Day 5 continued Auckland

After our coffee we walked around the Square and then chose to walk up to the Skytower for a look. Made a decision to take the lift up to the 60th level from where we had a great view of the city. A few scuds passed by and that gave the view a different perspective. Apart from that the view was clear and  we only neede a light jacket while out, so we were lucky to have such a fine day. The city centre didn't seem much different from most others, although today being Halloween, there were quite a few people dressed in weird costumes wandering around. We got back to the ship around 2pm and had a light lunch before retiring to our room for a bit.

Tonight all the waiters and other workers were all in costume to add to the atmosphere and the atrium was decorated with carved pumpkins and streamers and also a witch ice carving. Quite a few passengers got in to the spirit of things and it was good fun to see. There was also a comp for best dressed. I think by the time the main show finished, a lot of the older witches were tired and off to bed as most have a big day tomorrow when there is. 9 hour excursion to Rotorua.

We enjoyed our walk up town, feeling good in the cool, fresh air. However we were a bit disappointed to see quite a number of beggars in the street.

Day 5 Auckland

Well we woke up just as we were docking - so smooth. We aren't in any hurry to leave so went to Buffet for Brekky with all the hordes. Because the ship is sold out there are people around all the time. We walked off after 9 and of course Eric had to have his bag searched as he had had some bananas in his back pack. The weather is changeable with cloud and sun and a slight mist as well - just for good measure. It is not cold tho I have now put my shower proof jacket on just to cut the breeze in the canyons of the buildings. This picture was taken just as the storm was about to hit as we were leaving the dock.

Day 4 Thursday

We were warned by the captain that it would get a bit rough during the night and it so it did. However, because we slept well it didn't trouble us. When I woke this morning I knew it was going to be a bit tricky for me. We had ordered Brekky to our room so at least I didn't need to get dressed and go out and fight the uneven ship movement. I was able to have some food and then I went back to bed and stayed there till midday when the swell lessened dozing on and off. Eric went out wandering around the ship and checked out our photos from last night's Formal. They aren't too bad. We met up with Bill and Dell and had a bite to eat with them for lunch and plan to join Bill and Margaret tonight.

Tonight's entertainment is a male singer highlighting the Frank Sinatra/Elvis era. This should be good to listen to. 

Day 3 Wednesday

Our second full day aboard. So far the seas have been very kind ( or so they tell me) but of course someone like me still feels queasy on and off.

We just took it very easy again. Firstly we had Brekky in the restaurant with Jim and Bev and Julie and Peter from our village as it is Peter's 70th birthday. Today was also the main Outlet Sale where there was lots of "stuff" for sale from handbags, shirts, dresses and jewellery but nothing that caught our attention. There was also a fruit and veggie carving demo which attracted a lot of attention. We joined Geoff and Debbie for a light lunch out on deck and later went to the wooden horse races where Eric came out a whole $1 ahead!

Tonight was our first Formal Dinner and it was great to see everyone dressed in their finery. Once again we had our photos taken so that will be interesting to see tomorrow. The show in the Princess Theatre was titled Soul Music and was a very lively, energetic show with music and dancing. The theatre is packed each night and we have been having 3 shows as the ship is at capacity. After the show we caught up with Bill and Margaret and listened to the band in the Wheelhouse Bar which was very loud so moved to the Vista Lounge for the" finish the lyrics ". After that we retired to our Stateroom and moved our watches forward one hour for the third night in a row,

Day 2 Tuesday

Today was a bit of a discovery time to see where the different venues are situated and how best to access same. Of course, with my sense of direction I will still be floundering around on the last day. 

We went to Brekky and then back to our room. I felt queasy so lay down and dozed for a couple of hours till Bev woke me and then we went for a 4 lap walk around Promenade Deck which felt good.

This afternoon seems much calmer. The latest weird idea for sea sickness is to wear a bandaid over your belly button!!!!! Anyway I am willing to try it as others are too. Would that be a Furphy or not? The so called solution came from the Medical Centre! Do you think they may have an excess of bandaids on board and they are trying to clear same? We'll see!

I must say it is lovely to know so many of our fellow travellers - about 60 I would say so far. There is always someone to catch up with for a chat etc.

We have no complaints about the meals or anything  else on board so it is all hunky dory so far. I guess it may be different Thursday when all these wheelchair people are trying to disembark for tours. We haven't booked anything and will just go with the flow.

Day One New Zealand Cruise

Well, here we are enjoying a coffee waiting for "Margaret's Taxi" to arrive in an hour to whisk us off to Portside to board the Sea Princess for our 14day cruise around N Z. We are hoping it will not be overhot waiting for check in in the big tin shed. However, the temp is supposed to be around 36 deg so I guess it could be a bit uncomfortable. Those who are so inclined could jump in the pool when they board couldn't they?

New Zealand Cruise

On Monday 27th October 2014 we will be boarding the " Sea Princess " in Brisbane for a 14 day cruise to New Zealand and return. We will be travelling with a group of 40 people who are mainly from our Motorhome Chapter, Logan and Moreton Ramblers so will have plenty of company on board.