Day 26, AT Sea

We spent the day sailing toward Bay of Islands, NZ – our next stop.

Today, we met, onboard, with NZ Immigration officials with regard to our disembarkation at Auckland.

Peter is getting over his allergies and is feeling fine. The weather is getting abit cooler and we are now moving our clocks forward by an hour each night having reversed the recent trend of moving the clocks back every few nights.

We attended a class today where Peter learned how to make bitterballen-yeah. We watched a ship building competition with the contestants passing their float tests in the central swimming pool.

We ended the day hearing a rendition of Hallelujah, the Leonard Cohen/KD Lang song while we drinking for 2 for 1 martinis.

Day 25, Noumea, New Caledonia

At pier-side, the day started with a welcome dance and music performed by native dancers and singers.

We had a great day exploring this magnificent place. Sunny beaches, beautiful French colonial buildings and modern architecture. Narrow streets reminiscent of a small French town. Lots of commemorative statues and memorable sites.

To end this marvelous day, the ship hired local dancers to put on a Polynesian show. It was spectacular.

Day 24, Kuto, Ile Des Pins,

Today we spent another wonderful day at the beach. There is nothing to 'do' or 'see' on this island except glorious beaches and great hiking trails.

We chose the beach and swimming in crystal clear turqoise sparkling waters. It is noted as the Paradise Island, and it truly is.

To the disappointment of our American travellers there is nothing to buy and no Wal-Mart. Ahhhhhhhhhhh geeeeeeeeee.

Day 23, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Went ashore to visit the Mele Gardens and Cultural Centre. 2 acres of a native working garden with some small aviaries; snake houses; coconut crab hut; and fruit bat cage. We also were fed some local fruit juice and local fruits and coconut.

The locals also presented a native magic show. Very interesting and different.

Tomorrow, Ile des Pins, New Caledonia.

Day 22 Luganville, Vanuatu

Last evening we spent a great time dining in the Pinnacle Dining room. The food was so good. I ordered a rib eye steak on the bone, and Roak ordered the lobster tail. Both meals were delicious. It was a formal night so we looked pretty good too.

Today we arrived in Luganville (also known as Espiritu Santo).

We took a tour called the Magical Gaua Water Music Experience. We travelled to a small village where native performers welcomed us; we drank kava (made from a pepper-like root); and, we given a tour of the plantation where they live. The kava numbs your lips; tongue & teeth for several hours. The performers presented traditional dances and the water rituals that the women use to attract fish and dolphins to the shore to be caught. It truly was a 'magical' experience and one not to be missed. The drive a bit harrowing but well worth it.

Day 21 at Sea

Last night we stayed up late in order to see the show put on by the ship's Indonesian staff and officers. They put on a colourful and interesting performance.

Today, the sea was rough but we both enjoy the rocking of the boat. Spent a quiet day doing crafts and reading.

Ate at the Pinnacle Grill. It was another 'formal dress' evening.

Dravuni, Fiji

Today we visited Dravuni Island of Fiji. Dravuni is a volcanic island in the Kadayu Group of islands in Fiji.

We started the morning visiting the proffertjes (Dutch mini-pancakes) tent that had been set up on the Lido Deck. What a treat. The Americans seemed abit perturbed because it appears that they thought that they would get a 'stack' of pancakes. Oh well there must be a Denny's somewhere for them.

We took the tender to the island for a day of swimming and lazing about. It was a paradise island and the water was clear and cool but not warm. It was only after we returned to the ship that I read the write-up that said the island was surrounded by a beautiful coral reef visited by hammerhead sharks, dolphins, reef sharks and banded sea snakes. But pay no never mind to all of that, it is worth doing.

Hint: The self-serve laundry system on Holland-America is superior to that provided by Celebrity.