Today was one of rest and some relaxation. The ports of French Polynesia are coming up, one after the other, so we need to build up energy to enjoy it all.
Despite the fact that today was a Sunday, there was no brunch in the dining room. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to how things are done here. Not that it matters much to us, as you will always find us in the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast on sea and port days. Always a pleasure.
The weather was rather pleasant with temps in the mid-70's and a lower-than-expected humidity of 69%. The winds were picking up a bit at 16.5 mph and the skies were mostly overcast early on. Later in the afternoon, we did get some sun on the veranda. As usual, we kept busy with photos from yesterday, research for the report, and extra reading time. The brochure and map we picked up yesterday was most useful in learning all about Rarotonga.
At noontime, the Captain came on with his update. We have traveled 120 nautical miles from the Cook Islands and have a distance of 267 nautical miles to go to Bora Bora tomorrow with a speed of 15 knots. He will pick up the pilot at 6:30am and perhaps the customs folks from French Polynesia. We will all have to be cleared before we are allowed to tender to the first stop here in Bora Bora. Once cleared, the tendering will begin. The Captain predicted more sun and less clouds with 20 knot winds. Temps in the low 80's are expected.
Since we have the time, it is never too soon to post some shore excursions. One tour we have done repeatedly has to be the Bora Bora Island Discovery, a ride in Le Truck for 3 ½ hours and $70. The glass bottom boat adventure is 1 ½ hours for $70 as well. A shark and ray encounter with coral gardens is 3 hours for $150, while a deluxe lagoon cruise is 2 hours for $150. A motu islet lagoon cruise is 3 hours with a lunch is $160. A 4x4 drive around the island is 3 ½ hours for $180 and catamaran lagoon cruise with a beach BBQ is 5 hours and $300. A Bora Bora sunset dream cruise with a cocktail is 1 ½ hours for $150. Finally is a jet ski tour for 2 ½ hours for $570. We have done most all of these tours except for the jet skis. A word of warning: be sure you know what type of lagoon boat you will be entering. Some are better than others in regard to getting in and out of the water. Trust us a swinging chain ladder hanging over the boat's edge is not going to work well especially for the ladies. And considering you may be swimming with black tip reef sharks and lemon sharks way under your dangling feet, you might want to access the boat a bit quicker than you think.
Today's line-up was the usual suspects with activities that included a final port talk about Nuku Hiva. Steve Gray did a lecture on the South Pacific in cinema and pop culture, and Isabelle Groc spoke all about marine mammals and sea turtles in this part of the world. Sure wish they could televise these talks for our room TV's, but copyright laws prevent it we guess.
Lunch for us was two sandwiches custom-made in the Lido. The bread was close to stale but it was all they had. Many folks like these rolls panini-style, so the toasting hides the staleness. The sandwich guru who usually makes these sandwiches always saved a couple of rolls for us, but it has been weeks since we have been there. He did the best he could with lots of mayo and mustard.
There was a nice sunset which we watched from our veranda.
We took in a movie before dinner while completing photos. Then it was off to a "dressy" dinner in the dining room where they served filet mignon and a broiled lobster tail. We began with two different appetizers, and different salads. I love the balsamic dressing but always seem to lose a drop or two on the white tablecloth. Our waiters are kind enough not to notice it. We both had the surf and turf, although one of us skipped the surf part. The steak was fine and not too large. Desserts were one fried caramel banana with ice cream and one hot fudge sundae minus the marshmallow, which I got for an added treat. The dining room had the most customers we have seen recently and that is due to the special gala menu we suppose, and the fact that most of these guests like to dress up a little more.
The entertainer was a repeat performance of singer Clarissa Spata with a night at the theater. Back by popular demand, however, she is the only act onboard at the moment. There was a movie, Wicked, the musical shown in the Wajang at 8:30pm as well. The Ocean Bar and Mix Bar seemed to be full of guests also making good use of their Have-It-All drink packages. Their days are numbered now…..
Looking forward to one of the world's prettiest islands…..Bora Bora.
Bill & Mary Ann
