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Well, here we are at Norfolk Island.  Up early for an 8am excursion.  Captain then came on PA system to say we will not be able to tender to the island because swells were to high.

Oh well, would have been nice to go to island for a little while to see what it was like.  We will now have another sea day, more games and movies and eating and drinking. If someone has to do it, it may as well be me.

Here are a couple of pictures of Norfolk Island.  I at least saw it.

On our way to Norfolk Island today after a great excursion yesterday.  Did the Savala island snorkeling, and it was so much more than that.  Had the island to ourselves, and no other tour companies came to the island during our stay.  6 hour tour including lunch that went by way to fast.  Besides a guided snorkeling tour you could kayak, paddle board, glass bottom boat, and do some lounging in the shade.  Lunch was good, and we had tea and cakes before leaving.  On the way back to the ship the crew broke out in some American classics singing and instrument play.  All in all a great excursion.  Forgot to mention that the excursion was in Lautoka, Fiji.  On the other side of the island from Suva.  Sunny and dry side.

two sea days full of activities coming up before Norfolk Island.

here are some photos from our excursion.

Had a wonderful day in Fiji.  Started with a nice Brunch for all Grand Voyagers.  Attended by most folks and many ships personnel.   Next our excursion, Navua  River by longboat.  Drove for about an hour to the jetty where we changed into our “going to get wet clothes”.  We were assured we will get wet whether we like it or not.  We did,  but that was ok.  Got to our destination, nice waterfall with swimming at the base.  Back on the boats to lunch and demonstration about Fiji culture.  Back on bus  to get back to the ship.  We were so lucky again not to get rained on as all were  predicting rain. 

Once back on ship, cleaned up and went to dinner at the pool grill.  Now the rains came, but it was ok as we were all back from excursions and under cover.  Well attended as many were tired after days excursions and just wanted to relax and not get all dressed up.

A good day overall.  Enjoy a few photos.

Here are a couple more photos that didn’t upload because of size limitations.

Happy Thanksgiving to those in America from the Mariner.  Since we crossed the International Dateline, we celebrated our Thanksgiving yesterday.  A surprise occurrence yesterday, as we were at the Compass Rose entrance with another couple waiting for a table assignment at 6:30 we were approached by a restaurant manager saying there was a table for 4 available for 6:30 at Prime 7 and if would we like it.  We accepted and a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner ensued.  Thanks for the opportunity Regent.

Pingpong1, now as for $2 beach, that is the entrance fee to this private beach which Regent paid for.  Drinks, however were not included, so we ponied up $5 for a beer and $3 for a soft drink.  Kind of a rip, but if I can afford this vacation I can overspend this time for a libation.

As we approached our port in Samoa we were greeted by music and dance from shore, and someone dressed like a Turkey.  Wonderful performance by musicians, dancers and turkey.  Nice way to start our day.

As for yesterday on Western Samoa or just Samoa, whichever you prefer, it is a separate country.  It was a hot day in paradise.  We did a bus tour that included falefa falls and a wonderful tropical garden that has been in a family’s history for many years. Beautiful!!!! Also saw and went in an interesting church, and drove around seeing sights.  Enjoyed the trip.   Back on board for an enjoyable Thanksgiving meal.

Now on our way to Fiji.

Hear are some photos from yesterday.

Yesterday we made it to American Samoa.  Weather was spectacular again, maybe a little warm.  We went on the Pago Pago and Eastside tour in the afternoon.  Good tour guide made a big difference.  Busses were old with “natural” air conditioning.  Good enough to get us around.. 3 hour tour to show us around and spend one hour at $2 beach.  Nice spot for a swim and libation of your choice.  A bit pricey, but bought some drinks anyway.  Many of the entertainment team were there having a wonderful time.

overnight we crossed the international dateline, and now in Apia, Samoa.

here are some photos from yesterday.

We had a relaxing day at sea as Papaflamingo described.  The meet and mingle party had a bout 25-30 attendees as well as the captain, cruise consultant, cruise director, assistant cruise director, general manager, social hostess, and probably others I am missing.  Great Bloody Mary bar and finger foods.  Great to put names to handles on cruise critic.

decided to play lots of games onboard and get Regent points to get some Regent memorabilia.  Block party was well attended and more of the entertainment team and officers made their presence felt.  

All in all all a great day at sea.  The weather continues to cooperate as well.  Another sea day today full of fun activities, talks, Seven seas society get together and the finished off by the entertainment teams Burt Bacharach medley.  One of my favorites.

no photos from me today.  Time for breakfast.

We made it back to Bora Bora, and the weather cooperated again. No Rain.  Did the Le Truck around the island, and last stop at Blosdy Marys’.  Nice relaxed bus ride to see highlights.  No muss no fuss.

just as we were leaving Bora Bora, the skies opened up, so let it rain.  We had our fun.  So many celebrities visited Bloody Marys.

enjoy some photos from our day.

Well, we did a canoe ride up the Faaroa river followed by a motu performance and swim this morning in Raiatea.  The trip started fine and then the rains came at the end of the river.  Turned around and went to the Motu, and fortunately dry there. Nice performance by our guide and dry weather.  Made it back to the ship just as rain started again.  Hard rain the rest of the afternoon, but no excursions scheduled so just chilled and played games inside. 

Off to Bora Bora tomorrow.  Hope weather is good.

Here are some photos from our excursion today.

Wes and Ida:

i want to to thank you for being such a great couple to get to know.  Well done on the meet and mingles.   Enjoyed our lunches together, lots of laughs.  Hope we travel together again.

by the way, thanks for the points toward Regent goodies.  We will put them to good use.

Rich and Barbara

 xrvlcruiser(Peggy) this is Rich, sorry I didn’t make it clearer.  The “ride” was on Tahiti in Papeete and surroundings.  Called Tahiti Jeep Safari, 4 hours.  It was described as a rough ride, and it was.Saw some scenery and waterfalls, but after being in Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Moorea I think I was spoiled by the spectacular scenery on those islands.  I am not saying you shouldn’t do it if you want to see those things, but if I had it to do over again I wouldn’t.

Looking forward to meeting you on the Cloud next year.  We will also be doing the next cruise to Greenland.  Haven’t been to that part of the world before, so part of my bucket list.

I haven’t looked for a thread on the Silversea thread.  Is there a Roll Call that has started, or is it in the regular thread like this one is.  

Again in looking forward to cruising with you next year.

Well, here I sit on the pool deck on turnaround day in Papeete, Tahiti, so glad we didn’t have to pack and leave today.  We will have a relax day before going back to Raiatea and Bora Bora.  Yesterday was easy in the morning and bumpy in the afternoon.

Great Catamaran ride for 12 of us with great scenery, music, discussion, and snorkeling for those that wanted to.  Nice way to start the day.  Afternoon went on a truck tour to interior to see waterfalls and scenery.  We were told it was going to be a bumpy ride with suggestion of no pregnant women or folks with bad backs.  Well they were absolutely correct.  If you didn’t have a bad back before you might have had one after.  Waterfalls were nice, not spectacular.  Scenery was nice, but not like the other islands.  Discussion by one of the drivers about area and history and culture was very good.  I guess I got spoiled by going to the other islands first.  Nice to get back to the ship in time for dinner and a nice Polynesian dance performance and entertainment team songs of broadway.

here are some pics from yesterday.

A very busy day on beautiful Moore’s.  It is hard to pick a most beautiful island between Bora Bora and Moore?  Both spectacular.  Eye candy galore.  Did two excursion.  Morning was a stingray and shark snorkel safari.  Afternoon was truck tour of the island.  Spectacular scenery, and great fish sightings.

Man am I ever tired.  Loved every minute of it.  Got back to the ship about 5:45pm after starting at 8am.  We were beat so to the pool grill for dinner.  Am I ever glad Regent instituted this venue.  Decided not to do shows tonight.

enjoy some pics, and can’t include all that I think this island deserves somhere goes.

A very busy day on beautiful Moore’s.  It is hard to pick a most beautiful island between Bora Bora and Moore?  Both spectacular.  E

We made it to Riaetia, and another absolutely beautiful island.  Did a truck ride around the island, and the weather cooperated again.  The truck went mainly on the eastern side of the island, and also went into an extinct volcano in the center of the island.  Very lush, and guide explained history and agriculture of the island.  Good excursion.

Enjoy some photos

Went on a couple of excursions yesterday.  Aqua safari, followed by shark and stingray watching by glass bottom boat.  Both were amazing, but the aqua safari far exceeded our expectations.  When I figure out how to upload pictures from my Dropbox account I will post.  Meanwhile, please enjoy a few pics from those excursions.

 By the way, aqua safari is putting helmet on and air goes in headgear.  You go down about 15 feet, and walk with the fishes while the camera folks take pictures and give yo food to feed the fishes.  Amazing!!!!

Arrived in Bora Bora yesterday, and it didn’t disappoint.  Beautiful views and getting excited for snorkeling and aqua safari.

last night went to the special day for all the Grand Voyage guests.  Outdoor beach venue at the Conrad Hilton.  Good food, good drink, good entertainment, good friends.  Can’t get much better than that.  First went on a boat ride to enjoy the sunset in small boat with music and refreshments, and then on to the Hilton where we were greeted by more music and entertainment.

Well done Regent.  

This morning had to get up to see what the sunrise in Bora Bora was like.  Enjoyed it, and now to get ready for excursions.

enjoy a few pics.

Yes, it is the Aranui 5, a passenger and freighter that traverses some French Polynesian islands.  People that have travelled it say it is very good.  Very casual and I here the food is good.

We had a relaxing day for our sea day going to Fakarava.  Game playing, eating, drinking, eating drinking, eating drinking, showtime with Blazing Boots.  Excellent performance.  Very high energy by crew.

now in Fakarava.  Very small atoll, small town and beaches.  Opportunity to go ashore and a swim.  Nice waters and a refreshing dip.  Back to the ship for more eating and drinking.  Sounds pretty monotonous doesn’t it.  I LOVE IT.

Life at this point is very nice, and all passengers seem to be having a great time and enjoying each other’s company.  

Tomorrow we reach Bora Bora, and for those of us on the Grand Voyage, a special performance by group at the Conrad Hilton.  Looking forward to it all.

enjoy a few pics from Fakarava

Well, just got back from the pool grill dinner area, and as usual they did a great job on the burger.  We were tired from our excursion to Taipivai Valley, so just decided to chill in the evening and take it easy.

The excursion did not disappoint and the roads were good.  No bad bumps, and the drivers did a great job.  Caravan style with 4 passengers per vehicle.  Beautiful island and great views.  Cathedral was interesting with nice carvings.  Wonderful time with our UK friends we met onboard, John and ANNE.  Tour was supposed to be 3 hours, but it actually ran a little longer, but definitely worth it.  Tender back to ship just in time for lunch at La Veranda.

As stated above, just opted for Pool Grill Dinner, and now will just relax until tomorrow when we have a sea day on our way to Fakareva.  Probably another beautiful island, but no official shore excursions.  Maybe just a beach day, or time to spend on ship .  We will see.

Enjoy some pics.

Well, looking at Wes’s and Papaflamingos description of what we have to look forward to in Nuku Hiva, no need to go into any further detail.

Yesterdat was a play day and craft day for DW and I.  Played roll a ball. Then a session of Wheel of Fortune.  The teams were amazing, and one team solved the puzzle without even needing a letter.  I went to a reef and fish talk and DW did crafts and cooking demonstration.  seven Seas Society extravaganza, where a number of folks got their new pins to move up to the next level, including TNR, Terry and Ray, which I believe are now Platinum with free laundry coming their way.  Congrats.

had a great dinner and had Mizo glazed sea bass which didn’t disappoint.  Went to the Entertainment team performance of Burt Bacharach tunes, and they didn’t disappoint.  Summer again did an excellent job on Dionne Warwick tunes, and the whole cast was great.

off on our car jaunt on Nuku Hiva today, and hopefully the roads won’t be too bumpy.

Until next time, signing off.

Well we just attended the equator crossing and initiation of Pollywogs to Shellbacks. Fun event and well attended.  Enjoy a few pictures.  Rudy, what an outfit.

here are some pics

Well, I am back earlier than thought, and who do I run into at the coffee connection, but Jim of Jim and Yuki, our block party floor neighbors.  He sends his regards to Roberto and Pam.  He also wants to thank them for recommending actions he can take to help with sleep apnea problem.  He got the machine, and changed his life.  Able to sleep better and much better quality of life.

sounds like a. Great connection between you guys, and again small world and wonderful that a chance meeting on a ship can really help a fellow guest.  It is truly wonderful cruising and meeting people with all kinds of different life experiences.

Till next time.

Zqueeze1, will be sure to say hi to Jim and Yuni.  Small world, and hope your weather improves.  

Went to a good morning talk yesterday about the Polynesian islands, and that discussion will continue today.

Great lunch yesterday with Wes and Ida and then another lecture.  Faded in the afternoon so nap time, woke up in time for a fantastic meal in Sette Marie.  It was the most crowded we had seen it.  On the other segment it was lucky to be half full. People were being turned away if they showed up later than 7.  Had to bring other staff up from Compass Rose to help out.  Never know from segment to segment where people might want to eat, but Regent handled it smoothly.  Met a great couple from Australia, and swapped cruising stories.  They have cruised Regent a lot, and are just enjoying life.

Went to John Barron performance, and it was well attended.  He did a great job as usual.

Today we cross the equator and of course there will be all the pageantry and initiation that goes with that event.  Pollywogs and Shellbacks will be in attendance having a great time.

Prime 7 for dinner tonight, so looking forward to a great dinner.

Until next time, signing off.

Well, Sunday morning at sea, and Champagne breakfast on tap.  

Wes, you did a great job showing the great turnout for the meet and mingle including all the different ship personnel to support us.  We welcome Papaflamingo(Jim and Margaret) onboard to start blogging, and hope others will also join in.

DW joined Ida and number of other people to a leigh making class.  I have to say, they did a great job.

Enjoyed the block party, and met some of our great neighbors.

We will see what develops today, but looking forward to lunch with Wes and Ida.

Enjoy a few pics