So pleased to wake just before 6.30 so that we could see the sail in. There is just a little gap in the reef surrounding the island and we were no further than 20 metres from land as we came through. The colours were magnificent and the sun reflection intensified this. As we reached our berth, the ship turned around so that (once again) we are docked on starboard but at least we have a great view of the atoll and more distant islands.
A lovely town and so different to our usual port of call - Bora Bora. The township of Uturoa, at our berth has been developed with modern facilities as have the various marina along the waterfront. We walked a couple of miles towards the airport at the north of the island. The roads are wide and well maintained as were the reserves and the majority of the houses.
When we returned to the township and went into the "main street" it was a little different, with many buildings in a poor state of repair. Souvenir shops abounded filled with cheap stuff (& just saying, these were Chinese owned), which did not appeal. Local goods were in the fales by the ship but nothing to entice us to spend. We did however have coffee & muffin from what appeared to be the only cafe (actually a Patisserie) by the waterfront. Very, very tempting pastries etc. but I held firm. While it was crowded with passengers, it was obviously also a favourite of all the locals.
Back on board by lunchtime and grabbed a couple of little rolls to have sitting on our balcony. Magnificent views across the reef and I was soooo pleased that we'd turned around when we berthed. We decided to celebrate for no real reason and finished a bottle of champagne (it was) that we'd acquired from a passenger down the corridor who doesn't drink. OK, the afternoon was topped off with a little nap.
Sailaway was at 5.00 and the Captain announced that although the gap in the reef (where we came in this morning) was pretty well straight ahead of us, it is only 100m wide and with a strongish breeze, would be too dangerous. Therefore we did *another* 180° turn and sailed north, still within the reef, and between the islands of Raiatea & Tahaa to a gap in the reef which is 300m wide. Unfortunately the local fisherpersons and outrigger paddlers were disinterested in our progress and even the sounding of our whistle did little to move them out of our way. We made it out however about 30 minutes before sunset.
Reef exit far left - note boat centre right
Into the Pacific at last
Day 103 - 11 September - at sea
Another glorious morning as we sail in a southwesterly direction at over 20kts. A pity that the last couple of weeks hadn't been like this, but overall we have been very lucky with the weather. The temperature reached 25° this afternoon but unfortunately this is likely to drop a bit over the next couple of days. As evening approaches the familiar movement of the ship returns, but it has it's upside - sitting on the balcony with all the lights off and watching the white foaming waves, the stars in the sky, ... and the black smoke pouring out of our funnels 😠
Day 104 - 12 September - at sea
A bit of a cloudy day and temperature slightly down to 21° as we continue our homeward course. With just 3 days to go, the ship is very much into "end of cruise" mode, with finals of various competitions, passenger performances & oh! don't forget the final sales!! Also we have got our passports back along with our disembarkation papers, so it is very real.
A funny thing is (once again), that many of these "finals" had originally been planned by Princess to be held after Auckland, but then (as happened in 2015 & presumably every WC) they realised that some 350 World Cruisers are disembarking in Auckland, so rescheduled. We are thankful for this but really wonder why it has to be a mid-cruise decision?
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