And the rough weather continued. Being at the bow of the ship and deck 10, Roisin and Chris have probably felt the motion of the shop more than most. The bad weather must have lasted for about 30 hours. On the day before we were due to arrive in Auckland the weather, as predicted, subsided and the status of the sea condition was reduced to moderate. Chris had been advised by one of the deck officers that in rough weather, the stabilisers of a ship are pulled in as they could easily snap and do damage to the ship. That's handy to know!! So, in rough weather, ships are at the mercy of the elements and have to ride the waves. What made Chris uneasy is when the officer added, '…and hope for the best!!!' Chris ... read more

80 miles west of Chris and Roisin's last port of call (Pago Pago), lies Western Samoa. This group of islands consists of 2 main islands and several smaller ones. The capital is Apia, situated on the larger of the 2 islands Upolu. These islands are huge compared to American Samoa covering an expanse of 1,137 square miles. On arriving in Apia at 8am, the picturesque waterfront is dominated by their catholic cathedral and the line of public buildings, shops and trading companies. The town feels like a collection of villages rather that a city where 35,000 of the 217,000 islanders live. Today is Saturday 9th October 2010. This is the eve of an annual ceremony dedicated to children called White Sunday. It is celebrated every 2nd Sunday in October and this is a special day for ... read more

So, as the ship sailed away from Bora Bora, the next stop is Pago Pago in American Samoa, 1114-odd miles away and 2 days sailing - time for Roisin and Chris to get back in to their 'routine'. The routine was by now having a familiar look about it. Breakfast about 9am then it was down to Club Fusion for the morning trivia. Day 14 of the cruise, once again, brought success to Chris and Roisin who where now known as ‘the team without portfolio'. The reason being is that the useless knowledge Chris and Roisin have demonstrated when they have been quizzing alone has made others want them to strengthen their team as teams are allowed to have 6 players. On the morning of 6th October, they were quizzing with the Delta Delays. This team ... read more

f I said Pape'ete (pronounced Pap-ay-et-ay), most people would say 'where??' If I said Tahiti, the penny drops immediately and many folk think of David Essex in Mutiny on the Bounty and grass skirts. Ok, the women will think of David Essex whilst the men will consider thinking about the grass skirts!! Tahiti is actually made up from 2 islands Tahiti nui (Big Tahiti) and Tahiti iti (Little Tahiti) and were joined together a couple of million years ago by some geological shenanigans!. Tahiti makes up more than 1 quarter of the surface area of French Polynesia and two-thirds of the population. OK, enough of the geography lesson. Today it was another hot one hitting 90ºF at the hottest part of the day. Chris, (not from Chris and Roisin but another guest at the dinner table), ... read more

Between Wednesday 29th September – 2nd October 2010, the Sapphire Princess was at sea for its 2nd stint of 4 uninterrupted days. On 30th September as the door to cabin C105 was opened in the morning, 3 balloons greeted Chris taped to the bulkhead immediately outside. "Happy birthday Meester Chris", said Teody, the one armed Philippino cabin steward as he passed. “Have we somehow entered a Pacific version of the Bermuda Triangle, or something?” Chris said, having had his birthday some 4 weeks earlier. Roisin, who at this time was doubled up with laughter, told Chris that the registration card asked if any birthday or special event was occurring during the voyage. This request did not stipulate a date required so the crew of the Sapphire Princess must have decided on one for Chris!! Just when ... read more