Loutoka

In the night we cruised around the island and docked into Loutoka, Fiji. We have a few things planned but mostly a relaxed day as we check out the town.

I did the coffee run this morning then finished up yesterday's blog... sleep won out last night! Kelly had a 15 minute bash on the chanter and we then headed upstairs for breakfast.

We packed the backpack and headed off the ship for a walk into town. It was a 15 minute walk but first up was a stop just outside the dock area for a Geocaching Event. We checked in and "found" the hosts and met several fellow geocachers. We also picked a number for a prize draw later on .

The heat was sweltering and fortunately the walk into town was relatively quick. Stopped at a few places and Kelly had a chance to look around for some items. We picked up a postcard for Lauren and sent that off to Canada ...  83 cents! It was $3.80 in Australia!

Bargain Shopper!

With the heat really coming on we elected to head back to the ship for a refreshment. The pool bar was a good place to start so it was off to that spot for a cold beer. The Krackin Colada also looked  good so we had one of those as well... very tasty. (BTW In this heat any drink looked good!)

Hot!!!

The Orr's found us at our spot and joined us for a drink. Swimming ensued then it was a bite of lunch at the jammer. We retired for a siesta before meeting up at Dizzy's for a pre-dinner drink. We also had a call from the geocaching folks and we had won the event prize... a nice geo-coin to activate and send on it's way!

Cool drink at the Pool Bar.

Sunset

Moonrise

No shows tonight so off to dinner we went.  It was fun with lots of banter at our table on various subjects.  After that it was back up to Dizzy's for a dance party.... but we were fading at this point and headed back to the room. A sea day tomorrow... our first May 1st as we head towards the International Date Line.

Suva

We arrived into the port of Suva, Fiji about 06:30 am with scattered cloud and a lovely sunrise... it's going to be a great day!

We met up with the Orr's for a sit down breakfast in the Sapphire Dinning Lounge. Quick and easy. We then grabbed our gear and put on our high strength sunscreen for the day :-) Down on the dock, we met up with our guide William for our day with River Tubing Fiji.

Along with the Orr's, we had some fellow friends from the ship Dave & Jay and a nice family of four from Wisconsin, USA for a total of 8 adults & two kids. (Four people had bailed at the last minute so we felt bad for William's company... but it did free up some space in our van and on the boats!!

On the forty minute drive to the Navua River, William explained some history of the island and the fact he was a fourth generation Fijian with an English origin. 

We went to William's house and met his wife & family (and staff) then donned life jackets for the trip up the river. We launched just a short distance from his house and headed off about 17 kilometers up the river to just before the Nukesere Village (a smaller village of 50 people).  The ride up was spectacular as the weather was perfect! We enjoyed the views and were amazed at how they ran the boats through the shallows and rapids along the way. Stunning!

William's house near the Navua River.

Kelly, William and Brian prep for the departure.

Banana flower at William's place.

We had chance to get out and walk around the place, see how they lived and met some mothers and kids.  (Sunday so a lot of folks had gone upriver to Church) The plant life was also pretty cool.

Amazing views.

One of several water falls along the route.

Not a race... but close!

Heading up river.

So lush and green!

Village.. 5 buildings!

Pretty rural! They do have a generator but no medical facilities here.

We said our goodbyes in the native language and headed downstream towards the Nakavika Waterfall. There were other groups there so we went to another one close by and swam in the pool it created. We even got in a little diving!

We then headed over to the main falls for the short eight minute walk in. It was spectacular and we were the only ones there so in we went for a swim.

Nakavika Waterfall

Next we headed down river to a drop off point and got out the tubes. I put my camera away so no pictures.... but it was a blast as we meandered down stream with rapids coming up frequently. Sunny weather and a great group made this all the more special. Those two kids with us had a ball and enjoyed every second.. as we all did!

We went down the largest of the rapids and then reloaded into the boats for the trip back to William's house,  where we were served a traditional Fijian meal and it was amazing. Eating locally grown vegetables, fish and chicken capped off what was a great day trip!

Kelly digging in!

We thanked them very much for the hospitality and headed back to the ship.  Once onboard we had the Orr's down for a deck visit even though it was now spitting rain. It later poured so our trip timing was perfect!

The show tonight was a Hypnotist/Comedian and he had the place laughing as he had people do all sorts of interesting things... different for sure!

Dinner with our usual group then a short visit to the casino for a very good visit. Kelly was on a roll as I watched. Bed time!

Sea Day #3

Kelly was up early and headed out for coffee before I awoke.  We sat on the deck and enjoyed the views of course... such a great spot. Weather is warm and sunny at 07:30.

Heading to the Cold Case Lecture in the Palace Theater from our police lady... She is continuing her series of Forensic talks.

The lecture was very good and she talked of the use of DNA to both prove guilt but to also rule out possible suspects… especially those crazies that claim to be responsible.  Cold Case files seem to be of particular interests and she review a couple that are not closed… the most famous being Jack The Ripper. Hope Kelly can sleep tonight LOL

Next stop was Visual Trivia with…. surprise!  Cathy and Bryan Orr (whom is feeling and looking much better today). Sadly we only received a score of 11/15 and left licking our wounds.

Kelly and I went down to the Casino to relearn three card poker and the proper betting protocol. We had played this game on Adventure of the Seas in the Mediterranean a few years ago but wanted a refresher course. It was free and we quickly figured it out. After the practice session the Black Jack Tournament started following a mid day time change… gaining another hour as we head east. It was a smaller crowd compared to the first one but we all had fun. In the end Kelly won the tournament and put $122 US Dollars in her purse. Awesome!!….  because that is “our” purse :-)

Winner Winner... you know the rest!

We then headed down to the art show and received our complimentary flute of champagne. (the only reason we go) and to cheer on Cathy and Bryan and get the free stuff LOL.

I did spot a nice piece of art but the price was out of Kelly’s “art” range…..  $2300 US… which can buy a lot of craft stuff I am told!

Sailing away!

Off to Slot Pull #2 with the Cruise Critic/FaceBook group.  It was a bit disappointing in that we lost everything, although I was the top “puller” and won a highly coveted key chain as well as a nice T-Shirt.

We went over and tried our luck with Three Card Poker but it was a bust… maybe stick to Roulette :-)

Back in the cabin, Kelly practiced her chanter and did some organizing with our upcoming schedule. Trying to remember our planned events has become a bit harder as we have changed numerous dinner nights etc. Do not worry though… we will somehow manage! Forced to watch yet another sunset from the balcony!

Nice sunset... our cabin is perfect for these shots.

Next up was drinks with the Orr’s in the Dizzy Lounge followed by a Ice Skating Show in Studio B. It was a great show and considering the size of the ice, some of the jumps were incredible. 

Off to dinner with our usual cruisers at table 420. Had a great meal with lots of conversation and laughter. Also shared some pictures of our kids along with some plane pics.

Time flew by and we then headed for the 10 O’clock show. It was a musical dance review of some older swing time music. A few tunes I recognized but not all… 7/10

A stop by the casino to contribute some money to the fuel bill and we headed for the room and bed.

Suva, Fiji tomorrow.

Mystery Island

We awoke around 06:30 as the ship crept into it's parking spot along side Mystery Island in the Vanuatu chain of islands (the most southern).  The actual island is called Inyeug Island and it is a lovely little piece of paradise.

I went for coffee this morning and as Kelly prepped, I went topside for a better view. OK we are definitely heading to the beach so I returned with a weather report: Sunny with some clouds, light winds and about 26º degrees C.

Quick bite of breakfast and we grabbed the beach gear and headed for the tender boats. Same thing as yesterday and it worked very well. We arrived on the beach about 15 minutes after boarding.

It's like Survivor!!! .... with it's lush green forests and vegetation. Kelly fit right in!

Tender operation.

View of the ship.

Kelly blends right in.

Welcome center.

 We headed across the island an in a few minutes found ourselves at paradise! A beautiful beach with clear, warm waters. Lots of space to spread out and the weather was perfect.

Interesting feature!

Kelly and Cathy enjoying the experience.

Tough life!

We spent the entire day at this spot and I am sure we are going to peel from all the sun but after all the rain the past few days I can live with it! 

Kelly waves hello!

 We met up with lots fellow cruisers and had a great time. So far the nicest beach we have seen! We walked around a bit and saw some of the stalls displaying crafts etc. We also had a good laugh at some of the signs....

For Older People.. I may need this soon!

Kelly also went over to one of the refreshment stalls and bought a Coconut. A small boy did all the prepping and we enjoyed the great flavor of the milk inside.  We broke it up after and ate the inside. 

Prepping the coconut.

Tasty!

 Back on board the ship it was time for a cocktail and a bite of lunch before cleaning up for tonight’s Mystery Dinner… very fitting I say!  Kelly also mentioned that there was a full blown craft sale in the conference center... she was gone! I was forced to watch the sunset by myself

Craft Sale... who knew! Kelly did!

My sunset shot his evening.

Brian and Cathy met us up in Dizzy’s Lounge to watch part I of the show. This is were the characters are introduced and the action starts. Someone shoots Two Ton Teddy! Who dunnit?

We moved downstairs to Chops Grill and had a great dinner while Part II & III were played out. All very entertaining but we have been sworn to secrecy to not tell..... who dunnit!  Brain was not feeling well so he bailed to his room... poor fellow, thought his head was going into the salad at one point! The server had his meal sent to his room. Nice touch!

A quick cabin crawl through one of the front cabins on Deck 12 and we headed back to the room… full of food, exhausted, burnt to a crisp and ready for the rack. Yep.. no casino for us... that's how tired we are!

Sea day tomorrow as we cruise up to Suva, Fiji

Lifou

Slept in a bit and then watched the ship come to a stop off the beach at Lifou Island. It is “gps anchored” in position as the tender boats are launched off the side.  The ship basically hovers in a location with the props only turning when the ship drifts out of position. Very cool.

Beach and churches in the background.

 We can see the beach area and the two churches that are famous here. Weather is cloudy with intermittent rain..... again!!

We grabbed a quick bite of breakfast then prepped for a beach day. Packed the bag with stuff (towels, sunglasses, bug spray, suntan lotion, water shoes) and went down to Deck 1 to board our tender boat. These boats substitute as water transport to & from shore when not acting as a life boat.

Mini Sail away to the beach.

Beach view

Kelly

 The beach was covered with sand and coral so beach shoes are a must. We walked out in relatively shallow waters for a long distance before the water got above our waste. It was warm and very relaxing. We met some other cruisers out swimming and had a good visit. The rain had held off for us but we decided to walk through the stalls of the locals. They had hand made goods along with food and drink available. We then went back to the ship and after a bit of lunch, Kelly went off to sew and I blogged a bit. As you may know, blogging can and does work up a thirst so it was back up to the pool bar for a Corona. The rains came down hard now but luckily the cover over the pool bar worked well :-)

Kelly joined me and walked back to the room to relax on the deck... but the rains put that idea off.

I went down to watch the last two tender boats being brought back on board. All very interesting and quite quick. Once all boats were recovered the ship eased out of the harbor and headed towards Vanuatu, our next stop.

View from the heli-pad.

Tender boats being recovered

Lots of folks interested in the retrieval process

The entertainment schedule changes a bit tonight so we went to the early show at 18:30 then to dinner. The show featured a vocalist Monique Montez singing numerous songs. She had a great voice and captivated the audience with her style and stories between songs. Clearly a professional. 

Dinner was with our usual crew and dress for tonight was Caribbean.... Kelly and I rocked it as we had lots of that style of clothing :-)

A quick fifteen minute stop at the casino and we went away with some of the ships money this time around!

 Vanuatu is on the radar tomorrow... lets hope the rain stops!

Noumea

We awoke early to attend the Anzac Day service at 06:10 this morning.  A very similar service to our Remembrance Day. Approximately 450 people had gathered on Deck 11 to listen to several poems and speeches commemorating this important historical day in WW1. The service was very nice but they had issues with the Australian National Anthem sound so in true Australian spirit, they just sang it then and there. Well done! 

Service

People filing into the service on Deck 11

Weather is cloudy with intermittent rain as we came through some big reefs into the port of Noumea on New Caledonia.   We met up and had coffee with Cathy & Bryan then off to breakfast before starting our shore trip

Town center in the picture.

Off the ship at 09:15 for a walk into town. A bus ride takes us out of the port to the terminal where we hoofed it towards the city center.... and we are in a store looking at fabric.  It was a bit like Walmart at home although not as big. A little bit of everything.... even crabs for sale.

Crabs anyone?

Stalls

We eventually found the stalls that carried huge amounts of touristy items.  Kelly bought a few things and we walked back through downtown towards the cruise terminal.

Huge Palm Trees!

A quick stop for a coffee and treat then we headed for some geocaches along the way.

Yum!

Neat spot for a cache!

Back onboard the ship, Kelly headed of to a sewing class (English paper piecing) and I did some blogging. I changed up to swim wear and headed to the pool area... look a bar! The Corona tasted great! Then it was "drink of the day time) no swimming........ as it was pouring rain!

We met up later and had a small bite to eat then relaxed on our deck.  The ship left the harbor and headed off to our next stop on Lifou Loyalty Island. We enjoyed the views... definitely spoiled with this cabin location!

Dinner in the Main Dinning Lounge with our usual dinner group. Getting to enjoy these people as they have diverse backgrounds.  We attended the Invitation To Dance Show in the Palace Theater and enjoy 40 minutes of non stop dancing to a variety of styles and tempos.

Off to bed... exhausted from the early getup and long day! Tried to upload the blog but the service was minimal so had to wait till the morn.