Well, we made it! For the past two and a half days, we have been crossing the Tasman Sea en route from New Zealand to Australia. The Tasman Sea is a section of the southwest Pacific Ocean that lies between southeastern Australia and Tasmania on the west, and New Zealand on the east, and measures about 900,000 square miles.
The Captain advised us before entering this zone that the Tasman Sea is infamous for being one of the roughest seas in the world. Heeding his warning, some of the passengers actually disembarked in New Zealand and are flying to meet us in Sydney (the “smart people.”) Those who stayed behind (the “not-so-smart people”) roughed it out. The experience was like being in a toy boat in a washing machine. Many times as we hit waves, it felt like we were hitting icebergs and would have the fate of the Titanic. It was a bit tough on the nerves and exhausting just to get around. The most requested thing on the menu from room service was consommé and crackers, and of course, a shot of something stronger.
We are happy to report that we are now back on smooth seas, as we should be for the duration of our trip. We arrive in Sydney in a few hours.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Extraordinary New Zealand
Well, it is Monday morning for us (Sunday afternoon for you in the U.S.) and we are en route to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, at the southwestern tip of the North Island of New Zealand
We spent the weekend cruising in and about other New Zealand locations. On Saturday, we were in the Bay of Islands at the northernmost part of the country. We arrived to a spectacular landscape of black, volcanic rocks and rugged cliffs jetting out from the sea.
The Bay of Islands is home to more than 100 islands and numerous bays teeming with birds and marine life. 
We disembarked the ship in Waitingi on Saturday morning and took a drive through the gorgeous and endless green rolling hills, with livestock (cattle and sheep) seen everywhere. Our destination was the Kerikeri Basin, considered to be the birthplace of the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, who emigrated from Polynesia over 800 years ago. We had a memorable visit to the Maori Marae, a sacred place which marks the center of the Maori culture.
Built of timber, it contains superb displays of woodcarvings and intricate flax weaving that tells of story of each local tribe through the centuries. We were welcomed at the Marae with a traditional Maori greeting (tribal warriors ready to kill us if we were not there in peace), and once we passed muster, were entertained by the children of the village with songs and dances of the local tribe (we snuck in only one photograph, as we were not allowed to take pictures due to the sacredness of the tribal ritual).
On Saturday night, the ship brought us further south to beautiful Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city with a population of one million people. K
nown as the “City of Sails,” Auckland boasts more boats per capita than any other city in the world. You could feel a real quality of life in this city, as no one lives far from the sea, and one out of every four households has a power or sailboat. In 2000 and 2003, the city was host to the famous America’s Cup event.
We departed the pier Sunday morning for a brief walk to the Viaduct Basin, the former base of the America’s Cup yachts.
Our adventure this day was to sail one these racing boats through the Auckland Harbour, and for those able, to participate as a crew member. 
“Captain John” steered the boat at times while Joanna worked the grinders (putting up and down the sails). The boat reached a speed of 11 knots, and at most times, one side or the other was halfway in the water. It was a very exciting experience and one we will never forget.
Our visit to Auckland concluded with a visit to the Skytower, New Zealand’s tallest structure which stands 985 feet high. It is an imposing tower that includes a 24-hour casino, revolving restaurant, cafes and bars. From the observation deck, we took these gorgeous photos of Auckland Harbour and New 
Zealand’s landscape… 
We spent the weekend cruising in and about other New Zealand locations. On Saturday, we were in the Bay of Islands at the northernmost part of the country. We arrived to a spectacular landscape of black, volcanic rocks and rugged cliffs jetting out from the sea.
The Bay of Islands is home to more than 100 islands and numerous bays teeming with birds and marine life. We disembarked the ship in Waitingi on Saturday morning and took a drive through the gorgeous and endless green rolling hills, with livestock (cattle and sheep) seen everywhere. Our destination was the Kerikeri Basin, considered to be the birthplace of the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, who emigrated from Polynesia over 800 years ago. We had a memorable visit to the Maori Marae, a sacred place which marks the center of the Maori culture.
Built of timber, it contains superb displays of woodcarvings and intricate flax weaving that tells of story of each local tribe through the centuries. We were welcomed at the Marae with a traditional Maori greeting (tribal warriors ready to kill us if we were not there in peace), and once we passed muster, were entertained by the children of the village with songs and dances of the local tribe (we snuck in only one photograph, as we were not allowed to take pictures due to the sacredness of the tribal ritual).On Saturday night, the ship brought us further south to beautiful Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city with a population of one million people. K
nown as the “City of Sails,” Auckland boasts more boats per capita than any other city in the world. You could feel a real quality of life in this city, as no one lives far from the sea, and one out of every four households has a power or sailboat. In 2000 and 2003, the city was host to the famous America’s Cup event.We departed the pier Sunday morning for a brief walk to the Viaduct Basin, the former base of the America’s Cup yachts.
Our adventure this day was to sail one these racing boats through the Auckland Harbour, and for those able, to participate as a crew member. “Captain John” steered the boat at times while Joanna worked the grinders (putting up and down the sails). The boat reached a speed of 11 knots, and at most times, one side or the other was halfway in the water. It was a very exciting experience and one we will never forget.
Our visit to Auckland concluded with a visit to the Skytower, New Zealand’s tallest structure which stands 985 feet high. It is an imposing tower that includes a 24-hour casino, revolving restaurant, cafes and bars. From the observation deck, we took these gorgeous photos of Auckland Harbour and New 
Zealand’s landscape… 
Friday, April 3, 2009
Rough Seas and Sad News
Well the last two days at sea have been challenging to say the least. High winds and thirty-foot waves have been tossing us about. Anything that wasn’t nailed down is now broken…
But the seas got rougher this morning. Joanna awoke to news that her sister Linda’s husband, John Meier, had suddenly passed away at the young age of 48. All that is known at this time is that he had some swelling of the brain. An autopsy will hopefully give us more information. But, in the meantime, we cannot forget what a valuable addition he was to our family, and what a great husband he was to Linda, and what a terrific father he was to his eight-year old son, Charlie. All he ever wanted to be was a part of something and he became a part of our family, but only for too short a time. We will miss him dearly.
After shedding many tears throughout the day, we looked out the window to see this view… John, this heavenly sunset over the Pacific is for you. Rest in peace.
But the seas got rougher this morning. Joanna awoke to news that her sister Linda’s husband, John Meier, had suddenly passed away at the young age of 48. All that is known at this time is that he had some swelling of the brain. An autopsy will hopefully give us more information. But, in the meantime, we cannot forget what a valuable addition he was to our family, and what a great husband he was to Linda, and what a terrific father he was to his eight-year old son, Charlie. All he ever wanted to be was a part of something and he became a part of our family, but only for too short a time. We will miss him dearly.
After shedding many tears throughout the day, we looked out the window to see this view… John, this heavenly sunset over the Pacific is for you. Rest in peace.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
"Singing in the Rain" in Fiji
Well, it had to rain sometime. For us, it happened to be in Fiji. We made the best of it and turned out to have a fine time.
Although Fiji numbers over 300 islands, we visited Suva and Lautoka in the past two days, which are both located on the largest island, Viti Levu.
Suva was the first port on Tuesday (this was yesterday…as remember, we are a day ahead). Suva is the capital of Fiji and located on a hilly peninsula in the Southeast corner of Viti Levu. Its natural harbor offers port facilities to ships of all sizes. The waterfront district is a hodgepodge of high-rise office buildings, Colonial houses, government offices and parks. We decided to confront the poor weather and humidity late morning, but got intercepted by friends re-boarding the ship who had already done the same. They coaxed us into having lunch around the pool, and hearing of their travels, we felt we had seen enough and were having a better time with them.
So we enjoyed Suva from the vantage point of the ship and enjoyed the entertainment of the Fiji police band down below on the dock.
This morning, we arrived in Lautoka. Lautoka is the second largest city after Suva and located on the island’s west coast. We got an early start (despite the pouring rain and 97% humidity) and drove south from the pier through the beautiful Sabeto Valley.
We first visited a private estate located high on a hill overlooking the bay, owned by the individual who operates the main tour company on the island. There we enjoyed a lovely breakfast buffet of local fruits and juices, while taking in the views of the lush grounds and the bay in the distance.
Next, we journeyed to the “Gardens of the Sleeping Giant,” an orchid farm located at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands.
It is renowned for its beautiful collection of orchids started in 1977 by the late Raymond Burr, star of Perry Mason (“Ironside”), 
to house his private collection of tropical orchids. 
The gardens showcase more the 2,000 different species of orchids and other exotic plants that can be seen as you tour the beautiful grounds. It was a very serene and lush setting. We even met a frog.
Our final stop was in Viseisei Village, regarded as the “foundation village” of Fijian heritage and culture. It is believed that the first settlers arrived here in a large canoe from Melanesia some 3,500 years ago (as in 1500 B.C.). It is also the place where the President of Fiji (and Chief of the Village) resides.
Many dignitaries, including the Queen of England, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and past American presidents have come to Viseisei Village to meet with the President of Fiji (the thatched room home in the background on the right is where he lives).
Fiji is known as one of the South Pacific’s most hospitable countries (with the locals calling the tourists “Family”) and we very much enjoyed our visit.
Although Fiji numbers over 300 islands, we visited Suva and Lautoka in the past two days, which are both located on the largest island, Viti Levu.
Suva was the first port on Tuesday (this was yesterday…as remember, we are a day ahead). Suva is the capital of Fiji and located on a hilly peninsula in the Southeast corner of Viti Levu. Its natural harbor offers port facilities to ships of all sizes. The waterfront district is a hodgepodge of high-rise office buildings, Colonial houses, government offices and parks. We decided to confront the poor weather and humidity late morning, but got intercepted by friends re-boarding the ship who had already done the same. They coaxed us into having lunch around the pool, and hearing of their travels, we felt we had seen enough and were having a better time with them.
So we enjoyed Suva from the vantage point of the ship and enjoyed the entertainment of the Fiji police band down below on the dock.This morning, we arrived in Lautoka. Lautoka is the second largest city after Suva and located on the island’s west coast. We got an early start (despite the pouring rain and 97% humidity) and drove south from the pier through the beautiful Sabeto Valley.
We first visited a private estate located high on a hill overlooking the bay, owned by the individual who operates the main tour company on the island. There we enjoyed a lovely breakfast buffet of local fruits and juices, while taking in the views of the lush grounds and the bay in the distance.Next, we journeyed to the “Gardens of the Sleeping Giant,” an orchid farm located at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands.
It is renowned for its beautiful collection of orchids started in 1977 by the late Raymond Burr, star of Perry Mason (“Ironside”), 
to house his private collection of tropical orchids. 
The gardens showcase more the 2,000 different species of orchids and other exotic plants that can be seen as you tour the beautiful grounds. It was a very serene and lush setting. We even met a frog.Our final stop was in Viseisei Village, regarded as the “foundation village” of Fijian heritage and culture. It is believed that the first settlers arrived here in a large canoe from Melanesia some 3,500 years ago (as in 1500 B.C.). It is also the place where the President of Fiji (and Chief of the Village) resides.
Many dignitaries, including the Queen of England, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and past American presidents have come to Viseisei Village to meet with the President of Fiji (the thatched room home in the background on the right is where he lives).Fiji is known as one of the South Pacific’s most hospitable countries (with the locals calling the tourists “Family”) and we very much enjoyed our visit.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Crossing the International Date Line
We are writing you on Monday, March 30, although it is Sunday for all of you. We completely missed our Sunday upon crossing the international date line and gaining a day. Add that to the 7 hours we are currently behind New York (to become 8 hours this evening) and it is 5:00 p.m. Monday here and midnight in New York Sunday heading into Monday morning. You think you’re confused…Joanna tried to book some spa appointments for Sunday and was told the day didn’t exist! 
Whatever day it is, we have been mostly at sea. Upon leaving in Raiatea (in French Polynesia) on Wednesday evening , we arrived Saturday morning in Apia, Samoa. Samoa is the first independent nation of Polynesia, and home to the largest concentration of full-blooded Polynesians.
Located on Upolu Island, Apia is shaded by palms and huge umbrella trees, and has the appearance of a typical South Seas town. Traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs on platforms of coral or concrete, also known as fales, can be seen everywhere. Nearly all the population wears the typical local dress: skirts, or lavalavas for men, and long, mumu-style dresses for women.
We decided to explore the island’s natural beauty and relaxed local lifestyle via a leisurely drive. We started along the island’s East Coast, making stops in the villages of Luatuanuu and Solosolo.
Next, we journeyed to the island’s Falefa Waterfall, from where there were also spectacular views of the ocean in the distance.
Our tour concluded with a drive to the Piula Theological College and the Cave Pool, where a magnificent Gothic church stands guard over a pristine spring water pool. John took a dip in the pool while Joanna explored the seafront and some fresh local fruits.
We are to arrive in Suva, Fiji, tomorrow. For those of you following the itinerary, this is a diversion. Due to the tides, the Captain switched our visit to Lautoka and Suva, Fiji. We will be in Lautoka on Wednesday (your Tuesday, there we go again)…
Whatever day it is, we have been mostly at sea. Upon leaving in Raiatea (in French Polynesia) on Wednesday evening , we arrived Saturday morning in Apia, Samoa. Samoa is the first independent nation of Polynesia, and home to the largest concentration of full-blooded Polynesians.
Located on Upolu Island, Apia is shaded by palms and huge umbrella trees, and has the appearance of a typical South Seas town. Traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs on platforms of coral or concrete, also known as fales, can be seen everywhere. Nearly all the population wears the typical local dress: skirts, or lavalavas for men, and long, mumu-style dresses for women.
We decided to explore the island’s natural beauty and relaxed local lifestyle via a leisurely drive. We started along the island’s East Coast, making stops in the villages of Luatuanuu and Solosolo.
Our tour concluded with a drive to the Piula Theological College and the Cave Pool, where a magnificent Gothic church stands guard over a pristine spring water pool. John took a dip in the pool while Joanna explored the seafront and some fresh local fruits.
We are to arrive in Suva, Fiji, tomorrow. For those of you following the itinerary, this is a diversion. Due to the tides, the Captain switched our visit to Lautoka and Suva, Fiji. We will be in Lautoka on Wednesday (your Tuesday, there we go again)…
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Raiatea...our last stop in French Polynesia
We arrived in Raiatea on Wednesday morning. Although not as popular as a vacation spot, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands. According to Po
lynesian tradition, the island was once known as the Sacred Isle, or Havaiki. There are many legends that arise from mythology that lend a mysterious and magical atmosphere to the island’s various places of interest.
Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Tahaa and is totally surrounded by a reef, yet offers navigable passes to the open sea. Raiatea is also home to picture-perfect, flat island islets, or “motus,” scattered across the lagoon with beautiful white-sand beaches.
Uturoa is Raiatea’s capital and main port, and where the ship docked. We ventured out on a motorized outrigger from Uturoa south to the Faaroa Bay and Faaroa River. After navigating the magnificent lagoon and coastline, we descended into the shady realms of Faaroa River, which was much like a “jungle cruise” because of its thick foliage and jungle growth. Unlike Disney World, no rhinocerouses or alligators leaped out at us, and it was very peaceful (and surprisingly, no bugs!).
lynesian tradition, the island was once known as the Sacred Isle, or Havaiki. There are many legends that arise from mythology that lend a mysterious and magical atmosphere to the island’s various places of interest.
Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Tahaa and is totally surrounded by a reef, yet offers navigable passes to the open sea. Raiatea is also home to picture-perfect, flat island islets, or “motus,” scattered across the lagoon with beautiful white-sand beaches.
Uturoa is Raiatea’s capital and main port, and where the ship docked. We ventured out on a motorized outrigger from Uturoa south to the Faaroa Bay and Faaroa River. After navigating the magnificent lagoon and coastline, we descended into the shady realms of Faaroa River, which was much like a “jungle cruise” because of its thick foliage and jungle growth. Unlike Disney World, no rhinocerouses or alligators leaped out at us, and it was very peaceful (and surprisingly, no bugs!).
Afterwards, we ventured to one of the many motus scattered around the lagoon to have refreshments and swim in the shallow waters. It was a nice finale to our last day in French Polynesia.
Sunrise and Sunset over Bora Bora
We travelled 160 miles northwest Monday night to arrive in time for a beautiful sunrise over Bora Bora on Tuesday morning...
It is easily understood why James Michener, author of Tales of the South Pacific, called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island on earth.” Emerald-green hills and crystalline blue lagoons highlight its spectacular beauty. It is comparable yet different from Moorea in that there are fewer mountains and most of the greenery does not extend as high in the sky..JPG)
Again we decided to explore via catamaran. We took a scenic cruise across Bora Bora’s Blue Lagoon, considered to be the world’s most beautiful lagoon, which is three times larger than the island’s land mass (about 60 miles in circumference) and has an unbelievable range of azure and turquoise colors..JPG)
The catamaran stopped at various spots in the lagoon for us to snorkel or have other experiences (to follow). At the first stop, we saw many, many colorful fish over a coral reef…
At the second stop, it was very shallow and not as inviting to get into the water. The boat crew dropped bait in the water to attract “friendly” sharks and sting rays (how do you keep the “non-friendly” ones away?). We were encouraged, if not thrown, in the water to enjoy this experience upfront. There were sting rays and sharks everywhere and they brushed right up against you (all those shadows in the water pictured below right are NOT rocks!). As you can see from the pictures below, John clearly is having a good time meeting a sting ray. However, Joanna was not so pleased when she got side-swiped by a shark immediately upon getting into the water! It was quite an experience and one we will never forget.
After getting back on the boat with all of our body parts intact, we travelled to a private island in the lagoon on a coral atoll, or “motu,” for a barbeque picnic and spent the afternoon on the beach and swimming in the lagoon.
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We cleaned up back on the ship and later headed out to dinner at the world-renowned Bloody Mary Restaurant on the island (where the rich and famous have gathered for decades), catching this spectacular sunset over Bora Bora on the way.
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