Final Days aboard the Radiance of Seas

Friday, 10 October 2014

Oops this is so long overdue, more than a week has passed and boy can I remember what happened.

I will say that it was quite noticeable that our cruise had switched to a wind down mode and the atmosphere was of a resigned feeling of our holiday is almost over. Yes there were still activities going on over most of the ship and well attended too.

It was just that mum and I were in the mindset the cases had to be packed before anything else.
 
I was quite surprised as we both worked almost side by side and finished at the same time.

That was even with me pulling out everything and repacking, even though most of the clothes had been worn and would be going straight into the laundry once we got home.
 
I was also resigned to the fact that my case would be overweight. Just hoping my carryon wouldn’t be, as I didn’t want to put fragile items in the checked baggage.

We still had a few items that would have to wait till after tea and show time.

Mum was thirsty and declared cabin fever, let’s get out of here.

The cases had to be put out between 7 to 10.30 pm that night.

We then called our friends to see what they were up to; they too had been packing bar one of them. I will admit I was gobsmacked when we arrived at their stateroom, my exclamation of Oh my XXXXXX was met with laughter. The case was open and all the belongings piled high beside it and also covering the desk. The owner was absent.
 
Mum felt she should start, but wasn’t sure if her help would be appreciated. But it wasn’t long and the owner appeared and we made our way to lunch.
 
It was busy in the Windjammer of course, but we managed to find a table for 4 and borrowed a chair from another table.
 
After lunch we split up again

We discovered our disembarkation time was 7.25 am. So disappointed it was so early, but that is the time for the transfer buses for the airport.
 
We went to Cascades Dining Room for our final Dinner on board. I had asked Franc if he was camera shy earlier in the day when I saw him at the Windjammer. He laughed. So I made sure to take my little camera with me.

Now I have a lovely photo to remember both Eleonora & Franc.

After dinner we went to the farewell Showtime which was a really good show by an Australian Comedian Scott Williams, followed by a set from the RC Dancers & Singers. Near the end of Senior Officers flowed onto the stage and thanked us. Streamers were thrown or dropped into the front of the theatre, before the staff rushed to line the exits of the theatre to say farewell. I thought it was a lovely gesture, and I know I appreciated it.
 
I went down to guest relations to close my account as I had used cash, and guess what I had $3.07 USD in change.
 
It was then back to the cabin for an early night for an early disembarkation.
 

Saturday, 11 October 2014

 
The alarm was set for 6am and I am glad it was set as I believe it may have been the first morning that I may have slept in (as the alarm actually woke me up).
 
It was a quick shower, dress, and then pack the remaining items into our carry-on luggage, before saying a quick goodbye to the cabin.
 
We made our way up to our friend’s cabin on deck 9, so that we could all depart the ship together, with a sad farewell and cuddles for their room steward the beautiful Virna.

We were to meet in the Colony Club on deck 6, but by the time we got there, what with the slow moving lifts. They were calling for our number Green 6 to leave the ship.
 
I think it’s so funny, you are greeted so warmly when boarding, and then when your cruise ends. Get off the Ship and don’t let the door hit you on the way off.

So we departed the ship, all a bit too quickly for my liking. Did I have to?
 
We made our way out to our luggage, which mum found mine up the back, although her bag and the others were near the front. I don’t know why I was rushing but I was the first to hand over my yellow card to customs, and had to wait for the others to catch up.
 

We were directed to outside where buses were lined up, and told to cross over the road and wait there.

 
I think as it was we had been some of the last group of Green 6 and had to wait for another bus to arrive.
 
Once on the bus it only took about 20-25 minutes to arrive at the domestic terminal for Virgin Australia, I think the line to check in took longer. But that really didn’t matter as we had plenty of time for our flight.
 

Mum and I had a pretty good idea that our bags would be overweight, which they were, so we both incurred a $70 charge. Ouch.

 
By the time we went through security and got something to eat, we found our gate and waited. It didn’t really seem that long and we were boarding our flight to Hobart.
 
Then we were home.
 
Our holiday may be over, but mum and I had booked another cruise whilst we were on board.
 
New Zealand here we come, expect us in December 2015 on board Explorer of the Seas.
 
Woo hoo
 
Thank you Honolulu for the wonderful time you allowed us to have, great food, great weather and fun adventures.
 
A massive thank you to the wonderful staff on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship for an enjoyable, entertaining and smooth journey for the majority of our 18 night Transpacific Cruise (smooth, bar 2 days).

 

Homeward Bound

Thursday 9^th October 2014

We had a chance to sleep in and even put our clocks back by an hour, but I was still awake early, so I got up and got ready for the day ahead. While I waited for mum to stir, I decided to catch up on my writing (typing). It was a lazy morning; there have been quite a few sales over the last part of the cruise. Some of the staff have been great, and some just not happy. There was one fellow who mum caught dancing to the music while he was manning a sale stand.

There are many staff members who have made this cruise enjoyable, mainly starting with the Captain with whom I had my photo taken with tonight on the stairs in the Centrum, I hope it turns out ok.

Even though I haven’t spoken to the Cruise Director he has been good.

I must say there has been a waiter/greeter at the entrance to the Windjammer wearing weird hats featuring all sorts of animals. It is a showstopper as there are crowds of parents taking photos of him with their children. I believe many of the passengers are excited just to see what he has on.

I will mention our Server and Assistant Server, Eleonora (sorry I spelt it incorrectly in past posts) and Franc, who spoilt us each night. Maybe it’s the way they both greet us with a smile and good evening Miss Tamara to the effort of them remembering our preferences for drinks. Or the time when mum shocked Eleonora with her request for a second desert one night.

Our room attendant has done his job, even left us with a towel monkey which is still hanging from the curtain rail.

We were required to take our Passports and completed Australian customs forms down to the dining room today to go through Customs. It was painless, especially after waiting in line which snaked its way through the dining room. Each deck had its allocated time slot, ours was 1.30 – 2.30.  After that we went up to our friends whose deck was to follow ours and told them not to stress.

We made our way to the Crown & Anchor lounge to see the Loyalty Club staff, it was on a first come, first serve basis from 3pm – 6pm. We arrived about 2.30 and there was already people waiting. Mum said we should’ve just made an appointment for Friday. I stayed, while mum went back to our cabin to put our passports away and collect her kindle which has not left her side this whole cruise. Mum returned shortly before 3 pm and the lounge had started to fill. But it wasn’t long and we were seen and our request granted. (I will go into more detail after we get home).

We went back down to our friends deck to see if they were back, which they weren’t but we left the forms for them to sign up to the Crown & Anchor.

What to do now, hmm

I was thirsty so suggested we go down to deck 4, we were lucky to get in the glass lifts that look out over the water, which was probably a good thing as our friends were sitting in the little alcove near the lifts and spotted us as we came down. It was nice just to sit and chat, when another lady asked mum some questions about cruising to New Zealand. Her husband is dying of cancer and he has been travelling as much as they can. He had booked this cruise only two weeks before it left Honolulu and before that had done a Carnival Cruise which they did not enjoy, due to the huge number of unruly children.

It puts everything into perspective, as we had also heard that a very close friend and the most beautiful lady had passed away yesterday. Rest in Peace dear friend.

We had been talking for ages when we decided to go back to our rooms. Mum and I to get ready for Formal night and dinner.

It was an enjoyable evening and we really enjoyed Showtime tonight. The act was Boys in the Band. Mum loved it so much she purchased an autographed copy of their CD.

Then it was the Pop Choir in the Centrum, before I spotted the Captain was having photos taken with passengers, I made my way over to the line they took my cabin number and asked if I wanted it signed. After the photo I found mum sitting in the background. I will admit it was a pleasure to meet him.

Apparently there was going to be a wonderful display of decadent deserts in the Windjammer after 10pm, but we decided it would be too late to eat anything. Although if you are reading this Sara it would’ve been heaven for you, it was to feature “Chocolate”.

Well tomorrow the suitcases will be pulled out and dissected and repacked it will take some feat to ensure our purchases fit and that the cases are not overweight.

Hmm, maybe the toiletries will have to stay. I thought I packed quite frugally, but my case weighed 21 kgs leaving Hobart. Ok less the two kgs for all the toiletries, still doesn’t allow much wiggle room. Will advise how it all pans out in a later post

Picton, New Zealand

Wednesday 8^th October 2014

It was an early morning for us today, our tour was set to leave at 7.30 am and involved a cruise on the Queen Charlotte Sound on Beachcomber Fun Cruises, which was very enjoyable and informative, even sighting wildlife in the water and along the shore.

As we were seated in the middle of the boat, it was difficult to get a clear sighting as those with cameras were dominating access to the windows. I never realised till that point how obstructive and self-centred amateur photographers can be. I did take our camera with us, but it remained in its bag during the cruise.

It was really quite liberating to just enjoy the scenery when everyone sat down and listen to our guide tell us the history about the area.

I did make an observation to mum that not many of the passengers were looking overly joyous. (Maybe still recovering from the two rough days at sea or just fed up with being on a cruise/homesick). There are more than 1500 Australians on board out of 2000+.

Oh, by the way it was drizzling with rain as we left our ship, and continued to follow us through the sounds.

We disembarked the Beachcomber boat at a Jetty where buses were meant to be waiting, but alas they were delayed. The bus our group (number 15) were waiting for arrived, with the driver stating it was the ladies shopping for too long which held them up.

We were then driven out of the Sounds area, which was an ever winding road which if it had gone on for much longer, may have led to some nausea for me. (It is ok if you are driving, but as a passenger I noticed it more.

We stopped at The Vines, which is a shopping complex amongst wineries within the Marlborough area. There was an excellent shop (I think it was called the Quilters Barn), which if we had more time, and I had bought some more money would like to have enjoyed looking at the supplies they had to offer.

It was then onto Pollard Park which was lovely seeing the gardens set out, yet another whistle-stop visit.

I felt due to the late arrival of the bus caused our tour to be too rushed and as it was late back to the port, and really wasn’t that enjoyable at the end.

I think I may have mentioned it before, but in my honest opinion the coach tours I have been on this cruise have been disappointing. So much so, I will look into different options for our next cruise. Yes, you will be guaranteed that the ship will wait for you on one of their organised excursions, but I have found there has been a lot of driving and when we do stop it was for a maximum of 15-20 minutes at the most. Very little time if you ask me, when you take into account the majority will rush for the conveniences. I usually left them all to it and attempted to scout for some decent photo opportunities. Also found some stops were lack lustre and we had driven straight past a magical photo opportunity.

I understand that there will be traffic and other delays and time is required to make up for that, but maybe an idea would be to extend the duration of the tour.

Once dropping our bags in our cabin we made our way to the Windjammer for a late breakfast/lunch.

It was only a half day visit to Picton and we were due to depart at 3pm, we made our way out to deck 5 and Starboard to watch our first sail away.

I watched the dock workers release the ropes from the many locations, they called up to us and also waved, and then the ship pulled away from the dock

Mum and I have made a point and effort of making it to all the Headliner Showtime’s in the Aurora Theatre each night, most of them have been very enjoyable and also a couple not so much.

I apologise if my observations may come across as negative, I don’t mean for it to be that way as they are only a small part of a much bigger and wonderful holiday that has been an experience that I will treasure.                                     

Windy Wellington

Tuesday 7^th October 2014

We were late arriving into Wellington due to the rough weather during our sea days, although it didn’t really concern me or mum. Mum was doing a ships excursion and I was planning to take it easy.

We were up in our friend’s room, when we were docking and the time for the others to go to their meeting time arrived.

I left to go the Radiance Spa/Salon for my Manicure appointment (only the second time for a Manicure ever).

It was called Fire and Ice; I chose a pretty blue polish. After that I went for some lunch in the Windjammer. Shock/Horror I had a choice of tables.

Wandered around a little bit after lunch, but that tired me out, because of my wonky knee, even though the ship was stationery.

So I went back to the cabin and promptly fell asleep for two and a half hours. (My sleep has been erratic, with mum snoring like a train and my knee).

I went down to see if I could spot mum returning from her tour, but ended up meeting her at the forward lifts on deck 5. Mum had spoken to our room steward Rodel who advised that I had only left 10 minutes earlier. We went for tea and then the show before retiring for the night, it was to be an early and short visit to Picton. I set the alarm for 6am.

Sea Days - take 2

Sunday 5^th & Monday 6^th October 2014

Ok, so where do I start, usually it would be on Sunday, but I must apologise as to be honest, I am writing this on Thursday morning, and so much has happened.

We went to a show in the Centrum, not sure of the day but it was hilarious a cake decorating competition between the head pastry chef, the Captain and Cruise Director.

It was to be a Black Forest Gateau with all the trimmings laid out in front of each of them. It all started with cutting the cake into 3 layers, of course the pastry chef did an immaculate job and completed before the other two, the Captain was precise but oh my the Cruise Director what can I say.

In the end, the cakes were offered up for tasting for anyone over the age of 21. The Captains cake had a full bottle of Kirsch, a headache for anyone game to try that one.

We met our friends and returned to their room, (they have a balcony). And spent some time chatting.

There have been a lot of things to do on the ship during sea days, but I will admit I haven’t joined in as many have been ongoing over the length of the cruise. There were a couple that did spark my interest, but usually conflicted with another event/activity. Perhaps if the opportunity arises again, I may just make the decision to follow through.

Of course there has been food and more food.

It was very rough on the seas; with I have heard a few more falls around the ship, which usually is followed up with an announcement from the Captain to use the handrails around when moving around the ship.

I have been watching the morning show which is the Cruise Director and Activities Manager advising of what’s happening on the day, followed be an interview with the Captain and also earlier in the cruise other departments on board.

I really like our Captain; he has kept me amused with his quips.

I have liked watching the bridge cam shown in our cabin, especially seeing waves crashing over the bow.

Our ship had changed course, going in closer to land.  We had been powering through 6-7 metre swells, and 180-190 kilometre winds, if we hadn’t changed course the swell would’ve been more like 12 metres. It was still rough and our Captain announced that it has been the worst conditions he has experienced in this region for the time of year.

“There was some motion in the Ocean” Captain Goran

I will admit it was extremely difficult to walk around the ship, but did not experience any sea sickness those two days. I was luckier than some.

I have heard that there were many ready to disembark the ship in Wellington and fly home. Not sure if they did or not.

I will apologise to the late posting of my blogs, as the internet is quite expensive on board and as I have been doing tours in the ports have not worried too much about looking for free Wi-Fi.

Oh, I returned to the medical centre on Sunday morning to see the doctor who said there were 3 options that I could choose from.

They could try to get me an appointment with an Ortho Specialist in Wellington or wait till Sydney or the third option put up with the pain and wait till I get home. My decision was to wait till I got home, to see the Doctor who last operated on my knee.

I asked the doctor about the tour excursions that I had booked for Wellington and Picton, and he’s opinion was for me to check with the Explorations staff to gauge how much walking would be involved.

We went down to see them, but they weren’t open till 10.

Breakfast followed and this time we went to the dining room and were placed at a table for 8, although they were all Australian I did not feel at all comfortable. (I can not explain why)

We went back to the Explorations desk and spoke to the lovely staff, the tour I had book did involve uneven and gravel, so I decided to cancel and was able to get my money back.

Picton I would wait and see.

 

Sea Days

Wednesday 1^st October to Saturday 4^th October 2014

Ok I will admit before coming on this cruise, I was unsure if I’d like a lot of Sea Days or not.

But I like them a lot, a chance to unwind, chill and just watch as the sea passes by from one of the public decks where chairs or recliners have been place strategically.

This is another 5 days at Sea before reaching New Zealand, we lose a day crossing the International Date line, so anyone celebrating their birthday or anniversary on the 3^rd October missed it, but they were encouraged to celebrate on the 2^nd or 4^th.

Wednesday morning was a lazy morning, with no rush to be anywhere, and we just did as we pleased, checked out the shops again. Don’t know why because it is just the same stuff that was there yesterday and every other day since we boarded. Ate some more went to the show etc etc etc.

Thursday looked like it was going to be a repeat of Wednesday, but alas it didn’t.

I was on my way to the Windjammer when of all things to happen, I found myself on the floor, landing heavily on my left knee. Ouch, I tried to sit up and help was right there, all my knights (not in shining armour) but in shorts & t-shirts and some wonderful ladies helped me to my feet and over to the closest chair.

I was still shaking, and boy was my knee sore. Staff from the ship came to assist and called the medical centre that sent up a wheelchair for me. It was very busy down in the medical centre who took x-rays of my knee and good news it’s not broken, although the ligaments have taken a battering and that is what is hurting. Franc from the dining room must’ve been on the door at the Windjammer and came to see what all the commotion was about, noticed it was me and his compassion was touching. I think he was told to go back to work.

I was told by the doctor to rest, ice, compress and elevate for a couple of days and to go back to see him on Sunday.

I did rest and even ordered room service for lunch, but dinnertime was a different story.

Both Franc and Elaenora were happy to see me. It was a lovely meal.

We made it to the show and enjoyed it, before retiring to our cabin.

Okay, so we skipped Friday and Saturday was it, another late morning I think not, as we were woken by the phone. My room service breakfast was on its way. Oops I forgot about that, I hid under the covers and mum panicked a bit (Not enough time to get dressed and a robe we didn’t have.

After breakfast, I decided to get dressed and we relaxed and I started this post. After a while I wanted to get some fresh air, so we made our way slowly and me using the rails or anything that was sturdy for balance to deck 11, avoiding the accident zone and sat near the Doghouse Café.

Fresh air it was, have noticed a drop in the temperature, must’ve happened as we crossed the dateline.

We had some visitors to our cabin at lunch time, which came to see how I was. (Our travelling companions.  We missed the Behind the Stripes with the Chief Engineer, but luckily for me it was replayed later in the day on our TV’s

I was naughty and left our cabin again to go see the Captain speak in the Theatre for a session that was called “Captains Corner” which was so interesting to hear him speak about the Radiance of the Seas in relation to its size, what powers it, and almost everything else that most people would be interested to know. It was followed up by a Q & A session, which mum and I thought some of the questions were really quite stupid, but others were more insightful. The Captain was brilliant and said if he couldn’t answer he would follow it up.

We came back to our cabin and rested, when mum received a phone call from our friends to say they would be joining us for Dinner in Cascades. We met at 6pm and were assigned a different table, away from Elaeonora (who came to see where we were) and Franc. Our servers were Agnelo & Joao (I think that is how it is spelt). They made a fuss of our friends once they discovered it was their first visit to the restaurant. They were good.

It was too late for the first show, which was the second production for the RC Dancers and singers, so we came back to the cabin for a bit. Although we did go down earlier before the crowds and managed to get a good seat where I could stretch out my leg. It was a good show and I am hoping I got some good photos (I didn’t use the flash.

I was so tired when we came back to the cabin, I was asleep almost instantly.

Bora Bora

Tuesday 30^th September 2014

If Papeete is Paradise, I’m not sure what Bora Bora is!

Heaven on earth could be it.

I am sure all of you have seen photos of this beautiful oasis, and not truly believed that it is possible and that perhaps they were enhanced.

But I can honestly and gladly admit that to even try to enhance any photos of Bora Bora and its magnificent lagoon would be sacrilege, unless you are lousy photographer.

Our day (mum & I) started out slowly as our first tour wasn’t till 11.45 am, so I had a big Breakfast as I knew once our first tour ended we would be queuing up for the next one. But first we had to collect a tender ticket, and then wait for our number to be called. It seemed to take ages, but probably wasn’t, just concerned that perhaps we didn’t allow enough time.

It turned out that it was probably just enough, if we were any later. Well it doesn’t matter now.

Our tour number was called and we were led to our transport, which happened to be a 21 ft. Bay Deck liner. I took a seat up the front, only as the ones at the back which were covered were taken. There were 8 of us and our driver Tava took us out to the Coral Reef which ringed the Lagoon, although there is only 1 spot that was a channel which allows marine traffic in and out. Tava spoke about the lagoon and about the Motu’s (little islands) that were used by the locals on weekends and holidays. The majority of the Motu are owned, but you are able to seek permission to stay or visit, as long as you treat it with respect and clean up after yourself. It would be a true camping experience as there is no electricity or running water.

As we left the dock the water was a pretty blue, but the closer we got to Motu Tapu the colour was changing from a deep blue to a lighter blue. At one point we could count at least 5 different shades.

We were taken around to the other side of the island, where we saw the over water bungalows which Bora Bora is renowned for, a magical sight. I was awestruck by the beauty of my surroundings and I am so hoping my photos will convey what I saw.

We were then taken to a spot over some coral, where 4 passenger’s snorkelled over the coral and got to see some beautiful fish. Mum and I chose not to. After the others got back into the boat we headed off to another spot where they got to stand in waist deep water which was so clear, it was unbelievable. Tava produced a bottle of rum and cut up some local fruit which he offered to all of us. It was a wonderful tour which spoiled Mum & I for our tour around the Island by Le Truck which followed shortly after disembarking. It was interesting to see from another perspective, and yes I got even more photos a total of over 300 for the day.

By the end of the bus trip mum and I were tired and red from sunburn.

We were lucky as there was a tender boarding when we got back.

Bora Bora was a busy port today with Wind Spirit and another Cruise ship (Paul Gaugin), although smaller than the Radiance sharing the lagoon.

Our guides told us that Bora Bora was a volcano and that the lagoon was the crater.

Mum and I have been going to each nights show in the Aurora Theatre which has been very enjoyable and a wide variety of entertainers have performed for us. Tonight’s entertainer was Jonathan Clark who had mum laughing so much and me too, although there were some who left shortly after he started, everyone is entitled to dislike something or someone.

Papeete, French Polynesia

29^th September 2014

Paradise is what our guide called it, and I believe she could be right.

Our tour started in the Aurora Theatre, the same venue as for Moorea although we had docked.

We were greeted off the ship by some local ladies handing out a flower to put behind the ear, if you put it behind a certain ear, it would let the men know if you’re single and looking or married/taken in the other. I gave mine to mum who had one on either side. We hopped on our allocated bus and chose the left side and lol, we were going anti clockwise which meant on the island side, but it wasn’t as bad as Papeete was more buildings than coastline.

This was another tour around the island with a few stops, the first being Papara Surf Beach, which  has black sand which is fine in texture and a very interesting contrast against the surf and there were a lot of surfers out attempting to catch the waves, which didn’t appear to be overly large.

It was then back on to the bus and on towards another 15 minute stop.at the Spring Garden of Vaipahi. Originally our tour was to visit a waterfall, but as we arrived in Honolulu we received notification that it had been dropped off the itinerary and on the bus, our wonderful guide advised that due to heavy storms there was a lot of damage to the access and was deemed unsafe/dangerous.

There was a further two stops, one where we received refreshment of either a local beer which our guide raved about or fruit juice, soda or water.

Our final stop was at Venus Point, the historic landing site for most European explorers and evangelists. This is also the sight were the only lighthouse on the island was built in 1867.

Overall the tour was very good, although tiring. Our guide was excellent, imparted a lot of history of the island, and some of which she only learnt herself before becoming a guide about ten years or more ago.

As the islands are controlled by the French, the only history they learn in school is that of Napoleon and none of their own islands history.

I noticed a lot (not all) of the homes built on the islands are constructed with cement sheeting and the roofing iron on many was so rusted yet the gardens were immaculate.

We came across many homes where the owners had fires burning, which our guide informed us was the dead leaves and branches and that it was legal; otherwise they would be drowning in them.

It is a very interesting and humbling experience to hear about their culture and beliefs.

The site of tombstones in the front yards of some of the homes is confronting, until we were informed that if the deceased was liked, they earns the privilege of being buried in the front of the homes, otherwise they would be relegated to the back yard. It is only done on the properties where the family owns it and has been passed down through many generations.

Hence we didn’t see many if any for sale signs as we toured the island.

There is a lot of unemployment amongst the islands and a lot of businesses have closed or gone bankrupt. They do not receive money from the Government, but are assisted in other ways. Healthcare and schooling is free and some foods are subsidised by the Government.

It was so interesting to see that even on these small islands, that one side is so much greener than the other, one being more populated and cityscape (although not a large city) to that of a small country town with a small population.

We returned to the ship after 4 and a half hours where after a quick look at the market opposite the ship we reboarded and headed up for some lunch at the Windjammer.

The Headliner Showtime was a local dance group who performed their folkloric dances to a standing ovation from a theatre that was almost full.

A wonderful finish to a beautiful day in paradise.