We actually ate lunch in the Horizon Court Buffet before we finally walked off the ship, simply to get some exercise. We wandered along the Auckland waterfront toward Princes Wharf (the Ruby Princess was docked at Queens Wharf) and the Maritime Museum, and checked out the many stores and restaurants. This area is the equivalent of Circular Quay in Sydney; there is a large ferry terminal located between the two cruise ship piers. The area is really torn up right now; it is being renovated and light rail is being installed along the waterfront, so it’s not quite as walker-friendly as it will eventually be.
We had considered going to Waiheke Island, about a 40-minute ferry ride away but just weren’t up for it today. Waiheke Island is home to several hiking trails and wineries, and there is a Hop On Hop Off bus right at the ferry terminal there. We hope to have a chance to do that yet this season.
Auckland waterfront between Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf
Auckland ferry harbor, like Circular Quay in Sydney
We returned to the ship by 3:30pm; we really didn’t want to have to race through showers for a second night in a row. It was nice to have some time to spend in the Elite Lounge in Skywalkers and still get to dinner on time. Too often on port days we’re rushing to go from one thing to another in the evenings. Those many sea days on the transpacific cruise are a very distant memory right now.
We especially wanted to be done with dinner early enough to get good seats for tonight’s Princess Theater performance by Scot Robin, a Buddy Holly tribute act. The whole ship was excited about this one, and we knew the Princess Theater would be packed. It was a great show, a very commanding performance, just one hit song after another. The funniest part was listening to Scot (as Buddy) talking in a Lubbock, Texas twang underscored by an Aussie accent. Harious.
And that was as exciting as our day was. We continue to feel better but are still not totally recovered. I am taking ten mini-naps a day. Every time I sit or lie down, I fall asleep in seconds. But the cabin is finally quiet at night, and no longer feels like an infirmary. We are not alone in this on the ship. The few times we’ve ridden shuttle buses in the ports have been real eye-openers. Make the sunny day a rainy night, the bus a train car or 19th century British jail, cue the violins of emotional resonance and you’d have a perfect scene in any war or refugee movie, or the jail scenes in Downton Abbey. No conversations, just quiet, punctuated by frequent deep, productive coughs and sneezes. We sound like the walking wounded.
Day 10 dinner menu, page 1
Day 10 dinner menu, page 2
Day 10 dessert menu, page 3
Southeast Asia curried noodles
I could taste it! It was good.
Auckland Port Guide, page 1
Auckland Port Guide, page 2
Auckland Port Guide, page 3
Auckland Port Guide, page 4
Day 10 Princess Patter, page 1
Day 10 Princess Patter, page 2
Day 10 Princess Patter, page 3
Day 10 Princess Patter, page 4
