Over the next 7 days lots happened. 
The first was a little sad. We were due to visit Bay of Islands, New Zealand. We were told we wouldn’t be able to do this due to safety issues with the tenders that were going to be used. We had a tour booked and should have been sea kayaking, visiting caves along the way. Safety first though, so no complaints.

We enjoyed fine dining in different ways but each and every one was so special. 
There was a black tie night where people definitely dress to impress and it’s so nice to see people making the effort. If it’s not your thing you are able to wear casual clothes and eat in the Belvedere Buffet Restaurant.

We had dinner in the speciality restaurant, The Ocean Grill. This was a special Valentines dinner and we shared a table with new friends Eddie & Chris and had a wonderful experience. The food and the service was amazing.

Another visit to the Ocean Grill and this time it was to a Murder Mystery event.
Murder by Design is a long running Murder Mystery Company. A high quality performance by a group of actors where the murders are happening as you are eating. At the end we had to not just say who was the murderer but tell the whole story. Andy and I actually won! 

The entertainment was great too. 
We had The Headliners Theatre Company performing their stage show, Killer Queen. It celebrates the hits of the super group and all the classics are remembered. The theatre was buzzing.
Then a comedian John Evans, delivering clean humour with a gift of outstanding timing. (Actually Andy said he was good but I just don’t get comedians!)

A Vocal Instrumental Group – Highly Strung Rock Orchestra. This is one family with one show to remember! Mum, Dad and 2 daughters all with great musical ability. A guitar/orchestral line-up plus vocals. They performed hits from the 60’s through to now.
They gave us a memory to keep forever. They were saying anyone in the audience could learn to play the violin in minutes. Suddenly there’s Andy up on stage. Amazing entertainment and he didn’t do too bad at all.

Next stop was Tauranga, New Zealand. Captain James Cook aptly named The Bay of Plenty in 1769. 
The ship docked quite close to the foot of Mount Maunganui which rises 761 feet above the bay. This is where we headed for and immediately felt this place was special. Through the town and on to the beach. Everywhere was beautiful.
Hiking to Mauao’s Summit is said to be one of the most iconic walks in New Zealand. We decided to go to the summit and although it was steep at times the views at the top were amazing. Once back down to the beach we headed back to the main shopping street to browse through the shops.
A visit to the Irish Bar in town for a lovely ice cold beer before returning to the ship was a must.

A valentines visit to Auckland was next on the list.
We decided to use the Hop on Hop off Auckland Explorer Bus for the day. These buses get everywhere and great to take in the surroundings. The traffic was heavy and the bus could only creep along. We got off the bus at the Auckland War Memorial Museum as it was now known there had been a major motor accident and the roads were at a standstill.

We were meeting a friend of ours we had met at Kandersteg International Scout Centre in the summer. 
Robin was on his bike so was able to come to the museum and we had a lovely chat over drinks and cookies. It’s good to see these kids we meet in Switzerland, back in their own country, living their lives after leaving the bubble. By the time we had reminisced the traffic was moving again. We said our goodbyes and we were on our way.

Back on the ship in the Palladium Theatre there was a Māori Cultural Group, Kaihaka Kapa Haka. They performed Māori storytelling, action songs, graceful poi dances, powerful haka and customary games. This brought the essence of Māori to life.

It was then time to sail on to Sydney. Three days at sea to enjoy ship life and then it will be time to sail into Sydney Harbour….. How exciting is that?

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

Take care, Carol & Andy.