South Pacific Crossing 2023

Day 1

07/04/2023

Once again we have a view of the runway from our hotel room at the airport.

Eating a Hot Cross Bun and watching planes land.

Dusk on day 1.

Embarkation

08/04/2023

Last night we received a text saying our flight has been delay from 9am till 10:20am. The airport was very busy but the queues flowed nicely without any delay. Unfortunately e-vouchers were not being accepted by the Air New Zealand lounge so this is a view of the airport from the departure hall.

Looking at our hotel from the end of the runway as we prepare to take off. Ours was the one on the right.

Due to congestion at Sydney airport the pilot had to delay decent. This is the flight path showing the detour we took.

At last we are on board and this is the view from our balcony.

Two flags flying on top of the harbour bridge, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Australian flag. Also up there are some people on a walking tour of the bridge.

And a view of the Opera House from our balcony. There is no doubt about where our berth is.

Noumea (New Caledonia)

11/04/2023

Early morning sail into Noumea.

We have docked in the container zone of the port. As pedestrians are not allowed in the zone a shuttle service has been arranged to take us into town. This is a view of the Noordam from near the cruise terminal where we docked last time we were here.

Looking back from our balcony to the cruise terminal. We took the shuttle into town then walked back to the container zone to visit the Maritime Museum which is just outside the gates to the container zone.

Lifou (New Caledonia)

12/04/2023

We have arrived at the island of Lifou. This is the jetty at the villiage of Easo where the ship's tenders dock.

Tourist shops and retaurants.

From our balcony we could see this chapel on the headland. When we went ashore we walked to this chapel.

Another church from our balcony. The St. Francois-Xavier church.

Walking round we saw many pawpaw trees.

At the top of the hill we saw this map and decided to walk to the Notre Dame de Lourdes Chapel. We had seen it from the ship.

At the end of the road we came to this path leading to the chapel.

The path was smooth a flat to start with.

Then we came to these stairs. Due to rain the night before it was a bit slippery so we took them carefully.

At last we arrived at the chapel.

The Noordam from the chapel lookout.

Views either side of the headland as we walked down.

The chapel on the headland as we sail away.

Lautoka (Fiji)

14/04/2023

Today we walked into Lautoka. The walk was hot but not too long. These are a couple of photo's taken for the record.

When returned to the ship we thought we would have a light lunch from the in-room sevice. This is what was delivered. The chips and coldslaw for the toasted club sandwich are hidden behind it. Needless to say we didn't eat it all. Except for the cheese plate, we cleaned that up.

Savusavu (Fiji)

15/04/2023

Today is our first snorkelling of the cruise at Natewa Bay. We had a lovely half hour drive through the country side to this landing site we have just left.

Then another half hour on the boat to the first of two snorkelling sights.

Sara, one of our hosts driving the boat.

Vili the deckhand.He was in charge of the boat when our two guides/hosts were in the water showing us around.

These are some of the photos taken on our first dive.

Colleen snorkelling.

At the second dive site is a coral nursery. The coral is grown on ropes suspended between two supports. To reduce the stress on the coral it will be harvested in about five weeks when the water is cooler. Then replanted.

A closer look at the coral on the ropes.

After the dives back on the boat. I lifted the camera just as Colleen was taking a photo of me.

Back at the landing site. The taxis are waiting for us.

Natewa Bay Savusavu Fiji.

Pago Pago (American samoa)

16/04/2023

Here we are in Pago Pago, American samoa. This is a view of Pago Pago harbour from our balcony.

On our walk in the morning we passed this lookout.

Utulei Beach Park. We had a rest here then walked back to the ship for lunch. Passengers were swimming and snorkelling at this beach.

In the afternoon we went for another walk in the other direction. This is our ship at the dock. The mooring lines from the bow run from the ship to the buildings on the right.

Having a bit of fun trying to take a selfie of ourselves.

Sea Day. HAL 150th Anniversary

18/04/2023

Today is Holland America's 150th Anniversary. In the Lido Market was this display.