MissEileen

After being on this ship for a little more than a fortnight we have formed a little group of friends. We gravitate together everyday and chat about all the fun activities we have done. So when our new friend, we will call him "Ken", because that is his name, heard about the hypnotist show, he wanted go and volunteer. So we said we would be his support team. We all met a half hour before the show at our normal perch and walked into the show room together. There were 21 chairs displayed on the stage and then the hypnotist walked out after a flamboyant introduction from our cruise director. He asked for volunteers and we were all very vocal in getting attention for Ken. Ken made his way on stage and the hypnotist approached me ... read more

For the beginning summer Auckland is cold. Alan and I did not pack warm enough. So I am now the proud owner of a bright lime green "jumper", aka sweatshirt. For our excursion in Auckland we again went on a ships tour with about 30 of our shipmates. I have been on many excursions, but I cannot remember such a fun group. There was even a fellow with a little stuffed bunny that he carries around like my gnome. I suggested the bunny and the gnome have a ship board romance. Maybe... We were transported on coaches to the Gannet Colony . This is where thousands of gannets got to feed and perch. Lovely cliffs on black sand beaches. I always heard of the true black sand beaches, but this is the first time I saw ... read more

I am not into astrometry and know little about it. We booked this trip for the voyage and it so happens that it's title is Solar Eclipse Cruise. I just experienced an astonishing, amazing, epic natural celestial phenomena . Wow. A total eclipse of the sun. Our ships navigator worked very hard to make sure our position was in the optimum viewing location. And he did not disappoint. We had a beautiful clear view. Amazing. At the totality I never thought I would see what I did. It was like God was looking at us with his/her eyeball through a microscope. In fact that view is called the cornea. The next view you see after total coverage, (and just before) is what as known as the "diamond ring". I feel like I received a celestial diamond ... read more

Pago Pago America Samoa Talofa- from Pago Pago. Pronounced Pango Pango. The "G" is pronounced with the "N" sound as well. November 9th, 2012is a rainy day on the island. Our ship arrived early in the morning to many waves from happy smiles from the locals with energetic music that made you want to dance. I found America Samoa a conflicted island with much potential. The inhabitants are either Catholic or Mormon LDS. But yet hold their island heritage and belief of their gods in their hearts. They can only marry with permission from their local chief. They wish for higher education but only have a community college with a 2 year Associate Degree. And with very limited enrollment. They praise their island to be pristine, but there is garbage every where. They don't have a ... read more

There is no question that people have strong political convictions. Even on holiday. And when there is a presidential election happening, those feelings get escalated. Not a good combination, especially when you are at sea for a five day run and alcohol is abundant. Things are getting very heated. I have tried to steer clear of those conversations but somehow I end up getting sucked in. I feel there is nothing more I can do except wait for the results. I have cast my vote and mailed it in, as my shipmates have. Even if you change your mind, your vote is cast, so arguing is a moot point. It is my impression that Americans are in the minority on this ship. The English, Kiwis and Aussies are very interested in our election and ask many ... read more