25th January

A dull and dreary Sunday, low clouds and constant rain; one doesn’t associate such weather with French Polynesia, unfortunately though the prognosis is that it’s here to stay for a few days..  Even Bora Bora would appear to be much the same.  Oh well, we win some and lose some……….

The other cruise ships have departed and now we have a view of Papeete itself.

The other cruise ships have departed and now we have a view of Papeete itself.

Looking west

Looking west

A wet morning; the pier and passenger walkway

A wet morning; the pier and passenger walkway

We managed to take a wander ashore in the evening.  We had a lovely meal in a local hotel’s restaurant and very nice it  was too.  One seldom has the opportunity to relax for a while, my position is a 24/7 responsibility, however Gerd looked after her and today, by way of recompense, he’s going diving for a couple of hours.

Dennis, Chief Electrician, Karen, moi, Irvana, Grace

Dennis, Chief Electrician, Karen, moi, Irvana, Grace

I mentioned yesterday about our approach to the port and, knowing by now that some of you enjoy the ‘technical’ aspect of our voyage, I downloaded 2 screen shots of the maneuver. 

The track from the north-west, towards the 'gap' in the reef and then the magenta 'own ship' track around the container berth, followed by a 'pirouette' before backing in.

The track from the north-west, towards the ‘gap’ in the reef and then the magenta ‘own ship’ track around the container berth, followed by a ‘pirouette’ before backing in.

A magnified section of the turn and backing alongside

A magnified section of the turn and backing alongside

We leave here at 5 p.m. (we are 2 hours behind the west coast; 5 from the east; 10 from U.K. and 11 from Holland).  Having taken fresh stores; ‘visited the fuel station’, (500 metric tons of Heavy Fuel oil, or approximately 140,000 gallons) 😉 we have a 150-mile voyage towards Bora Bora, an island surrounded by a reef and certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I post one of my ‘library’ photos as, (as much as I hope I’m mistaken), the sun might not be shining tomorrow.

_MG_0766

‘Stilt’ hotel rooms

 

Vaitape

Vaitape

 

4 thoughts on “25th January”

  1. We were on The Grand Asia Pacific Cruise last fall and loved every minute. Your blog brings us along on the world cruise that we so wish we were really onboard. Thank you.

  2. Watching us squeeze in thru that narrow cut and with that surf on the reef, I felt like the ship was “surfing” the waves on the way in! At least it wasn’t as much on the way out.

    Linda, cabin 6147…reading your blog downstairs in the library. Glad to be sailing with you and your lovely wife again!

  3. What a post! Make sure you tell the Mob what good sports they all are. Thanks to all — much appreciated!

    Patricia

  4. Hi Johnny
    As ever very interesting. The present oil price must be saving your company a fortune looking at your oil intake! The passengers will be asking for a refund!
    Not much news here, a bit chilly but ok. Meeting David Aston in a couple of weeks. Sounds to have prostate issues. He ask after you.
    Love to Karen
    Cheers Chris

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