One of our more rocky nights, and it wasn't a lot better when we woke this morning. Even though we got an extra hour overnight, daybreak wasn't until 7.40. Well despite the rock n roll, we managed our mile after breakfast - I must say that it was a bit of a challenge at times.
You certainly know that you are in the middle of nowhere when all the TV channels come up with the message that no satellite feed is available - thankfully they have some pre-recorded stuff on. The weather has slightly improved, but hot sunny days are just a far-off memory.
Day 97 - 5 September - at sea
And another hour back this morning. Apart from that, pretty well a repeat of the above. Oh joy, another formal tonight (& yet another one due next week before Auckland). It is sad to note the number of (mainly elderly woman) passengers sporting bandages, plasters etc. from the many minor falls with this roughish weather. I don't mind admitting that I would far rather hold on to rails than try to be gung ho.
Day 98 - 6 September - Pitcairn Island scenic cruising
Smoother seas and a bit of sun early in the morning. We actually "pulled up" to Pitcairn just before 9.00, but with usual Princess organisation, today is the day that they are taking the group (2,000) photo up on decks 12 & 14). So after breakfast we dutifully went up and assembled. It took 30 odd minutes to get everyone in position, with the photo being taken at 9.45. To take the photo, the ship turned away from the island to get sunlight on the passengers. Amazing - every stateroom gets a copy of the photo - Free !
After the photo the ship returned closer to the island and did an anticlockwise circuit, which meant that we could sit on our balcony as we went around. Unfortunately it had become more cloudy and a few isolated showers scudded by. The ship then turned around and went back, clockwise before heading off across the Pacific. While the sun then came out, the sea got rougher, but not the big swells thankfully.
On our last cruise the Islanders came onboard with their wares, but apparently this has been stopped over the last couple of years. There have been a few "laundry" rumours going around, however I reckon it has more to do with Health & Safety and potential liability to Princess.
We finished our cruising visit about 12.30 and as we continue a nor westerly course we were hopeful of warmer, more settled weather. Well that was not to be, as it is now grey and showery (again). We are certainly being acclimatised for our return home !
Day 99 - 7 September - at sea
Still wet and a fairly large swell running. Nothing else to report today. Around midday we passed by Muraroa Atoll as well as some other minor atolls & islands which make up French Polynesia. I must admit that there are far more islands etc. than I realised.
Day 100 - 8 September - at sea
At long last, a perfect South Pacific day with clear blue sky & sea. Temperature is apparently 27° too. Today was the only day we didn't get an extra hour in bed, however at least the early morning sun woke us up by 6.30. I've grown tired of food, so just porridge for breakfast (as at home) and a filled bun for lunch. Don't know about dinner, but it is Margit's birthday tonight and we are dining in the Anytime restuarant.
We have pretty well decided that any future cruising we do will incorporate open dining. Set dining has previously been good, but this cruise the timing seems all out of kilter. 5.30 is too early and then our late dining at 7.45 is too late - particularly as our waiter does not really function at top speed, meaning that we are pretty well last out of the MDR. The other thing is that there is often a show/event at 9.00 (not finished dinner) or the late show at 9.45 finishes after 10.30, a bit late for us on a regular basis.
On the subject of food - we decided to try out the Elite in-room Afternoon Tea, together with Gwenda & Graeme. We had to order the night before (& we also ordered a beautiful calm sunny afternoon). Right on time, the room service steward arrived with 6 plates of food - scones, sandwiches & cakes/pastries plus tea/coffee. Somehow we managed to demolish 90% of the food over time. We commented to each other that we should have done this before as it was certainly better than being rushed out of the dining room at 4.00. But I admit that I did miss my chocolate fudge cake which we normally have with our afternoon green tea!
Day 101 - 9 September - Tahiti
Land at last after 10 days at sea. What a perfect day, the only downside being that today is Sunday and most of the shops are closed. We did however stroll around town and it was definitely not crowded, with many, many shops closed with roller doors down. The market was also closed with just a few stalls outside with floral arrangements for sale.
It was depressing however to see the number of homeless people sleeping on the streets. On the bright side however, most street corners had ukulele players providing impromptu entertainment. When we got to the end of town (well as far as we wanted to go) we found a bar and grabbed a couple of beers, toasted sandwich & free Internet. By the time that was all taken care of it was after 1.00, and getting hotter, so we retreated to the ship.
Papeete is our last replenishment stop and they are busily unloading some six large containers. I hear rumours that the fruit & vegetables were running very low, so with restocking we are unlikely to get scurvy over the next 5 days. Did I just say 5 days?, yes, sadly the end is very much in sight, with just one more port tomorrow before Auckland on Sunday.
great blog thanks for keeping us uptodate - it has been enjoyable following you along. interested in you saying that the pitcairn islanders are not coming aboard anymore, they came aboard last year when we called on Queen Victoria where we learnt that 85% of their income was derived from Cruise Ships calling. They were expecting 18 last year. Im surprised they are reportedly not taking advantage of the opportunity anymore.
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