Happy Chinese New Year…..the year of the rabbit we understand. Normally this day would have been a formal evening in the dining room, but not anymore. A few years ago, these types of events were moved to the Lido, which was decorated for occasions like today's holiday. All of the specialty foods are serviced there now, buffet style. It used to be fun seeing the Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling in the main dining rooms, as well as the waiters dressed for the event. Sadly, a thing of the past.
Anyhow, our port of call was Moorea, a tropical island with some coral beaches, vertical peaks, and very lush landscapes. The Zuiderdam floated over to this island at 4:30am from the harbor of Papeete. Only one of us was awake, the other definitely…not. While on the way towards the sister island, Captain Friso came on the outside speakers around 5am to announce that all of Moorea's peaks were visible….something seldom seen. Not sure how many folks were up then, but at least one of us heard him.
Arriving to Opunohu Bay, the Captain brought the ship straight in and dropped anchor before 7am. The forecast was mostly cloudy and chance of showers. On the way there, a sudden bolt of lightning came from an isolated cloud followed by loud thunder. That was the one and only time that occurred.
We were in no rush to go ashore, so we went to breakfast as we always do. The service has continued to be over-the-top, since there were only about 10 of us dining in there. The assorted berries appeared again, and the new fresh squeezed orange juice was the best. Still enjoying the one cup of hot cappuccino.
Watching the tendering process from the promenade deck, we noticed the ship was being turned to find that "sweet spot" for the smoothest transfer of guests. Once again, there were many helping hands assisting everyone on and off of the small boats. The crew members are the best. We left the ship at 10am, taking note that two platforms were being utilized. This is much more efficient than on the Amsterdam, which had only one platform in use. One nice thing is that the boats were not being loaded to the gills before we left. So much better with Covid still lurking among the population. (Another one of our friends has been infected.)
A quick ride brought us to the dock where Moorean dancers greeted us as we entered the protected area of the souvenir tables. Many treasures can be found there from the famous pearls to the artistic seashell jewelry. No need for one of us to drool over the black pearls, because we purchased an elegant strand on the last cruise. We headed straight to the elderly lady we always go to. She immediately remembered us, and pointed to my earrings, a creation she sold us in November. Naturally, we easily found another set to add to the collection, making her smile.
We decided to take our usual walk, even though there would not be the reward of dining in the hotel that had closed last year. Running into friends Howard and Gyl made the day for the four of us. They are walkers like us, and we seem to cross paths in every single port. Now it has become like a tradition. Taking our time, we enjoyed the fact that today was not as hot as yesterday, and for sure, we were going to get rain. Once we got to the Intercontinental Hotel driveway, now blocked, it began to drizzle. Within seconds the drizzle became a downpour, but lasting only 15 minutes or so. Not a problem since we did remember to bring umbrellas. In fact, we did see room stewards bringing the large orange umbrellas to the guest's rooms upon requesting them.
On the same property as the now closed hotel is the Dolphin Encounter, which is still in operation. A visit there is by appointment only. Since we were sitting outside the gate, a guard came and asked if we had reservations. No, we were just waiting out the storm. His English was limited, but he did suggest we try the restaurant across the road for lunch. It was called the Holy Steak House, which we assumed it was opened for dinner only. It was a short walk up a steep road, so we decided to check it out. And guess what? It was indeed opened for lunch. Hurray!
Seated over-looking the lagoon and reef, we ordered two Hinano draft beers – ice cold – and a cheeseburger and fries to share. Dessert was a large slice of a brownie with nuts and a side of vanilla ice cream. Like good children, we cleaned the plate. The nice part was the fact there were only a handful of locals eating here, and for most passengers on the ship, this might be a bit too far to walk. But there is the pearl shop next door, and there was a free shuttle ride there. Best not to announce that fact, because the next time we come here, we may not have a place to sit. And yes, that has happened elsewhere.
On the way back, we did have a few more raindrops fall, but it never developed into a shower. It had in fact cooled the air off nicely. There was no wait for the tender ride to the ship, and we got back before 3pm. Greg and Heo were on the same ride back, having done a fun tour on a snorkel boat, which they booked independently on shore.
The remainder of the afternoon, we worked on reports and photos. Sail away arrived by 5pm, but the skies had opened up and the Seaview pool party was moved elsewhere. While the Captain was inching out of the bay, he blew the horn a total of 14 times. Why…we do not know unless there was a boat in the way. We cannot stop on a dime, so we assume if there was a boat, it moved quickly out of our way.
Since there was the Chinese New Year event in the Lido, the dining room was not crowded at 7:30pm. Better for us. We ordered one swordfish plate, and one spaghetti puttenese with slices of juicy chicken on the side. Both were good. Dessert was cake with rocky road ice cream and a fruit plate. We're going to sleep good tonight for sure.
Tomorrow we will be docking in Uturoa Raiatea, which is not a usual stop for a Grand Voyage. Most of our tablemates do not recall ever being there. Hope the rain stays away, since we will spend two days there.
Bill & Mary Ann
