Blogs from Pacific, Oceans and Seas - page 28

I was allowed, and indeed encouraged, to board early, and the attendant fussed over my oxygen connection. I noticed that he was often consulting the manual; I may have been his first supplemental-oxygen passenger. I was assured that if the POC proved insufficient for my needs Air New Zealand would supply pure medical oxygen if I told the crew I was in distress. For the first time ever, I had a really comfortable flight. I definitely needed two seats; I checked and there is no way I could have fitted into one. I don't think I could have if I were a hundred pounds lighter, either. Maybe if I were still 180 lbs, I might have squeezed in. But two seats were far more than enough room, as I only overlapped my seat by a ... read more

We arrived at Auckland Airport a full 3 hours before the flight in order to give ourselves the best opportunity to get our ‘standby’ upgrade to ‘Premium’ economy. It’s important to shuffle up to the check-in desk with a swagger that suggests that upgrading me is not only a good idea, but the first step in a long line of excellent decisions. Body language is key here, so I employed the ‘Don’t look at the check-in woman in the eyes but stare at your feet instead’ technique whilst mumbling ‘ Um, did we get our upgrade?’ and laughing nervously and trying to look un-terrorist like. Unfortunately my efforts were wasted and we were told that we’d have to check at the gate, so I initiated the ‘Of course we check in at the gate’ nod and ... 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

This is Chris and Roisin's 3rd day at sea without sight of land, any other ship or plane. The sun is beating down relentlessly. Provisions ran out some time ago. Despite there being an ocean full of the stuff, water is no longer available. (although they're still serving cocktails in the Explorers bar, deck 7!!) Teody, their cabin steward has offered himself to be eaten. He says it would be a great honour and privilege to be consumed by such nice people. On the plus side, Roisin learned how to decorate an egg!!!! There is a wide diversity of people on board from all walks of life. Chris and Roisin have yet to find another couple that are still gainfully employed. There are those who are seasoned travellers and have amassed over 150 cruise days with ... read more

Chris and Roisin's first wake up at sea was at 8am when a knock came at their door. It was the cabin steward with breakfast. Nothing too strenuous just the usual danish, cereal, yoghurt, fruit (and fruit juice), tea and/or coffee. This was not going to be the rule but as this service was included they thought they'd give it a try. They were adamant to give the gym a whirl. At least if this is the only day they use the equipment it will go down on record as having 'given it a go'!! The gym is amazing! State of the art. AND FREE!! There are at least a dozen hi-tech treadmills a number of cross-trainers, bikes (sit up and beg ones as well as the ‘easy rider' type!) and weights to tone bits of ... read more