2011 WORLD CRUISE Voyage 2
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia (February 1) to Auckland, New Zealand (February 12)
11 days, 5 days at sea, 6 ports, 2600 nautical miles
Temperature range: 79º - 63º
Some crew and passenger changes in Papeete; now 411 passengers on board. The camera operators are getting better, so we have attached more photos and videos.
For the movie of this voyage, go to the bottom of the page. We have also provided links for other movies that we made of various excursions. A reminder -- CLICK the link, once the movie is loaded, it automatically starts. We suggest that you STOP the movie, let it load for 20-30 seconds, move the cursor back to the beginning, START. And, if you want a sharper picture in high definition, CLICK the link, STOP, in the lower right corner where you see '480p', click on that then select '720p'. It will restart automatically, so STOP and let it load for 60 or more seconds before starting (it takes a lot longer to load the high def video but it is worth the time delay).
Don't forget to check your music volume and be sure to go to 'full screen'.
So, here we go for Voyage 2-------------
February 1 was a full day (til 7pm) in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia with the ship tied to the cruise dock. Our view was across the dock at another cruise ship; too bad we didn't have the city view. Papeete, Tahiti's capital, is French Polynesia's only real city and a major South Pacific port of call for freighters, cruise vessels, and yachts. With hills rising abruptly behind the town, Papeete stretches along the waterfront for about a mile. Running the entire distance, tree-shaded Boulevard Pomare is lined with new apartment buildings, banks, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and government offices.
We 'walked' the waterfront for our early morning exercise before returning to the ship for breakfast. Then we wandered ashore to 'see' the busy town (horns honking, sirens blaring, people everywhere); we searched for fresh baguettes (surprisingly, took about an hour to find a bakery serving just plain baquettes without all the sandwich trimmings); then walked through the open market seeing beautiful flowers, fresh fruits, fish (should have bought the big tuna filets), meats, and veggies.
Summary - Tahiti is a transfer point for visits to other islands in French Polynesia. Papeete is a big city to get what you need, then fly or sail to another island.
February 2 we arrived at sunrise off the island of Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia. We anchored (8am til 5pm) inside the lagoon surrounding Raiatea and its sister island of Tahaa which are two of French Polynesia's favorite undiscovered treasures. Far less traveled than Bora Bora, Tahiti, or Moorea, these two fascinating islands offer the experience of a true unspoiled French Polynesia. Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Tahaa and is totally surrounded by a reef, yet offers several navigable passes to the open sea. Although not known for its beaches, Raiatea is home to picture-postcard, flat reef islets ("motus") scattered across the lagoon and featuring beautiful white-sand beaches. Raiatea is only slightly smaller (geographically) than Tahiti itself. Raiatea is recognized throughout French Polynesia as it's "Sacred Island"- the cultural heart. It is believed by historians that Raiatea was the main stopover point for early Polynesians newly arrived from Hawaii, then known as Hav'aii. The island holds much fascinating history, legend, and lore, as well as French Polynesia's most significant archeological sites.
We rented a car for 4 hours. Driving through the main town of Uturoa, we almost ran over our new friends, Phil and Colleen. So, asked them to join us for our drive around the island. Everything is so 'green' and clean. We stopped at a few cultural sites, before taking a break at a small beach resort for beers, then continued through the mountains back to town; not many cars around the island. Back to the ship for a late lunch and nap. Before our late dinner at The Stars, we went to The Bar at 8pm; we were the only ones there and the singer was just leaving for a break. So, we went to Panorama Lounge for music; no one there. Where is everyone? We guessed that everyone wanted early dinners; we were just on a different schedule. We did have a great dinner at Stars and good music.
Summary - These two islands are definitely places to visit again. We were here in 1991 on a sailboat charter; our objective that time was sailing so we didn't see the towns. With this short visit, we have decided that we need to return again.
February 2 - 3 At 5pm, the ship weighed anchor to sail northwest in the Raiatea lagoon for the Papai Pass. We were in our usual sunset place, The Observation Lounge, watching our ship sail through the pass. The ship is so comfortable you don't realize that we are sailing across the open ocean for 30 miles. During our after-dinner stroll, we were on the upper deck as the ship arrived at Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia to anchor inside the lagoon at 11pm where we will stay until 11pm tomorrow. Bora Bora is the epitome of an idyllic South Pacific island. The island, with a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight. Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky; lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motus circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish swim in the coral gardens and the giant manta rays glide over the sandy bottom. This could easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with over-the-water bungalows. Simply said, "Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world."
We had made arrangements with Muana Tours for a snorkel safari to see sharks and rays; just the two of us with a guide. This was a fun 4 hours in the sea and sun. Our first stop was in the shallow waters inside the lagoon to see rays (elegant, yet harmless) living in their natural habitat and some black tip sharks (at three to five feet in length, these sharks are quite harmless); Randy got some great videos. Then we went through the reef pass to deeper waters for more swimming with sharks (black tip and lemon) and thousands of black durgeon fish. Lots of interaction between the fish (more great videos). What a great day. See our movies!
Click the links below for our Bora Bora experience. We have tried to make them HD (high definition); they will load at 320p or 480p (check the settings in the lower right corner - the wheel symbol) if you want 720p.; you will get a much better picture but it takes longer to load. Try what works for you.
STING RAYs!
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPQ8dr9tfoPgijey313laiTGaPTh4fHSMvLBULQ/AF1QipPwUn0Ke32NOHdyg5yu1F0Op3OVVeNZvWIq6Vzh?authKey=CP3l9dONp6epWw
SHARKS!
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPbP4Oi_lP6HZYODEIrxZmbUwfxWOCqrPAC-QrY/AF1QipM_P4jHhfJJmMtGebujBgLCnsH1MJlty2FQak6X?authKey=CK2ozeS9gYPBWw
MORE SHARKS!
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipPbP4Oi_lP6HZYODEIrxZmbUwfxWOCqrPAC-QrY/AF1QipM1PtLBkhXmPg-HkgLg68exTDUQx_JFx-fm_ZBe?authKey=CK2ozeS9gYPBWw
The evening event was a Polynesian Dinner and Show. The Pool Deck was decorated with palms; we dressed in our best tropical outfits; everyone received a flower lei and rum punch. What a spread of food - fancy ice carving; huge fish for poisson cruz (sushimi style); smoked salmon and swordfish; ribs and chicken; salads; desserts. The local dancers gave a great performance.
Summary - As already said "Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world". This is a 'must return to" place.
February 5 After a day "at sea", with great tropical weather and only a few rain squalls, we approached Rarotonga, Cook Islands at sunrise. The Cook Islands are scattered like tiny jewels over a large stretch of sea between Tahiti and Samoa, lying virtually in the center of the Polynesian Triangle of the South Pacific. The first settlers arrived around the 8th century from the Society Islands, Samoa and the Marquesas, while the first Europeans made contact at the turn of the 16th century. In 1824, a Russian cartographer put the islands on the map, naming them after Captain Cook, who discovered five of the islands in the Southern Group in the 1770s. The natural beauty of Rarotonga, the principal island of the Cook archipelago, is profound and overwhelming. Its forest-covered mountains, deep valleys, fertile slopes of red soil and sparkling aquamarine lagoons make it a likely Eden. The main town and port, Avarua, with a picturesque backdrop of verdant mountains, is easily explored on foot. A fully paved, 23-mile coastal road circles the island, passing through a landscape of small villages, palm and citrus groves and jungle clad mountains. Some of the islands, including Rarotonga, which Cook never saw, were visited by the mutineers of the Bounty in 1789, bringing seeds for the island's first orange trees. Life in the islands is leisurely and laid back; the people are welcoming and friendly; English is spoken with a New Zealand accent.
The weather conditions yesterday should have been an indication of what to expect today - the seas were over 6', the winds stronger, and several squalls during the night. The ship was scheduled to anchor off the island, as there is no large protective reef surrounding Rarotonga (like the Society Islands). The conditions were not safe to anchor and tender passengers ashore. With more dark clouds on the eastern horizon, Captain Corsaro decided to continue on to New Zealand. Good decision, as it rained with lightning and thunder for most of the day.
Summary - This could be a quiet island to visit if doing a trip through South Pacific islands.
February 5-9 were 4 days "at sea". As mentioned before, there were plenty of activities to keep us busy. Each morning we get the Silversea Chronicles which lists the agenda for the day, as well as The Restaurant's menu for lunch and dinner, the cocktail of the day, a special spa treatment offered, if there is a time change, etc. We also receive a daily newspaper (in multiple languages) that is dated yesterday with news from 2-3 days before that (we got most of the current news from the satellite TV coverage (FOX, CNN, MSNBC, BBC). We continued to try to catch up with our log book; edited videos; attended lectures (see bios below); guest jewelers; long leisurely lunches with new friends; cooking competitions; wine enrichment lecture; Galley lunch; Super Bowl game on the big screen in The Theatre with burgers, hotdogs, popcorn (we have never seen this many people in The Theatre); dinners with friends or a special invite to sit with an officer (Financial Officer, Jorge, from Peru). We crossed the International Dateline on Feb 8 and 'lost a day' out of our lives; that happens when you travel west; so suddenly it was Feb 9. Some new friends introduced us to Team Trivia - a fun hour of competition between teams for the most correct answers (you need a team consisting of mixed nationalities as questions are a mix of European and American topics). We ended each afternoon with cocktails in the Observation Lounge for the sunsets. Since the bar in the Observation Lounge did not open til 6:30pm, we would stop at the Pool Bar to order drinks and take them with us. On the agenda each day was a meeting in the Observation Lounge of "Friends of Bill W". Not knowing who Bill W is or was, we asked the various bartenders; no one knew. Then we discovered that Bill W was one of the original founders of AA. So, here we come into the lounge carrying our drinks. We never did see anyone meeting with Bill W (besides, he's dead).
We were heading south-southwest out of the tropics to New Zealand so the temperatures were getting cooler. However, since we were in the Southern Hemisphere, February is summertime. Also, we were still in the Cyclone Season and it was evident from the rain squalls. Cyclone Zaca developed Feb 6 about 300 miles ahead of us and tracked the same course as us; did not effect us (other than rain squalls); and dissipated over the next few days as it approached New Zealand.
February 10 we arrived in Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand at mid-day, docking at the 'cruise ship facilities' with a view of the bay. The population center of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities, thanks in large part to retirees and young families escaping the bustle of Auckland. This seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns. Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn't grind to a halt in the off-season. Not only does it have the country's largest export port, but the excellent waves at neighboring Mount Maunganui's Ocean Beach always draw surfers; there's also a fun café scene.
We scheduled a Tauranga Highlights bus tour (great driver) for an afternoon to discover the historic sites of scenic Tauranga during this delightful half-day orientation tour of the city. We departed the Port of Mount Maunganui for the drive across Tauranga Harbour to Tauranga, the principal city of the Bay of Plenty, with a legacy of well-planned parks and gardens. Next, passed by the Monmouth Redoubt en route to the Elms Mission House, built in 1847 by Archdeacon Brown, where the guide lead us through the historic home and lovely garden surrounding the Georgian-styled home. Afterwards, we took a scenic drive through Tauranga and past Gate Pa, where the last major battle between the British and Maori people took place in 1864. From the Minden Lookout, with its panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty, we visited the charming Mills Reef Winery and sampled some of their highly regarded wines. Following our wine tasting, we began the return drive across the Matapihi Peninsula to Ocean Beach (one of New Zealand’s most popular swimming and surfing beaches) to Mount Maunganui (which we thought we would hike but the trails were closed) and back to the ship. The ship departed at 6pm for our overnight passage.
Summary - The weather was cool in the morning but in the low 70s by mid-day. This was a good introduction to New Zealand; it reminded us of many of California's coastal towns.
February 11 we anchored by 8am at the Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand for a full day of activities. Steeped in legend and history, the Bay of Islands has lured explorers for centuries. Captain Cook anchored here in 1769, bestowing the simple name that captures its unpretentious charm. A spectacular landscape of black, volcanic rocks and rugged cliffs can be seen as the ship cruised into the Bay of Islands. One of the finest maritime parks in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is home to more than 100 islands and numerous bays teeming with birds and marine life. The Bay of Islands is New Zealand's cradle of European civilization, with many points of interest relating to both early-European and Maori settlements. The Maori lived in this area for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers and settlers, and their culture added an underlying Polynesian graciousness to the country. There are many 'firsts' associated with the Bay of Islands, including the first European community, the oldest home and church in the country, and the first capital of New Zealand, among others.
A long, irregular coastline shelters the numerous islands, many of which are part of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park. Within its boundaries lie historically significant sites, and scenic and recreational lands. In addition, there are reserves that have been established to protect what is left of the once vast native kauri forests. These magnificent trees rival California's redwoods in age, height and girth. The Maori used the trunk of one kauri tree to carve a canoe that could accommodate 100 warriors. The valuable timber became the country's first major export, but the supply depleted fast as pioneer settlers cut the trees at a rapid rate. Major sites around the Bay of Islands include Waitangi, arguably the country's most significant historical site, and Russell, one of New Zealand's oldest towns which was once a village filled with swashbuckling sailors, whalers and traders and was known as the ˜Hell Hole of the Pacific"; today, residents cherish its relaxed pace, balmy climate and serenity.
Our first activity for the day was Kayaking in the Waitangi Estuary where we experienced the pristine natural beauty of the Bay of Islands during this scenic kayaking excursion amid the calm waters of the Waitangi Estuary. After tendering ashore, our kayaking guide led us across the Waitangi Bridge to the Coastal Kayakers base; following our safety and kayaking instructions, we boarded our two-passenger kayak and commenced our guided kayaking excursion in the beautiful estuary. Along the way, we passed by an abundance of mangrove trees; the lifeblood of the estuary, this unique tree features an extensive root system protruding out from under the water and is a favorite breeding-ground for many small fish. At the end of the estuary is Haruru Falls, which are surrounded on one side by the beautiful Waitangi Forest; although not especially high, the Haruru Falls are a spectacular sight especially after any recent rainfall. After a stop for water, coffee, or tea with cookies in a park-like setting (camp grounds) near the falls, we started the return ride back to the kayak launching area. Then back to the ship for a late lunch. They should add "a massage" at the end. I got mine later, aboard the ship.
KAYAK TRIP - BAY OF ISLANDS, NZ
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipN3VihbEnbkdFyCeBxZjP7fNf_WxV8102WBzwCU/AF1QipOHZOkHW6A9Qe48zpA8WsXZ58J92Yjbz8t3HWrm?authKey=CPzW49K3rtzg3QE
Late afternoon, we joined our fellow cruisers to experience the rich history, traditional heritage, and scenic splendor for the complimentary event Birth of a Nation. For over 1,000 years, the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori, have lived here having originally arrived from Polynesia by canoe. On February 6, 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British and the leading Maori chiefs, which gave sovereignty of New Zealand to the British. After tendering ashore, transfer coaches took us to the top of the Waitangi Treaty grounds (we could have walked as it was 1/2 mile away), where we had the opportunity to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House (first occupied by the acting British governor, the timber was largely brought over from Sydney in prefabricated form and assembled on site). Its recent restoration work has revealed much information about the original construction methods used. The Waitangi Treaty House was the location where this signing took place and a nation was born. We "walked in the footsteps" of those who signed this famous Treaty, the most important event in the nation’s history. Then we wandered down through the magnificent Waitangi Grounds and enjoyed the sweeping views across the sea to Russell. There was an elaborately carved Marae (Maori Meeting House) and the huge canoe, or waka, that requires over 70 warriors to paddle. Moving on to the splendid Copthorne Hotel & Resort grounds, which fronts the shoreline, we experienced Maori hospitality at its finest - we were able to observe the rich traditions of Maori art forms such as woodcarving, flax weaving, musical instruments and martial arts. Among the lovely surroundings, a savory afternoon tea (snacks, sandwiches, wines, beers) was served and the official welcome was presented by a Maori elder followed by a special cultural performance featuring the songs and dances of the local Maori tribe; the dancers showed their ancestry - lots of grunts, yelling, tongues out, foot stomping (methods to 'scare' their opponents). Then a short walk back to the Waitangi Wharf, where tenders returned us to the ship for our 7pm departure.
Summary - Another great place in New Zealand. The weather is pleasant; it's summer here. We must return.
February 12 We docked before 8am in Auckland, North Island, New Zealand Our suite was on the water side, overlooking the container dock and view to the south city. Auckland’s scenery is commanded by some of the city’s volcanic hills, their grass kept closely cropped by those four-legged lawn mowers known as sheep (we haven't seen any yet). But this city is a cosmopolitan mix of Polynesians, Asians, and Europeans. In fact, Auckland has the world’s largest single population of Pacific Islanders. Literally topping things off is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, dwarfing everything around it and acting as a beacon for the casino, hotel, and restaurant complex that opened early in 1996.
Our adventure in Auckland was to visit the Sky Tower. We thought that we would bungie jump from the top, but after watching a few people, we decided to just enjoy the view from the top at take the elevator down. The city provides lots of shopping for designer clothes and we walked the waterfront with a quick look in the Kiwi's America's Cup Museum.
Summary -- A busy city and a place to visit again while traveling through New Zealand.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dress Attire: 6 casual, 3 informal, 2 formal
World Cruiser Dinner - Feb 10 at Hot Rocks
Pool Side BBQ - Feb 3
Venetian Society Cocktails - Feb 6
Galley Lunch - Feb 7
SPEAKERS (and their topics)
Edward Marks, Ambassador
"A Vast Eternal Realm"
"American Foreign Policy Since the End of the Cold War"
"The Essential United Nations: UN 101 + What the UN Is and What It Isn't and Why We Care"
"Terrorism in Context: What' s Going On?"
Jim Webster, Photo & Sports Journalist
"What Shocked the World"
"From Buckingham Palace to Hollywood"
"Out of the Rough - Experiences in the Mexico Olympics"
"The Longest Fairway"
Bette Klegon Halby, Artist
"The Maori and their Arts"
"Watercolor Seascape"
"Maori Arts: Iconography"
"Maori Arts: Symbols and Motifs"
"Maori Fortifications and Architecture"
Roger Paperno, Photographer
"Shooting Places"
ENTERTAINERS
Silver Spirit Singers and Dancers
"Euro 2011"
"Aquarius Dawning"
"Cafe de Paris" with Shea D Duo
Mark Donoghue, Multi-Instrumentalist and Vocalist
"Multiple Instruments" (but when he stuck a picolo in his nose, that was enough!)
Gregory Kinda, Piano
"Piano Virtuoso"
"A Brand New Show"
Jacqi Michaels, Singer
"Singing From the Soul - The great Women in Music"
"Starry Night"
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Auckland was the end of Voyage 2 and start of Voyage 3; a change of passengers - 200 leaving but another 250 arriving, all on the same day. There were many Australians aboard that were disembarking and flying home rather than continue with Voyage 3 (which ends in Sydney). We were told by many that "We aren't crossing the Tasman Sea at this time of year." So, we will see.
We hope that you enjoy coming along with us.
Here is a link to Picasa for a video of Voyage 2.
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipNyp5ebMXrEgvTMWQRqJ36y1234NG0PoIkdKhA2/AF1QipO4Ya3yAcW6P1jYYpXkAe6Pk5cAyMKebvu7EOX8?authKey=CJX9-_et7erJywE
Best to all,
Lourae and Randy
