Fiji

Last night we crossed the international dateline. Mike also got to meet lecturer and astronaut, Charles Duke. Friday became Sunday and we docked in Fiji at 9 am.
Lautoka, is a city of about 45,000 people. Mike and I opted for a boat ride and snorkel tour. The weather was perfect and the water was warm. We were taken to a small island and could relax on the beach, go in the shallow water or just walk around and see the birds. Another sea day tomorrow and then we arrive in Vanuatu.

Rough Weather

It is Wednesday, January 27. After breakfast the rain and wind started and the seas kicked up. The swells/waves are about 20+ feet and the ship is rocking and rolling. The Captain just announced that we are by passing Samoa and heading to Fiji. Disappointing, but we have learned to be flexible travelers. He called it a "slight" gale, but in our opinion it is full force. It's going to be a "bumpy" night.

French Polynesia

Our stay in French Polynesia included, Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. We arrived in Papeete, Tahiti around 9 a.m. We took the noon ferry over to Moorea, which took a half hour, and stayed at the Sofitel Beach Resort, in an over the water bungalow. Two other couples joined us. After lunch, we checked into our room and went snorkeling. Just walked down the steps into the water. It was a cloudy day so the fish were a bit hard to spot. Enjoyed dinner and did more of the same the next day. The ship was anchored in Cooks Bay, so we took a taxi and were back on board for lunch.
Today we arrived in Bora Bora around 8 a.m. and proceeded to our tour at 9. We went on a glass bottom boat and saw sharks and rays. Mike fed the rays as they floated all around him. The ship leaves Bora Bora at 4 p.m. and we have two days at sea before we get to Apia, Samoa......a new port of call for us. As always, rain or shine, Polynesia is one of our favorite places in the world.

Nuku Hiva

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago. There are approximately 2600 inhabitants. We arrived about 8 a.m.and they began filling tenders about 8:30. Mike and I disembarked the tender about 9:30. Mike walked to the site of the special event and I rode the bus. We saw native dancers and they began serving lunch around noon. We headed back to the ship and enjoyed a swim. Another day at sea, tomorrow and then Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Weather is very warm and tropical.

Country Fair and The Equator Crossing

We crossed the equator the evening of the 19th, but celebrated during the day with a country fair. Passengers play games and collect tickets for raffle prizes. The different departments on the ship set up game booths. We had a great time, but again, no prize. King Neptune made an appearance the next day and the passengers who had never crossed the equator by ship (pollywogs) became shellbacks. We have just arrived in Nuku Hiva and are waiting to go ashore.

Sea Days

The seas are calm and a deeper blue. We are four days from the Island of Nuka Hiva. We dressed for dinner last night and were welcomed aboard by Captain Dag and his staff. The weather is in the mid 70's and should get warmer each day.

We Finally Leave San Diego

Driving to San Diego worked out great for us. We were on board the ship in time for lunch and met up with many old friends. All our luggage made it and we managed to unpack most of it before our 4 o'clock cocktail party.
Dinner with a great group of friends and then to the theater for Jay Leno and the Beach Boys. Leno was better than ever and of course the Beach Boys were fantastic.
Today we finished organizing the cabin and putting the rest of our stuff away. The ship was supposed to leave port at 2 p.m. but the Captain gave us the word that there were still supplies on the dock that needed loading. Long story short, we left port at 10 p.m. Not sure if we will make it to our first port.....Nuka Hiva.
No pictures to post yet. Six days crossing the Pacific.

9 Days and Counting

The luggage is piling up and we are counting the days until we leave. Wed. Jan 13, we will board the Regent Voyager and cruise around the world until we return on May 12. We will be visiting many familiar places and some new ones as well. Hoping you will enjoy reading about our travels as much as I enjoy sharing them.