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Cruise World-Day #28-Auckland, New Zealand on Groundhog Day--February 2, 2016
I was up early to see sunrise (cloud cover a bit) and had a lively conversation with Asia's family.
It was fabulous to be out on deck for the sail-in to "the city of sails", a large sprawling city of 1.2 residents. I love the iconic skyline featuring the famous Sky Tower, and the downtown area.
I hopped on the HOHO (hop on hop off bus that stops at the port.
The first stop on the tour was Bastion Point, a picturesque hill filled with vast, varied colorful gardens overlooking the city. The views of the gardens and city skyline were spectacular! I highly recommend this stop!
Back on the HOHO, to the next adventure…I absolutely loved the Seaquarium especially the penguin village, the stingrays swimming overhead, the moving bridge, and the seahorses. Even though I saw penguins in the different Argentina and Chile cities in their natural habit, I appreciated this manmade, cooled habitat! I highly recommend this stop!
I was surprised there was no line to visit the 1000+ft high Sky Tower. Taking photos pressed against the glass was fun! You can actually bungee jump or crawl around the tower. A fellow dancer, Linda, (from Seattle) actually took the plunge. I highly recommend this stop!
I love the energy, pace, and beauty of this modern, waterfront city filled with friendly diverse residents.
After the effervescent sail-away party, I dined with a Dutch couple living in Canada and wait for It: a Dutch woman living in Canada (cruise critic handle: fiberholic). Not only did they not know one another, they were randomly seated together for dinner. The wait staff sang the famous birthday song to Hans and brought him a cake for his 81st birthday.
I watched a spectacular sunset. As a result, I was late to tonight's big show, it was Martin Ralph, a guy who performs an act with spinning tops and yo-yos. Many people complained later that this act was more appropriate for a high school talent show at best. I agree. I only ran into one person who appreciated the show. I was delighted that I had watched a wonderful sunset, missing the first half of his act.
I discovered lively Judy who ballroom dances and does Karaoke every night is under the weather from over-exerting herself. She has fibromyalgia. I hope she will take it easy tomorrow.
It was another reminder that health must occupy number one, top-priority status!! It is easy to overdo it on a world cruise.
Prices: HOHO $60 pp; Seaquarium $25 pp; Sky Tower $25; casino in sky tower; Queen Street window shopping: bought small furry kiwi souvenir: $10.
