Live, Terry/Ohio, “New” Regatta: South Pacific/NZ, Pix’s

[Fletcher]

Hi Terry,

 

Huahine - we stayed a week there in the early 1990s at a rather grotty Sofitel which stood on a fabulous beach with wonderful snorkelling.  The hotel closed a few years later - we have that effect you know.  Huahine itself is extremely beautiful (well, all islands here are lovely) and still has a fairly traditional way of life, unlike Bora Bora and Moorea which are heavily touristed. There’s nothing specific to see on Huahine except the scenery on the heavily indented island - in fact, it’s two islands, connected by a bridge.  If they offer some sort of boat trip around the lagoons that might be worth taking.  Or a 4x4 road trip.

 

Raiatea - your big ship can go alongside here.  Raiatea has relatively little tourism.  We’ve visited twice on cruises but never stayed.  One of French Polynesia’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites is here - on the SE tip, a cultural landscape called Taputapuatea which includes an especially large marae, or ceremonial and burial platform.  As long as you don’t go expecting Chichen Itza, it’s quite something.

 

If you cruise long the northern coast of Tahaa don’t miss the spectacular view of Bora Bora beyond the small motus of Tahaa.

 

I attach a photo which might amuse you - it’s of the old Rainmaker Hotel in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

[swigso]

Hi Terry

we are flying half way around the world to join he Regetta at Easter

is there any sign of this virus on board and do you know if any ports are going to 

be cancelled 

by the way love the review and have read your earlier reviews 

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Fletcher said:

Hi Terry,  Huahine - we stayed a week there in the early 1990s at a rather grotty Sofitel which stood on a fabulous beach with wonderful snorkelling.  The hotel closed a few years later - we have that effect you know.  Huahine itself is extremely beautiful (well, all islands here are lovely) and still has a fairly traditional way of life, unlike Bora Bora and Moorea which are heavily touristed. There’s nothing specific to see on Huahine except the scenery on the heavily indented island - in fact, it’s two islands, connected by a bridge.  If they offer some sort of boat trip around the lagoons that might be worth taking.  Or a 4x4 road trip.

Raiatea - your big ship can go alongside here.  Raiatea has relatively little tourism.  We’ve visited twice on cruises but never stayed.  One of French Polynesia’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites is here - on the SE tip, a cultural landscape called Taputapuatea which includes an especially large marae, or ceremonial and burial platform.  As long as you don’t go expecting Chichen Itza, it’s quite something.

If you cruise long the northern coast of Tahaa don’t miss the spectacular view of Bora Bora beyond the small motus of Tahaa.

 

YES!!!  Super great above background info from travel/journalism pro Fletcher.  Very helpful!!!  Great sharing and much appreciated.  Keep it coming with any and all insights for French Polynesia.  Will share these insights with those in our Cruise Critic Roll Call group.  Interesting contrast with Huahine and Raiatea being less commercial and tourist-driven versus Bora Bora and Moorea.  We do have a private, small-boat tour set for sailing around Taha'a,  Will be on the look-out for that "spectacular view of Bora Bora".

 

More visuals below from Fiji and Pacific Harbour cultural program.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 250,671 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Below is the part with the Fiji Firewalkers, plus the other dancing and cultural programs done at this lovely setting at Pacific Harbour near Suva.  Many more visuals to come as everything was well done and highly informative/creative.  First shown is the program narrator with a flower seen to the left over his ear to indicate that he is "taken".  Then, they had to uncover the heated rocks and arrange them in a stable pattern to commence the fire walking ceremony.  You can see the Chief in charge who had the large medallion hanging on his large chest.:

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Here is the Chief waving to our group at the end of this ceremony as he walks over the hot stones to conclude this portion of the program.:

 

Next are a series of the various "war dances" by both warriors and women with the unique/colorful costumes.:

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2020 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

 

Just now, swigso said:

Hi Terry.  we are flying half way around the world to join he Regetta at Easter.  is there any sign of this virus on board and do you know if any ports are going to be cancelled.  by the way love the review and have read your earlier reviews 

 

Just talked with the Regatta General Manager during the "Country Fair" activity with the crew and passengers on the Pool Deck.  Per his info, everything is "101%" OK on this ship.  No fever and/or health problems reported or happening now.  Good news!!  As to potential, future port closings, his view is that for French Polynesia, those chances of any closings now are very slim and unlikely to happen.  Per current conditions and information. Tourism is big, BIG for this part of the South Pacific, especially in and around Tahiti.  Of course, this situation could change, but for now, things look good and solid for us making all of our next four ports and being able to fly home on the evening of March 5 from Papeete.  Later in the Spring and Summer?  Clearly, this worldwide situation is challengingly plunging into unknown territories.  

 

Appreciate the kind comments from swigso about my reviews.  Let me know any other info needed, other questions, suggestions, etc.  

 

On this ship currently what is the passenger mix of the roughly 650 traveling on this ship?  As announced last night at the Captain's Club reception for past cruisers, the third biggest group are those from the United Kingdom at 63 total from that part of the world.  No surprise as we have talked with so many from that country, it is Canada in second place with 112 passengers on this sailing.  The winner?  It's 345 passengers from the USA.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 238,792

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

To finish from Fiji's Pacific Harbour, here are some of the various flowers, water features, plants, etc.  Very nice and attractive grounds and facilities there.:

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During the hour-long bus ride going out to and then coming back from Pacific Harbour, we were able to gain a little sampling for the homes, business activities, warehouses, etc., that make up "read life" in Fiji.  Not fancy housing with air conditioning, mostly fairly basic.  Two of the below visuals give examples for typical housing in these areas.   In the first picture, it gives an idea for the various sales booths that would be set up along this roadway.  We also drove past three of the prisons in Fiji, plus a regional hospital, etc.:

 

 

 

As we returned to Suva, here was a view from our bus of their downtown.  This area was not fancy or upscale.  Fairly basic.  Glad we went out to Pacific Harbour to sample some of Fiji's past culture and history.  Kind of limited with the sights and opportunities in the Suva downtown.:

Edited February 28, 2020 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

Am working to finalize our private tour arrangements for Huahine, French Polynesian.  From the Tahiti website, they says this location "casts a spell over you from the moment you arrive. Only a 40-minute flight from the island of Tahiti, the enchanted Huahine, with its lush forests, untamed landscape and quaint villages, is one of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, a place where you can live like a local. A deep, crystal-clear lagoon surrounds the two islands that comprise Huahine, while magnificent bays and white-sand beaches add drama to the experience."   Sound good?  More later as to those arrangements.  Per Fletcher's excellent suggestion, we are trying to arrange a 4x4 excursion there. 

 

Below are some quick visuals from last night and today.  More to come from Fiji, etc.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 229,226 views.

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From last night in the Regatta Lounge, they had a star violin entertainer from Australia who was excellent, very skilled and charming, etc.:

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Today on the Pool Deck was a "Country Fair" program involving BOTH the passengers and staff.  It was fun and all seemed to enjoy the various games and exercises, including ring tosses, rope tie tests, competition for re-placing pillow cases, etc.  Then there was some dancing to the ABBA Dancing Queen music.  As they say on TV: "A good time was had by all."  Yes, the visuals confirm the nice and sunny weather today.:

 

 

 

 

 

[Queen of DaNile]

Country Fair is always fun. Practice your pillow stuffing and spice sniffing at home before you go!

 

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Queen of DaNile said:

Country Fair is always fun. Practice your pillow stuffing and spice sniffing at home before you go!

 

 

Great above suggestion by the cutely-named "Queen of DaNile".  Will keep that excellent idea in mind for future sailings.  

 

Now at the start of our third day of four sea-days in traveling between Fiji and French Polynesia.  As noted previously, the Regatta was going to add a stop in Huahine island before doing March 2-4 with our scheduled time in Bora Bora and Raiatea.  Now we must skip Huahine and go direct, FIRST, to Papeete and spend a full day there in order to allow the FP officials to verify that we are all “OK”.  Plus, allow more time for exploring Papeete. 

 

Previously, we scheduled a full day March 5, after departing the ship, for a West Coast tour of Papeete before being dropped later afternoon at the airport where we have the Lounge pass in an air conditioned area before our 11:15 pm flight to LAX.  

 

For this newly-revised Sunday, March 1, port/schedule option, we are thinking of doing a 4x4 tour in mountains for Papeete.  Reactions?  Better options for that day there?  Still lots of "moving parts" happening as schedules are being adjusted, etc.

 

Just noticed this new, enlarged policy by Oceania and probably that other cruise lines will be following to make things much more complicated (and safer) for everyone, including passengers, staff, travel agents, etc., etc. Here is the new policy from Oceania??!!:   “Guests and crew who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, Hong Kong, Macau or South Korea within 30 days of their voyage embarkation, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed to board any of our vessels. Travel companions of these guests who share the same stateroom will also be denied boarding." 

 

Other reactions, questions, suggestions, etc.??

 

More to come later today from our Fiji adventures!!  Many, many picture to review and edit, plus more from earlier in New Zealand, etc.

 

Plus, below is the upcoming weather for Papeete!  Warm, but looking good?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 86,878 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

From AccuWeather, here is their latest and upcoming forecasts for the time period, March 1-5, when we will be in and around Papeete.:

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[delee78]

Idea for the day in Papeete....

 

I didn't see a stop in Moorea.  Does the current itinerary only have you going to Huahine, Bora Bora, and Raiatea?

 

The ferry to Moorea is only a few spots down the pier from where you will be docked in Papeete. 

 

You can jump on the ferry and be in Moorea in under an hour.  Then the options are near limitless 😀.

 

If you need help for Huahine, I can recommend an excellent private tour from Marc's.  It was a really fun day but you must love the water. 

 

 

[Clutj]

Are you sure Papeete is going to let everyone off promptly?  Sounds like they want to do a full medical review of some sort first while everyone stays onboard...  Maybe it will be as simple as taking temperatures as each person gets off the ship.  Keep us posted, please!

[TLCOhio]

Just now, delee78 said:

Idea for the day in Papeete....I didn't see a stop in Moorea.  Does the current itinerary only have you going to Huahine, Bora Bora, and Raiatea?   The ferry to Moorea is only a few spots down the pier from where you will be docked in Papeete. You can jump on the ferry and be in Moorea in under an hour.  Then the options are near limitless 😀.   If you need help for Huahine, I can recommend an excellent private tour from Marc's.  It was a really fun day but you must love the water. 

 

Appreciate this excellent suggestion and follow-up for doing Moorea.  Sounds great and is an idea we are considering.  We will be docked in Papeete on March 1 from 9 am to 6 pm.  As mentioned briefly above, our stop in Huahine has been scrubbed for the needed stopping first in Papeete, BEFORE going to and doing our previously-schedule visits to Bora Bora and Raiatea on March 2-4.  It gets complicated with all of the changes and adjustments.  Any views as to the trade-offs for seeing Moorea (that is supposedly very touristy and beautiful) versus doing a 4x4 adventure tour while at Papeete on March 1?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 65,837 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

 

A few nights back during magic artist Leo Ward doing his second show, one of his tricks as involved making three rope parts become just one longer piece of rope.  Magic!!  It happened, but even as we watched very closely, we could not figure out how.   Next he did a major card trick in the "close-up" style.  He involved my wife, Penny, in the process.  She picked out a card, marked it and was watching intently to figure out the location of that selected card.  BUT, at the end to everyone surprise, it ended up, FOLDED, in a sealed plastic box that had been plain view for the entire time.  Amazing!!:

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Here a night view of the pool that looked cool with its special lighting.:

 

The elevator info panels have been fixed and updated.  Here is how it looks after the re-design.  Early in our cruise, it was a temporary, paper-covered set-up that was not ideally functional.   Second is the open starway between the 5th and 4th floor in the main center of the ship.:

 

[delee78]

Hey Terry-

 

Your question will probably bring out a number of responses, but I would throw in a strong vote for Moorea. 

 

I am not sure how the rerouting will impact your arrival time in Papeete, but if you can actually get off the ship by 9am, then you will be over at the ferry terminal by 9:15.  There are two ferry options that are directly next to each other.  Take the next available option and get over to the pier in Moorea within 45 minutes.  There is an AVIS rental pick up right at the Moorea ferry terminal.  Pick up a car for the day, drive around to shop, stop by the Belvedere lookout, or find a beach or two.  There are also many tour options that would pick you up from the ferry terminal. 

 

People say that Moorea is touristy and developed, but I found it to be underdeveloped in comparison to the equivalents in the US (Caribbean or Hawaii).  There are only four major resorts on the entire island and they are spread apart.  I know that you won't experience this, but after 8pm, there is nothing - the roads are dark and there wasn't any loud music playing.  I describe Moorea and Bora Bora as what I imagine Hawaii was like 50-75 years ago.  This is just my opinion - I only want to provide an option for you with an unexpected stop.  I am sure others found it quite different. 

 

Tahiti is the most developed of all of the FP islands.  You will find Papeete to be a rather large town or even could be described as a small city.  To be up front, I only stayed in Tahiti overnight before my flight home and did not take a tour of the island.  The experience in Papeete might differ greatly from what is available outside of town.  And those options might not justify the ferry time to Moorea. 

[Fletcher]

The best thing here would be to stay on Tahiti and not risk a trip to Moorea unless it was one offered by the ship.  It seems to be an ever-changing, fluid situation.  I happen to like Tahiti a lot.  It gets a bad press mainly from people who have only seen the awful IC resort for one night.  Papeete itself has lots of French cafes, a lively waterfront, a fine cathedral and a grande marche stuffed with Polynesian crafts, local fish as well as food from Paris.  At night there are the food trucks for authentic food at a sensible price.

 

There is history as well, notably Point Venus at the fabulous sweep of black sand at Matavai Bay where Cook and Bligh came ashore.  And the Museum down by the airport.  The scenery throughout the island is stunning.  We always stay two or three nights and rent a car and drive right round the island, as far as Tautira which is a glimpse of Tahiti 100 years ago.  4x4 trips across the interior are excellent but can be wet.

 

Also, the best option here is to add on a hotel stay on Moorea after the cruise.  

Edited February 29, 2020 by Fletcher

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Fletcher said:

The best thing here would be to stay on Tahiti and not risk a trip to Moorea unless it was one offered by the ship.  It seems to be an ever-changing, fluid situation.  I happen to like Tahiti a lot.  It gets a bad press mainly from people who have only seen the awful IC resort for one night.  Papeete itself has lots of French cafes, a lively waterfront, a fine cathedral and a grande marche stuffed with Polynesian crafts, local fish as well as food from Paris.

 

Great additional thoughts, insights, tips and options from BOTH delee78 and Fletcher!!!  So many options, so little time??!!  Moorea versus Tahiti?  Tough challenge.  Kept coming.  Great sharing and very helpful.   Many on our ship are considering taking the ferry over to Moorea.  We are still researching and considering what works best for us.  Our flight out to LAX late on the evening of March 5 is locked in.  Can't stay any longer based on this schedule.  BUT, we do have booked an all-day tour of the Tahiti western coast tour with top-ranked guide Tracey between when we compete our cruise on March 5 and being dropped at the airport near sunset time late that day.  

 

Below are some pictures from our earlier "adventure" on Fiji from Lautoka, on Tues., Feb. 25, from when we were docked near their sugar mill.  We started this private tour through the Mamanuca group of islands with the key aim for visiting Monuriki Island.  Plus a couple of other stops to explore, swim and snorkel.  Why that specific island?  It was where the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks was filmed.  Monuriki Island is about 25 miles east of Lautoka.  Hopefully these visuals reflect that we had a "BLAST" that day in two boats with about 30 people in our group skilfully organised by Norm on the Cruise Critic Roll Call. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 48,842 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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After we departed our dock and were in open waters, the smaller boat was cranking up the speed.  Fun, fast boats!  Next are pictures as approach that small, uninhabited island for snorkelling, seeing the coral, etc.  Finally is a view of me doing some snorkelling and loving this scenic, wonderful location.  Sorry, no underwater pictures to share.  My waterproof camera did not seem to be functioning properly.  Need to get that solved before arriving in French Polynesia.:

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As we were moving from our first stop to Monuriki Island one of our guides from Crusin' Fiji was showing a soccer ball like the one used by Tom Hanks in the Cast Away movie.:

 

Here is a good view of Monuriki Island with its amazing white sand beach and the tall mountain top in the background.:

 

Once on Monuriki Island, there was a special lunch buffet prepared for us to enjoy in a shaded areas.  Good food and fun.  Second is a picture of the meal experienced by a member of our group with one of the tour leaders played music as we enjoyed the moment in this special place.  Third is a picture of that Tom Hanks soccer ball with a nearby island in the background.  The beer?  Fiji Gold!!  Excellent brew!:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Now, part two from Monuriki Island.  It is a small land mass of volcanic origins.  Per Wikipedia, Monuriki has a length of 0.71 mile and a width of 660 yards. The island is mountainous, reaching a maximum height of 195 yards in the south-east.  The land area is approximately 100 acres surrounded on all sides, 360°, by coral reef. The terrain includes volcanic rocks, lagoons, palm trees, a pine forest, and several small white sand beaches.  Yes, fun exploring, especially with a family member connect to its history and background.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 47,449 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

After lunch, we had time to explore this amazing island.  Taking us around was a grandson of the current owner of the property.  Family property is very important to those in Fiji and his grandmother has turned down many big offers from developers to buy this island.  These visuals hopefully prove the beauty on this island, its beaches, etc.  The fourth picture shows the view from this location over to a nearby island:

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Below is a picture posted earlier of the stones used, as happened in the Cast Away film, to spell out "HELP ME".   Remember that part of the film?   Fun site!!  Second is some of the colorful coral that had washed up on the beach at Monuriki Island.:

 

 

Here was the final view from our boat as we departed Monuriki Island and headed to our third stop for more snorkelling, swimming with the small striped fish, etc., during our adventuresome day.:

 

During the hour-long return to port, there was time to chat with others in our group.  Here is my wife talking with a lady from nearby Pickerington in Central Ohio.  She was wearing an Ohio State University hat!!  Small world to cross paths with people from home on this cruise and tour.  Lovely sunny day to explore??:

[delee78]

7 hours ago, Fletcher said:

The best thing here would be to stay on Tahiti and not risk a trip to Moorea unless it was one offered by the ship.  It seems to be an ever-changing, fluid situation.  I happen to like Tahiti a lot.  It gets a bad press mainly from people who have only seen the awful IC resort for one night.  Papeete itself has lots of French cafes, a lively waterfront, a fine cathedral and a grande marche stuffed with Polynesian crafts, local fish as well as food from Paris.  At night there are the food trucks for authentic food at a sensible price.

 

Definitely want to make it clear that I am one of the people that Fletcher mentioned!  I only had an overnight stay at the IC the night before my flight. 

 

There are probably quite a few other folks who have made this decision in the past and could provide insight to you. 

 

Hoopster - Are you back online yet? 

[Silver Spectre]

Hi Terry, we are on the Silversea Whisper WC coming into Papeete this afternoon and staying for a possible changeover tomorrow. We have been routed here instead of our visit to Fakarava to be checked and cleared by the French Polynesia government. Will post again later to let you know what happens.

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Silver Spectre said:

Hi Terry, we are on the Silversea Whisper WC coming into Papeete this afternoon and staying for a possible changeover tomorrow. We have been routed here instead of our visit to Fakarava to be checked and cleared by the French Polynesia government. Will post again later to let you know what happens.

 

Appreciate these above comments and follow-up as to how the Silversea Whisper will be doing today at Papeete.  Yes, keep us posted!!  Love to learn more from your experience today.  Nice, added info from delee78.  Still working on our choice as to Moorea vs. Papeete for tomorrow, Sunday, March 1.  Hard choices?  Part of the challenge is as to how long it takes for the ship to get its final clearance to depart the ship and catch the ferry to Moorea.

 

Below are some visuals from today's big BRUNCH in the Grand Dining Room.  This is helping us to survive our fourth straight sea-day.  Getting ready for a face-to-face health "inspection" by the French Polynesia officials now on our ship.  Good luck??!!  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 47,120 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

It's Brunch Day in the Grand Dining Room.  As the visuals below show, it's an amazing "spread" of food and treats.  Look good?:

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At the right is the Executive Chef for the Regatta, plus to the left is the Food and Beverage Manager.  Very, very happy with the food quality and selection for this sailing.  The Executive Chef is from Italy.  The F&B Manager is from Hungary, but lives now in Romania.:

 

Yes, they had desserts at this Brunch!!   Just a small sampling below.:

 

[Silver Spectre]

Hi Terry,

 

Whatever your plans for tomorrow are carry a very large umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs and has been this way since yesterday evening. Forecast for today, Sunday and Monday is RAIN.

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Silver Spectre said:

Hi Terry,  Whatever your plans for tomorrow are carry a very large umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs and has been this way since yesterday evening. Forecast for today, Sunday and Monday is RAIN.

 

Appreciate this update from Papeete, but wish it was better news.  Sunny and beautiful??!!  How was getting off of the ship there?  On time and smooth?  Or delayed/slow??  Inquiring minds want to know!!  

 

Below are some visuals from the evening a couple of nights ago on the Regatta to reassure that we are being feed and entertained.  We are now half-way through our fourth sea-day in a row.  Surviving?  Yes, but looking forward to exploring French Polynesia for the next four days.  Hopefully the rain passes!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 34,859 views.

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From the four singers in the Regatta Production Company, here are some visual samples from their program two nights ago focused on Broadway hits.  In the first picture, they used green lighting to focus on her as she was doing one of the top tunes from the Tony Award-winning Wicked musical.:

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From the Grand Dining Room two nights ago, here was my main entree of scallops.  Next were a couple different dessert options.  We are not going hungry or starving!!:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below from AccuWeather are a couple of visuals to summarize that they are predicting things to be improving for tomorrow and later in the week for the general areas we are heading for on Monday through Thursday.  We will hope for the best!!??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

For “Copenhagen: Love, Pix's, etc.”, with many visuals, news clips, tips and ideas for this Denmark capital, check:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2356372

 

For Papeete/Tahiti below are the projections from AccuWeather.  Second is from their current radar for this wider region.  YES, it is a big, BIG storm passing through this area.  Hopefully, the bad stuff is heading east away from where will be visiting.:

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[Silver Spectre]

Hi Terry,

 

We docked at about 1:30 and starting at 2:30 there is a face to face for departing guests. No information so far about being allowed off, but the weather is still awful.

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Silver Spectre said:

Hi Terry,   We docked at about 1:30 and starting at 2:30 there is a face to face for departing guests. No information so far about being allowed off, but the weather is still awful.

 

Appreciate, Silver Spectre, this updating.  Today, on the ship, we had our "face-to-face" with French Polynesia police who had boarded our ship in Suva, Fiji.  Hopefully this will "check that box" for being prompt and efficient when we arrive tomorrow morning in Papeete.  Keep us posted as you battle the rain and the other challenges in Papette.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 30,308 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

Just to verify that all is not "perfect" on the Regatta, below are a couple of "items of evidence" as to one aspect that does not make me totally happy.  It's how they will at times load up the 5th floor central lobby/atrium area with shop sales merchandise.  Too much from my viewpoint!!.  Selling in the two shops is one thing.  Not sure that they really need to have the Current daily publication as full of ads for "stuff" and to fill up the walking areas with too much of these items. Just a personal opinion!:

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Edited March 1, 2020 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

For our two ship speakers during this cruise, here is some added background for both.  Each added significantly to our trip and gaining knowledge, having fun, etc.  

 

Hannah Calich, from Australia, has a field of study in marine biology and oceanography.  Part of her education and research has been at the University of Miami and with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.  She is now completing her Ph.D. at the University of Western Australia, including research related to sharks, etc.  

 

Dr. Kenneth Beattie, from Winnipeg, is a well-known Western Canadian horticulturist and has been a corporate, green industry, educational and lifestyles consultant.  Plus, he has had work as a television program host.  His travels include from the Amazon rainforest to the deserts of North Africa.  He has been a speaker since early 2014 with Oceania Cruises, including exploring on their ships for South America, Alaska, Africa and Southeast Asia.
 

Both very smart and savvy!!  Both loved receiving questions, chatting at times beyond just doing their presentation.  Excellent choices!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Hannah Calich, the shark expert from Australia, but originally from Canada and with studies in the USA.  One of her points is that the movie "JAWS" was fiction and that most sharks do not seek out to attack humans.  Can explain more reasons why if needed.:

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Dr. Ken Beattie added so much for understand these various ports and the historic/cultural background for these areas of the South Pacific.  He successfully used many video clips from his earlier TV programs to add interest to his lectures.:

Edited March 1, 2020 by TLCOhio

[Silver Spectre]

Once the departing guests had been checked over the ship was given clearance at about 3pm. No one else had a face to face.

 

Some brave souls got very wet this afternoon but most of us have stayed in the dry!

[TLCOhio]

Just now, Silver Spectre said:

Once the departing guests had been checked over the ship was given clearance at about 3pm. No one else had a face to face.  Some brave souls got very wet this afternoon but most of us have stayed in the dry!

 

Appreciate these added updates from Papeete.  Hopefully, we can come in from the west and bring nicer weather for Tahiti.  We can wish and hope!!  It is getting "rockier" in the waters where we are sailing now.  But, in re-checking with AccuWeather's radar, things are nasty now, but moving to the east.  

 

From the 4 pm Afternoon Tea on the Regatta, I have some visuals samples below.  Being the fourth sea-day with options limited outside due to the rain and winds, this activity was very, very busy today.  Packed, in fact!!  The evening dance/music show has been scrubbed for tonight due to the rough sailing conditions. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 29,767 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Below are some "low-calorie" samples for today's Afternoon Te on the Regatta.  Look good and interesting?  Second are the strings group playing classical music numbers.  Notice how the re-done Horizons has been opened up in the middle with better views out to the sea, etc.  Other pictures below reflect the helpful, friendly and professional staff on this ship, plus one close-up of some of the sweet "goodies".:

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Here are Paula and Peter from the UK enjoying their tea and other items.: