Live-- “Eh” to “G’day” – Vancouver to Sydney on Radiance 2014

[KJL53]

Looks like you are having waay tooooooo much fun without me. You, Andy and Collin look like you having fun while I am sitting at home. So happy to hear all is well. Please give kisses to all and have a wonderful time with Sarah.

 

Karen

 

PS... Please miss me a little...I miss all of you.....We must travel again together..........

[PerfectlyPerth]

WHy thankyou PPerth.

 

It's from TS14.They are in WA.

 

Raina

 

LOL my first thought was it was a TS ! I am located in Melb now so I have access to their outlet store !

[AussieVisi2r]

Looks like you are having waay tooooooo much fun without me. You, Andy and Collin look like you having fun while I am sitting at home. So happy to hear all is well. Please give kisses to all and have a wonderful time with Sarah.

 

Karen

 

PS... Please miss me a little...I miss all of you.....We must travel again together..........

 

Of course we miss you!!!!!!

 

We were saying nice things about you today. Andy hopes you have finished that book!

 

Raina

[AussieVisi2r]

Moorea, French Polynesia - 28th September 2014

 

 

 

 

 

[boeckli]

I went to a few more restaurants.

 

The sea food chowder at the Crab Shack is fantastic. but don't hope to eat anything else!!!!

 

 

 

That looks and sounds very yummy ... I LOVE seafood chowder :)

I hadn't heard about the Crab shack so had to Google to get the background info.

Have you heard whether the Crab Shack (i.e. seafood) will stay? Or will they change it (back) into something else for the Aussie season?

Edited October 4, 2014 by boeckli

[AussieVisi2r]

That looks and sounds very yummy ... I LOVE seafood chowder :)

I hadn't heard about the Crab shack so had to Google to get the background info.

Have you heard whether the Crab Shack (i.e. seafood) will stay? Or will they change it (back) into something else for the Aussie season?

 

They say it is staying.

That chowder was $8 or $7. 1/2 a dungeness crab is $16.

 

I'm doing my bit to show how much Aussies love seafood.:D

[goodycruising]

Or trip earlier this year on Radiance we noticed the Cantina was very quiet most of the time, so it sounds like a good change. It is a lovely location.

[boeckli]

They say it is staying.

That chowder was $8 or $7. 1/2 a dungeness crab is $16.

 

I'm doing my bit to show how much Aussies love seafood.:D

 

Thanks - look forward to the chowder :)

[AussieVisi2r]

Once on the ship we went to the Dr. Of course it needed stitching and a fair bit if debris removal. The Dr stuck his finger in the wound and felt all around - then scratched with tweezers!!!:eek: Sadly he hid find an 'abnormality' so it was off to Papeete for a CT Scan.

 

 

But at least she got a chair ride down I95 (the staff corridor on Decl 1 that runs the whole length of the ship.

 

 

The port Authority guy decide that we would travel across on the ferry. It was a zoo! Last day of school holidays. We met some incredible rude people totally lacking in compassion. I say sarah on a lounge chair so she could lean on me when needed. The lady sitting at the table opposite when crazy - yelling (in French) that she wanted those seats for her 2yo to play on. I did my best in charades, to explain that we were going to the emergency department, broken head etc. She abused, screamed and yelled and then went and got staff to move us. More charades and they took us to a 'sick room', a tiny cupboard with no air or windows but at least Sarah could lie down. As we were leaving the lady told me to go and had a few words at me - in perfect English. I very politely, thanked for for her kindness and language help.

 

 

We then spent 6 hours in the hospital with no one speaking any English, nor looking at the x-rays. I did make the fatal error at one time of asking a question of a nurse, without saying bonjour and trying in French (if you have travelled in France you will know what I mean). I paid for that error.

 

We eventually got a Dr who was willing to play the charades game, had the CT Scan and all was good. But we would have to come back it the morning for the Neuro Surgeon to review them.

 

So down the road to a lovely hotel with THE best beds ever. It was like sleeping on a giant Marshmallow.

 

That was my day in Moreea. Last year I hopped on one of the flat boats that goes out to the shallow water to walk around with the rays and sharks. It was much more fun. Although this was a Sunday - there were still plenty of tours on offer.

 

Many people paid the $99 and went up to either the Hilton or the Intercontinental for the day. That included some drinks and lunch, towels etc. They could then pay more for water actives such as snorkelling, jet pack ride, jet ski, swim with Dolphins. etc. We had to drop the hire car off there and it looked super. Could be a great deal. They even have real sand on their beaches. Probably Australian sand. Did you know that the soft golden sand on Waikiki beach is bought in Australia and spread on the beach!

[AussieVisi2r]

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia - 29th September 2014

 

I hired a car as we had a bit of running around to do and we were doing to see a bit of Tahit!!!!! Only took 3 hours to get to see the Surgeon who gave the all clear. YAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

 

 

We collected Dad at the ship and headed off to have a bit or a look. The circle drive takes about 3 hours and shows you some stunning things. Waterfall, blowhole, fern grotto, black sand beaches, Paul Gauguin Museum. Really good - but we only did a short drive and still saw great things. I would highly recommend the driving your self around the island. "ocean to the left, mountain to the right" you cannot get lost. If you are looking for ides for your own trip here I what I did on Papeete last year. http://rainastahititrip.blogspot.com.au/p/tahiti.html

 

But this year.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw some amphibious fish leaping around the rocks in fairly rough surf. They were The pacific leaping blenny (Alticus arnoldorum). They can survive on land for a few hours. They are about 8cm long and can leap huge distances by turning their tail to 90 degrees and launching off that.

 

 

Very cool watching them.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia - 29th September 2014

 

We dropped the car and headed back to the ship. We knew if would take a little while to get on so sent Dad ahead. Lucky we did.

 

Just to rub salt into Sarah's wound as she had missed her SCUBA trip (as they say, cause to actually do it would be far to painful) some of the officers were diving at the gangway. Senior Officers do an examination of the hull of the ship before EVERY crossing leg.

 

 

It was so lovely of them to welcome her. This is Captain Wendy and John, Head of Security. John said "I hear you have fans!"

 

 

It then took two hours to get back on board - as I mentioned before. But finally we were back!!!!!

 

The staff on the ship were brilliant.

As you can imagine we had many deals with many staff over these difficult 28 hours. Guest services - Jan (who deals with immigration, Dana (who made the calls) and many of the medical staff were all fantastic. Our room attendant Nini was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble.

 

After all the fuss to get us back on Sarah became quite scared and stressed about the crossing. She had a few quiet days with lots of sleeping!

 

There was a Polynesian show that night that was good. Quite different to Hawaiian dancing.

 

 

 

 

[nappa]

Hi everyone. I know I'm a bit late with the request but could someone please send me a link for that discount fares site. My email address is tgwallatlivedotcom

 

Thanks

 

Tracey

[goodycruising]

Tracey/nappa - have forwarded to you. :)

 

Great pics of the trips/islands Raina, but very disappointing about the French language carry on. :( That scan of the chip on top of the head is a bit scary. Hope Sarah is picking up more as time goes on. I didn't think fans could do that much damage. I look forward to opening your thread and seeing new posts, it has become part of my CC routine (right after the Aus/NZ section :) )

[Grey Nomad]

First of all Raina. Your posts have been absolutely wonderful . Hope all is going well with Sarah. Secondly you are so lucky to be able to do this trip with your Dad (andy). I have been reading all this since the beginning and have loved all the posts. We are on Radiance on 23 December with our daughter, eldest daughter and son-in-law. Your blog is wonderful as this is a cruise we want to do. Secondly Thanks to goody cruising for some fantastic photos that we were able to show the family. Enjoy the rest of your cruise Raina.

[GUT2407]

Poor Sarah I hope that there are no long term effects.

[AussieVisi2r]

Bora Bora, French Polynesia - 30th September 2014

 

Bora Bora was a very quiet day for us.

We were booked with Bora Bora Pure Snorkelling. I went with them last year and it really was the best snorkel trip ever - and I have snorkelled in some of the best locations. We snorkelled with so many fish, morays, Manta rays, Octopus, coral and more. It was magical. But sadly that was not happening for us this year. Others on the ship did go out with them and are still going on about how good it was!

 

We tendered over to Bora but Sarah only lasted 30 minutes before the heat and fatigue got her. It was still stunningly pretty.

 

 

 

 

Bora Bora is one of the places you really do need to book ahead for water sports. There were heaps of tours going out but all were booked up except a few snorkel trips in the late afternoon. There was - glass bottom boat, snorkelling, jet ski, jet boat, lagoon circle tours by boat, shark and ray trips.

 

There were the day passes to the resorts and bus trips around the island. There is a $5 bus that drive up and down going to places like the bar "Bloody Mary's'.

It really is a great day - but very expensive for food and drinks. $20 hamburgers.

 

 

 

Sarah had lots of sleep the next few days and is back to fine. Thanks for all your concern and kind words!

[Hobart Hurricane]

Can you forward please to my username at iprimus dot com dot au

 

I am loving this review as I get to live both my cancelled trip and get hints for my next one too.

 

Thank you

 

Hope im not to late to be forward this as well??

[teachergal29]

Hope im not to late to be forward this as well??

 

Email me at psd354 at embarqmail dot com and I will copy and paste it back to you in a reply.

 

 

Raina, still enjoying all your posts and photos. Thanks so much for taking all this time out of your vacation. It is much appreciated. Can't wait for our 28 day cruise from Sydney to LA in April 2016.. Glad your daughter is back to normal and able to enjoy the rest of the cruise.. :D

[AussieVisi2r]

5 Sea days were lovely!!!! As they always are.

 

Lots of food, sleep, plenty to drink, shopping, lots of towel animals.

 

This one is the best!

 

 

 

Some Flaring in the bar.

 

 

The Michael Kors deal was great --- so a few of us indulged.

 

 

More great dinners with groups of new friends. i love the friends you make when cruising and knowing that you WILL cruise with some again.

 

 

Pierre the barman calls these my 'Kiddie Cocktails' as I said I wanted my soft rink to look like a grownups drink.

 

 

This is just one of our traditional photos. Taken in the elevator lobby looking up at the ceiling mirrors. Have it from every cruise.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

The Liar's Club!

 

 

 

If you have never been to this, look out for it. It' another late night activity. A panel of 4 - all senior officers are given a word from the dictionary. They give us their' definition and we vote on the correct one.

 

Juan Diego, the Concierge and The Captain. And me :)

 

 

Terrence, the Head of Inventory

 

 

And Marius, the Head of Hotel

 

 

Sounds all very straight forward - but these guys have a flair for stretching, twisting and outright lying. There is usually a fair bit of smut and connotation thrown in.

 

And where else can you boo, cheer and call the Captain a Liar?

 

 

So much fun!!!!

 

[AussieVisi2r]

The seas began to get a bit rough. That lovely calm sea was not as lovely. Only about 5 metres but still enough to worry some.

 

 

The people who paid for ocean view rooms on Deck 2 sure got an ocean view. I think they saw fish! Storm covers went on not long after. Huge metal plates that are bolted on!

 

 

Fun seas. Some would say rough. Winds of 100 knots per hour (Hurricane is 75) and the seas built up to 20-30 feet (7-10 metres). All the decks were closed so we had to take photos on the Bridge Cam TV. We played 'WaveCam'. We would watch the wave on the TV as the wave hit.........

 

 

 

then turn around and watch it white out past our windows at mid ship. Much fun.

 

And this photo......the camera is ABOVE the bridge...so Deck 11.

 

 

When a second big wave hit the bridge window - they cancelled the bridge tour and sent everyone out!!!!

 

The sea even knocked the internet out by doing something to the antenna The giant white balls on top of the ship!

Edited October 8, 2014 by AussieVisi2r

[AussieVisi2r]

Decks 5, 12 and 13 were closed. You could still walk around on 11 near the pool (that of course was empty. Anything not roped down was sliding around.

 

 

The noise was amazing. I have never heard it like that before.

 

 

I stuck my head up the stairs by the pool to deck 12, but when I saw the wind (cause you COULD SEE the wind) and saw that no one else was there, I stuck my head back down!!!

 

 

The Captain changed course during the night to stop us being hit sideways byt he wind. Many whined loudly when we were an hour late to Wellington - but I sure they would have whined louder if we had have gone in the original direction.

It was rough!

 

At one time I heard a huge bang. One of the lift jumped it's tracks. (no drama) just had to be fixed. It very conveniently did it about 300mm fromthe bottom of floor 3).

 

 

And then.....we turned out of the Cook Straights into the Wellington Bay and it was like someone flicked a switch. In a two minute period we went from putting a hand on furniture as you walked around and sitting down to put sock on - ---- to like sailing on a lake. Dead flat. Bizarre!

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Izumi

 

The Asian restaurant. They do not like to be called Japanese - prefer Asian Inspired.

 

Izumi is really nice light food - just what I need after a month on board. It is pay as you go - NO cover charge.

 

Miso soup is free.

 

We had 6 in the group.

 

We all had Miso soup. A huge bowl of the fancy noodles that was shared with 4. REALL NICE!! Sorry I didn't get a photo but its a big bowl with soup then noodles and about 6 different vegies and meat. It would be a full meal for 2 or 3.

 

Many platers of sushi and sashimi. 6platters???

 

 

Hot rock - beef.

 

 

One small jug of Saka.

 

Cost divided by 6 was $16 each.

 

It was a great night and fantastic food!!!!

 

Lunch with the Officers.....

 

is another treat for Diamond Plus. It's held in the main dining room but with drinks and with Officers. We sat with four officers and one who was on leave and on the ship. It was really nice. Your get to have a great chat with them.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Wellington, NZ. 7th October 2014 Day 29

 

Once we were out of the wind the water was so calm and everything was beautiful looking.

 

 

Wellington is the capital of NZ and has nearly 200,000 people in the city and 400,000 in the district. It's a really 'funky, cool, artsy' city with a great feeling. Because of it's location on the 'Roaring fourties' (40th latitude) with savage winds ripping across the southern oceans it is known as 'Windy Wellington'.

 

I really like Wellington!! There are great tours on offer but you really don't have to do one. there I lots in town to see. Wellington is home to the Ship Wreck Coast, home of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, farm visits and more.

 

It is in a huge bay and the port is a working port. You can walk into town (about 20 minutes - flat and easy) or catch the shuttle. $10 return. Taxis are about $15 to town. $18 to the museum.

 

 

Tug boats were on hand as there were strong winds. One entertained us by spinning in circles up and down the length of the ship.

 

 

Storm covers had been put up on Deck 3 overnight.

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Wellington

 

Ta Papa Museum is a 10 minute walk from the shuttle bus. As well as bing a great place to visit it has fantastic free Wifi. Really fast. fast enough to skype and quickly upload photos. They had a dinosaur display on with a great add in the forecourt. It roared ever few minutes.

 

 

The waterfront is quite beautiful. Bike hire, skates, segways etc. There were heaps of teenagers out riding big four share pedal bike/carts. As walking along people heard a girl laughing and shrieking. "I am piddling, I am piddling". Apparently is was a Kiwi girl who was pedalling the bike! Kiwi accents are so funny.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 8, 2014 by AussieVisi2r