Venture with Bill & Mary Ann on the 2013 GW Voyage "Postcards from Paradise" 115 days

[cruz chic]

Thanks for the update. I look forward to your thread updates.

[WCB]

Report # 24 Day at Sea January 23, 2013 Wednesday

 

On our way out to go to breakfast this morning, we found an envelope containing two blue velvet pouches with the new 5 star Mariner pins. We have officially been inducted to the new level of HAL Mariners. There was a letter that listed the new benefits attached to this level. They are a 50% discount on one 100 minute internet package, two free dinners in the Pinnacle Grill, a complimentary cooking class in the Wajang Theater, and a day pass to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon Thermal Suite. We understand, according to Gerald, the Mariner boss, that the next level may be for those with 1000 days. At this point in time, he mentioned to us that there are over 100 HAL guests that have that many days or more, and it may be awhile before a new category will be added.

 

We also received two questionnaires for the Q and A session with Stein Kruse, the president and CEO of HAL. We are invited to submit three questions that we feel need to be addressed by the president. All the questions will be tabulated and evaluated before they are chosen to be presented to him. In other words, the questions will be screened, so there will be no possibility of him being blind-sided with inappropriate or uncomfortable inquiries. In the past, the hottest questions involved the smoking policy or the lack of on these Grand Voyages. Hopefully, Mr. Kruse will be able to clarify their policy once again when he boards the ship in Fremantle.

 

During his PM talk, Captain Mercer had a sad announcement. The folks from Pitcairn Island will not be joining us tomorrow as planned. It appears that during a visit from another cruise ship two weeks ago, over one third of the 57 islanders contracted the H2N3 flu virus. Since it is highly contagious, the Captain along with the HAL corporate officers, decided to cancel their visit. So there will be no special souveniers and lectures. However, we will be stopping to drop off some supplies for the islanders, and probably circle the small island during a 10am informative talk given by Barbara H, our port lecturer. Well, at least we'll get to see it, compared to last year where we sailed past it in the dark of the night. We were late in getting to Pago Pago, because we had to spend an extra day in Punta Arenas to avoid a storm. So the Pitcairn visit was cancelled. Things happen on cruises, and you have to roll with it.

 

The disappointment ended when we found out they were serving the 22 ounce ribeye steaks in the dining room tonight. Doesn't take much to make us happy. A double plus.......carrot cake.

 

The clocks went ahead one more hour tonight too. That's three days in a row now. But we are not complaining.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[cruise kitty]

Bill & Mary Ann,

 

Thanks for taking us along, I am thoroughly enjoying your updates!

[Esri]

WCB posted:

 

The luggage delivery was handled by HAL who employed Fed Ex to pick up the bags. Suites and verandas got unlimited luggage shipment, and the rest of the outside room guests got to send 4 pieces of luggage. This service is for full world cruisers only. Those who book inside rooms have to pay extra per bag that is shipped, even if they are full cruisers.

 

Do you know whether HAL sends the information on the luggage delivery to the inside cabin folks, or do they have to call about it? I know I have to pay for it, but if HAL makes the arrangements I'd probably still go with their program rather than an outside service. Thanks in advance.

[KirkNC]

Congrats on the 5 stars! Sounds like some nice perks.

[bcd2010]

How many days/credits does it take for 5-star status?

[boards]

500

[Cruisergal1208]

500

 

That is 500 actual sea days cruised with them.

[SilvertoGold]

That is 500 actual sea days cruised with them.

 

500 actual cruise days gets you a Gold medallion;

500 cruise credits gets you 5 star status and the rewards.

[Cruisergal1208]

500 actual cruise days gets you a Gold medallion;

500 cruise credits gets you 5 star status and the rewards.

Opps! I misread the post. You are correct of course. Thanks.

[trikeman]

Out of curiosity, how did they arrange the stars on the Five Star pin?

[WCB]

Report # 25 Scenic Cruising Pitcairn Island January 24, 2013 Thursday

 

Today would be special for a few reasons. We were going to scenic cruise around Pitcairn Island, and it was Mary Ann's birthday. She prefers to keep a low profile, but that doesn't always work. A birthday sign with balloons was taped to our room door sometimes early this morning for all to see. Of course, that came from our most friendly hosts. Even the Captain sent a card.

 

Around 9:30am, we spotted the island in the distance as we were taking our daily walk. People were starting to gather on the promenade deck, so we went back to our room, grabbed the cameras, and headed up to the bow on deck four. Fewer guests were up there because not everyone knows how to find the secret door to access that deck, and it was blistering hot out there Kind of forgot to use the sun screen, which turned out to be a mistake. In the one hour we stayed out there, we got a bit toasted. The rays can be powerful, and sneaky, because they are disguised with a fresh breeze.

 

Anyhow, here are a few quick facts on this little bit of land. Pitcairn is one of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. Despite the famous history surrounding this island, you'd be surprised to know that it is a mere 2 miles across. The island is the last remaining British overseas territory left in the Pacific. Back in 1937, there were over 230 residents, but today, there are only about 60. Originally inhabited by Polynesians, the most well-known islanders were the mutineers from the HMAV Bounty in 1790. Descendants of Christian, Young, Warren, and Brown live here today. Adamstown is the only settlement. The remains of the Bounty were discovered sunk in the bay in 1957. Even though the only source of water comes from rainfall and cisterns, fruits and vegetables can be grown here. There are enough fish to keep the islanders well fed, although everything else is shipped here. Typical souveniers made here are wood carvings, tapa cloth, painted leaves, coins and postage stamps. Exports are dried bananas, pineapple, papayas, and mangoes. And a particularly excellent quality of honey comes from here, harvested from disease-free bees.

 

All of these products are normally brought onboard ships by some of the natives in the longboat. They sell their wares in the Lido pool area, and do quite well. Only today, many were disappointed because that was cancelled, due to the islanders having the flu. Some of the healthy ones, around 15 of them, came over to the ship in their longboat to pick up supplies from us. That included eggs, meat, cheese, fresh fruit, TP, and lots of ice cream. They left with their booty very happy as they waved on their way back.

 

Then Captain Mercer slowly sailed around the island, while Barbara H. gave an informative talk on the history of this isolated bit of land. Just as we rounded the end of the island, we spotted what looked like a pirate ship anchored in a small bay. It was actually a small schooner by the name of Picton Castle, and had traveled to here from Nova Scotia with about 50 passengers. They had left Nova Scotia in November, and just arrived here now. They must have planned their stop for Pitcairn Day, which happened to be yesterday. It was great to see the size of such a vessel in relation to us. Hard to imagine what it would be like to travel in such a small vessel, leaving us to appreciate the style in which we have become accustomed to.

 

Finding lounges at the aft pool was easy. It was still hot and getting hotter. Hoping to spend some quiet time, we were blind-sided by Kween Karen, bless her heart, who came jumping over to us with a sweet birthday card she had custom-made for Mary Ann. This girl is quite talented with her computer and printer. This was icing on the cake after opening several cards from home, and getting special emails from the kids and friends. Made her day.

 

The island became a mere speck on the horizon as we sailed westerly towards Tahiti. Captain Mercer mentioned at his PM talk that we may be picking up some residual swells and rain from a tropical storm that has hovered around French Polynesia. With a little bit of luck, perhaps it will move away before we arrive to Papeete on Sunday. In all of the times we have been to Tahiti, it has seldomed rained. So maybe we are due.

 

Tonight was formal and fun. It was "Pirate Night" with all the waiters dressed in puffy pirate shirts, and the dining room head waiters dressed in velvet long jackets with plumed pirate hats. We know it must be really warm and uncomfortable for them, but they seem to ignore it, and actually have fun with the theme. Barb had been invited to the Captain's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, but made it back on time for dessert with us. Yes, we had the special whipped cream frosted chocolate cake, decked with four candles, which we figured was one candle for every 10 years right? Absolutely! Our buddy Casey even topped the waiters song with an impromtu poem for the occasion. Don't know how he does that, but he does that well. More hugs and kisses ended the night for us. Now we just have to deal with the sunburn.............

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

PS A nice gift of one hour back on the clock was exactly what we needed tonight. That makes four in a row.

[bcd2010]

Thank you all (#days)!

[DeniceRG]

Happy belated birthday Mary Ann!! And thank you both for sharing your journeys with us!

 

Denice

[WCB]

Report # 26 Day at Sea January 25, 2013 Friday

 

The weather continued to be rather hot and muggy as we head northwesterly towards French Polynesia. So far, we have not seen any sign of the storm that has plagued that area for a few weeks. But things can turn on a dime in this part of the world.

 

Most of the cautious passengers stayed inside the ship, participating in the daily activities, since it has been heating up daily outside. The shore excursions are being promoted, and the two speakers talked about the seven wonders of the ancient world and global warming or cooling. As for the latter subject, we have been following the news on the cold snap that has descended on North America. Looks incredible on the news reports, leaving us thankful for being in such a warm climate right now.

 

We have not heard any bad news on the gastrointestinal illness onboard, but the message continues to be printed in the daily newsletter. It is CRITICAL that everyone washes their hands with soap and water regularly, then use Purell. So far, we have managed to stay out of the red zone for high numbers of cases reported.

 

We had a special invitation to join 17 other clients from our travel agency for a dinner in the Kings Room at 7pm. It was hosted by the president of the agency, his wife, and our current hosts. The regular dining room menu had been amended to include fewer choices, although we were able to order the entree salad (not on the menu) with no problem. Wines were poured, or in our case, we preferred Coke Zero. Again, no problem. We knew all but four of the guests from previous cruises, so the evening went well. Our hosts changed seats by dessert time, which was a great idea. That way we got to visit with more of them. We adjourned by 9pm, then took a stroll on the outside deck. The moon has been getting fuller every night, and was shining strong on the sea. These are the moments to remember.

 

And, for the fifth day in a row, the clocks went back one hour tonight. Sure glad we are not going east and turning the clocks ahead for that many days. In fact, during our conversation with Tom B., he feels that the world cruise will be going eastbound in 2015. We should know the answer to that question when Stein Kruse joins us in Perth, Australia.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[KirkNC]

Happy birthday Mary Ann! What a great place to celebrate one!

[snookymom]

Happy birthday Mary Ann. Thanks for letting us celebrate with you!:D

[Cruisergal1208]

Happy Birthday a day late from another Mary Ann who is following your adventure here on CC. Thanks for the great reports.

Mary Ann

[respondeat.cruiser]

Thanks for the posts, WCB.

 

I'm interested in the idea of an east-bound world cruise.

 

I bet that not being able to use the Suez, and transit the Med is a big factor there. So if you have to pass the Cape of Good Hope anyway, then why not go east and pass Cape Horn later on?

 

Pretty exciting stuff. I'll bet they add a quick stop in Spain, and an expedition to Antarctica so that you could see all five continents in a single trip!

[respondeat.cruiser]

sorry, I meant all six continents

[Typhoon1]

Great updates, keep them coming.

[WCB]

Report # 27 Day at Sea January 26, 2013 Saturday

 

A funny thing happened at the dining room breakfast today. We think because of the multiple times changes, too many folks got up early, and headed to dine here. As always, we were seated quickly, had our order taken, then waited. And waited, until we realized that our order must have gotten lost. We happened to have our evening waiter, Ketut, serving us today. He was so embarrassed to have to ask us what we ordered, then re-submit it to the chefs. Truthfully, we had no plans for the morning, except for walking and talking. Guess we could have gone to listen to things to do and see in Auckland, as well as hearing about New Zealand's development from the early settlers and their architecture. Gosh, we need to enjoy French Polynesia first. Seems like they are always days ahead with info, which, in our opinion, works well for booking HAL tours. But that is the name of their game, and it's how they make additional money.

 

We are wondering if there has been some problems with tour bus passenger etiquette. In the daily newsletter, there was an article reminding fellow travelers to be mindful of each other. The staff has asked the couples to please sit together on a bus, not take two seats each. In addition, if you see someone in need, please relinquish your seat, especially if you are at the front of the coach. That's kind of sad that anyone needs to be reminded to be thoughtful. And the cruise has just begun...........

 

January 26th is a special day for the Aussies, since it is Australia Day. It commemorates the arrival of the first fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove. It's a day of special events, BBQs, and fireworks for 21 million friendly people. Too bad there are few of these citizens onboard right now. We know for a fact that they really like to party hearty. We did hear that an afternoon get together was happening for the Aussies in the Piano Bar around 2pm, but we could not find it printed in today newsletter. Perhaps too many folks would claim the Aussie citizenship.

 

The weather remained warm and muggy, but the clouds soon blocked the sun in the early PM. It was a sure thing that we would get some showers, which we did. But they were light and gone as soon as they started. The nice thing about the rain, is that it cools the air off nicely. Captain Mercer mentioned that Cyclone Gary has moved out of our path by over 700 miles. That is good news, but we are sure to get some rain tomorrow in Papeete. We are not on a tour, so we can play it by ear. It's a nice place to take a long walk, and since it is Sunday, not everything will be open. That might save us some money for sure!

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[atinys]

YEAHHHH i KNEW it was time for another world cruise... I am a little late but I will catch up fast.

 

Thanks for allowing me to join you on another world cruise......

[WCB]

Report # 28 Papeete, Tahiti January 27, 2013 Sunday

 

It's hard to find a more beautiful place than the French Polynesian island of Tahiti. Today our port of call is the capital of Tahiti, Papeete. Famous for their black sand beaches, pearls, and tropical fruits, it is also the hub of the government, commerce, industrial and financial institutes of the Windward Islands. Tourism brings thousands of people to this area as well, either by airplane or ship. That was evident today, bcause besides the Amsterdam, Oceana's Marina was also in port. It looked like a fairly new vessel with several decks of veranda suites. Very nice, although there was no promenade deck that we could see. Few ships have them nowadays.

 

We started the day with a proper breakfast before heading off the ship. In fact there were two negatives that we could see today.. First the heat and humidity were going to be a killer, and we happened to arrive here on a Sunday. If we didn't suffer a heat stroke getting to town, it would be for naught, since on Sunday not much was opened.

 

There were organized tours, of course, but we have taken every one of them more than once over the years. We gathered that the pizza is good here, so walking the town and waterfront, followed by lunch was our plan. Somehow, we thought that the main marketplace would be opened around noon. It was quite the opposite. After running into friends who went over there early, they reported that the market opened in the wee hours of Sunday morning, then closed at noontime. So we changed our plans.

 

Last year, we came across a nice fabric shop, but with the massive choices, we could not make one. This year, we zeroed in on the right colors instantly, and purchased a red, green, and turquoise floral print for a blouse. Easy pick and not too expensive considering that everything here has to be imported. From there, we walked to Marche du Papeete, which means marketplace in French. The two story complex houses a food, fish, and meat market on the first floor, along with some trinkets and flowers. Upstairs you can find many shops of quality clothing and souveniers. Jewelry is abundant, especially black pearl and shell pieces. However, today there were only about half of those shops opened. The only restaurant was also closed up tight.

 

Happy to find the flower section was open for business, we bought a bunch with ginger and birds of paradise for our room for a mere $7.00. There was no evidence of ants, but we are sure to find some later. Just comes with the territory. Sometimes a crew member will spray them before we pack them onboard the ship, but not today.

 

We were "melting" from the heat by then, so walked back to the ship to cool off with some Cokes. The sky was beginning to cloud up, and there was a 60% chance of rain predicted. So we headed back out with a bottle of water to walk the park area that lined the pier and harbor. They've done a wonderful job of creating a boardwalk and bike path surrounded with greens and trees for shade. Park benches and picnic tables also draw the locals, especially on Sunday. Lots of kids were surfing the waves at a tiny cove along this stretch of mostly rocky shoreline. There is also a newly built cultural center with a stadium for local events.

 

On the way back, we walked the main avenue where some restaurants were located. One in particular, a pizza cafe, sounded great. But as we got closer, we saw that it was closed. The florists on the ship, Eddie and Calista, were really disappointed too, since they don't always have a lot of time to enjoy the ports. They may have ended up at the one outdoor venue that was opened. We're sure the beer was flowing big time, even though we heard a bottle may have cost around $10. each. So it was a choice of crowded and hot, or cool with no waiting in the Lido, so there was really no choice at all but to head back to the ship.

 

Right on the cruise dock is a visitors center, where some local vendors and artists have their items set on tables for sale. This afternoon there was also a native Tahitian dance being performed with a small group of drummers and musicians. As we listened and watched, we also strolled by the tables checking out the shell jewelry. Many of their attractive necklaces are made here with shells and cording. A red corded one with a modest group of seashells would go perfect with the new fabric, so we added it to the existing collection we have.

 

It was a relief to get back to the air-conditioned ship and the Lido sandwich bar for lunch. They have gone back to serving everything for the next two days, since some new passengers have joined us. We spent the rest of the late afternoon watching a movie, then went to the sailaway party at 6pm.. It had been raining a bit, so it had been moved into the center pool area. Luckily, the rain stayed away until we left. The funny thing is that we only have about 15 miles to go to reach Moorea, our next port of call. Captain Mercer mentioned that we will slowly drift in a circle all night, then drop anchor early in the morning. The sun set behind the island of Moorea and was stunning to see.

 

We had unexpected drama this evening at dinner. There were only six of us at our table tonight, with one couple opting for the Lido dinner. All was going well, until Joan displayed a problem with her breathing. Not knowing if she was perhaps choking, our waiters and the wine steward came running to assist her. In a flash, the wine steward was giving Joan the anti-choking hold. We don't know if it worked, because he had to do this three times. We were afraid her ribs would not hold up to that procedure, but she seemed to be breathing OK. At this point she was more shaken and embarrassed, and did not want any more fuss. But it was too late, because the alert had been sent, and the staff was on the way. All the dining room heads arrived, with three girls from the front office. Shortly thereafter, the nurse came, checked her out, and insisted that she go to the medical office to be further checked out. At least Joan did not need the wheelchair they had brought. No, this lady is proud as they come, and marched out on her own with the nurse. Helen, another one of our tablemates, decided to go with them so Joan would not be alone. Since neither of them came back, we assume Helen escorted Joan to her room. You just never know when these things will happen, but it was good to see how quickly an emergency can be handled. We're sure she will be fine by tomorrow.

 

By the way, we heard that a man suffered a heart attack a couple of days ago. He was taken off of the ship as soon as we docked this morning. People that knew him said he was going to be OK, but it appears that the medical staff prefers to send these folks home, avoiding any complications that could arise while in the middle of nowhere. Could be the difference between life and death.

 

Hoping for a more laid back day in Moorea tomorrow.

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[WCB]

Report # 29 Moorea, Tahiti January 28, 2013 Monday

 

The forecast for 86 degrees with a chance of rain was deceiving today. Sounds innocently comfortable, but like yesterday, the heat and more so the humidity were almost unbearable. By the time we woke up, the ship was already anchored in Bahia D'Opunoha at the unbelievably beautiful island of Moorea. Unlike Papeete in Tahiti, this island is known for its striking landscape, friendly people, snorkeling, and site-seeing.

 

We have visited here often enough to have gone on every tour available. In order to avoid the back-up with tendering ashore that we experienced in Easter Island, we decided to go over later in the morning. We had switched to a different anchoring spot, so nothing looked familiar to us. Perhaps another ship had our usual spot. It was announced that no more tender tickets were needed to get off, and the boats were open to all. That happened about 10am.

 

Hoping it would be a little cooler in the morning, we found it made no difference. When we got ashore after a short boat ride, the sun was high and it was sizzling. We were all greeted by two scantily-clad native girls, who performed their dance to the music of the drummers nearby. Souvenier tables flanked the road where the tender landing was. In fact, there was more here than in the regular drop-off point. Many guests were milling around, checking out the trinkets while they waited for their assorted tours to begin.

 

By the way, yesterday while in Papeete, some locals were selling tours in Moorea for today. Two of them were for a 2 1/2 hour island drive and cost $40. A snorkeling tour for 4 hours was offered for $50. Now if you booked these nearly identical tours with HAL, you would pay a whole lot more, like double or triple. It's a chance you take that you will get back safely to the ship and also before the last tenderboat leaves. More of the passengers we know are going the cheaper route, and so far, we have not heard of anybody being left behind.

 

We were interested in taking a walk on the main road to get a feel for the native habitats. Even the shoreline properties were conservative. Nothing fancy here, except a few hillside homes. Most all the places had chickens in their front yards, and clothes hanging in the damp breeze. Those who were at home, were sitting in what shade they had, watching the tourists walk by. Most were friendly and said "bonjour" or hello to us.

 

The road was busy with vans, trucks, and small cars. So we did not get too far, before we felt it best to head back. It was all looking the same, with few breaks in between the houses to see the bay with the ship anchored. So we walked back to the turnout and continued up the road a piece. A rain-swelled creek was cascading down the hillside, then dumping into the bay. It carried a lot of forest matter, and unfortunately, a lot of garbage such as plastic bottles and bags. We spotted something very alive in the water, but only briefly. It was something that looked like a long eel. Since the banks were grassy, the creature disappeared quickly and never came out again.

 

Too hot for comfort, we figured it would be nice to find a place in the shade and hopefully find a breeze as well. The best spot was right across from the tenderboat drop. We could sit on the large rocks and watch the boats come and go. A few other folks had the same idea and joined us. One lady had purchased some long round loaves of French bread to take back to the ship. Of course, this bread was warm and fresh, so she and her husband began to snack on it. Soon there were two dogs that would not leave her side. The big dog begged for some food, while the younger dog wanted to be petted. Even throwing some chunks of bread to them to make them happy, they gobbled it up, but came back for more. Finally she gave up and boarded the next boat.

 

We had not intended to buy anything, but there was a sweet elderly lady, who was busy stringing small seashells into necklaces and earrings. Many years ago, we had picked up the same type of earrings for $10. each. Today, she was happy to sell the necklace and earrings for the same price. For a change, something went down in price instead of up.

 

By noontime, we headed back to the comfort of the ship and spent the afternoon mostly in the swimming pool. Doesn't get much better than this. The surrounding scenery of the steep cliffs and mountains could be seen all around the ship. Waves of rain drifted over the interior valleys, yet never reached the bay where we were. Guess we got lucky, because the Captain mentioned that this whole area had not seen any blue skies for several days. That is, until we came. How lucky was that?

 

The sailaway party was well-attended. Selling drinks at buy one, get the second for $1.00 works for all that drink. This offer has been in place for most of the trip so far at happy hour time. And yes, it makes people happy we believe.

 

Casey, for one, really likes happy hour. It has been his way of unwinding while on vacation, but he has paid a price for that. Tonight at dinner he did not feel well, and said he has picked up a cold. For two nights, Carol and Van have been absent due to a cold and a bad back. Joan, our emergency lady last night, was present and looked just fine, which was a good thing. Traveling and touring can be hard work you know!

 

Tomorrow, we shall be sailing into the bay at Bora Bora, another piece of paradise.

 

Mary Ann & Bill