Auckland and beyond

Auckland

 

Very slow computer and internet.  Will have to upload some photos when I get home or later in the cruise.

 

Having a lot of trouble finding time to blog.  The two week cruise is certainly a lot more hectic than a world cruise.  In Auckland, John and I walked downtown then to a gentrified dock area called the Viaduct which is continually being upgraded.  There was, of course, an historic tram doing a circuit and we rode on the tram.  Very interesting and the area will be wonderful when it's all completed. Only trouble is they are building 14 storey unit blocks on land originally claimed from the sea and if there is a major earthquake the liquifaction would be incredible. The tram driver (motorman) said in that case, your 14th floor apartment would be at ground level.  Louise did a worm tour (glow worms that is) to Waitomo caves and Carol went to a gannet colony. Very hot and sticky weather in the morning, a huge storm at lunch time. There was a mini tornado which killed 3 people (this happened last time we were here as well...could be us!!!!) and then cold, rainy and windy in the afternoon.

 

Tauranga/Maunganui

A BEAUTIFUL sail in in the morning past Mt Maunganui through a very narrow channel. Can see how ships don't get in in rough weather.  We just had a wander around Manganui and caught the local bus into Tauranga.  The Ocean Princes was moored behind us but is less than half the size of the Sun Princess. Carol is still having trouble with her credit card and we tried to get it fixed at the bank.  So far, she hasn't heard that there is a problem and is now able to buy her own drinks.  I think she made the whole thing up!!!!  John did lots of walking around Mt Maunganui and the beach - got soaking wet but said it was really beautiful.  Has some nice photos.  When we got back to the ship, Carol Louise and I went op-shopping in town. Carol bought a lovely handbag - an Air NZ issue - which says "First Class" on the side.  She says I may be Elite and John, platinum, but she's first class.

 

En Route to Napier

Have become best friends with someone in the Purser's Office, called Fidel. I've been trying to send a fax for my son Scott for two days but having great trouble.  Yesterday, I had salmon for breakfast, lunch and dinner (smoked, baked then grilled).  I can live with that.,  Went to trivia and were one off winning - of course there was a dubious umpire's decision - the answer was EOS - the goddess of the dawn but she accepted EROS who everyone and their dog knows is the god of love.  We would have won the lanyards which were the prize.  How will we live without them.  We've also instituted a 'word of the day' competition.  Yesterday, we had two.  Circumspect and impromptu.  With the people at our table, we see how many times we can use them. There's double points if you use them both in one sentence.  You'd be surprised how many times we could use them just in ordinary conversation.  Lotsof laughing.  We'll probably be asked to leave one of these days. Oh yes, I managed to spill red wine everywhere at dinner.  Our waiter says he is going to get me a plastic tablecloth for my little area tonight. I'm going to see if I can find a bib or plastic placemat in Napier today and use them tonight .There is a swell running today and we're weaving around when we walk.  It's about time.  It actually feels like we're on a ship.  Louise and Carol were introduced to the fun of 'going to the laundry' today.  All machines, driers were in use and there was a queue.  That is our project for today - get Louise's laundry done. See, there's no end to ship's activities. We had a 'tropical night' party on deck last night.  ;Polar night' would have been more appropriate -  absolutely freezing and I don't think many lasted long.

3 finalists in the Ms Sun Princess comp & other formal photos

At sea - still

Today is our third sea day and there is a slight swell running. Just enough to let us know we're on a ship.  Formal night produced some absolutely stunning outfits. It's very elegant when everyone dresses up.  Now to the important stuff....trivia. Louise and I are so proud of ourselves - until now our top score has been 11/20 - nothing to be proud of I know. But, today, we scored 13/20 where the quiz person said that the questions were much harder...are we smart or are we smart.  One of the questions was "what word can be used after - coal, blue and great?"  Now, I didn't have a clue, but Louise who comes from the UK knew.  The answer is "tit" - the bird variety.  The guy at the next table who we now refer to as 'the tit man' said he's off to England soon and will be able to tell everyone he's there looking for great tits.  Carol has experienced a credit card problem for some reason. The result is they won't let her spend any money until it's cleared up.  So, guess what, we have to buy her drinks etc.  and no, we're not going to do it for nothing.  She's going to have to earn it by fetching and carrying for us.  We all went to card making yesterday. Carol and Louise said it would be an activity that John and I could really become involved in as a couple - sort of a shared interest.  I don't think this is going to work....and he's absolutely refused to go to quilling today.  And, early notification for the social event of the season when we get home.  We've taken lots of photos of the fruit and vegetable carving demonstration and there will be a 'slide show' when we get home.  I know there will be keen competition for places so get your name down early.  The only other thing I need to say is that I'm looking after my health...I've had smoked salmon for breakfast three days in a row, simply, of course,  for the Omega 3s and because I'm a little worried about antioxidants....have forced myself to drink just a small quantity of red wine every day.

Sailaway champagne

Wine tasting

At sea

Our second day at sea. Was lovely to embark on the ship - a sister ship to the Dawn Princess on which we sailed to the UK so everything is familiar. Clare delivered us to the ship - an accident closed the Gateway so we were a little late getting there. Plus, Clare had car trouble so, Clare, I hope you got home and are not stuck somewhere on the Bruce Highway. We had to have champagne to celebrate sailing so have dutifully included a photo. You could certainly see where Beachmere was when we sailed past. Great plumes of smoke spreading up into the air and inland. Hope our houses are still there and that the bushfires are now out. Not as relaxed as the 8 week cruise - only three days at sea and we seem to be fitting a lot into them. Haven't been asked to leave any venues yet so our behaviour musn't be too silly. Louise and Carol are enjoying themselves and rushing off to various activities all day. Food great. We did a wine tasting last night - three of us had red and Louise white. I have my free winetasting tomorrow as an ELITE member. Was embarassing when we boarded, they just took us to the head of the queue and pushed us in - don't think the people behind were very happy but it got us into lunch a lot quicker. Formal night tonight, the first of three. It's now 5.30 and have to be all formalled up by 7.00 (and look stunning) should have started earlier. Haven't even come close to winning trivia - but as they say, if at first you don't succeed. Spend most of the time laughing and not listening to the questions so what can you expect. Matter of fact, we spend a great deal of our time laughing and having fun so can't complain.

Sailing day

Today we sail. We can board at 12.30 so hopefully we can be having lunch in the Horizon Court by 1.00. Wishful thinking maybe. Last night there was a bushfire behind the houses across the road. We even made the news. Lots of fire engines (plus sightseers) driving up and down for a lot of the night and a thick pall of smoke this morning. In addition, the spear pump we use to water our copious gardens died last night so they will all have to depend on rain. Not a positive prospect at the moment. ANYWAY, the air will be beautiful at sea - no smoke, and if all the plants die, can always plant more. Our lovely friend Clare is collecting us at 11.00am and - were off.