Day 124 Moorea, Society Islands

Today we definitely visited one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Moorea is breathtaking. We left the ship around 9:00 via tender and rented a car shoreside. Our plan was to travel completely around the island, including a trip up the mountain to the Belevedere Lookout. The views were just amazing. This place is so rugged and lush it is just spectacular. The water is so many shades of blue it is like a piece of art. We spent about 4 hours traveling around the island checking out the mountains and beaches and had a tremendous lunch along the beach. What a day! Tomorrow we go to Bora Bora which is also one of the most beautiful islands going…. I’m loving this!

Day 123 Papeete, Tahiti

Allan, Sandra & I had a great day in Papeete, Tahiti. We went ashore early this morning and walked around town a bit (while I snapped photos). We decided to hop on the local “bus” Le Truck not really knowing where it was going. We rode Le Truck to the end of the line out past the airport. There was a local shopping mall there where we went in for a look. We had drinks and a snack and then headed out to get back on Le Truck to go back to town. We pretty much covered the town of Papeete and decided it was time for lunch. Tahiti being a French island the food did not disappoint. It was really good and also very expensive. We couldn’t figure out how the locals survive here because it is over the top in terms of being expensive. At one place it was $8.00 for a diet coke….. is that outrageous or what????? Later in the afternoon we went back to the ship and relaxed a while on the aft deck (where those nice comfy chairs are….). We went back out in the evening for some local food. They set up places to eat outside just off the pier with music… pretty cool. We went out and ate a little and enjoyed the evening…. Great day!!

Day 122 At Sea

Today was a very, very hot sunny day at sea. It actually was pretty brutal. I only stayed out for 7 ½ hours today….. pretty steamy. Tomorrow we arrive in Papeete, Tahiti around 8:00 in the morning. Kudos to Captain Van Zanne for getting us there 4 hours ahead of the originally scheduled noon arrival. We will be in Papeete until 6:00 the following morning when we slide across to Moorea which is only 12 miles away. We plan on doing a little touring, a little eating and I guess a little beach time if the situation presents itself…. I’m looking forward to it.

Day 121 Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

We arrived early this morning around 7:00 into the Taiohae Bay in Nuku Hiva, Marquesas. We had to tender into shore which can be a pain sometimes but this was uneventful. Allan, Sandra, Apolonnia (the Captain’s wife) and I decided to get a driver and tour the island. We got a driver as soon as we landed and we were off on our adventure. We traveled up, and up Mt Muake catching great panoramic views of the landscape and harbor. We traveled over to our driver’s (Thomas) village of Taipival and actually went to his house. It was pretty cool. He built it himself and while it was pretty rustic, for island life here I’m sure it was very comfortable. At the village, before going to his house we climbed the mountain for about 45 minutes (killer climb) to see some of the early stone Tikis. After spending 3 or so hours touring the island we went to the Keikahanui In for lunch. Nice place with great views. I then left the group at the shore to get some more photos of the old Tikis and even the “Moai” on the shore. It was people from the Marquesas that colonized places like Hawaii and Easter Island…. Very cool! This island is very rugged, lush and beautiful. It doesn't get much better than this. A great day was had by all!

Day120 At Sea

The last of our 8 consecutive sea days in many respects was the best. The weather once again was perfect (a bit of a scorcher) with more of a breeze than yesterday and the seas calm. The best part was the absolutely fabulous response by the Hotel Manager, Henk Mensink and the Captain, Edward Van Zanne regarding the deck chairs. I wasn’t totally clear on the true nature of the problems in the past but once it was clear, prompt action was taken. We will have much, much better chairs on the aft deck. See the happy camper in one of the new chairs…. We are talking major celebration. I thank everyone involved who had a hand in improving a less than optimal situation. This certainly is the kind of response to customer issues that makes Holland America rise above the rest. Great job & a great day!!!!

Day 119 At Sea

Today was by far the hottest day we have had. The Captain announced at 1:00 that the temperature at noon was 78 degrees…. No way! I was roasting all day. I spent a lot of time in the pool. Part of the problem was no breeze…. Despite the breeze it was a great day! We are getting close to Nuku Hiva, one more day at sea. The current plan on Nuku Hiva is to try and hook up a taxi and tour the island. Beaches may not be in the cards because of the shark warnings the port lecturer discussed, we’ll see. I hope at least to get up into the hills and get a scenic view of the island. There are a number of carvings on the island hat came from Easter Island that are of interest to me. It should be interesting. I had a question regarding the blog for the last World Voyage, here is the site http://worldvoyage2007.blogspot.com Enjoy!

Day 118 At Sea

Another perfect day! We have been so fortunate to have such fabulous weather and calm seas…. Tonight we have another formal night. I’ll try and include a photo with us scrubbed up a bit. We also gain another hour tonight I believe which will put us an hour behind California… US Alaska Time I believe. Only two more days at sea before we hit landfall, so sad. This is really tough work…. Look how hard it is for Sandra to relax….

Day 117 At Sea

Today was a really disgusting day…. Not really, I’m just tired of telling you how wonderful it is. Today, once again, was spectacular. The sun really is getting intense. It’s not a temperature issue as much as the intensity (burning potential). We did see a bunch of dolphins as we sailed along. So much for me saying that we can see for miles and miles and see nothing but blue sky and water….. This really is very special, so peaceful. Can’t believe that we have 3 more days at sea before we reach Nuku Hiva, Marquesa Islands. We are having an absolutely great time! It dawned on me today that a clarification was in order (Allan pointed it out). I have been going on and on about the poor quality of the design and physical shape of the deck lounge chairs. I must point out that this just applies to the chairs on the aft decks 8 & 9 and the Sky deck. The chairs around the Lido pool and on other decks are great. They just need more of the same….