. The beach has a bar and a restaurant. Some water sports were available. The beach is quite nice but parts of it have small bits of crushed coral in the sand. The water was nice and warm and not very deep. Along with Raiatea, Bora Bor has the most beautiful and clear blue water of all the islands we experienced. I went in hip deep and saw rays swim by quite close. I could see a ring of waves where the ocean water were crashing on the coral ring - using my zoom lens the waves were quite large. The beach is on a bit of a peninsula so across the road there is more beaches - The area is mostly private homes with a few small hotels as well as the large Intercontinental resort. I went in there and looked around - a very nice layout and location - they have a great beach location and views of Mt. Otemanu plus other nearby islands. They have a wonderful pool with a large waterfall - a sign there says for guest only. The hotel had a very good range of water sports and I saw a few people getting training on some of them as well as a basket weaving class. The hotel has about a dozen water front rooms and 5 dozen over the water rooms. I did not see the regular menu prices but they had a list of special romantic dinners in special settings - they ranged from around $380 to $540 but that included a bottle of champagne. That’s certainly above our pay grade! On one part of their beach they had created some artificial reefs that were turning into real reefs - I did not have any snorkelling gear with me but was able to wade in just over my hips and take pictures under the water - The reefs they are creating had many types and colour of coral as well as a very nice range of tropical fish. After about 3 hours split between the 2 beaches I headed back to the ship for lunch.

There are some vendor stalls by the pier and stores in the area but not a lot to see there. Besides tropical clothing, jewelry is the big thing here - especially necklaces. Pearls, beads and shells are the most common types.

One of our tablemates was telling us about their experience at the beach today. A little boy found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

Today’s thought for the day – If the future of travel is to be sustainable, it seems education and respect – for people, places and things – must remain a top priority. - Greg Coates, Travel Courier magazine

Tahiti is French Polynesia's largest and most glamorous tropical island and home to its unique capital city of Pape'ete.* The island is known as the ‘Queen of the Pacific’.

Pape'ete is the primary center of Tahitian and French Polynesian public and private governmental, commercial, industrial and financial services, the hub of French Polynesian tourism and its chief port.* All international tourists visiting French Polynesia by air arrive here first.* Pape’ete has redeveloped its vibrant waterfront into a long park, with foods and carnival-like attractions.*

The Black Pearls of French Polynesia are well known for their superior quality and beauty.* Tahiti and the surrounding islands are the leading black pearl exporters in the entire world.* The pearls are available on each of the major island but Pape'ete is considered the Black Pearl capital of the world due to its many outlets for these little south sea’s treasures.

The urban area of Pape'ete had a total population of 131,695 inhabitants at the August 2007 census, 26,017 of whom lived in Pape'ete proper.

Small by most standards, Pape’ete is a bustling town compared to anywhere else in the South Pacific.

Tahiti is the worldwide source of monoi oil, the famous beauty and skin oil used in cosmetics, creams and lotions.* There are options for visitors to experience all facets of the monoi oil industry.

Tahiti played a critical role in one of the most famous mutinies.* After spending 5 months (1788/89) in Tahiti the HMS Bounty captained by William Bligh loaded with breadfruit plants sailed westward.* A mutiny occurred on 28 April, some 23 days out and 1,300 miles west of Tahiti lead by Acting Lieutenant Fletcher Christian.* Bligh with 18 loyalists then navigated a 7m (23 ft) open launch on a 47-day voyage to Timor in the Dutch East Indies.* Equipped with limited food and water and a quadrant and pocket watch and with no charts or compass, he recorded the distance as 3,618 nautical miles (6,701km; 4,164mi).

Last fall it was announced that a 2-story terminal where cruise ships dock in downtown Pape’ete will be built within the next 3 years.* The government of French Polynesia also plans to develop a new cruise port at Fakarava, an atoll with 800 inhabitants that will be able to accept ships of any size.

Last time here we did a bus tour organized by a fellow shipmate.* The circle island tour included lots of stops including a botanical garden, ancient temples, the Paul Gauguin museum, and beaches.* It lasted several hours and was very enjoyable.

At the end of the pier there were taxis lined up - you take the first in line.* There was also companies offering island tours for $50US.* There was no currency exchange in the area - I was told that with banks closed for the weekend, the only place was at the airport but ATM machines can be found around town. Near the end of the pier there was a tourist info centre - they have maps, brochures and will help make a booking.

The weather today was again very nice - it started out very sunny but during the afternoon it clouded over - helps control my sunburn. The temp was around 29c (86f).

I got off this morning and wondered around for about 2.5 hours before coming back for a break.* In the afternoon Freda and I both got off for 2 hours spending most of the time along the waterfront.***

The info centre pointed out an art gallery that would be worth seeing - Turned out to be a store that sells art of many types from the French Polynesian islands - some real nice pieces for someone looking for a great reminder of theier time here and not worrying about the price - name is Oceanie

The shops and markets offer a range of goods aimed at both the locals as well as the tourist trade.* The main market (Marche du Pape’ete) with many stalls has been active for over 150 years.* Fresh fruit, vanilla and the warm smells of fresh bakery items compete with the smell of fresh fish catches such as Yellowfin tuna.* Like all the other Polynesian islands a wide variety of colourful, beautiful muumuus are available there as well as many stores in town.* The market is open every day, but Sunday morning is the biggest time for locals.* There were others markets also - With tomorrow being Mothers day here, many vendors were offering flower arrangements.* One market had all local artisans offering a lots of 1 of a kind items, most with prices to match.

There were a few churches around town - the biggest and most elaborate I saw was Notre Dame Cathedral - small by the standard set by others with the same name but still worth seeing.

From the ship we had a great view of the island of Morrea which is also a popular cruise destination, just not on our itinerary.* It is also visible as we walked along the waterfront.* The waterfront area offers a marina, paved paths, a couple nice lily pond (could use some gardeners help), exercise areas, benches, lots of trees, washrooms and at the end there was an fair size outdoor stadium.* We did see a group of tourist using segways so they must have been available to rent somewhere.*

In general Pape’ete is quite wheelchair friendly but the further from the waterfront I went the more sidewalks I noticed that did not have ramps on the corners.

Some of the other options outside of town include The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands about 15km (9mi) southwest of Pape’ete, author James Norman Hall Home (coauthor of Mutiny of the Bounty) and the Paul Wan Pearl Museum in Pape’ete.

Docked next to us is 1 of the largest sailboats I have ever seen - definitely made for open ocean sailing.* It was about a third the length of Insignia but its 2 mast are a couple decks higher than Insignia.* Despite, its size it does not have a lot of sitting on the top deck but looks to have a great area just below that.* On the side facing Insignia there was only 4 porthole windows near the front so not sure how many passengers it is meant to hold.* Another passenger on Insignia told me it is owned by Robert Murdoch.

Today is the end of the Sydney to Pape’ete segment, our next segment end will be LA.* From what I was told, 330 new passengers embarked today.* Many arrived early this morning and others will not arrive until late this evening - they are using the main lounge for check-in so there is no show of any kind tonight - just music in Horizons

In town today we went to one of the local restaurants.* One of the items on the menu was a ham sandwich, based on the description it was perfection; a thick slab of ham, a fresh bun, crisp lettuce and plenty of expensive, light brown, gourmet mustard.

The couple at the table next to us had just had 2 of them served to them.* We could see the corners of male's jaw aching in anticipation, but was stopped, suddenly by his wife. "Hold Junior (their infant looking just a few months old) while I use the rest room" she said.

The gentleman had the baby balanced between his left elbow and shoulder and was reaching again for the ham sandwich when he noticed a streak of mustard on his fingers.* He had no napkin and apparently loving mustard he just licked it right off.* But... It was not mustard!!! No man ever put a baby down faster.

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Today’s thought for the day - Life has no meaning unless one lives it with a will, at least to the limit of one's will. Virtue, good, evil are nothing but words, unless one takes them apart in order to build something with them; they do not win their true meaning until one knows how to apply them. – Paul Gauguin

Hauhine is known as the “Garden of Eden” due to its abundance of lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. Huahine is one of the more interesting of the Society Islands to explore. Huahine measures 16km (10mi) in length, with a maximum width of 13km (8mi).* It is made up of 2 main islands with steep mountains descending into a stunning deep crystal clear lagoon with magnificent bays adding drama to the scenery with their azure blue and emerald green colours, surrounded by a fringing coral reef with several motu.* Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) lies to the north (high point 669m/2,195ft) and HuahineIti (Little Huahine) to the south (high point 462m/1,516ft).* The 2 islands are separated by a few hundred metres of water and joined by a sandspit at low tide.* A small bridge was built to connect the 2 islands.

*

In the northwest of Huahine Nui is a 930 acre brackish lake known as Lac Fauna Nui (Lac Maeva).* This lake is all that remains of the ancient atoll lagoon.

Hauhine is home to French Polynesia’s most extensive (over 200) and well preserved archaeological sites including maraes (ancient temples) and centuries old stone fish traps that reflect the island’s ancient culture and proud descendants who still reside in this paradise.* The rich soil provides the local farmers a bountiful harvest of vanilla, melons, and bananas.

The island’s population is about 6,000.

Today is the 1st of 3 tender port days in a row.* The island's name is pronounced wah-ee-nee by the French and who-a-hee-nay by Tahitians.

The island is almost completely surrounded by reef but there is a gap the tenders can take to the hamlet of Maroe - you can count the homes on both hands.* Just a few puffy clouds, very little breeze, not much humidity and a high of 29c (84f) - about as perfect weather as it gets in my book.

The tender ride was only a few minutes. There was nothing special to see there.* At the dock 1 vendor was set up and there was a couple of people offering island tours.* From the tender dock O provided a complimentary shuttle to the town of Fare (Fah-ray) which is what I decided on.* They utilize open air, wooden bench vehicles known as Le truck.* Combining the tender and Le Truck it was another day for Freda to stay on Insignia.* The 20 minute ride was far some smooth but gave nice view of parts of the island - mostly beach views but also some forest.* *

Fare is not much of a town either.* There is nothing special to see there - unless you like walking around and seeing how people live in places far from your own home.**In the town and along the drive we took there are a variety of colourful flowers and shrubs and a lot of almond and acai trees.* I was told there is a local market but it was only open on Saturday’s - I would expect it would not offer much for tourist other than seeing the type of food available to the locals.

Windstar cruise line had 1 of their schooners anchored off shore and were using tenders into Fare.* Right where we got dropped off there were a few shops - some had souvenirs and supplies for the sailboats that called at Hauhine and nearby on the waterfront there was a bar and restaurant.* About a 2 minute walk along the waterfront from the drop off there was a nice beach - the sand was great but where the water meets the beach there is a line of broken coral and shell pieces.* In the area there was also a small resort.* With Oceania and Windstar both in the area along with many locals enjoying the day there were lots of people in the main beach area.* The water was nice and warm - some snorkellling could be done but not a lot of colourful fish.* The water was very clear. I swam and walked around in the water for about a half hour and saw 2 large rays and lots of small fish but most were on the dull colour side.* Some watersports were available such as paddleboards but nothing with engines.***

Besides my swim and resting on the beach with other passengers, I went for a 2 hour walk along the shore - once past the resort it is mostly private homes but you are allowed to walk along the waterfront.* When I first saw the rays in the water I thought I was seeing sharks fins sticking out of the water but it was just the tips of their wings.* In many areas I could see schools of very small fish right by the shore - some resemble the black fin tip sharks but they were only a few inches in length.* Towards the end of my walk the point were the waves broke over the ref was quite close to shore - the shore there was all lava and fossilized coral with shells in it.

Both the area around where we were docked and in fare are surrounded by mountains rising from the sea - not as high and dramatic scenery as some we have seen in the last few days but still very enjoyable and photogenic.* If we did not have the wonders of our last few ports as comparison, Huahine would have rated higher praises.

With far less tourist than some other French Polynesia islands, Hauhine is so relaxing and stress free that many tourists pick it as their favourite Polynesia island.* Like the other Polynesia islands we are visiting, activities on or around the water are very popular including picnics on the motus, sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and kite surfing.* Circle island tours are available as are hiking tours or you can rent a bicycle and tour by yourself.* Some companies offer tours with beach picnics and snorkelling.* I had sent a note to 1 company about a tour but never herd back from them.*

The largest concentrations of pre-European marae are located in Huahine.* Most tours include stops at vanilla farms, secluded beaches and artisan shops in the tiny villages.* The local guides are very knowledgeable and enjoyable to hire for guided walks among these religious and mythical sites.

As Freda and I were heading to trivia this afternoon we were about to pass the doctors office when a man rushed into the a busy doctor's office and shouted,

"Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!"

The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient."

For today Amish quotes on family:

Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes.

If parents don't train their children, the children will train the parents.

Good character, like good soup, is usually homemade.

We embarked in Huahine once upon a time on a 7 day luxury catamaran cruise. We had a severe attack of the 'Polynesian flu' = desire to return to the islands. :)

Rangiroa or TeKokōta, known as “the Infinite lagoon” is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus Archipelago, and is one of the world’s largest atolls.* The islands are “tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean.”

The Archipelago forms the largest chain of atolls in the world, spanning an area of the Pacific Ocean roughly the size of Western Europe. Rangiro’s necklace shaped reef ring surrounding a luminous turquoise and jade-green seemingly endless lagoon is similar to the other French Polynesia islands we have visited except in the atoll there is no central large island.* The atoll is made up of 240 tiny islets, or motu, mostly no more than 1m (3ft) in elevation with white and pink sand, lay upon the ocean for more than 170km (110mi) completely encircling the lagoon

Rangiroa is about 355km (221mi) Northeast of Tahiti. With no runoff from a central island visibility in the lagoon can be over 50m (160ft) making the atoll one of the world’s best diving sites.

The majority of Rangiroa's residents live in Avatoru and Tiputa.* Located on the western end of a string of connected islands, Avatoru is where you'll find most of the island's businesses, hotels, shops and banks.* Rangiroa's airport is also located here.*

Pearl farming and tourism are the main business but there is some fishing and even a winery.

The total population is only about 2,500.