Blogs from Auckland Islands, Pacific, Oceans and Seas

Dienstag, 10.03.2015 Nuku’alofa - Auckland(1097 Seemeilen, 2 Seetage) Auf der Fahrt nach Auckland, verliessen wir den tropischen Gürtel der Erde, und sind nun wieder in den Subtropen. Die Tagestemperaturen stiegen nicht mehr über 25°C, allerdings bei strahlendem Sonnenschein. Nachts fiel das Thermometer auf 16°C. Unterwegs wurde die See wieder etwas rauher, jedoch nicht so rauh, wie nach Valparaiso. Für die Ankunft im Hafen von Auckland liessen wir uns von unserem Wecker wecken, die Hafeneinfahrt wollten wir uns nicht entgehen lassen. Bei unserem ersten Bummel durch die Häuserschluchten der Stadt fiel uns auf, wie sauber die Strassen von Auckland sind. So gut wie keine zertretenen Kaugummireste oder Zigarettenkippen waren auf den Gehwegen zu sehen. Wir marschierten die „Queen Street“, die Shoppingmeile von Auckland, entlang bis zum Sky Tower (328 m). Von ihm sprangen mutige ... 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

Today the ship the highlights are, a "Beyond the Podium" speaker will talk about Trans-Atlantic Contact before Columbus. There is also a galley tour and a "Freedance" that will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For that you pay $15.00 and receive a tee shirt and $10 goes to the foundation. Here we are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean steaming, okay diesel ing, our way to Pago Pago Samoa. It is a clear and beautiful day out. Actually the weather could not be better. Warm and clear with a beautiful breeze and a few puffy white clouds floating in front of the sun from time to time to just give you a comfortable respite from the sun. I can walk around the ship and look out and see nothing. Literally nothing, but ocean. It ... read more

I woke up feeling a little seasick this morning so took a seasick tablet and felt fine the rest of the day. I read todays Pacific Daily (newsletter delivered to your room, with all the days activities) last night I put my watch back 1 hour but I was supposed to do that tonight so when we went to check out Deck Boules it had already finished, luckily we realised at the point what I had done so we didn’t miss anything else. Opps! We went to a juggling lesson, it was so much fun and we both ended up being able to juggle, a bit. Of course we also did a bit of relaxing out the back at the Oasis deck (we did that every day) before heading to ballroom dancing lessons where we learnt ... read more