Review of Noordam - Dec 2018 cruise

[aussielozzie18]

17 minutes ago, Elorac123 said:

Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures and thoughts,

My first ever cruise was on the Noordam in Alaska and will stay in my mind for ever.

Loved the walk around (we were told clockwise but saw more going the other direction)

Cheers Carole 

Thanks Carole.  Alaska is on my bucket list.  Yes, it seemed that most people walked Deck 3 anti-clockwise or relaxed on the cushioned deck chairs and read/slept.

[aussielozzie18]

For our visit to Alotau I booked a private tour.  Small group in an air-conditioned van with driver and guide and a bottle of water provided.  Pre-booked tour online but paid for tour on the day.  Tour departed just outside the port gates.  Our first stop was an extended visit to a village on the water front.

[aussielozzie18]

This was a fishing village comprising of 5O people made up of 3 families.  It was the women and the children of the family who hosted us.

[aussielozzie18]

It was a picturesque spot.  They showed us how they cook their meals, fish, make a coconut drink and weave baskets.  It was an interesting visit with a very welcoming family.

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

Our guide was the youngest daughter of the local owner of the tour company. She spoke excellent English and sat in the back of the van with us as we travelled around and answered all our questions.

[aussielozzie18]

Our next stop was a forest village.  Lush greenery, butterflies and a picturesque creek.  The many of the locals in PNG have red teeth and gums.  This is from chewing the betel nut and adding lime powder.  We were given an interesting demonstration and an option to try some but we all passed.  Next we got the soft sell on palm oil which they promote as having medical properties.  Finally we had a fruit stop and photo op by the lovely creek.  This was a lovely village visit.

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

From there we drove to some ramshackle markets on the waterfront for a 10 min stop.  Not worth it but from here we drove a short distance to visit the local produce markets.  This was interesting. View of the ship in Milne Bay from the waterfront.

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

Tobacco

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

[aussielozzie18]

Betel nut

[aussielozzie18]

They dip a stick into the lime powder and ingest  it while chewing the betel nut. It's eaten in combination.

[aussielozzie18]

Our final stop was a photo op at a scenic spot overlooking Milne Bay/Alotau.  As you can see from the photos we had gorgeous weather.

 

This was a very well run tour.  Took 4 hours.  

 

 

[aussielozzie18]

There were 6 of us on this private van with excellent aircon.

 

HAL tour staff made it very clear they are unable to provide air-conditioned buses and their drivers have limited English on their tours in Alotau.

 

Private tour was a great option here.

Edited December 27, 2018 by aussielozzie18
Typo

[aussielozzie18]

Just a correction - the oil with the medical properties that was promoted during the tour was Noni oil.  This was available to purchase as an oil or soap.  I have no ailments so didn't purchase but several on the tour did.

[aussielozzie18]

Tonight's towel animal

[aussielozzie18]

Woke up to another gorgeous view from the verandah.

[aussielozzie18]

More calm seas

[aussielozzie18]

Early morning fisherman in PNG.

[aussielozzie18]

Beautiful Kiriwina PNG