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Cruise World-Day #30-Picton, New Zealand. Pristine and hidden gem along the Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Region.
Once again, I was up in deck by 6AM for the combo spectacular sunrise, and sail-in, through the picturesque Marlborough sound.
After taking the shuttle bus into town, I took a stroll around the sweet town and the marina with The Wright family and other friends. Views from everywhere are breathtaking!! The picturesque town is dotted with quaint shops and cafés and there was even a market full of crafts and foods right along the harbor front. It was simply an idyllic day.
For the first time in a while, I even found great free WI-FI.
Next, I visited the Edwin Fox museum the only surviving 30-yr working teak sailing ship, built in 1853, that brought settlers to New Zealand and Australia. It served as 1. Supplies transport in the Crimean War, 2. Was a convict ship, 3. The last ship to import immigrants, 4. And is the oldest merchant sailing ship (beer, tea, refrigerated meat, Chinese slaves etc.) afloat. It held 400 passengers and 50 crew members. It has been preserved in dry dock since 1999. I took the 45-minute guided tour by the enthusiastic curator. As part of the tour, we even descended into the hull where we saw replicas of bunk beds, knot tying activity sets ups, complete meal settings, and even "the loo." There are world-class artifact displays and art work in the visitor center that tell fascinating stories of births, deaths, storms, disease, triumph, and defeat. I highly recommend this treasure of a museum, a testament to the dedication of the preservation league that works tirelessly to bring its story to the public. See: http://www.edwinfoxsociety.com/
The long sail away through the blue labyrinth of waterways in the Marlborough sound was the most spectacular of sites!—a feat for the eyes! I am almost at a loss for words about the experience. Not only was it the most beautiful as we were surrounded by turquoise water, rocky coves, and verdant forested hills that rise vertically from the water--but also, since the captain had to certify the ship here, a special maneuver spinning the ship several times was required. As a result, our stay in this sublime location was prolonged!
Instead of having dinner at my assigned table number 303, I had a nice quiet dinner alone on the Lido deck savoring the beauty as we sailed away through the Marlborough Sound.
The sunset was extraordinarily magnificent!!!
Tonight's comedian, Lee Bayless, who provided a clean family comedy show, was entertaining.
I forgot to mention that on the last Sunday brunch day, most of us saw lively dolphins leaping in and out of the water, swimming alongside the ship.
I am beginning to feel sad I will leave the ship in a week.😢😢😢
