Day 23 - Tauranga, NZ

Another beautiful New Zealand port. We walked off to find a nice 2-hour tour in a small bus. We got to go all over the area seeing suburbs, gardens, parks, even a Golden Kiwi farm. The tour took us up to a high vista point but actually the views were not that great due to the overcast. It certainly would have been lovely if it were a sunny, clear day. At least we are keeping ahead of the cyclone. As before, the people are so friendly and welcoming. 

Back onboard we did a little housekeeping and I caught up on organizing photos. I hope tomorrow I will actually complete some album pages. So far all my time has been sorting, correcting, and naming photos. I have managed to keep up on this blog. 

                                     On Tour                               
                                           Our Ship              
Someone's cruise ended... we have medically disembarked 3 passengers so far. 
Golden Kiwi
Beach side
Salt water pool heated by thermal springs
Beach Area
Outlook

After boarding and enjoying a few drinks, we received the announcement that our next 3 New Zealand ports are canceled. Our captain said many options were investigated but this is the best option we can do now. We will head to Melbourne, Australia. We will have 5 sea days, Melbourne, one sea day and then back on track arriving in Sydney, Australia. It can't be helped. We had some fun excursions booked but they will be refunded. I am disappointed we won't see sheep herded by the dogs and enjoy a meal at the same venue. BUT, that is what can happen. The real concern is for the people of New Zealand presenting a real danger for them with this cyclone. Prayers for their safety. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 56 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Image
We started our day in the Princess Theater… waiting. 7:45a was our appointed time. About 8:15a, our number for the excursion was called. We proceeded to the line inching off the ship. However, it went much better than it did in Singapore. We were constantly moving in line so it went pretty fast. We had a face check and handed over our Passport to the culturally dressed local authorities. We are at a new cruise port that is efficient and modern. There are several convenient shops in the terminal itself where I was able to get postcards and stamps. Surprisingly, there is a small airport runway right next to the cruise port! Off we left for our tour – Easy Dubai – and we had a nice time. Our first stop was the Burj Al Arab Hotel . This 321-meter building is famous for its sail-shaped tower and has often been described as the world's only "seven-star" hotel. It is the tallest all-suite hotel built over water, and the second tallest building in Dubai. After taking photographs ...
Read more

More Packing

Image
Today I finished packing my second suitcase. If you recall my first one left with Luggage Forward already. This particular suitcase is my carryon, my US carryon size. It is my favorite AWAY luggage and the one I take for all my other trips. This trip is exceptional in needed much more for 111 days! Normally this particular suitcase meets all my needs. I have even seen it fall out of a small plane on a hop to SFO - on the ground of course. The planes are small and they take your carryon for free and you pick it up right outside the plane on arrival. Well, it bounced and was unscathed. It has served me well ever since. I bought this special lavender color that was only briefly available. I like the way it is built with partially recessed wheels but yet on the inside it is barely noticeable. It rolls perfectly unless the carpet is thick. Anyway, it is packed and weighed in at 32.2 lbs. I am really getting excited about this trip!!! SEVEN days to go!!!
Read more

It's Becoming Real!

Image
In 66 days June and I will depart on this amazing voyage. There is certainly a LOT to think about and plan for when you are going to be gone this many days. Here is some information, if you are interested in the details.  
Read more