We_like_to_cruise

Super Bowl LVII Sunday, er Monday My friends and family on the East Coast of the US gathered together at parties in their homes for the 6:30 pm kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday. Passengers on WC2023 assembled by 11:30 am on “Super Bowl Monday” at loungers and tables around the large MUTS (Music Under The Stars) outdoor screen. Since we had crossed the International Date Line we would be watching the live game on a Monday and not Sunday. The weather was sunny but cool with a breeze, so plenty of blankets were in use. There was much jockeying for position to find the ideal spot keeping in mind the sun, the wind, the shade and the viewing angle. Chances are your final seat choice would be yours for the next 3-4 hours. The Sanctuary guests even had their own VIP section cordoned off by velvet ropes. Fancy schmancy. Chiefs and Eagles fans were scattered all around, so cheers, and groans, as the game progressed came from all directions. Pax good naturedly ribbed each other as their chosen team took the lead. The game was broadcast without a hitch on ESPN, although we did not get to view any of the regular network broadcast commercials. The roaming bar staff were busy busy supplying beers and other libations as fans anxiously watched the game. Bags of warm popcorn were handed out as snacks. Some of the cruise entertainment staff dressed in sporting attire. At half-time we made our way to the adjacent Horizon Court buffet for some anticipated Super Bowl themed lunch. Hmm, we discover the theme inside is “English Pub Lunch”. What ??? Not Super Bowl grub at all! Didn’t the kitchen get the memo ?? An indoor SB party, also well attended, was being held down at the Explorers Lounge. Appropriately they were offering tortilla chips with salsa and guac, crudités with dips and chicken wings. Okay, not typical Buffalo style hot wings, but at least they tried. The excitement of the game lasted until the final seconds as we were all on the edge of our seats. Super Bowl at sea – a memorable game in more ways than one!

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Although, as noted, photography was not permitted, here are some from other sources: https://www.stayatbase.com/new-zealand/photos-of-waitomo-glowworm-caves/ https://www.waitomo.com/glowworms-and-caves/waitomo-glowworm-caves

Tauranga, New Zealand Our original scheduled time in this port was 6:15 am to 8:15 pm. With that in mind, months ago we had arranged a private tour which would take us about 2 ½ hours from the port. However, the night before, an announcement was made that we would now arrive at 8:15 am with all aboard at 5:00 pm. We texted the time changes to the tour operator and they advised adjustments could be made. The tour was billed as maximum 12 people, so we were pleasantly surprised when the small touring van held only one other couple from our ship. Our driver / guide was polite and knowledgeable and a careful driver. Our primary destination was the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. The glow worms are attached to the ceiling of the cave and use bioluminescence to attract prey. (We learned they are actually maggots, but “glow maggots” does not have the tourist friendly sound of “glow worms”). We passed many farms (mostly cattle – the sheep are more common in other parts of NZ) as we learned of history, geology, political, educational opportunities, etc. It was a pleasant ride with pleasant people. The caves were quite interesting and worth the long trip. We waited a few minutes after arrival and then joined a group of about 20 for a walk down numerous steps to visit various chambers in the cave. Stalactites, stalagmites, water pools and dripping water at each turn. At one stop our Maori guide demonstrated the acoustics and sang us a native song. One feature of this cave is a boat ride to view the main attraction – the glow worms. He pulled us via overhead ropes and soon we entered a pitch black section covered overhead with thousands of blue dots of light. We were cautioned to be quiet and no photography was allowed. It felt like we were floating in a planetarium. As the boat ride eventually ended we were allowed to take a few pix of the exit from the cave. Next on our tour was The Kiwi House. Our guide was concerned about the timing if we stopped for the sit down lunch originally planned. We all agreed to stop at a local café, grab a sandwich and drink, and leave more time for site seeing. At The Kiwi House there were convenient picnic tables so we dined al fresco. The Kiwi House features viewing of the nocturnal kiwis in a natural night time setting. Well, it must have been past their bed-time. We stared and stared into the dimly lit environs to no avail. The only kiwis we saw were the ones provided by the taxidermist in a display at the entrance. Our leisurely trip home used a different route so we were able to stop at a scenic lookout. When we got into town our guide was surprised by the unexpected lack of traffic. So, he continued our tour and showed us Tauranga as well as the beach area.

Auckland, New Zealand Welcome to the City of Sails, home to nearly one third of the population of New Zealand. Additionally there are well over 100,00 yachts, sailboats and marine craft within its harbors. We disembark at Princes Wharf and follow a walking tour with the GPSmyCity app. This app is designed to be used offline and no internet connection is necessary. Some of the locations we visit or view include: Cathedral of Saint Patrick & St. Joseph Sky Tower St. Matthew-in-the-City Auckland Town Hall University of Auckland Clock Tower Albert Park The Government House The Civic Theater Auckland Art Gallery Victoria Park The Auckland Harbour Bridge Late in the day as we walk through the Wynyard Quarter in the harbor, we stumble upon a TV show filming. We are encouraged to line up to enjoy “free food” as an episode of “My Kitchen Rules” is wrapping up. This is a popular Australian cooking competition show. The chefs have been judged and now samples of their creations are available to the public. Auckland was a great port - we appreciated the friendly residents and the unrushed pace. However we did not anticipate the changes in street elevation as we made our way to the sites. We spend our last few hours relaxing by the harbor with a cold drink and give our feet a rest.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand The tender drops us off at the Waitangi Wharf and we are greeted by visitor ambassadors. Unlike most of the other ports where we are told “it is too far” or “take a cab” our query about walking into town is greeted with great enthusiasm. There is a free shuttle bus available, but we follow the directions for the 20 minute walk into Paihia. Along the way we visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British and the Maori, a founding document for the country. In Paihia we purchase tickets for the small ferry to Russell, New Zealand’s first seaport and first capital. I sit adjacent to the friendly captain, but am a little disconcerted by the reminder on the windshield to repair the water pump! Russell is a lovely town for strolling and, feeling ambitious, we hike up Flagstaff Hill for views of the Bay of Islands. The hike starts easy enough along the road, passing lovely homes, but then leads to many steps upward and finally a rocky dirt path, so we certainly got our daily exercise. Back in town we browse the shops on The Strand and peruse the Duke of Marlborough restaurant menu – New Zealand’s first licensed establishment. It is a little early for lunch so we continue onward. Although Russell was nicknamed “Hell Hole of the Pacific” in the 1800s due to its popularity with sailors on shore leave, we find its streets charming. I read that in the 19th century it was described as “lawless and bawdy”. Back in Paihia a lively craft market catches DW’s eye. So we survey the offerings at the booths, chat with the vendors and contribute to the local economy. There are many more stores and casual eateries in Paihia. A light lunch of shared fish and chips along with some Australian ginger beer is enjoyed outdoors in the park. After walking back to Waitangi, we are met with a very long line for the return tender. Drats. On a bright note, in the early evening the Island Princess passed alongside the "Hole in the Rock" in Cape Brett. A boat trip through it earlier today was a popular excursion for many of our fellow passengers.

Itinerary change Cyclone Gabrielle is headed towards New Zealand, so Captain Rikard Lorentzen announced last night that unfortunately there will be some changes to our itinerary. Our upcoming New Zealand ports of Picton, Wellington and New Plymouth have all been cancelled. We will have a few sea days before heading to the newly added substitute port of Melbourne, Australia

We have seen only paper straws in some of the elaborate cocktails that DW orders.

Princess Harmony Choir 2 I have been lazy and leave my DSLR at home being generally satisfied with my cell phone pix. Also, due to time restraints, I just post those pix with no retouching or processing. But I did not like how the choir pictures looked online with that stage lighting. I hope this one looks a little better!

Splenda available everywhere, but you might have to ask for it. Sugar is on the tables on Horizon Court. Soda dispensers working fine at every bar we have been to. Okay, all of them. 🙂 Plumbing is working fine. We have had zero issues.

Yes, all passengers. They get together at scheduled times during sea days to rehearse. I believe the choir is only on longer voyages and TA cruises.

Princess Harmony Choir Wow! Passengers were entertained this afternoon with a wonderful performance by the Princess Harmony Choir under the direction of David Crathorne. The professionally dressed members (white tops and dark trousers) walked down the aisle of the Princess Theater and assembled on stage – all 138 of them! In fact this choir was so large that the performance could not be held in the Piazza. We were entertained for 45 minutes with songs from musicals such as South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. Other pieces included “The Rose” and “Somewhere Out There”. Even Elvis was represented! The choir had lovely harmonies and after a standing ovation from the audience even returned for a final song. We participated in the Princess Pop Choir a few years ago on a TA under the direction of CD Angela and that was fun. But this was on another level entirely. Congratulations to the Princess Harmony Choir and thank you for a wonderful show!

Crossing the International Date Line Last night when I went to bed it was February 6, 2023. This morning when I woke up it was February 8, 2023. How odd to think that every person on the Island Princess will never experience February 7, 2023. I feel like the abbreviated version of Rip Van Winkle ! The IDL is an imaginary line (I checked and it was definitely not anywhere on the ocean surface) that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. It is halfway across the globe from the prime meridian which is located at 0 degrees longitude at Greenwich, UK. and divides the eastern and western hemispheres. (It is not strictly a straight line so as not to divide land masses). Traveling westward, as we were, the calendar is set forward one day. Interestingly, the ship made a big deal about crossing the equator. But, crossing the International Date Line? That day is “omitted” ! Perhaps they do not want passengers complaining they paid for a day they did not get ??? 🙂

Pago, Pago American Samoa How do you pronounce Pago, Pago? Well, you might think – duh – Pay-go, Pay-go. But, you would be wrong my friend. Natives pronounce it like the word “bongo” but substitute a “p” for the “b”, so “Pongo-Pongo”. Or so we were informed by the local people. Pago, Pago, the capital of American Samoa, a US territory, is in the Pacific Ocean over 2500 miles south of Hawaii . It is up there with one of the wettest places on earth as we were about to find out. It was an important naval base during WWII and was the site of numerous Apollo space mission landings. The English author W. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Rain” introduced the general public to Pago Pago. A large contingent of locals greets us and welcomes us warmly to their home. Dancing and music and amplified messages encourage all to take local tours and shop. We are only the second ship to visit since the pandemic shutdown. Passengers line the promenade deck to watch the show and cheer as we wait for clearance from the local officials. Hundreds and hundreds of shipping containers line the industrial port of this natural deep-water harbor. We note the dark clouds over the aptly named “Rainmaker Mountain” but head out with optimism and umbrellas. Today we have a walking tour from Frommers. Walking north in Fagotago, the downtown area, we pass the Jean P. Haydon Museum, formerly the commissary of the US Navy. The museum is open Mon-Fri and this is a Saturday. We stop to visit the produce and fish markets and Fagotago Plaza shopping center as well as the Judicial Building and Sadie Thompson Inn on the way to The National Park. The visitor center surprisingly is open on Saturday. We were told it would also be closed on the weekend. There is a small informative museum and restrooms. We continue onward past the visitor center to the National Park and the cloudy skies we had all morning now spit down on us. It is a steep access to the park which does not sound like fun in the rain. So, we head back to the ship and visit a few more indoor shops along the way. We grab a quick lunch and afterward confirm the rain has stopped, at least for the moment. This time we head south to Blunts Point Trail. Blunts Point overlooks Pago Pago harbor, so there should be some nice views if the weather cooperates. Utelei Beach Park is on the way and we see some passengers and crew getting wet, but certainly not getting a tan. We also pass Sadie’s by the Sea hotel and the Government House across the street. The skies are still threatening and guess what - the rain commences once again as we reach the Blunts Point trail. It looks like this is not our day for a hike! Of course as the ship leaves the harbor the sun comes out again.

Moorea is very beautiful. At the onboard lecture we were encouraged to "get out on the water." Are you interested in snorkeling or a boat trip? Perhaps with the timing you described you might consider re-scheduling the private tour you have already booked to the next, shorter day instead of that first day? Then you would have the entire first day to travel to Moorea and spend most of the day there. When I look at tripadvisor and viator there are tours that will pick you up at the ferry dock. The tour we booked offers that option although that is not what we did. You can even reserve most in advance with no payment due until a day or so before the tour. With that option you can also directly communicate with the tour vendor via your email confirmation or the app. Just an idea ...

I do not know the passenger / crew ratio. But I do know that many new crew boarded in LA. This has dramatically cut down on lines for dinner at the MDR. We never had a problem with that with reserved table and time each evening. But pre-LA we saw long lines of people waiting to get in as we left. Not anymore.

In order - 1. We used cc to pre-book our private excursions. When we stopped at the pearl shops the commercial (air-conditioned) ones took cc. The local market outside the tender pier took USD and no cc. We did not change any money for this port. 2. No, did not notice any ATMs and honestly did not look. 3. We used cc to pay for the ferry. Make sure to ask for senior rate if that applies to you! It is very organized. There are ticket booths at street level and then you go upstairs. After presenting your ticket they scan the bar code and you go to a dedicated indoor/outdoor waiting area. When the ferry pulls in you walk on via what almost looks like an airplane jetway. We purchased round trip (return) tickets and all four looked exactly the same to us. With the ticket you can take any ferry at any time that day, so you are not restricted. We took an early 9am ferry, the Aremiti 6. 4 and 5. The ferry dock is at a completely different part of the island than the cruise port dock. There were no vendors nearby. There is nothing to do here unless you have someone meet you with a vehicle that is pre-arranged. No taxis that I saw, but again I was not really looking for one. There was much to do near the cruise port and within walking distance. Not so for the ferry dock. There were not even any stores near the ferry dock except perhaps an auto repair shop. Our ship stayed overnight in Papeete but docked in Moorea the next day. Are you sure the Majestic is not doing the same thing? If so you have many options in Moorea from the cruise dock there on the second day.

Moorea Part Two Overnight our ship has traveled from Papeete to Moorea. Although the ferry took about 40 minutes, the cruise ship took four hours. It must be the slow boat to Moorea. Today is actually our first tender port, and we must use the water shuttles. As we have an early excursion booked we patiently wait at the Crooners Lounge and are rewarded with a ticket for Tender 1. But, here is the catch. The Elite pax are waiting in a different lounge and they have priority tender service. Fortunately it is not a long wait for us to be called and we get to shore in 15 minutes . Now, I must admit for being a little miffed about our planned excursion. We booked it months ago as it was highly rated on a trip advising site. Only a few days ago the vendor advised us it was cancelled as they were undergoing a mandatory inspection and repairs. By that time of course all of the shipboard excursions were sold out. I contacted the vendor and asked if they had any suggestions. At the last minute they notified me that everything was now good and we could re-book. Okdk. Despite the initial drama we have to say that this was our best private excursion so far and ranks among the best ever. We boarded the catamaran which was docked nearby. This vessel holds eight passengers and we were joined by only two other couples. One couple was from our ship, the other from New Zealand vacationing in Moorea. The 4+ hour excursion was absolutely amazing. We had a crew of three including a naturalist/guide (trained as an oceanographer) and a captain. They were all young and very helpful and personable. That morning we visited three different snorkeling spots. At the first we swam with many blacktip reef sharks and rays. The second stop was at a coral reef teeming with colorful fish. And the third was the site of sunken Polynesian relics (replicas) along the sea floor. We spent 30-40 minutes at each site. Darn! my GoPro camera housing sprang a leak so my underwater pix were limited. At each site we were given an educational lecture by the guide. Nature, history and geography were covered. The crew made sure all were comfortable in the snorkeling gear and stayed with us in the water. The guide would point out different things to view. When the current once pushed one of our party away from the boat the guide swam back with him. Okay, it was me! On the catamaran (which had covered and uncovered areas) we were offered water, fruit juices, a platter of fresh fruit and on the way home complimentary mai tais. The weather was on our side today with mostly sunny skies and occasional clouds. The ride was smooth with a nice breeze ruffling what little hair I have left. The views of the surrounding mountains, and the Island Princess in the harbor were striking. After reaching land we waited on a long line for a return tender. The line ran through the covered artisan market, so definitely to the advantage of the sellers. They had a captive audience! Each booth offered pearls, clothing, handmade items and more pearls. We did our part and helped support the local economy. A lovely day on the water in Moorea, French Polynesia.

I asked our waiter last night about this. He said you can order the fettuccine alfredo whenever you like if you just give them some advance notice. He recommended the day before.

Yes, DW thought it was very good as well. Personally, I have in general been pleased with the preparation and selection of fish dishes.

I believe it is Port Rashid.

Papeete, Tahiti We are greeted with traditional music and flowers as we disembark in the capital of French Polynesia. We walk from the ship through the port to the ferry. There is regular ferry service from Papeete, Tahiti to Moorea, French Polynesia, and in fact some residents use it for their daily commute. We will be spending the day in Moorea exploring the island via e-bikes. While crossing a large parking lot, the skies open up and we are engulfed in a drenching downpour. “Did you bring the umbrella?” “No, I thought you did!” Accusatory glances disappear as quickly as the passing shower. The warm sun rapidly dries us off. The ferry is $10 each way (senior rate!) and takes about 40 minutes. It is a large modern vessel that carries passengers as well as vehicles and has seating indoors and outdoors, a snack bar and clean restrooms. During the short journey I overhear some of the staff behind our seats chatting in French. I listen intently and try to decipher their words as I attempt to recall some of my high school French. Unfortunately no one asks “Where is the library” so I am left in the dark. A block from the ferry dock we meet the vendor who adjusts our e-bikes, explains how to use them and provides us with a local map. At home we bike often and in fact have purchased lightweight foldable bikes to expand our biking trips. Unfortunately bicycles are “prohibited items” on Princess so they remained at home. The e-bikes are much different. Very heavy and certainly more complicated. DW’s bike has four “assist” modes and mine has three. These are not really motorized vehicles like a scooter. They do “assist” as you pedal. Please note the important words as you pedal. It is much different riding in Moorea with its changes in elevation compared to Florida which is flat, flat, flat. There is definitely work involved. We rode off and spent the next 4-5 hours exploring. Many stops for photos as each turn revealed more lovely views. At the Sofitel we went down the entrance road, there was no one at a guardhouse there so we continued on. As we stopped to take a couple of pictures of the tiki- hut rooms directly on the water we got chased off by security. Sorry! Our route was all along the northern edge of the island as recommended. The majority of the road is paved with well-marked bike lanes. Drivers were respectful of our presence and we never felt concerned. We traveled from the ferry dock at Vaiare past the airport and Temae beach. We stopped at the Maharepa shopping center for a break and visited some of the pearl shops. Continuing onward we rounded Cooks Bay, Paopao and then Opunohu Bay. A side trip was made to the Rotui Juice Factory, a disappointment. The provided factory tour is self-guided and the high point was watching filled juice cartons move down a conveyor belt. An adjacent building offered samples of their numerous juices. The disinterested server answered his cell phone in the middle of assisting us and then walked away. Oh, and their public bathrooms were disgusting. Continuing onward we pass the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. Not wanting to make the same mistake, we take our pictures from the road. The sun is warm and our legs are tired, so lunch at Plage Ta’Ahiamuna, one of the local beaches, was a welcome respite. Rested and sated we ambitiously ride the e-bikes up the road to Belvedere Lookout. This offers a spectacular view of both Cooks and Opunohu Bay. Up, up, up we travel. After interminable pedaling we discover we are only at the Agricultural School, about half-way to our destination. Noooo! Pooped, we accept defeat and head back down. It is a long tiring ride back to the ferry dock. According to DW’s app we have traveled over 25 miles on the bikes. No wonder we are knackered. Note to self: rent a motor scooter the next time we tour Moorea! After returning on the ferry, we spend some time shopping in the busy city of Papeete. There are many shops and restaurants adjacent to the ship. Nothing excites us in town, certainly our tiredness is an influence. A hot shower and a hot dinner rejuvenate us. Tomorrow is another day – in Moorea.

South Pacific Wikipedia cites dozens of versions of the color blue and its variations. I can only describe this water as “breathtaking blue.” Photos taken while walking this morning - no filters or retouching.

Some of the menus do have the entire meal on one page. More commonly, at least at our table, is a separate dessert menu presented after the main meal.

No USB ports in our balcony cabin. So we brought along a wireless phone charge that also has USB ports for charging. And a bunch of single USB chargers and cable.

Sorry I missed your post and did not reply. Yes indeed we are in the South Pacific.