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

[h20cruzer]

We haven't heard from you in a couple of day, I hope everything is fine. I am so enjoying your review and pictures.

Norma

[AussieVisi2r]

We haven't heard from you in a couple of day, I hope everything is fine. I am so enjoying your review and pictures.

Norma

 

Thanks for asking Norma.

 

I was a few days behind - having some very relaxing sea days - not alot to report but I was about to.

 

Then a hiccup did occur. But she is well. I hate reading a long explanation with out knowing if the person is OK. She is.

 

My daughter Sarah 24 was meeting the ship in Papette (as she couldn't get all the time off University.).

She flew in and was staying in a hostel and doing some Scuba Dives before joining us when we arrived in Pappette.

 

The morning I was to arrive in Moreea the phone rang at 6am. On a very bad phone line was a very upset Sarah telling me she was injured.

 

She arrived at the hostel (abut 50 ks from Papette) at 11pm, they took her to her room and didn't turn on the lights. "There is your bunk there". When she woke up early for her SCUBA trip she climbed out of the top bunk and was hit in the head by a very old fashion heavy metal ceiling fan. It struck her on the top of the head and sliced her open. She had no idea how bad it was but blood was flowing freely down her face. And she was very dazed. No one in the room bothered to offer assistance and she described herself as looking like someone from "The Walking Dead" with blood dripping from her face as she walked along the corridore with her arms out and crying /groaning.

 

The cleaning lady gave her towels to blot it up!!!

 

After numerous calls and photos we decided that it would be best if she came across to Moreea and boarded the ship - We know the quality of the Dr on the ship! We would not get there in time for me to get the ferry across so she would come over. I wouldn't get there at 5pm. She arrived before 9am! She hadn't lost consciousness and it was a clean cut that had stopped bleeding. No concussion signs! (I'm an ex Paramedic)

 

I hired a car and drove around the island to get her. We got on board the ship and went to the Dr. Of course it did need stitching. The Dr did a fantastic job. Great stitching. BUT...when cleaning it out (by examining with his finger tip, about 5cm under the scalp in all directions) he 'found something'. After x-rays he found a 'dent'. Not a full fracture but a definite crack and dent. And with 5 sea days coming up in THE most remote part of the world - he wanted other opinions. So off to Papettee for a CT scan. A fun trip over NOT, many many hours in a hospital with maybe 3 staff who had a few words of english. We did eventually get the CT scan and all was good. BUT the radiologist was not on duty so it couldn't be fully signed off. Had to see the Neuro Surgeon the next morning.

 

We did stay in a great hotel that night. If you need a night in Papeete the Tahiti Nui is fantastic. And I was able to get a message to one of our Concierge Buddies asking to spend time with Dad and to make sure he got to the room OK that night. I knew Dad would be cranky about this but it meant I would not worry. Thanks Colin!!!!

 

It took about 3 hours of rushing around to get to the surgeon who said the brain was all clear, no involvement at all!!!! SENSATIONAL. But there is a chip off the skull. We got a certificate saying "fit to travel" but were unable to get a copy of the scan as "the printer in broken".

 

We went back to board the ship, knowing it would take a while......but....the chief Dr wanted more information before we could get on. Finally a Guest Services person, with French, rang the surgeon, got a statement describing all and clearing Sarah. This call was recorded, then the GS lady had to give a statement (notarised) and we were allowed on board! It did take 2 hours though!

 

I totally understand the Dr point. He wanted to know EXACTLY what and where as we do have a 5 day trip!

 

The ship staff were brilliant! All so helpful. So grateful to them all.

 

So here we are on board. Sarah is fine, (but does fluctuate between scared and weepy, as to 'what could have been and what could be' and and her normal self. So it will be a quiet few days for her.

 

SO there is my tale of woo - with a great outcome. It could have been so much worse. I am so happy that I was close by when it did happen as she is a very experienced traveller who is often across the world on her own.

 

And to the people who don't do travel insurance. My rough estimate is around $2000 so far - and we have to go to the Dr every day for wound checks!

 

Cheers,

A greatful Raina

 

[cruise love]

Wjat a terrible time but I rhink to recover aboard ship is the best thing you all can do. I had to leave a ship due to a death in the family my travel insurance covered the cost with some percisance (words like we didn't see that there was a 2nd page to your claim)but rhry paid in abot 5mths.

The ship was fantastic arraning for visas to leave Vietnam and geting a travel agent to arrange flights and transfer to the airport

Cruise love

 

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Forums mobile app

[thetexasaggiecruiser]

Oh my goodness! I think that's a bit more excitement than you or Sarah had ever hoped to have. I'm so glad she's okay, and that all of the medical sign off activities were finally complete. I hope you guys can enjoy the rest of your cruise, and so so glad she wasn't seriously injured. It's nice when those situations turn into a great story to tell instead of something worse.

[nappa]

Hi, could you forward it to me too tgwall at live.com

 

Thanks

[PCWalton1]

Thank goodness she is ok and recovering. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[denamo]

So sorry to hear of your daughter and the situation. Unbelievable she received such little help at the hostel. However, thankful and glad it turned out well. Hope her recovery is swift and complete.

[Cruzin-K]

Wow! What a story. I'm glad your daughter is OK. I guess it's one of those things that is scary when it happens, but makes for a good story later ;) I hope she cheers up and can enjoy the rest of the cruise. At least you have some sea days for her to relax and rest a bit - I'm sure that will help a lot.

 

Travel insurance: don't leave home without it :cool:

Edited October 1, 2014 by Cruzin-K

[goodycruising]

Glad she is on the mend. Sounds like it was something that gave her a big shock also. I hope you have put a rocket up that hostel. I am guessing this would not be the first time that fan has done damage. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the trip.

[gaechann]

Crikey! What a terrible fright for you all! Your DD was very fortunate that you were close by to assist with all the medical to-ing & fro-ing.

I hope her recovery is swift & that you all enjoy the rest of your cruise on the beautiful Radiance.

We will be onboard on the 20th so take good care of her for us!

Loving your review & the photos! Well done!

Gae

 

 

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[joand452]

Not the kind of vacation memory you want to have, but you'll be talking about it for years!

 

So glad that she's on the mend and you call can enjoy the remainder of the cruise.

[jewel825]

Oh Raina - that is so scary! I can't even imagine what it was like for your daughter to go through that alone. I'm so glad to hear that you were able to go get her and get her stitched up and okayed by the neuro doctor to sail. Phew, not the start your daughter wanted!

 

I'm really enjoying your review and love seeing photos of your father having the time of his life. So sweet.

[h20cruzer]

Raina I am so glad your daughter is okay. Who would ever think a freak accident like that would happen. It's good that you were so close and could help her out. Now you can relax and enjoy the rest of the cruise with your daughter and your father.

Norma

[PerfectlyPerth]

Been following your thread with interest as I am boarding in November. Thanks for the info about the powerpoints and not to use downwards plugs.

 

Hope Sarah is on the mend - what a fright she must have had. At least she can now find a lounger and relax and recuperate. Maybe no cocktails for the first few days.

[AussieVisi2r]

Been following your thread with interest as I am boarding in November. Thanks for the info about the powerpoints and not to use downwards plugs.

 

Hope Sarah is on the mend - what a fright she must have had. At least she can now find a lounger and relax and recuperate. Maybe no cocktails for the first few days.

 

THANKS ALL.

 

Yes, we are having a few very quiet days. And what does Sarah love about cruises - water sports, drinking in the lounge and finding all the young people on board and staying up late. Oh well. Next week!!!!!!

 

I've just got back to uploading photos so now I can continue here!

 

I'll be back at it tomorrow.

 

 

Raina

[AussieVisi2r]

Just wondering about the suite perks on radiance. Is there a separate area for breakfast for suite guests? I've read the open speciality restaurants for breakfast for suites on other ships. Just wondering if this was the case for radiance? Thanks

 

Hello,

 

Suite perks on Radiance are great.

 

There is no breakfast area for suites. On many ships chops and others are near the main dining but not on Radiance. You can have a simple breakfast inteh Concierge Lounge - salmon, bagels, toast, fruit etc.

 

You will have a breakfast with the captain, reserved seating, ability to order room service from main dining room, private karaoke party in the CL and more. You will enjoy it.

 

Raina

[AussieVisi2r]

 

 

Days 15-20 At Sea. North Pacific then South Pacific.

Well here I am back to the reporting and playing catch up once again.

 

After Honolulu we have 5 lovely sea days.

 

The pace was very relaxed with many sleepins, gym, lunch, read/rest, Concierge Lounge, Dinner and more sleep.

 

The food continues to be lovely. This is a banana desert form the main dining room - delish!

 

 

 

 

I spied Dad out walking one morning. I was on a treadmill - he was out in the fresh air! Funny.

 

 

Windjammer always had enough to please everyone in the mornings. Cereal, hot food, egg station (made to order eggs), pastries, fresh fruit, cooked fruit, canned fruit, yogurt, as well as many sweet things.

 

 

Of course you can also go to the main dining room for more!

 

 

Edited October 3, 2014 by AussieVisi2r

[AussieVisi2r]

Days 15-20 At Sea. North Pacific.

 

Breakfast with the captain for Suite guests was again a lovely affair and it was good to meet the new captain. I sat with the head of HR and had a lovely chat.

 

I get to the stage where three meals a day is way to much so often have a good sleep in then do lunch then late dinner.

 

I have had a few lunches with Juan Diego the Concierge. (Did you know some staff can eat in the main dinning room is invited by a guest? You can also invite others to specialty restaurants - but give them some warning as they may need to seek permission.)

 

I finally remembered to take a photo of the muriel that I mentioned earlier (where the craftsman had to sleep on the pool table).

 

And if the grand staircase.

 

 

We are now in part of the must unpopulated parts of the world. Glad I'm on a cruise ship not a row boat!

 

 

My room steward this leg is great. Nino. Lovely. and makes great towel animals.

 

 

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Crossing the Equator.

 

Crossing the Equator is always fun!

 

On this day many passengers went from being a ‘Slimy Pollywog’ to a ‘Trusty Shellback’.

How? By crossing the equator in a ship! And going through a ceremony.

 

I started the day off in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

The ‘Crossing the Line’ ceremony is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy, and now other Navy’s and ships, commemorating a sailor’s (or passenger’s) first crossing of the equator. Originally the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at sea.

 

King Neptune (aka Capt) and all of his entourage including mermaids, island girls and pirates paraded onto the deck and sat on the thrown.

 

 

Massive crowds bear witness to this ceremony.

 

The ‘Slimy Pollywogs’ all had kneel before King Neptune while a list of charges was read out. The charges included - not tipping the dealer in the casino, using the elevator to go up one floor and pushing all of the buttons in the elevators. The king thought about it and decided to clear our slates. Then had to kiss the fish. The entourage walked around with fresh fish - some got to kiss the huge fish (like a john dory but about 600mm across), others were smacked on the cheeks with a small fish.

 

 

 

Then the next group came out – all happened to be men dressed in their swimmers. The crimes were worse so they had to be cleansed by being covered in spaghetti, fish guts and flour among other things.

 

 

Was fun and very funny.

 

We crossed the actual equator. 0 degrees north. 0 degrees south. We crossed at 154 degrees west. I was now in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Days 18-20 At Sea. South Pacific.

 

The fun continues with more of the same.

 

I have been very lazy this trip. I usually LOVE the Trivia in the morning - BUT - they made it a progressive trivia, so if you didn't have a team organised by 9am on the first day you missed out. Great for the early birds. And it's progressive for the whole trip. Oh well!!!!!

 

 

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!!!!

 

 

It was Australian Rules Football finals tonight - so text messages were runing hot! The winners were the Hawks. And there were some really happy groups celebrating.

 

 

We had one really windy night and after eating at 'The Dog House' (Why- because we spent so long deciding where to eat it was suddenly late!) we went 'flying' in the door way. It was fun. the wind was SO strong inside!. Must have been awesome of the helicopter deck!

 

 

I do love the wind.

 

 

There was a wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Days 18-20 At Sea. South Pacific.

 

Sea days are lovely.

 

 

Another night out at Chops with the CL buddies- it's worth going just for the veggie dishes!

 

 

 

Quite a few squalls. But then lovely weather straight after.

 

 

 

5 glorious sea days.

 

Tomorrow is Moreea, part of the Society Islands, in French Polynesia.

 

This was the night my DD was flying to Papette for some SCUBA diving before joining the ship for the rest of the trip. she had had a huge week. She is in her final semester of her 2nd degree - this one teaching. She was invited to an interview towards early acceptance for a permanent teaching position stating next year. This is huge. She did well in that and was asked back for a teaching session in front of a panel. She also had assignments to do. On the Friday she received an early offer of permanency. BUT the 25 page document needed to be returned within 7 days. Pity she was flying out the next morning!!!! She rushed around getting the appropriate documents, collected info, having then certified by a JP (notarised) and got it posted by registered mail. She chucked clothes into a bag and off to the airport. Then there was a flight delay, and very little time to make the connection, missing luggage etc. She arrived in Papette, got to the hostel/hotel at 11pm and was shown into her room in the dark as others were sleeping.

 

What a stressful week - she had not had time to bask in the joy of her permanency. That time would come soon!

 

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

So... if you haven't been following the whole thread you need to look at post 252 - so the next part makes sense.

 

One of the text message photos that greeted me.

 

 

 

From the ferry.

 

For those interested the ferry ride is about 30 minutes and cost about $18US each way. They run from Moreea at 7.30 and 4.30 and from Pateette at 8.30 and 3.30.

 

I couldn't get off the ship until about 8.30 when the first tender was ready to go.

 

Here is something I don't every want to see this in use. Manual override for the water tight doors. We all know what that would mean.

 

 

 

When training new staff on the ships they show them a video of these doors closing when triggered. They put a side of lamb in to show what would happen if you tried to duck through. apparently it is not pretty and staff treat the doors with the respect they deserve!

 

I tendered to shore and rented a car.

 

 

Avis were at the pier. They took me in a shuttle bus to the Intercontinental to collect the car and off I went to meet Sarah. I didn't realise that the ferry pier was on the other side of the island - and neither did quite a few people who had booked cars on that side. It would have been a $50 taxi ride each way if they went to get their cars. The rental companies must know they are going to get a huge amount of no shows for bookings. You would think they would say something to people booking.

 

[PerfectlyPerth]

Blimey poor Sarah - thats a decent gash and a half !!

 

I seriously love the top you are wearing in the exteme windy hair photo - can I ask what shop ?

[AussieVisi2r]

Moorea, French Polynesia - 28th September 2014

 

I did manage to still see some fantastic scenery as I drove around the island of Moreea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

Blimey poor Sarah - thats a decent gash and a half !!

 

I seriously love the top you are wearing in the exteme windy hair photo - can I ask what shop ?

 

WHy thankyou PPerth.

 

It's from TS14.They are in WA.

 

Raina