2016_03_29 FAKARAVA

Made it to 5:45 this morning when I got up to get online to check emails and update the blog.  Had a bit of stomach issues last evening after dinner but hopefully it has calmed down for our day on Fakarava!  A very light breakfast this morning from room service should do the trick.  We can order room service any time and when we are going for early excursions it helps to have the food delivered to your cabin.  On more leisurely days we mostly meet in a dining room for a more prepared menu breakfast.  They should be coming at 7:30 with a bagel for me - not sure what Connie ordered.  We get a call from room service saying that they are on their way a few minutes before they arrive.

After that we are to meet around 8:00 at Rich's cabin to take the first tender to the island and meet up with Frederick for a private boat tour of the island.  Frederick speaks only French and Rich has been communicating with him via email using Google translate.

Online description of Fakarava:

"Welcome to paradise!  One of the largest and most beautiful atolls in French Polynesia, Fararava is the stuff of South Seas fantasy.  Heavenly white and pink sand, ruffled coconut trees and an unbelievable palette of lagoon blues are the norm here".  

Went to balcony and saw THIS:

Fakarava is a HUGE corral atoll island into which the Oceana Marina sailed this morning.  I think Rich Rediker said that the atoll was about 65 kilometers around.  We were going to snorkel near one of the “gates” into the atoll (The South Gate).  

The North gate was all the way across the atoll and it would take quite a while to get to so we will only snorkel at the one.

Today was another private snorkel trip and it was sick!  More later about that…….

Frederick and Mani

Took the first tender to the pier and Frederick was there waiting for us.  He had another tour as well so he passed us off to his three nephews and a niece for our tour.  Mairiia (Mani) was the young lady who spoke English best.  One brother was Noah (the pilot) and names of the other two people will have have to help me with. 

Before we boarded the boat we were serenaded by Polynesian musicians and dancers.  

I should mention that my water camera was really acting up again today.  It got wet with sea water two days ago and I thought it was ok.  Today it kept flickering on and off.  So to take any image you had to turn it on and shoot really fast.  I am relying on Bobi Steingart for images.  The images above were Bobi's.

Headed out to sea and got to the first snorkeling spot.  They had flippers so I was able to get in the water with everyone else.  For this first swim I used a round life ring which I soon realized I didn’t need with the flippers.  We swam for about 20 minutes and headed back to the boat.  Coral had seen better days!  Nice selection of fish though.  I believe that this reef was still better than the one on Moorea.  Back to the boat to try and get back in up a really small ladder.  The nephews help to drag us back on board.

Stopped at snorkel spot number 2.  Ditched the life ring and swam around quite easily.  Site 2 was even better than the first one.  Corals in much better shape and Connie and I felt like we were in a starter salt water aquarium.  TONS of blue damsel fish swimming around and into huge brain corals.  Really nice spot.  

This tiny island was on the way to the Blue Lagoon!

We headed to the Blue Lagoon next for lunch.  Along the way the lads went in with spears to catch fish for out meal!  A Parrotfish and 3 or 4 others I don’t remember.  

THIS was the Blue Lagoon!

Looks like a post card!  Right on the beach where we ate.

Look at those colors.

Rich Rediker ashore.

Richie Steingart with a big clam shell

Bobi Steingart, Lisa and Cary Claver

The spread, with our hosts.  I completely missed this - sleeping.

This lagoon was ridiculously beautiful with varying shades of blue corresponding to the depth of the water.  Here’s why I said it was sick.  So was I - last night around 3 a.m. I started having stomach troubles.  Must have been something I ate last night.  So I had absolutely no interest in any of the food.  I pretty much lay down on a towel and slept while the others ate.  After my nap I felt much better and almost all of the stomach ache was gone.  

Beautiful coral reef around this small island

That splash is Bobi Steingart and Richie Steingart readies to head in.

That's Frederick the Uncle in the back of the other boat.

Back in the boat where we headed to snorkel spot number three.  I didn’t go in this time and the others said that this spot was the  beat one!  Of course.  I was pretty tired and just wanted to rest.

Headed back towards the Oceana Marina off in the far distance and we stopped at a fourth snorkel site along the way.  All decided that had had enough so we bypassed that one. Got back to the pier, boarded the tender and a few minutes later back on the cruise ship and civilization.

Separate diners plans tonight.  Rediker's and Clavers for a fancy wine pairing meal and Steingart’s and Connie (maybe me) at the Grand Dining Room.  I’ll see how I feel about food in a couple of hours.  I feel hungry, maybe bowl of chicken soup?  If they have something so simple.

Dinner went well. Chicken Consommé soup with some rice and it feels pretty good.  Even had a bit of Pina Colada ice cream.

2013_03_28 RAROIA

Still under sail this morning heading to the tiny island of Raroia.  Not many permanent inhabitants here - it must be quite the event when a cruise ship stops for a day!

Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki raft famously ran aground here while he was trying to prove that Polynesians could have sailed from South America.  He set sail from the Peruvian port of Callao in April of 1947 on his raft made of balsa wood. Kon Tiki ran aground the following August 7th with it's six crew members on the forgotten atoll of Raroia in the middle of the Tuamotu Island group.  They were welcomed in a traditional Polynesian tradition that will be recreated today for us.

The island's strategic position between Tahiti and the Marquesas made it a stopping place between the two archipelagos 1,600 km apart from each other.  The Kon Tiki's story inspired all sailboat skippers of the world to someday stop in Raroia - including us today!

Land Ho!  First sighting of Raroia.  Long sail to get here.

Tender returning to ship with bad news......

At 8:00 the cruise director came on the loudspeaker to announce that the currents were too strong to allow the tenders to safely bring people to shore on Raroia.  So, this was the first time the ship came to Raroia and perhaps will be the last.  The ship fairly shortly after turned around and we are heading to Fakarava earlier than expected.  200 nautical miles away so another long day at sea.  A bit disappointing but we’ll tough it out on the boat for another day.

You can see the other side of the atoll in the background.
Click on the image for a better look.

This is as close as we got to Raroia.  Too bad we didn't get to go ashore.  Although not much to do there it probably was really pristine.

Rich Rediker, Cary Claver and I teamed up for a trivia contest and finished in second place.  Received 2 ships points coupons.  At the end of the cruise you can turn your points in for some prizes.  

Later Cary and I tried our hand at a putting contest.  Looked pretty easy but you had to play the "roll" of the ship!  We both won 4 coupons for our efforts.

Just back from watching the move Kon Tiki on the boat.  Pretty cool to think that we were right there just off the edge of Raroia this morning!  The movie about Thor Heyerdahl's exploits on a balsa wood raft going 5,000 miles to where we were is stunning.

The ladies were attending various seminars about sunburn and "body issues”.  They also attended a yoga class which Connie said was “interesting” on a rolling ship.  At the sunburn seminar Connie was told to put milk on a washcloth and apply it to the burned areas to pull out the heat.  Reports later……….

Cary Claver at the "putting" contest.  Hit a beanbag and win a prize.

Catching some rays.

Connie found a space in a bit of shade upstairs above the pool to read a bit.  It was HOT - both the air and the water was 86 degrees at noon.  I'm sure it got hotter later.

It’s about 5:00 and we have nothing planned until another 8:00 meal at Toscano.  Trying to learn how to cut down on the food intake - not necessary to eat everything on the menu.  Although you could if you wanted to.

Everyone did way better with their portions tonight at Toscano!  I think we have learned the system.  I still had a bit of a stomach problem last night though.  Up a 3:00 - Hopefully it will be better in the morning when we get to Fakarava!

2013_03_27 HAPPY EASTER FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA!

Watching the sunrise this wonderful morning in paradise. Today is all day at sea and most of the ladies have spa appointments.  Connie, Bobi and Gayle have a cooking class later this afternoon o learn about preparing fish.  They are pretty excited for the opportunity.  Happy Easter to all!

The only day at sea on the entire trip.  Got off early last night (8:30 p.m.) and steaming steadily towards Rairoa WAY out to the Northeast.  Around noon the captain got on the speaker to say we had gone 150 nautical miles and still had 250 to go.  We should make land tomorrow morning some time.

Early morning on our balcony

It's a BIG OCEAN!  Pre haircut and beard trimming.  A bit "scruffy".

So, as a result a relaxing day starting with a 7:30 breakfast in the buffet.  Some of the boys and girls had spa appointments and I had a 9:00 appointment for a haircut and a beard trimming.

Met Gigi from South Africa - my “stylist”.  She spent quite a bit of time on my beard and not so much on the hair!  She did go after the “Andy Rooney” eyebrows as well.

Connie had a facial and is feeling quite refreshed - counteracting a bit of sunburn from yesterday.  Her legs are still quite pink, hopefully they will calm down in a few days.

We mostly split up - some trying to find deck chairs in the shade and others going to Easter Brunch.  The Grand Dining Room was done up with Easter decorations.

Richie, Rich and I found 3 deck chairs in a good spot and it was quite pleasant until band set up right to the side of us and started blasting.  Pretty annoying……  I jumped in the pool a few times (salt water) and enjoyed the pool rising and falling with the pitch of the boat.

Rich in his one man hot tub on his private deck.  Note the t.v. above!

Somewhere around 3:00 Rich was SO HAPPY to have access back to his deck at the front of the ship.  We had to leave the deck last night when the ship set sail and all the deck furniture was lashed down for the night.  They determined that the conditions were ok for us to have the chairs back again.  Rich filled up a small jacuzzi with some refreshing cool water and we took turns in it.  Most of the deck was in shade and away from all the hustle and bustle on the pool deck.  Pleasant breezes, comfortable chairs and quiet.  Made for nap like conditions!

Gayle, Connie and Bobi before the class.......

And after the Cooking Class.  That's Kellie Evans 2nd from the right.

At 4:00 Gayle, Bobi and Connie attended a cooking class in the Culinary Center.  The chef/instructor was named Kellie Evans and the girls loved her.  They learned a bunch about preparing fish.  They made pan seared salmon with a soy lacquer glaze. Next coconut pan fried shrimp followed by shallow poached halibut with creamy butter sauce.  The final dish was baked shrimp scampi.  At 6:00 we were invited back to sample their creations.  Delicious!  They really looked excited at the end of the class.

Sunset from the Rediker deck.

After sunset we were star gazing.  Sky was pretty clear and the Southern Cross was easily spotted.  That's all I can ever find!  Apparently Rich Rediker is spotting something in Richie Steingart's armpit!

Heading to Privee tonight for a private dining experience for 8 where we can choose from the menu at Toscano (Italian) or The Polo Grill (Steaks) or both!  The food on this ship is just ridiculously good.  We will be lead to the dining room by Rich’s suite butler at 7:50 for our 8:00 reservation.  

So much food ordered it was almost criminal.  Very god food, but we need to cut back a bit or we may explode.  We had to choose between 6 or seven types of olive oil and quite a few vinaigrettes.  I felt hopelessly uninformed about these items. 

Our private room table at Privee was quite opulent and the service provided by Dimitri (Ukraine) and Giovanni (Honduras) was over the top.  These guys are really well trained in what they do.

Trying to get my key to work in the cabin door.  A standing joke.  It always takes many tries to get in.  They even reprogrammed both of our cards after saying both cards work.  Connie's works every time, mine not so much!

2013_03_26 MOOREA

First full day of activities on the Oceana Marina commenced this morning early.

Woke up and looked outside to see Moorea up close for the first time.

Took a ship’s tender to the pier at Moorea where Roman and Olivia were waiting for us with their small outrigger.  Their company is named Moorea Miti Tours.  We highly recommend this company.  They treated us spectacularly with a quintessential day in paradise.

In a beautiful lagoon.

We were taken into a lagoon where we heard local lore about the mountains and Island.  Afterwards we stopped to swim with stingrays and black tipped sharks in shallow water.  Pretty cool.

Roman feeding shrimp to the rays.

 Lots of colorful fish.  Some of our friends from our saltwater tank.

Black finned sharks swam around us.

Black finned shark up close.

My underwater camera worked pretty well.  For a while anyway. I left one of the sealing covers unlocked and salt water got in and the camera worked spottily at best after that.

Next, another stop to snorkel afterwards lunch on a picnic table in the water.  Olivia made a wonderful lunch. Curried chicken with eggplant, pineapple and shrimp salad, black rice, star fruit, pomelo and unbelievable coconut bread.  Dessert was a banana nutella muffin with papaya.

Bobi Steingart image.  I really liked the local fishermen in front of our cruise ship.

The color of the water was amazing!

Roman on outrigger support and Olivia swimming.  Olivia took about 100 images and sent a Picasa link to Rich tonight.  Will have to see them tomorrow

The water was incredibly warm and the colors were spectacular..

Some napped on shore others sat on the outrigger and eventually we headed back to the cruise ship after one last stop for more snorkeling.  Quite a bit of sunburn among the group.

This evening we attended the Captian’s Reception where we had drinks and appetizers.

Back to Rich’s suite for more appetizers than you could imagine.  5 plates per couple from The Red Ginger Asian Restaurant delivered to the suite.

The Oceana Marina set sail early at about 8:30 for a day long sail to Raroia.  This is the only day at sea.  Spa plans have been made and some will attend cooking class.

2016_03_25 (AGAIN) PALETTE, TAHITI

Woke up this morning to THIS! Moorea in the distance.  30 minute ferry ride to our last day in French Polynesia after we depart the cruise ship in 12 days.  The cruise ship goes there first after we board later today.  I think the ship sails at around 5:00 tonight.  It takes 3 hours for the ship to leave port and dock this short distance you can see from this view.  Tomorrow we have our first excursion on Moorea.

This was from our balcony.

Air France leaving!  Us in 12 days.  

Heading for cruise ship in an hour to drop off bags and go to the Papeete market - walking distance from the cruise ship dock.  The market is supposed to be wonderful, lots of things to look at and "they" say the prices are better here than anywhere on the cruise.  Pearls anyone?

Already had our breakfast and finished repacking bags.  It will be nice to have stuff out of the suitcases in one place for such a long time.

After a continental breakfast around 8:00 we took a van to the cruise terminal.  We offloaded our bags and left them with the cruise ship personnel.  We had planned to spend time before we boarded the ship at a famous local market.  Unfortunately on this second Good Friday the local market was closed!  Two March 25th’s, one in Auckland and one in Papeete and nothing open. 

Small market open.  Connie needed hair thingy.  She bought this coconut one from that lady.

I asked this lady if I could take her picture.  She said "sure".

Rich and Gayle's suite.  Sweet!

At 11:00 we were able to bring (most) of our personal belongings to Rich Redker’s suite as he was allowed early access to the ship.  More later about that…..

Pool deck.

Our cabin.

Headed for a pretty great buffet for a lunch.  After lunch we walked around the ship trying to figure out where everything was.

Had our first fancy dinner at Jacques Restaurant.  Everyone thought it was spectacular!  “Top notch service and unlimited desserts”…. Bobi Steingart.  

Late last night Richie Steingart’s missing backpack was found after a nerve wracking day and constant demands.  The cruise ship personnel seemed blasé and cheeky about it.  We were not amused and eventually they found it laying in the dock.  Apparently it all off the luggage cart and was out there all day.  At least it was found before we left port!