Redking

Great point Jim. On reflection, when we first cruised with Celebrity we were in what I recall was their then target market: 55+ travelling with our then teenage/young adult family. We moved up to suites when the family stopped cruising with us (or at least we no longer offered to pay🤣) Time moved on .... we matured 🤫 and our family flew the nest (they occasionally cruise and have stayed with Celebrity.) I think you previously summed it up using a relationship metaphor ... maybe we're just not that into each other anymore 😕 Safe travels home and best wishes for a peaceful Xmas and healthy new year!

Might be tendering? They sometimes offer an overland overnight excursion between Milford and Dunedin (our vice versa) so that you can see Queenstown and parts of Otago. Jim?

Indeed. Thoughts are with everyone over there. I saw a croc in the flood waters on the news footage!

Just glorious Jim. I saw on FB that the weather was good. Mother nature most definitely came to the party today. They say that the sun shines on the righteous 😉

It's a big place. After 19 years in Australia, we've never been to Western Australia or the Northern Territory. I've an aunt in Scotland who's travelled to all the states in the US. She's also pretty much covered the rest of the world too.

Sad you didn't make it there, it's a cool little capital. Also didn't have Bay of Islands. Bit puzzled about what X is doing with its itineraries. We felt we had very short times in port in the South Pacific last January. I suppose overnighting in Akl and CCH allows people to explore further inland? Either way I guess we should give thanks for our travels.

Mutual appreciation, we've still to discover so much of the US. So many choices and times a ticking!

🙌 I love Lyttleton. Nearly ended up working at the port a few years ago.

Spot on Jim, It's one of the world's roughest stretches of water, ferry crossings can be interesting. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/cook-strait-rail-ferries/love-boats-or-chuck-buckets#:~:text=Cook Strait can also be,like a huge wind tunnel. At least you're rewarded by Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds at either end. Am I right in thinking you're not going to Wellington? I think it feels like a mini San Francisco with the steep streets and weather board houses or villas as you'll now know them. A friend who's from San Francisco completely disagrees though, heho!

So true Jim, especially in NZ. She gives great beauty but enjoying it can be a lottery!

Epic, what a fantastic capture.

🤣🤣🤣Thank you and you're welcome 😁 The view from the top is a great reward for the climb. I was at a pilates class with a tour operator today and she said that the high winds may have made your departure challenging, I hope not?

Wow hope all are OK.

Hello from across the harbour. Wishing you a wonderful if windy day in the beautiful Port of Tauranga and wider region. Bit to far away for a good shot of the ship on my phone camera!

See there was a bit of drama on Tuesday night 😬 https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018919427/cruise-ship-chaos-port-boss-makes-promise-to-ferry-commuters

That's good news.

Things may have changed, but previously you can only BYO on embarkation day, I think 2 bottles pp. Any other time during the cruise, your alcohol will be taken from you and returned on disembarking. You may have to party hard at those NZ vineyards. Enjoy!

@Jim_IainHope the weather improves or you could be in for a bumpy ride down to Tauranga. Just been out for a walk and the harbour is looking a bit churned up. Wind seems to have died down so 🤞

I agree it sounds really appealing and reviews are improving. Food looks good. Enjoy your cruise and please share your thoughts if you've time.

Interesting times ahead. Let us know what you do. Explora Journey looks interesting though mixed reviews. We're keen on Africa, saw a great 30 day itinerary but is was either RSS Mariner or Navigator which don't really appeal to us.

I've got serious fomo. We have a RS and an Edge Villa booked on the Edge for a TP next year which we're going to cancel in favour of trying new cruise lines. It's those suites on the Edge that kept us hanging in so to speak. Ah well, we can always have a mini break up and reunite if need be 😁

Some very interesting images in there that further confirm we're most likely not in Celebrities target market anymore. With so many DJ and night club images I'm pondering their new tag line? Modern luxury clubbing for 40 and 50 somethings? Move up your P&O or Carnival party style? 🥳 Don't get me wrong, I love a party 💃 as evidenced by feeling seedy today after a long lunch at home with friends yesterday and imbibing in many a cocktail 🍸and glass of red wine 🍷. I'm not quite ready to shuffle off to bed at 9pm either, so the search for alternative cruising homes will be an interesting one🥺🤔

Your welcome. Wishing you a wonderful visit.

In preparation for your arrival in New Zealand https://fb.watch/oPdDPTFOk9/?mibextid=Nif5oz

That view never gets old!