The final chapter

Day 67 - 25 August (continued)
Well the last of the Tenders were back and safely stowed without incident and we weighed anchor  (it was very heavy) and slowly turned around in the bay and headed out to sea through the coral reef into the setting sun just on 6.00.  Although it was probably officially twilight by he time we were out to sea, it was magnificently calm and peaceful.  We sat on our balcony with lights off and admired the stars as we motored away from our last landfall before Auckland.  It was remarkably warm and probably the nicest evening we've had on this cruise.

Day 68 - 26 August
Unfortunately the idyllic conditions did not continue and into the evening the sea became quite unsettled,  particularly with a fair swell accompanied by a strong southerly which was blowing against our side of the ship.  A lot of movement during the night but it did not trouble us, as one thing we do particularly well is sleep.

This weather continued throughout the day as we ploughed along at just over 20 knots.  We were able to complete our deck walk, but it was a bit hairy when we reached the confined area around the bow as the wind was compressed in that area however the run down the port side was a breeze - literally!   Otherwise it would be fair to say that it was a normal sea day.

Day 69 - 27 August
Beautiful day with the sea calmed to a very gentle swell.  The sun is shining and the morning is made even more pleasant by the extra hour we got back last night.  The downside is that *they* have decided to have a brunch this morning 10.00 to 1.30.  All very well, but unless we go up to the HZ, we have to starve for an extra couple of hours.  Fortunately I am carrying plenty of reserve supplies!   So we had our morning coffee as usual and waited until 11.00 before going down for brunch.  It was very good, but nothing at all like the grand affairs we've experienced on other ships. 

One thing that I haven't commented on over the last couple of weeks is the complete lack of both sea and bird life and also no other ships of any sorts apart from when we have been in port.  It just reinforces how big the Pacific is and how small and insignificant we are.  How those inhabitants and explorers found their way around is nothing short of incredible.

Haha, yes it had to happen - our last formal night tonight.  Once again it was disappointing to see the dining room only half full as many elected to go elsewhere - even those that did attend did not necessarily adhere to the published dress standards.  This whole exercise just reinforces the impression that cruising, particularly in this area is being "dumbed down"

Day 70 - 28 August
Today was cancelled through lack of interest (& the International Date Line).
Day 70 - 29 August
At last we are back (or forward) to New Zealand day & time, with our last hour given back over night.  Looked good at 6.00, when we woke, but a few bumps and an odd shower soon developed.  Today is Bev's birthday, so we had a champagne breakfast in the MDR.  Another great way to start the day.

Pleased to say that the weather improved over the day,  but still quite windy answer a medium swell is running - not overly big, but hitting the ship side on.  Still speeding along at 17 odd knots.  Vivian has been playing in a 2 day bridge competition in teams of 4.  Long and the short is that her team won.  The funny thing is that teams were selected by the Director, with 2 experienced (Vivian & Danny) and 2 newbies - well this couple were on their first Cruise from San Francisco & only started to learn bridge on board!  Back to the Wheelhouse for more celebrations. 

At dinner, Margit had decided to celebrate her birthday a bit early, so we had more cake and "Happy Birthday" sung.  As it had been a big day one way or another we retired straight after dinner.

Day 71 -30 August
Well, the swell etc. certainly developed overnight, with most people being woken at some stage or another as we bumped and shuddered through the early hours.  Not a problem to us, but certainly holding onto handrails.  As with yesterday, a bit overcast and windy, but still not cold,  so keeping to the shorts.  We have noted that the ship has had to slow down a bit due to the conditions but hopefully we have enough leeway to get us home on time.

A sad day as this is our last sea day and while Vivian went to bridge in the morning,  I managed to at least squeeze all my stuff into the suitcase.  The job was completed on Vivian's later this afternoon,  following the final ukulele concert & pop choir, oh and also the final visit to the Wheelhouse, for the drawing of the lucky tickets - but was not to be.

Before dinner we had a Captain's farewell party for those of us leaving tomorrow.  Enjoyable, but - not as grand as last year on the Sea Princess.  This one was in the Vista, with its usual shortcomings.  Neither the Captain nor his Officers were overly welcoming or engaging in conversation.  However, once to our final dinner, which was ... dinner, nothing special. Said our farewells to Victoria & Dianne,  who have served us well over the whole 71 days (less 1 day when we were in Vancouver.   The final activity was the Crew Concert, which was good, but not as good as we've seen on previous cruises - a lack of participation by the Cruise Director's staff, but that has been pretty evident all cruise, C D Mark is all about Mark.

Day 72 - 31 August
Absolutely beautiful day as we come into Auckland.  For a change we came through off the top of Coromandel and could see Port Jackson, which brings back great memories from our camping days.  We don't actually arrive until 10.00, but with usual efficiency,  we have to vacate our cabin by 9.00 and as there is no designated departure lounge,  we are here in
the International Cafe with our bags, saying fond farewells to all our new & old friends. 

We will be disembarking at 11.30 and this is the final entry.  Hope that you have enjoyed the journey with us.