Dawn princess August 2010

Thought I had better finish this blog properly......After spending our last night on the Dawn we woke to see we were already in the Harbour in Auckland. The day looked grim. It was good to see land and 'home' after 19 nights but we still were not ready to leave our floating home. We easily could do a longer cruise....one day.!! As it is each cruise we do is longer than the previous. But we have work to consider and 3-4 weeks is as long as we can leave the business at this stage. We ventured down to the Florentine restaurant for formal breakfast....why had we not done this before??? Wonderful breaky and seated with strangers. A great way to meet more people. (Just realised why we hadnt done this before, breaky is on between 7-9 only, and we are late risers,!) Departure was quick and a little sad. Especially presenting my cruise card into the id machine for the last time. Even as we waited for Sue and Brian on the other side we saw people leaving that I had never seen on the entire cruise!!! Where were they hiding? Obviously not in the bars and pool areas that we frequented!! We hailed a taxi which took us directly to the airport and after a coffee we boarded our plane for Napier. Arriving in Napier we could see the flooding in the paddocks. Holy! It was lush and green and very wet. Bridie was there to meet us and whisked us on the road to Waipukurau, 50 mins away. We basically threw our bags in the door and headed into work. Mainly as it was the 31st of the month and there was heaps to do......Now 2 weeks after our cruise it feels like it was weeks ago. We have wonderful memories and have met some special people. We would never do a leg of a world cruise again...it felt like we were the intruders....the staff were very ho hum....entertainment was disappointing. We are going to Surfers paradise in 2 weeks and will catch up with June and Brian. They have already indicated that we should book another cruise! together!!! Yay! Cant wait!!!

Bloody Hell!!! The seas are rough!!

We are a rocking here in the South Pacific....5 m swells. Strong winds and a southerly. Can cope with the back and forth motion but when it coincides with a side to side it sucks1!! Actually we are finding it quite exciting . Slept through it last night and today we have been up as high as we can get and we still get wet by the sea spray!! The ship creaks and groans and walking on the ship is a real challenge. Capt Toddy reckons another couple of hours and we be through it! Poor Sue is suffering from seasickness but we are both fine. Well last night we had our last formal and it was nice to have all our dinner mates there for Vaughans birthday. We arrrived at the table to find a card and bottle of wine from June and Brian, thanx guys!!! There were at least 8 birthdays in the dining room last night but when it was Vaughans turn to be serenaded we were the loudest......his birthday cake and card from the Capt were very nice. After dinner we headed to the casino. There was a roulette competition, $10 to have a go qualify for the final. All the serious casino goers were there. They were even writing down the numbers thrown and were working out the odds etc. Vaughan gets on the table, never played before and he was top qualifier!!! So he had the first choice of where to sit for the final and what colour chips he wanted. Plus all finalists received a Players tshirt and cap. The final was tense and Pricey came out on top winning $250...Vaughan was 2nd!!! So it was a good night for the birthday boy. After a hot choc we came home (to our cabin) to find it decorated with balloons. The weather obviously churned up over night. Today was our horse race, we arrived at the theatre to find they had blocked off and area for us owners,jockeys and horse!! Champers and all! We had to line up with our decorated horse and tell the crowd all about our horses and jockeys heritage. 'Koz" didnt come first but we got a bag of goodies for the best dressed!! Great fun...then Bingo and no we didnt win the jackpot so have left money for June and Brian to play for us. Fingers crossed. Have just finished packing our bags as they have to be out the door tonight after dinner. All the kiwis departing tomorrow (over 300) were interviewed by customs yesterday so should be a quick exit tomorrow at 8.30. We have pre dinner drinks with our tablemates tonight in the Wheelhouse bar and then to dinner with June and Brian joining us at our table for our final Princess meal. As I have typed this the sea has calmed right down. One more sleep to go.......

Vaughans Birthday!!

Yesterday was anoither lazy day at sea, brekky, togs, pool, lunch,bingo...etc. After Bingo they were selling off the racehorses for the Auckland Cup tomorrow. Our syndicate brought a horse and were supplied with stuff to decorate it and everywhere we go we have to take the horse. So our number 6 horse is renamed 'Koz'. Because we are 4 kiwis and 2 aussies and just because!!! My NZ flag has come in handy and we get cheers from the NZers onboard and you can just imagine what happens when the Aussies see it!!! We took Koz to the party on top deck last night. The 'Beatles' boarded in Pago Pago. We camped out with the horse and got the best seats in the house. Not that we needed them cos we were up dancing, it was a excellent night but again was short and sweet!!! It was a wonderful night under the stars and full moon. They are performing in the theatre again tonight. Yesterday Brian heard the annoucement that we had a whale on the port side. The rotten bugger kept it to himself and told us all about it later......thanks Pricey!!! Next time let us know huh!! The next annoucement we did hear.....weather deteriorating when we get closer to NZ....5-6 m swells/waves. 14 degrees in Auckland. Oh well! Back to reality. But we have 2 more nights left and its formal night tonight. Guess Vaughan will have to shout the wine for our dinner group tonight......Just been to Bingo and June won 35 bucks....jackpot now stands at 1900. We have decided to leave some money for June and Brian so we will still have a chance at the jackpot after we have left the ship. The temps have dropped and was 23 today but the sea is like a lake...the calm before the storm!!!!! Well Happy Birthday Vaughan!!! Big 54....Heres to many more birthdays onboard a cruise ship.

White caps at sea!!

After my last blog entry we put our togs on and onto the Riviera Deck. This is the busiest deck with the largest pools. The weather is so warm that we are swimming alot more and the deep pool is the coolest. It is 7ft 7in deep. Each day we get either a NZ or Oz newspaper delivered to our cabins. It is always good to catch up on some news from home, even if is just to see how bloody cold it is there. But yesterday we were reading our paper and on the front page was an item on Waipukurau!!! Ok, who was the stupid woman who attacked the patrol car with a damn rolling pin???? We know she lives in Porangahau road and that according to Denis Tatere she was forced to be restrained. OMG! How embarrassing...here we are telling everyone we live in paradise and this is on the front page!! And that was just after another damn aussie walked past and asked us if all us kiwis cabins are on the B deck......the Baaaaaa Baaaaa deck.!!!! Yesterday we arrived into our last port Pago Pago, American Samoa. We were berthed at a pier which makes it so much easier to come and go from. We had a tour booked for the morning for 3 hours. 23 to a bus, wooden seats, no windows. A novel way to see the sights. Pretty poor living here but as we drove past all the fales we could see they had all the mod cons including the big 50cm LCD tvs! The island has a bad pollution problem and is still recovering from the tsunami. With debri and even boats still to be seen up on land. We were met off the boat by the wonderful islanders performing for us, and the port was full of their market stalls selling all sorts. After the tour we wandered into Fagatogo. Couldn t find a loo so saw the golden arches from afar and headed there, good old Mackas!! I had read through Cruise critic about a bar around the bays, so we grabbed a taxi and he took us to Tisas Bare foot Bar in Alega Bay. We walked through greenery and found this bar was paradise!!! about 20 people from our ship had already discovered it. It was like a huge tree hut above the beach looking down into the coral. Just like a huge fish tank. Surrounded by palms, very authentic. Tisa was there as was her NZ partner, both fully tattooed as is the tradition on Samoa. We enjoyed a lunch served on a banana leaf of grilled chicken, salad, banana fries and papaya. Served with local beer. It was certainly a good find and would recommend to anyone coming to Samoa. We had arranged for the taxi to come back after 2 hours to take us back to our ship. After purchasing water and browsing through the markets we boarded the Dawn for our last 3 days. We all changed into our togs and hit the Riviera deck for the sailaway party. Dinner last night was Italian, so loved all the pasta. After dinner we went to the Island party out on the open deck in all our island gear. Was good music.....but these events are poorly attended. It is always the same that go, but we still have a great time. Because most of the passengers are old they cant be bothered. Very different to other cruises we have done, but guess thats the downfall of joining a world cruise!!! The Capt told us when we left Samoa that the weather could get rough!! Great!! But we slept like babies and today have woken to blue skies an warm temps. They are saying the seas are moderate.....hmm more like lumpy to me. Every now and then the ship shudders and bangs, just another whale we have hit!!!!! But it is not too bad, makes interesting swimming as the pools became tidal!!! The boat is humming with the news that the Beatles boarded yesterday!!! They are playing on the top deck tonight. So we are grabbing our possie early and will have dinner there as well. Apparently they were on a earlier leg of this cruise and were very popular. Standing room only whenever they performed. Trust those oldies will come out of hibernation!!! So we have only 3 days left and are feeling quite sad about that. Tonight our clocks go back for the final time, 1 hour and also 1 whole day. So its Friday today and will be Sunday tomorrow, Vaughan birthday!!!!

Our days are numbered!!!

Another perfect day in the South Pacific...Have sighted the odd ship in the distance. Capt Todd said we are doing 21.2 knots and in water 4000 ft deep. The seas are calm and weather is in high 20s and very balmy but pleasant. Night before last we didnt make it to a show but instead the Priceys , us and June and Brian stayed up on the Riviera deck as they had a Pink Party on... we didnt have pink on but we were drinking pink stuff!!! Music was great and we shared the deck with even more people we had just met!! Yesterday we had a late breaky then went to a Cruise critic meeting.....was great listening to the other seasoned travellers and hearing their stories. Then Vaughan and I ventured up to our Sanctuary....just bliss!!! Think we both nodded off in the luxurious lounges. Had endless cold drinks and the odd misting from the staff. Every now and then we would just sit in the plunge pool to cool off. Had lunch delivered, yummy chicken caeser wraps, french fries and aoili!! Bingo was back on at 3.30 so dragged ourselves away to the Vista lounge. Vaughan bought a dobba for Brian and he was presented with it by the staff in charge. So every ganme they checked with Brian to see how his dobba was performing. Third game and Brian actually struck bingo, he was so excited as was the whole room. Today we have Bingo up on the top deck....jackpot stands at $1600!!! After bingo yesterday we stayed on and our Anzac team had a go at Trivia...we again didnt do very well but it was entertaining. We are in it for fun but the rest of the room is so serious...we caught one guy using his bloody laptop to google....what a dick!!! So we let him know that we had seen him!!! Had drinks on the main deck before dinner....firstly going up to the buffet and getting our nibbles of cheeses, salami, ham crackers and grapes. We had our third formal night last night so spruced ourselves up. There was a cocktail party on again and the longest cruiser on the ship was presented with champers, 835 days she has done!!! Dinner was awesome and we again enjoyed the company of our dinner companions. After dinner we went to comedian show. We had actually seen this guy on our very first cruise on the Pacific Star. He was very funny. Then it was hot choc and bed. We are now sleeping with the door closed as its warmer outside. So are using the air conditioning. Our cabins are very comfortable and we are sleeping well. Our cabin is on the 9th floor which is quite central to the rest of the ship. This ship has 15 floors, well actually 14 cos there isnt a 13th floor!!! Vaughan has gone to listen to a lecture this morning and I am sitting on our balcony. We are continually meeting new people and have now worked out there are two types of cruisers...those that cruise and love to cruise and those that cruise and love to whinge!!! So we distance ourselves from the negative ones!!! We have purchased a future cruise deposit which entitles us to free onboard credit when we do decide what our next cruise will be.....we arrived home last night to find amongst the chocolates they leave on our beds was a list of all the upcoming cruises!!! Hmmmm!!! Which one will we do next????

Tahiti.......

After 5 days at sea it was exciting to see land and thought for sure we would have sea legs but no we were as steady as on land. After an early breaky, we were summons into our groups for the tours. Ours was one of the first off the ship and into the back of our 4wd vehicle. Bench seats seating 6. As we walked down the pier we looked up and waved to Sue and Brian who were on their balcony. The tour took us to one end of the Island and through a valley of potholes, hills, greenery and hydro stations. They think their waterfalls are wonderful but they havent seen Ours in NZ. Honestly.....we have better ones just in the Manawatu Gorge. But we had a wonderful guide, a very nice young french tahitian!!!! He kept us laughing and was very informative. We had the company of a couple from Auckland and 3 Aussies. After being dropped back at the ship which looked massive parked up right at the base of Papeete, we went back onboard and had lunch and changed out of our togs. There was a market and few shops open so went for a walk. Was bloody hot, We stopped for a cold drink and ice cream but that ended up costing us over $10 NZ. They had warned us that Tahiti was expensive. The town was in a relaxed Sunday mode with families and tourists biking and walking. We went back to our ship and ended up in the spa for a couple of hours and found Sue and Brian so had a catch up and few drinks. We couldnt be bothered going to formal dinner so just went to the buffet. BBQ lamb chops, mashed spuds, gravy and veges. Was yummy. Last night was the earliest we have been in bed since we boarded this ship. 10.30!! The ship actually left Tahiti at 4 this morning and arrived at Moorea at 8am. Just around the corner!!! Vaughan and I werent thrilled with Tahiti and felt it was run down, dirty and not as exciting place as were led to believe. Had another Alpha alert last night....they are falling like flies!!!! Today we woke to find we were berthed in the most beautiful bay I have ever seen. OMG!!!! this island is awesome....We had booked a day at the beach, lined up to leave the ship at 9am. We were tendered into a small pier and onto a catamaran. It took half and hour to weave through the coral to get to Motu Islet. We passed million dollar plus resorts, the ones with the bures out in the ocean. Arriving at our beach we walked off onto pristine sand and an area set aside just for our group. We had taken our beach shoes (thank god) cos the coral was everywhere. We just walked into the water and were immediately surrounded by the most georgous fish. Then we all got to meet the sting rays!! And the sharks!!!. I was very brave and allowed a ray to come up to me while I stroked its back. Wow! That was a highlight of this trip. Hopefully I can down load that photo!! We just sat in the water and enjoyed the sights. We were given a bbq lunch and beer and drinks. We walked down to the next beach and found Brian and June. So had catch up with them. Brian was bathing his very sunburn legs which are healing fast. We were brought back by catamaran and while waiting for our tender ship to the big ship we browsed through all the local markets. I brought a couple of cheap pieces. Back onto our Dawn Princess and we collapsed into the spa at the back of the boat. We left this beautiful island at about 5pm, drinking cocktails and watching Moorea disappear in the sunset. Just awesome. So now we are back at sea for a couple of days before Pago Pago. The time has flown. We love the sea days and feel we could easily cope with a longer cruise. Bingo is only on on sea days so that will be back on tomorrow. Brian (from Oz) loves to play. But he gets annoyed with people winning and not him. He blames the fact that he doesnt have a dobba( a felt pen)to mark his bingo cards. So we all thought we might get the lady that runs it to present him with his very own tomorrow....he will be so embarrassed!!! Pricey has had 2 good wins at bingo....but we have had no more since the first one on day one. Well its time for a few drinks before dinner (loving my Zibbibo)and thought we might go to a show tonight as a new one is on. But we I will also check out the shops on the way and see what is on special tonight!!!!!!

Aah! This is the life!!!

On our 5th sea day today and loving this lifestyle. We are useually the last to breaky...in fact this morning we were so late we missed out on the toast!!! Have been shopping this morning...Vaughan birthday on the 29th and have no idea what to get him. Maybe his very own hula skirt,haha!! We are changing some money this morning so as we have some francs for Tahiti tomorrow. We have been warned that everything will be expensive but we gotta have a beer or two while there. we have a tour booked so will have an early start. We are 4wd driving to waterfalls etc. The last 2 days have been really lazy. We had an annoucement over the loud speaker, alpha 1, alpha 1, alpha 1 in the Horizon buffet. Another one carked it. Then yesterday an oldie fainted in the lifts!! Brian from Runaway Bay has bad sunburn so is visiting the Medical centre daily....he reckons its the busiest place on the ship. I am over my cold and feeling good again. But there are alot of people with coughs etc. We have had windy,sunny and warm days. So we are found on the decks, sleeping, swimming and ordering drinks. Catching up with others we have met. MOst days we dont even go to the buffet but just have wraps, pies, burgers etc with fries.The ship has been coasting along at 17.5 knots. In depth of 3500 feet. The sights on the decks are mind boggling!!! What is it with these old men and their speedos!! Honestly!!! Think the aussies call them budgie smugglers!! Speaking of aussies......go the all blacks..... heard the news on tv this morning. Musta been a great game. Way to go Izzy!!! I see the Aussies have a hung government....that should make interesting conversation at dinner tonight!!! NIght before last we all went to formal dinner as Howard and Sherry the LA people on our table had their wedding anniversary that night. Howard showed our boys how its done, flowers, champers, our very own antipasto followed by Italian pasta then our mains. They are great people and we are enjoying their company also the other couple, Alan and Liz from Sydney. Alan reminds us of John Armstrong, really genuine, witty and a great sense of humour. LIz and Sherry are actually old nursing buddies from way back. After dinner there was a pyjama party at the nightclub but we decided our pjs werent up to scratch so went to a show that night, a one woman entertainer which was great. Every night before we go to bed we all head upstairs to the buffet and have cake and hot choc!!!! Which reminds me, Vaughan is accusing me of shrinking his shirts......ummm Vaughan you are the only one not doing any exercise!!! Sue and Brian do the laps round the ship and me Im at the gym every mornig, so hopefully we wont do too much damage to the old body. But Vaughan does his stretches whilst in bed watching the movies!!!! We have Brian and June from oz playing bingo with us every day and he loves it.....when we go over in Sept he reckons he will find a bingo hall somewhere so we can all play!!! Last night we went to the Phil Collins concert on the big screen. Lovely to relax with a drink and sit in the balmy weather, then after dinner it was a 60s night at the nightclub. The oldies on the ship dont frequent the nightclub so all the staff in there love to see us all walk
through the door. We are now sailing in the southern hemisphere after crossing the equator yesterday. Our cruise is already past halfway....time is flying. We actually lose the day of the 28th completely!! But will be back in our time soon. We have a busy next couple of days at Tahiti and Moorea.......Blake thought you might be in need of some more cash!!!!! Have a look behind the plate on the wall above the phone!!! Enjoy!!!

Sea for miles!!!!

We are into our 3rd day in a row at sea with another 2 before we reach Tahiti. We are enjoying the lazy days and making use of the pools and spas. Night before last we we to a Comedian show....he was pretty average and as usual us Kiwis are made fun of.....did you know that when you fly over our country that it looks like we have dandruff becos of all the bloody sheep!!! The other day we sat down at a table for lunch with another couple and asked if they wouldnt mind some company. Well this dick of a man obviously an aussie said Vaughan couldnt sit there as he had an all black shirt on!!!! We get it all the time, they are just bullies. Think there are about 300 kiwis on here and 2000 aussies. We shared a spa with another couple and they were from Carterton had have done the World cruise. They are looking forward to getting home but have had a great time..They said they know of 2 deaths, christ hope they dont store the bodies in the chillers with the fruit and veges!!! They have also taken off their gratuity!!! Yesterday Captain Toddy was telling us we were going through an area of sea known as the Doldrums. One minute it was fine then wet then windy, I always wondered where that saying came from. Yesterday we spent the day on deck with the couple from Runaway Bay....Brian and June. Brian actually ended up at the doctors with sunstroke as his legs have blistered up with sunburn. They are a fun couple!! They then had Bingo and Horse racing on the main deck. June won $20 and Pricey won $50. Every day they have a Golf comp on. Today is a hole in one and yesterday was the longest drive. Vaughan had a go and think his longest was 139m. Today we are crossing the equator and they have a ceremony with Capt Neptune. I would enter but are still not 100% health wise. Nose and throat ok but now have the chest to deal with, bugger it!! Last night was another formal but us and the Priceys chose to dine in the main buffet and then went up on deck to watch a movie on the big screen. All the movies are lastest releases and we are supplied with a deck chair, blanky and popcorn. They supply us with an NZ Newspaper each day. Will try and download some more photos......

Aloha!!! Hawaii!!

WE woke early yesterday, excited to be seeing land after 4 days at sea. We looked down from our balcony about 6 and watched the pilot enter the ship just as we were to approach Honolulu Harbour. Within an hour we were docked. Hawaii is certainly bigger than I envisaged. Breakfast was busy as everyone was wanting to get going for their day in Honolulu. We were in the first group of at 8am and our bus left for Pearl Harbour. We went to the Mighty Mo first and had a very passionate guide show us around. The history is so interesting. Then we went to the Arizona which is accessible only by boat as its lying in the harbour. The memorial is located right on top of the sunk ship and you are able to see the ship. Truly moving especially reading all the names of the 1177 people buried and still in the ship. We were taken back to the ship via a tour of the city. We had lunch onboard and then spent the afternoon and early evening on local buses, trolleys and taxis. Spent couple of hours at the Ala Moana shopping centre which was right up my alley. Found the famous Walmart and also another shop called Ross. These are both just like our warehouses so did not waste time in there. Caught a bus to Waikiki. Sat next to 2 NZealanders from the Mount and they showed us the best places and where to get off. This place is awesome. Relaxed, sea, surfers, shops, bars and hotels. We spent some time on the beach and met up with some people from Vegas. We took each others photos as the sun was just setting. We could see us back here one day. We got a taxi back to the ship as we wanted to be back by 8.30...the ship was leaving at 9.30. We brought onboard enough water to keep us going till Tahiti. They had a Aloha party onboard as we sailed away from Hawaii.. I developed a fresh cold yesterday so no alcohol for me and early to bed. Feeling alittle better today. Sun is shining and we are on the main pool deck at mo with band playing and surrounded by bodies of all descriptions. We will have lunch soon and head back to our special Sanctuary for the afternoon. Tonight is a beach party so hope I feel up to it. Have found a yummy wine on here ...Brown Bros...Zibbolo Rosa. So have been enjoying that!!! Oh yes and update on the litle minx from the other night.....Megan is here with her family and it was her Dad she was with not some dirty old man!! The seas have white caps today and we are rocking from side to side. But still no sign of any sea sickness. As you can see from the photo...I caught Vaughan in the gym the other day eating an ice cream and on the cross trainer.....mmmmm!! Vaughan it doesnt work like that!!! Also the photo of us is Waikiki Beach. It is sushi for lunch today and thought their Vege carving were pretty clever.

Laundry day!!

Another perfect day at sea. The weather is warming up the closer we get to Hawaii. We arrive there tomorrow and leave 10.30 tomorrow night. Today we tackled the laundry and survived!!! We lined up like ya supposed to and managed to get our coloured and white loads, washed and dryed without any dramas!! The women in there were telling us about one lady on the last leg who argued with someone else and they ended up branding each other with the iron!! Ha!Ha! wish id seen that. Apologies for no photos today but its been busy......sleeping and eating!!! Last night we had another yummny dinner and were entertained by our head waiter "Fritz" with games and puzzles. We have so much fun with certain workers on here. It is always interesting finding out their history. Seems most of them are close to finishing 10 month contracts. Then they are home for 2 and then onto a new ship. Most are from Phillipines. Thailand and Europe. Off to Jammers we went for the Karaoke. Erika and Phina (the 2 aussie girls) sang beautifully. Thought of you Neil when at Karaoke, as Im sure you would have blitzed the floor. After that it was Saturday night Fever on the magical dance floor. We have had a lazy day an spent 3 hours in the Sanctuary, supplied with drinks, water mistings and mp3 players. Was great. No luck with Bingo today....seems only women with size 8 shoes were the winners today!!! We are at mo having our daily cappucino and hot choc in the atrium....its got great perv potential. It soon will clear out with all the oldies off to early dinner. Christ they reckon the average age on here is 66......heard one comment today from couple of oldies...."Oh, theres to many people on the decks. think we will retire to our cabin.". Sad, sad people. More room for us!! Umm,, Torry, that bloody flat warming must have been a doozY!!!! Have seen some photos on facebook....hope ya house survived!!!! We are having a quiet night tonight and going to the movies, they showing Date Night. Tomorrow we off on a tour to Pearl Harbour and the MIghty Mo!! 8am start. Then we hope to catch the bus to Ala MOana for my last fix of retail therapy. Then to Waikiki Beach....

Bingo!!!

Another day gone by....last night was formal night so we put our glad rags on and off we went with the rest of the passengers to the Captains cocktail party.. Met the Captain and enjoyed the free champers and nibbles. My wonderful husband surprised me with a swaroski bracelet to wear for our first formal...He had seen me looking at it previously the day before. So Pricey now has Sue on his back to surprise her...... Watch this space!! We had some professional photos taken and looking at them today they are not 2 bad. But will wait till the end of the cruise and just maybe buy the best of the bunch. We had another wonderful dinner with our new table mates. Again we were the last to leave. Off to Jammers....the nightclub. A few more people in there than usual so had to share the dance floor and tv screens!!! But we met some more people and moved and grooved with the newbies. We left the nightclub just as one old guy (about Vaughans age...) turned up with this hot thing in a mini dress. She would be about 23 we rec! We watched him pay the staff to dance with her and did she love herself. So we reckon he found her in Vegas and brought her along!!!! Ha!Ha! We will do some more investigating and find out what the deal is. After bingo yesterday we joined up with the 4 aussies and had ago at the trivia pursuit!! There is bugger all that go to bingo but put trivia on and all the oldies on the boat turn up obviously after their nana naps, and they are so serious. We called our team the Anzacs. Managed to get 24 out of 25, but all the questions were on bloody Australia. So us kiwis just drank!! Last night the clocks went back an hour so its great each day we get the bonus of an extra hour to sleep in. Another great day today with blue skies and calm seas. We heard a whisper this morning that some passengers woke up with water dripping into their cabins. God! can you imagine waking to finding water on ya when on a ship in the middle of the damn ocean!!!! Apparently a water pipe had burst. Thats bad luck. We went and lined up at the casino to buy todays bingo tickets and the lady in front cashed in 200 dollars to play the pokies. Well within 2 minutes her machine went off and the bitch won $6500....oh wish that would happen to us. We went off to bingo and guess what. Colleen from New Zealand won $18. Ha! Ha! Oh well that will pay for tomorrows game. We are now waiting for the Elton John concert to start outside on the big screen. So that will get us in good form for the karaoke tonight. We rang Blake for his birthday yesterday. First thing he said...(I found the money!). So hope you had a good night Blake and managed to stay safe??? Well better go and secure me the best lounger on deck for the concert.

Blakes birthday today!!! Happy birthday!!

August the 13th here but at home its the 14th and Blake is 20.....will try and ring you later. But I guesss you will be having a sleep in. Not sure what your plans are tonight but to help you along I will disclose where some money is that I have hidden...ok....so its our shout. Check out the limoge jug (thats the small blue one) on the buffet unit in the lounge. Hope you like what we got for ya birthday....your big sister has the pressy. Well getting back to cruise life.... we went to Bingo and werent lucky but will keep trying. Before bingo they had horse racing and afterwards they had trivia. We 4 kiwis thought we would see how we would get onb with all the oldies on the boat. Huh!! We were suppose to get another team to score our 20 questions. Just as well we didnt...only got 6 and half. (How the hell were we suppose to know that Winston Churchills favorite dog was a bloody poodle!) We 4 were pretty shattered after our first night binge so we had a nana nap before dinner. Brian had 2 or 3 actually!!! Dinner was great as we met our new dinner mates. Two from LA and 2 from Sydney. We all got on so well that we were the last to leave the dining room after much wine was drunk. It was 10.30 when we left and so retired to bed. Last night the sea was so calm Vaughan and I slept with our sliding door open. It was magic to hear the waves and feel the cool breeze. Just hoped that the weather didint change during the night!!! Today the seas are really calm still. We have ventured up to the Sanctuary and are being pampered by staff with constant refills of orange iced water and fresh fruit. The loungers are more like beds and yes Vaughan is asleep as I write this. We will go to lunch shortly and have another bingo session this arvo. We have found our sea legs an I actually enjoy the motion, its is easy to nod off and we are sleeping really well. We have our first formal night tonight....wahoo!! I love these nights.

First Day at Sea....First Hangover!!!!

We ended our last night in Santa Monica with dinner at at English Pub. Enjoying meat and veges and rhubarb crumble. Was nice to have "normal" food. Except we had to share our meals with a film crew who were doing a tourism documentary and we were the stars!!! Great !!!! We woke the next day and did as laundry as planned and ordered a taxi to our ship.. The taxi cost us $80 but was worth it to know would actually get there. On arrival Sue and Brian had just got out of their taxi so we had a good catch up before departing the USA onto our new home for the next 19 nights...the Dawn Princess. Embarking was quick and easy and before long we had found our cabins. The balcony cabin on here is alot smaller than the one we hadn the Crown but still very comfortable. They had left in our cabin a card that had to be stamped at each station we could find on the ship....so the 4 of us thought what the hell. This card was entered into a draw at the party they have whenever leaving a port. So we found our way round the ship and have made one rule..... during the day we must use the stairs and the lifts are only for night use when we have heels and alcohol to deal with. We also found the Horizon Buffet restaurant which is open 24 hours. God! the food is amazing and its going to be difficult to be controlled !!! We hit the party deck at 5 and the boys tried every beer to find one to suit their needs while on the ship. I have found the brandy really yummy and Sue enjoys her Absolute. The draw for all the prizes and bugger me if Brians name and then mine was drawn. That was exciting. They won a free dinneer in the steakhouse and we have fre access to the Santuary for our entire cruise. This is an area which you have to pay to enter and are looked after by an attendant on luxurious deck chairs with a privte pool. Thanks very much Princess cruises!!! By the time we four went to dinner we were rather happy and noisy. Dinner was shared with an English couple who were upset that their friends were not on our table. Cutting it short we told them we would move and have been allocated to a new table of 8 tonight. We are quite happy so will look forward to meeting our new dinner mates. After dinner we met up with the 4 Aussies we had met in Las Vegas. The bar we were all in was rather geriatic so we moved to the night club. We had a wonderful time and the eight of us were joined by another couple from Runaway Bay, Queensland. We danced our little hearts off, on the disco floor and thought it great that when on this floor you see yourself from all over the room on tv screens, my god!! we were the dancing queens. Brian and Vaughan had a few 2 many sambucas and were hard to get to our cabins!!! Brian promised me he would meet me in the gym at 7 this morning. We had to chamge our clocks back and hour last night, which I think we do most nights till we get back home!! Well the little bugger didnt turn up, in fact when we banged into him at 11.30 heading for the Horizon he didnt look too good. Since seen Sue and Brian never ate breaky and is back in bed!!! Huh!! This ship has alot of oldies on board but we are finding that people our age (holy, we are nearly old as well !!) are attracted to each other. This morning Vaughan and I went to a Cruise critic meeting and meet up with others that we have been chatting to for the last few months. Really interesting. One couple on arrival were asked is they would forfeit their cruise as the boat is overbooked. They refused and are in a shitty bunk cabin up by the propellor. They are not happy cruisers. Another couple in this group forfeited their balcony cabin for an inside one and have been given a free cruise!! So sounds like the boat is full. There are few families and young children onboard. We had breakfast his morning with a couple from Taupo. Seems the kiwis can pick each other out. A lot of English but mainly Aussies With a few Americans. The staff are awesome and last night at the nightclub us girls were presented with roses they had made our of straws and napkins. On arrival back in our room last night our bed was turned down with chocolates and my nighty displayed. HaHa!! We are off to Bingo shortly so hopefully this cruise will continue to be a lucky one for us........

Beautiful Beaches!!!

Last night we ventured out into the night. Temps were quite cool so for the first time we had to put on our sweatshirts. We walked to the end of Santa Monica pier and found a Mexican restaurant. It was very adventurous of Vaughan to eat here. I loved it and enjoyed the Fajitas. Was a perfect place to watch the carnival in action and all the busy markets that line the pier. We went to book a shuttle to Universal studios today and found it was going to cost over $200 to get there return so thought bugger it.....we would rather spend the day here. So after a rather late sleep in to about 10am we hit the pavement and down onto the boardwalks. We found a cafe and had some brunch and coffee. Then we hired a bike each and explored the surrounding beaches. It has been afew years since we had rode a bike but as they say, you never forget. It took a short time to sort out the wobbles and also to get used to riding on the opposite side to what comes naturally to us. They had bike lanes set up which were a challenge at times as they were so busy.....but it was fun. We had the best time....we covered over 50 miles (not sure what that is in Kms} We would park up when ever we saw a place of interest. There were markets at Venice Beach, personal trainers with their clients, cafes, artists, entertainers, drunks, drug addicts, school camps, tattoo artists, dog walkers and of course bodies of all shapes and sizes. Muscle Beach is exactly as it sounds with volleyball nets set up and exercise stuff and the best bodies to perv at!!!! As you can see in one of the photos I was as patriotic as they are and flew my flag!!! I am a very proud kiwi!!! We really enjoyed today but have come home sunburnt, with rubber legs and numb bums. No doubt tomorrow we will have a few other sore muscles. The photo of the beach wheelchair was of great interest to Vaughan....hmmm he thought that would be handy at Porangahau maybe in years to come..We are going in a different direction tonight for dinner and see what we come across. Tonight is our last night here. We have really enjoyed our 3 days here and could easily come back. But tomorrow is going to be exciting as we board our ship. Have decided to take our time leaving here as will make use of the laundry and will arrive onboard with all clean clothes. We have a taxi booked for 11am tomorrow to take us to San Pedro Wharf. I will try and grab at least 5 to 6 bottles of water to take on with us.....from memory the bottled water onboard is expensive and I still cant drink the stuff that comes out of their taps as I have visions of it coming from a big tank somewhere!!! So that should keep me going till we reach Hawaii.

Santa Monica is the place to be!!!

Up at 6 this morning and had confirmation we would be picked at 7.45 for tour of the city. In the light of day we have found our accomo to be in an excellent position....mackas just across the road, the pier is not evn 100 m away. Also this place has a guest laundry, pool, gym and free wireless internet. We were eventually picked up and taken to a central location which was right beside the Kodak theatre. Then boarded onto the right tour. It was a great way to get to see LA and all the important place. First stop was the Hollywood bowl, which is really just a flash Mission concert arena......except has permanent seating, stage etc. Then onto the star walk, walked the walk into Kodak theatre, Grumans theatre. The highlight here was having my photo taken with Micheal Jackson, owwww!! Went to Rodeo drive which is a ridicuously rich area, Melrose Place, Chinatown etc. We had lunch at the Farmers market which was really interesting and a neat place to wander and walk around. Downtown LA is pretty much like any city and those freeways are scary! Was nice to get back to Santa Monica. We went for a walk out to the pier. This place is magic. Being a georgous day the beaches were swarming. People fishing off the pier, stalls everywhere and of course the carnival rides. So we have decided to go back there later for dinner. Tomorrow we have decided to check out the Universal studios so will arrange a shuttle shortly and plan on spending the afternoon and evening at Santa Monica and also venture down to Venice Beach. The new shopping mall is pretty flash and has all those yummy shops, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms etc. We are enjoying the cooler temps here which are mid 20s. Have decided Las Vegas was awesome but not on "our want to return to list" . We feel comfortable here and wish we had more days around this area of LA......another time maybe.

So much for a luxury Bus!!! Brochures looked good!!!

We 4 went to a neighbouring casino for breaky this morning which was yummy, scrambled eggs pancakes and a great cuppa tea. Spent the morning at the outlet centre, which was really enjoyable to wander and browse in our own time, just made a couple of purchases. Being Sunday it was packed, hot and crowded. Right round Vegas on the streets and around shops they have water mists spraying continuously and it is such a relief to receive when walking past. Although the temps were probably only in mid 30c. We were picked up by the Lux Bus, but looks are bloody deceiving.!!!! On boarding this bus we had a full quota. The attendant looking after us was a Russian....and no! we had no idea what the hell she said every time she spoke. We had the pleasure (not!) of an entire Mexican family, Im talking aunts, uncles, sisters, nephews, grandmother, and their babies. Oh! well guess thats what you call mingling with the locals!!! The 4-5 hour trip to LA ended up being 7 and ahalf cos being a Sunday every one was leaving Vegas and the traffic congestion was incredible. Our bus driver at one stage diverted off the main freeway and next thing we are driving past a derelict town on a country road. Christ! I had visions of a movie where a bus full of people disappear into the desert in the middle of the night never to be found!!! But our clever driver took us on a diversion on the famous Route 66 and told us it was short cut, yeah right!!! It is not until you leave Vegas when you realise that it is right in the middle of a desert. There nothing around for miles. We had a short stop at a road house and options for dinner were limited, McDonalds won. We have arrived at our acomo shattered.....We are across the road from the pier at Santa Monica and on the other side a brand new shopping centre has just opened after a 4 yr overhaul...mmmm thats handy!! Arriving so late we were unable to confirm a tour we have booked tomorrow so hopefully we will wake early and try and make contact....Sue and Brian are staying in downtown LA so we will not see them now till we board our ship on Wednesday.

Vegas

After drinks in the garden bar we hit the pavements for the MGM casino. You have to weave your way on the pavement, passing beggars who are honest about the fact that they only want money for more beer!!! Mexicans who wear advertising on their shirts trying to place business cards in your hand and info on the seedy side of the city, famous people for e.g. shrek, spongebob,elvis,batman etc wanting us to have photos taken with them and then wanting payment. So its head down and go. Watching out for limos, cops on segways, hummers and more. I am usually tempted to give my money to the under priviledged but not in this city. We had a buffet at the MGM and then found the theatre for the Ka cirque de soliel show. The MGM is the largest casino and their theatre is amazing. We were gob smacked by this show. I loved every minute of it, very clever. After the show we made our way to the bar where we had arranged to watch our All Blacks play Oz. We were joined by 2 firefighters from Arizona who play rugby and were also on our side!!! The game was hard to concentrate on as the screen was outside beside a strip club!!!!! Was great knowing evryone back home were watching it as well. Yay! they won.....take that Dingo Deans!!! So after a few beers we walked back and collapsed into bed rather weary and very merry at 3.30am. Slept in till 11am and then Sue and I caught a taxi out to the outlet fashion mall and had our first real taste of shopping..... levis 29 to 35 dollars. Skechers from 19 a pair, swaroski so cheap I couldnt resist. Sue had a very successful afternoon. We had only seen a quarter of this massive place but had to be back in the city by 5pm. Was hard to drag ourselves away!!!! We had left the boys to take care of the laundry which they did successfully via a taxi to a laundramat.....way to go boys!!! Vaughan spent the rest of his time being coached on the way to play blackjack......ummmm!! (what do you mean you have no money left!!!) We arranged to meet at Jimmys bar as we had arranged to meet up with the 4 Aussies who I had only ever spoken to via email. This bar was chocker and it looked like an enormous task. So we decided to sweep through and check out all the foursomes. After a short time they found us!! Was great to catch up with these guys. They are very pleasant and friendly people. We left Jimmys and went back to our Garden bar and spent a couple of hours with them. We will see them on the ship on the 11th. Was Brians birthday and us and the aussies sang happy birthday. We had dinner with Sue and Brian, then they left to play the casino and Vaughan and I hit the pavement, heat and crowds back to the Planet Hollywood Casino as we had tickets to see Holly Madison and her Peepshow......was just as it suggests but very professionally done....all I can say is she has one hell of a body. Im sure Vaughan would say he looooovved that show, no signs of falling asleep tonight!!! Ha!! Today we are leaving for LA via the lux bus. It will take 4-5 hours but the bus is luxury with a attendant serving food and beverages, movies etc. Quite looking forward to some relaxing time. The bus doesnt leave till 3.30 so we have decided to head back to the outlet place and maybe get to see another quarter of it. Take the boys with us this time. Was great to catch up with Bridie and Todd on facebook last night..... no sign of Blake! Well off to breaky now....

Last night in Vegas!