Beautiful water from the Society Islands/Tahiti to New Zealand – I have included a few of the many photos I took. We are kept very busy on sea days. Below is an example of what a sea day looks like – anyone who feels bored on a sea day is not paying attention to all there is to do.
Celebrating the return of our friends in one of the specialty dining rooms last evening – thank you to Fanny & Arturo for hosting. This cruise feels different then the other cruises we have done with Royal. Some things (activities) are missing, but new and better things have taken their place. The crowd is more like a community then a group of travelling strangers. We have gotten to know many people and when we are out and about off the ship its starting to feel like everyone looks familiar.
In Auckland Ian and I jumped on the Hop On Hop Off Bus and toured the city. Then we went in search of an art supply store so I could pick up some watercolour supplies. What should have been a 10 minute walk turned into a 45 minute walk (and a lot of uphill) as we had taken a wrong turn. We ended up doing a complete circle but eventually found the store and I was rewarded with a 20% discount – so it all worked out.
In the Bay of Islands – we were there for a short time so we went to the small town Paihia and walked around. Lots of hand made items and tourist stores. Mailed some postcards and then went over to the Bay of Islands Yacht Club and delivered a burgee from our Yacht Club back home. I did manage to get some shopping in as we picked up some of their regalia. We had a nice visit with Ken and Brian and a refreshment before heading back to the ship.
After leaving the Bay of Islands the water was quite nasty for about a day and a half. I spent yesterday sleeping all day after taking one of the sea sickness pills the ship hands out. There is a large bowl of them available in the infirmary for all who are looking for them – by 5 pm last evening I was feeling normal again and was able to make the party with our friends. In the evening after dinner there was a party celebrating the arrival in Australian waters. They released hundreds of balloons in the Centrium
thank you very much for the interesting story and wonderful photos, as if I was visiting you. the color of the water is amazing, very blue, or rather bright blue! really, I want to take a brush and try to paint it with watercolors.
I love the way the water looks as well. I am hoping to do a series of water and clouds when I get home. I have been learning to watercolour on the ship. I met an artist who is teaching me. Hope all is well with you and Vadym and family. Much love.
You are doing a great job on your website Lynda. The pictures are awesome, some of them even look magical.
It looks like your having a great time, keep smiling.
Keep doing what you’re doing.
We miss you big time. 💕
Thanks Lynn – great seeing you guys today!