Day #22-Cook Islands, New Zealand

Cruise World Day #22-Rarotonga Cook Islands, New Zealand   Tuesday, January 26, 2016

 

We almost were unable to visit this port and the captain had warned yesterday the swells might obstruct a tender operation. Apparently, ships miss this port 75% of the time.  Our captain was determined to make this visit.

 

Rarotonga, one of the 15 Cook Islands, is surrounded by a sapphire blue lagoon and dominated by a soaring dormant volcano, with year round warm weather.  Its beauty rivals that of Moorea. 

Of note, Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands.

 

After enjoying a spectacular, scenic sail-in, I took an early tender in and headed to the island bus depot to take the local bus that circles the island.  There were at least 25 of us from the ship who had the same idea.

 

 

The Cook Island bus circles the island and takes approximately 50 minutes. One bus leaves every hour from the Cooks Corner terminal in Avarua, going either clockwise or counterclockwise. The cost is five dollars one-way; eight dollars for the trip.

 

The bus driver was funny and dramatic.  He told lots of Maori (local people) jokes and it took me a while to realize he was saying Maori men NOT married men! Ha!

 

He also informed us the longest Maori word is:

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.  It has 85 characters and he pronounced it very well.

 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

 

 

 

I saw Graves in front porches of homes reflecting the tradition to keep family together, for eternity!

 

I saw several Seventh - day Adventist churches

 

I saw many very lush tropical plants.

 

From 12:45 till 12:55, I took the clockwise bus to the main town, Avarua. I walked around town for about an hour; there were a few shops and cafés to visit; and I took the 2:00 bus back. I arrive back at the tender area at 2:38. 

 

Rarotonga and the Cook Islands Quick Facts:

 

·         In the early 13th century, two Warrior Chiefs from Tahiti and Samoa Concord the island Kings.

·         James Cook explored the islands in 1773 and 1779.

·         The bounty with Fletcher Christian searched for sandalwood on the Cook Islands likely in 1790.

·         1821--British missionaries began converting Cook Islanders to Christianity.

·         In 1888, with the King's acceptance, it came a British protectorate in response to fears of French colonization.  In 1901, Britain ceded The Cook Islands to New Zealand. That year, the southern and northern groups were joined and became known as the Cook Islands.

·         In 1965, the Cook Islands became self-governing "in association with New Zealand."

·         It has struggled to maintain fiscal balance since achieving independence.

·         The Cook Islands received television service in 1990.

·         English is the primary language, they drive on the left side of the road.

·         The New Zealand dollar serves as the currency.

·         There are 15 Cook Islands.

·         Tourism is the islands’ only industry.

·         The population of the Cook Islands is 18,000 but 80% of owners live overseas. More than 50,000 live in New Zealand and half that number in Australia.

·         Cook Islanders carry New Zealand passports and they are allowed to live and work in New Zealand and Australia.

·         Avarua is Rarotonga's only real town. With twin harbors, a main market, the Paro O Tane Palace, and the National Museum.

 

 

Biggest drama of the cruise thus far: 

There was a long line up and a crowd watching an event. I discovered that a tender boat had run into a reef and was stuck there!!!!! It was a large monstrosity jetting out of the water. No one could go back onto the ship until arrangements were made to ensure our safety taking a tender back. In the meantime, some guests were still trapped onboard. A few actually waded away from the boat into the water onto the shore, wearing lifejackets and no shoes. Others, however, were unable to leave the stalled tender boat without help. Because we were on a remote noncommercial side of a small island, there was little help available. I saw the captain shaking his head saying he will never come here again. We eventually saw a small boat pull up to the stranded tender and they began to lift folks out and bring them to shore. In all, some were trapped inside for at least 3 hours. A tugboat eventually came to the rescue and pulled the tender from the reef.  Fortunately, we did not have to leave it there!

 

People looked frazzled but grateful to have been rescued!!

 

It was nice to see that the Captain waded into the water to assist.  Everyone was impressed that he was hands (or feetJ) on!  I ended up sitting across from the captain in the first tender back to the ship.

 

Of course, it was the talk of the ship the whole rest of the evening. All about those who were stranded and rescued and about the captain's reaction. I even spoke with some folks who were stranded for three hours or so. They said it was hot inside but they brought them food and reassured them they would be OK.  Those who were stranded were given a $250 onboard credit, and of course, four bottles of wine.

 

Why do they always think the best way to reward people is by giving them liquor? What about those of us who don't drink alcohol???

 

I will avoid Lifeboat 9 just in case.

 

Tonight’s show was Bobby Brooks Wilson, the son of Jackie Wilson. (I write more about him in a later post-day#25—January, 30.)

 

I cannot believe that the movie that they showed in the theater three times today was Castaway, (starring Tom Hanks) about a man who was stranded on a remote island removed from human contact, for years. In my opinion, a poor choice of films to show on a cruise. But then again, no one asked for my opinion. Lol!

 

http://www.CookIslandsholidays.com/timetable.htm

 
Sent from my iPhone

 

Panama and Panama Canal Transit--Days 6 and 7

Panama and Panama Canal Transit--Days 6 and 7

Today, we spent a full day of cruising through the Panama Canal from sunrise till sunset.  The day was chock full of activities from a hilarious “rendition of crocodile swimming thru the canal contest”, to canal trivia and lectures, to Panamanian food and music events!! 

I was up at 6AM to watch the sunrise and to experience our transit through the first set of locks at Gatun.  I pitched a tent (chair) in the shade in the aft pool area, then headed to the bow, which they opened just for this exciting experience.

Throughout the day, an expert guide provided commentary on the history and engineering of the canal; and stewards provided snacks including fruit kabobs, cold beverages and cold towels. It was quite hot in the sun so I ended up with an unexpected tan.

For the crocodile contest: We all gathered around the aft pool, with the wide expanse of the canal behind.  The assistant cruise director, Erin, introduced each crocodile contestant-there must have been 15. One by one, each croc showcased a unique and cleaver theme, assumed a croc stance, then, proceeded to dive in, swim, and leap from the pool, croc style.  My favorites were: Santa croc and flopping croc.

We howled with laughter after each performance!

As we approached the final set of locks, at an observation center, there were hundreds of excited people on the balconies of viewing platforms hoping to observe a ship transit through the locks. WE were their entertainment!!!  They cheered us on, the captain honked in reply, and of course, we waved back.

It was a fabulous day transiting this masterpiece of an engineering marvel!

I met Brooksie (Brooklyn) Ann Hughes that day.  She just got a new job so she will only remain on until Singapore instead of taking the entire 115-day circumnavigation.  This is her first cruise EVER.

At dinner, they gave us fedora-esque Panama hats. Inside was the inscription: ages 5 and up and Made in China. LOL!!

During the evening show, as we watched the harpist perform, I attempted to confirm what I learned in my trivia game. Was she playing with all fingers except the pinkies!?!?! I could not tell.

Next Day: Visit to Panama City and The New Locks: Agua Clara

The next morning, we tendered to the port into Flamenco resort and searched for our (private) tour guide. I followed their instructions and ignored the inaccurate advice of the cruise and resort staff.

Our smart tour guide, was Christian, from Austria who studied and lived the Camino Real for 3 years.  His Panamanian wife will have their first baby soon.

Agua Clara is the name of the new locks on Caribbean side.

Panama's currency is the Balboa, which is the US dollar. They have 25 and 50 cents pieces.

I learned that the famous Vasco Nunez de Balboa, was a stowaway, yet, he eventually claimed all of the Americas for Spain in 1513. He was "the first European to see the Pacific “.

Tonight, I enjoyed: 1) ballroom dancing with the gentlemen hosts, 2) the big stage show: a marionette, Philip Huber*, who designed and showcased unique realistic characters (including high wire acrobat, package opening doggie, violinist, and Chinese magician who performed 6 illusions then transformed into a dragon-It was one of the most interesting performances I have EVER seen!!!; 3) taking a peak at the college football game on big screen (with hotdogs, tacos, shrimp salad and other snacks.) and 5) Camomile tea before bed out on the back pool deck.  It was a calm, still, pleasant evening with clear skies.

Tomorrow clocks will be rolled back at 2AM, so we will sleep an extra hour. It won’t be difficult to take my 8:15 tai chi class!

* http://www.hubermarionettes.com/phillipbio.html

 

Chinese magician ⬇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24ilHAbFEFs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise World Day#5--First Port: Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

 First Port Costa Rica

Cruise World Day#5--Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Here is how the day unfolded:

·                 Up at 6 before 7am room service because I could not miss the first sail in.

·                 Coffee upstairs.

·                 7:50am cereal upstairs

·                 9am meeting guest services.

·               After negotiating rates with a local tour company, I relished a lovely day touring beautiful the island and visiting a banana plantation. Manuel was our friendly happy driver who grew up in Limon and whose entire family lives here.  He had one 9-month contract on a celebrity cruise ship in the Mediterranean at least 15 years ago. He missed his family too much to stay on. He told us colorful stories about his native land and honked and waved at friends throughout the day. 

·                 Back in town, I attempted to use Wi-Fi in a busy local café. There were too many of us, so no luck!

 

Later, we heard the first cruise fatality happened right outside the ship, on the pier. A man in his 70s collapsed and died right there on the pier. Paramedics arrived and made numerous vain attempt to revive him. It was the talk of the ship tonight, naturally. 

I was a bit appalled by how soon the inquiries and jokes began about who could stay in his room since it was all paid for etc.

 SECOND PERFORMANCE:

The Finkel family, a family of entertainers performed in the big theater tonight. The brothers are a clever xylophonist and pianist who have performed all over the world. There was a surprise appearance and performance by their dad, 93-year-old Fyvus Finkel. He used to do the vaudeville circuit with his standup schtick and he played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway.  They were terrific! Here is the dad's bio:

 

http://www.biography.com/people/fyvush-finkel-21299793#!