After a quick breakfast in the Horizon Court Buffet (apple wedges with peanut butter and pumpkin seeds again for me), we went to the Bernini Dining Room to get numbers apportioning us off for a shuttle ride out of the port. Like all of these ports so far in New Zealand, the Golden Princess docked at a working freight port, and, just like in the other ports, there were hundreds of piles of logs, with trucks bringing more in all day.
We were dropped at the tourist information center on the waterfront. The water color was the same amazing opaque blue-green color we had seen in Akaroa, and there we were told it was caused by glacial silt. Along with the black volcanic sand beach, it made for stunning views.
Akaroa has just over 50000 residents, and is known for the extensive use of Art Deco styling in its buildings. The reason for this is simple: the town was basically wiped out by an earthquake in 1931, but the residents valiantly rebuilt in the style of the day, which was Art Deco. There were several cars from the 1930s being used for city tours, and local volunteers were dressed in period clothing.
The surrounding region features many vineyards, and, in a previous life, we would have enjoyed taking a wine tour, but today we simply spent a couple of hours walking around the town (I was most impressed by the city square carillon, which played every 30 minutes). There were a lot of shops and restaurants, and a small aquarium and not a lot else. Most ship excursions offered city tours or winery tours or adventure tours in the surrounding area, such as Class 2 river rafting (not too adventurous).
It’s kind of kitschy, but they take it seriously...
The waterfront was so beautiful that, when it came time to return to the ship, we opted to skip the shuttle and walk back on the adjacent boardwalk, which is part of the extensive multi-use Hawke’s Bay trail system. No need to go to the fitness center to get the daily steps in! We had no trouble at all until we reached the port security gate, and then we were asked to board a returning shuttle for the last 150 yards or so. We were back on the ship for lunch, and, because today was a short day (on board time was 2:30pm for a 3pm departure), lunch was being served in the Donatello Dining Room, so we dined there (salmon on salad with green beans and new potatoes).
That’s a truly black sand beach!
View from the Terrace Deck
The day had turned really nice by then, so I sat in the shade on the Terrace Deck and phoned Mom and used cellular internet while G held down a hot tub up above on Deck 16. Sail away was beautiful; Captain D remarked again today about the stellar weather we’ve enjoyed this cruise in New Zealand. Some clouds, sure, but no heavy rain and no wind. We’ve been very fortunate.
I had missed the fact the today was a formal night, but G spotted it in the Patter, so we had another major clean up for a formal photo and went to dinner in the Bernini Dining Room with a beautiful view of the eastern New Zealand coast right outside our window. We love the late sunsets we’ve been enjoying on this cruise! Headwaiter Dian told me my entree choice tonight couldn’t be made vegan so he brought me a large plate of roasted vegetables. I’ve only had that issue once before, on our first cruise, and I suspect it was with the same entree item. I’m glad that they are taking my dietary needs so seriously.
Smoked salmon rosette
New Zealand vocalist Chris Powley was back tonight in the Princess Theater. We had seen him perform on our first cruise, and were blown away by his talent. He received another standing O tonight, and will be doing a different show again later in the cruise. G is out watching Irish comedian George Casey’s show in the Vista Lounge, but we had seen him perform last year on the Pacific Princess and I opted to skip it (‘nuff said). Instead I am tucked into bed to recharge for three more ports this cruise. Fortunately, we have already visited two of them in the past, and won’t feel like we’ll need to have long days of sightseeing.
Princess Festivals of the WorldMaori Matatiki festival in the Piazza
Tomorrow, November 23, is American Thanksgiving Day, and this is the first time we’ve celebrated it on a ship where Americans make up a small minority of the passengers (150 out of 2600). I don’t expect that we’ll see any celebration of the holiday on board, and that’s fine with us. We don’t need public acknowledgement of the day to know that we have a lot to be thankful for this year. But I wish all of you who celebrate the holiday a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!