LCT Friends:

I usually send a email journal to my friends at home. While this many not always be fascinating, it's my way of saving the "memories" of our trip. Karen offered to post them here, but I'm on a boradband connection in the hotel, so I'll do it myself. Hope you don't mind if I just share my ramblings. Here's the first installment.

Well, we completed the first leg of our journey. We arrived in LA yesterday right on schedule. Usually we complain about air travel, but I want to tell you about a wonderful experience – at least as wonderful as it can get when flying. First of all, both of our flights were on time, the service was fine, they even fed us some edible food – certainly nothing gourmet, but when you start your day at 5 AM you’re pretty hungry by the time you’re somewhere over Mississippi!

But the best part of our trip started before we even left the ground. As many of you know, while Tom is physically able to walk, he doesn’t go very far or very fast so when we travel I ask for wheelchair assistance.

Some people wouldn’t dream of using this service, even when they could benefit, but they should. Tom’s experience is a fine example. We were staying at the Marriott and we asked for a bellman at 5:15 AM. Tom told him he could walk to the lobby but once we were there his “chariot” was waiting. The young man whisked us off and in minutes we were standing at the shuttle to the planes. Here he handed us off to a Skycap.

So far, nothing really unusual, just fast and friendly service, but our skycap was amazing. He takes us through a special screening line, helping Tom remove his shoes, putting my laptop in the bin, generally shepherding us through the whole process, right down to tying Tom’s shoelaces on the other side of the x-ray barrier.

But wait, it gets better, next he asks if we’d like to stop at Starbucks for coffee. Of course we are dying for a jolt of joe so we divert from the gate to get our coffee. Then he takes us to the gate and insists on checking with the boarding staff to make sure we will have assistance in Houston and LA. At this point we thank him fervently and Tom hands him a tip. We think we’ve seen the last of him, but 20 minutes later he’s back. He boards us first and then even stows our two carry-ons in the overhead bin before he’s on his way to be a good Samaritan to the next needy passenger! So, we started our flights with a smile and real appreciation for someone who knows how to do their job and seems to really like doing it!

The assistance in Houston and LA was fine, but the gentlemen in Tampa really made our day.

LA was sunny but a bit smoggy. It’s been a while since we were last here so we enjoyed the ride to the hotel, just gawking out the windows, and talking about how different the landscape is from home.

Our plan for the rest of the day was lunch, some rest for Tom and a visit to the Los Angles County Museum of Art for me. Months ago I purchased tickets to see the King Tut exhibit. Egyptology is a fascination of mine and I couldn’t pass up this chance.

The museum is only 3 miles from our hotel, so after a nice lunch, I grabbed a cab and went off to see the King! The exhibit is in its closing weeks but I never imagined the crowds that would be there on a Monday afternoon. Lucky me, my 3 PM tour time was shared with about 100 middle school children! I tried to remember my school field trips and how wonderful it must be for these kids to see artifacts from 3000 years ago, but somehow my empathy disappeared as their noise and commotion increased.


I loved the exhibit, but appreciated it much more last night as I reviewed the amazing objects in the photographs in the exhibit catalog. The memory of the King’s artifacts are now at my fingertips, and seeing them in person was worth the trouble.

After leaving the ciaos of Tut, I decided I had to see the Cézanne and Pissarro exhibit. Curated by Joachim Pissarro and organized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the exhibition consists of approximately 80 paintings (40 by each artist) and ten drawings that focus on the years 1865–85 when Cézanne and Pissarro worked closely with each other, often painting literally side by side.


It is amazing to see these works displayed together. Often as I moved through the exhibit I was surprised to see how they passed their techniques and visions back and forth. You could see and feel the influence they had on one another. Of course the beauty of their brush strokes and compositions are best appreciated with close examination. It’s well worth seeing!

While my creative soul was sated, my body was reminding me that I’d been going nonstop since before dawn and with the three hour time difference it was time to head back to the hotel. I was surprised that it was getting dark at 5 PM but I had arranged for the taxi driver to return for me at 5:30 so I walked back to our meeting place and found a bench to rest. Unfortunately, my taxi did not arrive. After waiting for a few more minutes I asked a security guard where I could get a cab. He kindly offered to call one for me and directed me to the corner of Wilshire and Ogden where they would pick me up. It was obviously a bad time to try to get a taxi and after 30 minutes I went back to check with the guard. He called again and then send another security guard to wait with me just incase we had another no show. I was happy for the company, it was getting dark and I don’t really know my way around LA. Finally about 20 minutes later the cab arrived and within minutes I was back at the Beverly Hilton, tired but happy to be “home”.

Tom and I had planned to go to Trader Vic’s for dinner. What better way to start a trip to the South Pacific? But, our internal clocks vetoed the idea. A hot shower and room service really seemed a better idea. And, with Monday night football on the 40 inch flat screen TV in our room I had no chance getting Tom to go out anyway.


We plan to sleep in on Tuesday and leave for our ship at around 11:30. So, I’ll check in with you from the ship.

Good to hear from you Margo - what a wonderful story to begin your trip!

Post from the ship when you can. Will look forward to hearing all about your trip.

Margo,
Love reading your email. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to future installments!
Jacki

Thanks for your email! I enjoyed reading about your day in LA - especially the King Tut exhibit. I understand its next stop is Ft Lauderdale. Luckily it will still be there in April when my husband and I sail on the Navigator. I'm looking forward to seeing it prior to the cruise.

Great hearing from you Margo. The skycap in Tampa was amazing, what a guy! Looking forward to Chapter 2 from the ship!

Margo,

Sounds like a great start for your trip. I really enjoyed your report. I look forward to many more so we can enjoy along with you. Thanks!

Betty

I loved your report - I would have opted for room service too - we all know our limitations - I'll be looking forward to your mail - Joanna

Great e-mail, Margo! Keep em coming. Cheers, Anne

It's such a gloomy, overcast day in LA today. Sorry!! Through Sunday our weather had been bright, sunny, warm in the mid 70's. It got cool yesterday and now it looks like it could rain!

Marcie...it's not really that bad, besides when you're about to board a cruise ship for exotic places, who cares?

We don't mind a little cool weather either - we have lots of "hot and sunny" in Florida.

We just had breakfast and saw a few other RSSC passengers - this is one of the pre-cruise hotels. I stopped at their hospitality desk in the lobby to see when they were transfering to the ship. We'll have a 1/2 hour jump on them - they're leaving at noon.

Guess you can tell I don't have much to do right now...just watching the clock and wishing we were onboard!

Margo,

With an attitude like yours, I know you are going to have the best time!!!! Wish we were all going with you!!!!

Betty

Hello from the Navigator. We've been onboard for about 2 hours...the champaign is flowing and everyone seems really happy to be here...a cold front just moved in so we came inside to warm up. Tom says the ice breakers will be here to get us out of the harbor!

Haven't met Marsha or George yet, but we plan to meet after the muster drill.

Just wanted to say hi - our voyage begins soon.

Great to hear from you, Margo, and look forward to lots of seamail!

Oh how exciting this must be for you.
Tell Marsha & George Hi.
Glad to hear your positive comments on King Tut.
We do it in FLL 12/27/05 at 11:00 am

Margo, what a great way to begin a cruise! Your art exhibits both sounded fabulous. Now on for your cruise. Do enjoy and keep us posted of all your wonderul adventures. :bv:

Keep us posted! Love the seamail so far! (What great service you had in Tampa)

Masaki

Good morning from the Pacific. It's early and burrrr it's cold. I didn't check the temperature but it feels too cool for a pool party!

Last night we had a terrific LCT gathering. Marsha, George, Bill and Maryann, Mary Ellen and Bruce and Wendy and Frank! What a terrific group to cruise with. Several of us continued our discussions over dinner. I know we're going to enjoy getting to know our virtual friends.

But no late night partying...everyone seems a bit tired - hope we can muster more energy this evening.

I'm still trying to figure out the computer system, seems like it changes each time we are onboard, and varies from ship to ship.

I'll write a bit more later.

Margo, I fondly remember your terrific writing skills from last year's November Navigator cruise, now we get to enjoy your spinning tales on the Navigator this November. Great start to your cruise...do pls keep the words/pics coming, thx r/Wes

Hello everyone! We are moving at a great clip through the beautiful Pacific ocean this morning. The rocking of the ship literally made it difficult for me to wake up this morning. I would rouse a bit and immediately be sent straight back to dreamyland by the motion of the ocean.

As Margo said, we connected in Galileo's last night before dinner and what a nice bunch of LCT'ers we are!! George and I had been invited by our neighbors to dine with them so we scooted off a little early but we hope to have dinner with Margo and Tom and I don't know who all else tonight.

I really like this little ship. As mentioned many times before, the bathroom is really a marvel. We are as comfortable as can be and we look forward to a wonderful voyage.

More later, you landlubbers!!

Hi Marsha! I am glad to hear that everyone has settled in and that you are on your way! With all these sea days, I hope you have plenty of time to post to us lonely landlubbers :)

Margo; If you haven't cruised with Fabrizzio before, I think you'll find him to be a most pleasant Hotel Director. He really knows how to run a great hotel. Hope your cruise is as good as the one on the Mariner a couple of years ago. Please pass our best to Fabrizzio and Jerry, the singer in Don Vito. Too bad Danilo isn't with you; he's a great pianist.

Oh, I need lots and lots of details; my first trip on Navigator is in January.

Are y'all using the ship's computers, or your own laptop?

Pam, we are on the ship's computers but we have heard a semi-verified rumor that the Navigator will be we-fi in January. Bill told us that it was to have been by now but that process was delayed by Hurricane Wilma.

Just checking email after sleeping another THREE HOURS this morning. I really cannot wake up here. George laughs at me when I open an eye to check the time and instantly slip back into snooze mode. I hope to make it to dinner without another nap but it's not looking good.

LCT Friends....here's my second "seamail". Some of it you've already read above, but this is the version I sent out to friends at home. Your secret is out, I had to tell them about LCT...so maybe we'll have some new members soon. Anyway, here some more mail.

Margo,
Enjoyed your report. I like the idea of the wine and cheese social with your neighbors in the hall.

Betty

Marsha and Margo, so good to hear from you guys! It sounds like you're off to a GREAT start!
Margo, we had the "hall parties" on the WC where you'd grab a wine glass and go in the hall to meet your neighbor. The first time we did it, I wasn't dressed yet so I just stepped out in my bathrobe (obviously didn't wander too far away). It's a nice way to meet your neighbors especially if you have one (as we did) who NEVER came out on her balcony for almost 4 months!

Love your seamails! You are both such good writers! Keep 'em coming for those of us left behind.

Margo and Marsha,

So great to hear from both of you! Marsha, are you still recuperating from all the wedding festivities? I agree about the Navigator bathrooms; Mariner felt so much smaller to me.

Curious to know both of your reactions after so many sea days?

Good Morning! The site is loading so slowly this morning that I'm going to post and run so to speak.

Our "hall party" was a great success. This is the first time it's been done on the Navigator, but Marcie I'm sure they stole the idea from the WC. It seem especially appropriate when many of us will all be together for 26 days!

We all talked, drank and nibbled until the wine bottles ran dry - if they had more we'd probably still be standing there!

Our dinner was very pleasant. Marsha and George invited their suite neighbors to join us, and Wendy and Frank. We had wonderful food and conversation.

Kathy, it seems everyone loves the sea days - but we might become very lazy by the time we reach Viatape!

The Computer manager told us that the Navigator would have wifi sometime in January. They were scheduled to install it in Fort Lauderdale two weeks ago, but Hurricane Wilma interfered. The ship was diverted to San Juan and of course the equipment wasn't there.

Several passengers who were suppose to board in FLL have very interesting stories. RSSC flew them to NY several days earlier than scheduled - you can imagine what their last minute packing was like.

Well, need to check my email, but I will write again soon.

Margo, just a suggestion so we can squeeze more updates from you :)

Why don't you create your post on Word or whatever program is available to you before you log in and then cut and paste it into a reply when you are all finished?

That way, you wouldn't use up precious internet minutes composing your seamail!

Margo - so glad you enjoyed the hall party. Please send a hearty g'day to Wendy & Frank. We sailed through the panama canal with them and enjoyed their company very much. Ask Wendy & Frank about the e-mail they got from their neighbor while we were onboard. It is memorable!! :D

Cheers, Anne

Hi Margo, I've enjoyed your posts so much! Keep them coming.

Nancy

I must ditto Margo's comments about our 'block parties' last night. It was a great idea! At 6:00 the announcement came over the PA system (a rarity in itself) for all to bring a wineglass into the hall, dressed as you were. There, our stewardesses and waiters served wine and hors d'oeurves while we mingled with our neighborhood. An officer or two attended every 'block' and the Captain and CD breezed through to also press the flesh. It was really very nice. There is nothing like chatting up your hallmates while wearing bathrobes to instill a sense of community.

It has finally warmed up today, thank goodness. I really feared hypothermia the last couple of days, as it was unexpectedly cool in LA and the first day out. It's lovely now, with warm temperatures and a slight breeze. The swells have calmed some and it's a perfect day at sea.

It's formal night tonight. I hope to catch yet another nap before the renovations must commence.

I must add that next to the words "incredibly glacially slow" in the dictionary is a picture of our satellite connection. Forgive us if we don't have an hour and half to burn posting frequent updates! I hope this situation improves soon or my "jumbo internet package" is going to dwindle to nothing in no time flat.

Do as Karen suggests. Do the post in word on the computer and then simply highlight, copy and then past on LCT it makes it much faster and cheaper.

We LOVE to hear from you but also understand the time and money constraints of posting.

Margo and MarnaLou, so great to read your posts! MarnaLou, you remind me of myself this past summer when we were on our Iceland/Norway cruise. So many sea days for just 14 days for us. Funny how you can sleep the day away, as we did many times, and think it is a great big BONUS! (That you don't have to feel guilty about!) Well, I love sleeping anytime/anywhere when there is an eider down comforter involved.

Yes, do that thing Ngaire suggested, so we can hear from you often, not that you both haven't been great about seamail anyway. And MarnaLou, please thank GEORGE for me for his postings, as he has another thread going as well!

Great to hear from you Margo/MarnaLou! Please continue on with seamail. We love living vicariously through those lucky enough to be cruising!

Ngaire had suggested we do all our writing in word and then cut/paste. Fantastic time and money saver!

Hope the days ahead are wonderful for you all!

Good Evening...I'm posting in real time because to log off and back on again may take as much time, so please excuse any typos!

Tonight was our first formal night and the Captain's Welcome Party. Everyone looks so elegant and dinner was wonderful...Lobster, Beef Wellington et. al.!

Today was beautiful, warm and sunny until midafternoon, some clouds rolled in and we all had a nice siesta.

Captain Romeo is as delightful as ever. I must say, we've decided they are piping something into the air, we are ALL so LAZY - napping seems to overtake everyone.

Anne...Wendy sends greeting to you and Gary. We really enjoyed meeting them! All of our LCT cruisers are terrific.

Well, Tom is in the casino...I need to find out if I can afford to post more...or less.

More tomorrow...

Great to hear from you both. Glad your cruise is going well and I hope you continue to have a wonderful and fun-filled time!

Anthony

Our connection is much faster today, what a treat!

Formal night was really nice. Margo failed to mention how gorgeous she looked. Tom was stunning as well in his immaculate tuxedo. In fact, all the men looked absolutely splendid. If only we could have stayed awake past dinner! We have high hopes for tonight. :)

Ship’s log
Saturday, November 12
Time: 6 AM
Speed: 19.5 knots
Temperature: 76.7
Location: 10 05’ 14” N
130 28’ 22” W
Partly cloudy
Sea conditions moderate with swell

I’m up early this morning as we have our first time change. There are a few other passengers about, but most are still asleep. We have a satellite connection for the computers, but CNN is not longer available.

Yesterday was a typical sea day, lots of lectures and sports activities. Lunchtime was a special event as the Chef and kitchen staff prepared an elaborate Galley Brunch. We entered the dining room and proceeded directly to the galley. As we toured the source of all our meals we loaded our plates with seafood, fruits and salads, pastas, rice, potatoes, roast beef, chicken, fish, breads and deserts. There was something for every appetite. And if your plate seemed too small to accommodate all that you desired, a second trip was encouraged. Needless to say, for some an afternoon nap was required afterwards!

At 2:30 many of us gathered on the pool deck to meet with Naturist Laura Brands as she prepared us for the unusual birds and sea life that we will soon be encountering. Up until now, there have been few wildlife sightings – yesterday someone saw a whale in the distance, and we’ve spotted flying fish several times. But we are more than 1000 miles from any landmass so most other living things remain invisible below our bow. Laura’s enthusiasm has me prepared to do some bird watching when we reach Nuku Hiva.

Later I put my earphones on and listened to my Ipod as I did my laps around the deck – after that lunch I needed the exercise.

Then we prepare for the next meal! Shipboard life is really small experiences between dining opportunities, or so it seems. There are so many delicious choices but already Tom and I find that we often select our entree from the simplicity menu. But we still sample interesting appetizers, soups and desserts! Have no fear, we don’t pass up the good stuff!

After dinner entertainment was provided by Bettine Clemen, a internationally renowned flutist. Not Tom’s cup of tea, so he detoured to the casino and I followed to grab some time on a computer. We’re still not making much of a contribution to the ship’s nightlife, but perhaps we’ll acclimate in the next few days.

Today looks like another warm and sunny day. Between lectures and meals I’m sure we’ll find sometime to spend by the pool. Oh, such hardships!!!

Tonight we will be joining Marsha and George at Portofino’s for dinner. Italian food sounds like a nice change, I’ll let you know!

Is Mohammed still aboard and running Portofino?

Ship’s Log
Sunday, November 13, 2005
6:30 AM
3 50’ 50” N
133 37’ 42” W
Heading 210degrees
Speed: 17.5 Knots
Temp: 76.8 Partly Cloudy
Seas are slight.

We will soon cross the equator and of course every ship plans a social activity to mark this occasion. Our King Neptune’s Equator Crossing Ceremony will take place today at 3 PM, but that’s to come. Let me tell you about yesterday’s sea day.

I always start my morning with an email check. The computers are in the library just across from the Navigator Lounge, so I can have my first cup of coffee while I’m composing my emails. Luckily we do not have to use our precious Internet time but can instead just log into Word and write.

The Internet Rates for the Navigator rates are:
Hourly 1 Hour $6
Standard 5 Hours $25
Economy 10 Hours $40
Jumbo 20 Hours $75

You can bet I’m on the Jumbo plan, which turns out to be $3.75 an hour. Given the speed of our Internet connections sometimes that’s very expensive, but when you’re an Internet junkie you’ve GOT to have it!

After I finish my email I usually do a little deck walking – I used to count the number of laps, but now I just establish the amount of time I think it will take to walk off some of the wonderful food I ate the day before. Yesterday I circled for an hour, probably didn’t begin to make a dent! Of course the more you walk, the more likely you are to show up in the Navigator Lounge again for a cappuccino and a pastry!

Aside from the exercise we also had a chance to learn about Black Pearls, early navigation techniques, behinds the scenes stories of the Nixon White House, even a culinary cooking demonstration...all of this before noon!

It was a beautiful day so we chose to have lunch by the pool. Every day they present a different theme for lunch – today was Tex Mex – but if you’re not in a “taco” mood there’s always the grill selections: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken or steak sandwiches. They even have a veggie burger if you’d like one.

Of course after lunch many go into nap mode, but there’s lot’s of other activities as well. On all long cruises with multiple sea days the Bridge sessions draw quite a crowd.

And, who doesn’t want to read a good book? Lecturer Robert Clark has organized RSSC’s GREAT EXPLORERS BOOK CLUB and we were invited to meet in the Navigator’s Lounge to receive a complimentary copy of BLUE LATITUDES by Tony Horwitz. This best selling book explores the sea routes of Captain Cook. As we find ourselves covering much the same ocean, it seems like an interesting read for those of us who are, as the author says “Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before! The book club plans to meet several times to discuss the book.

The rest of the day went by quickly, some reading, laundry, another stroll around the deck.

Last night we had a special celebration. Marsha invited us to join them for George’s birthday dinner. Their “Navigator” neighbors, Brian and Denise were joined the party. We met at Portofino at 7 PM. We started the evening with wine tasting and appetizers. Brian had sampled several choices the night before so he steered us directly to some excellent reds. We nibbled, sipped and chatted until it was time to go to our table.

Portofinos is really more than just a place for dinner. It’s a happening! The staff sings as they serve. By the end of the evening we’re all singing. It’s a little sappy, but lots of fun, you can’t really resist joining in. The menu is very nice and I stole a copy so I could share it with you.

ANTIPASTO
Tris di Antipasti
Mixed antipasti

PRIMI PIATTI
Risotto al Funghi Porcini
Freshly cooked risotto with Porcini mushrooms and cheese
Farfalle al Pomodoro Speck e Porri
Butterfly pasta with speck, fresh leeks and tomatoes
Tagliatelle Gamberi e Zucchine
Homemade pasta with sauteed prawns and zucchini
Insalata Mista all Acheto Balsamico
Mixed greens tossed with balsamic dressing and crisp potato julienne

SECONDI
Carre’ D’Angello alle Bacche di Ginepro
Oven roast lamb rack with cooked Junipers sauce

DOLCI
Coppa di Pere al Cioccolato con Zabaione
Cup of pears cooked in chocolate topped with Zabaglione

VINO
Gavi Minaia, Piedmont, Italy, 2003
Valpolicella Superiore, Italy 2002

To end the evening the staff presented George with a special birthday dessert and of course the entire restaurant did the “Happy Birthday” thing!

Well, I think it’s about time I stop typing and start walking. At least when I’m at the keyboard I’m not eating!

Doug...sorry I didn't see your question until this morning. I'll try to find out.

Margo and MarnaLou - wonderful posts from both of you and it sounds as if you are having a great time. What a fun idea, the hall parties.

Thanks for keeping us updated on all your activities we would love to do this cruise sometime, its definitely on our radar!!

Margo,

Thanks for sharing. And that Portofino menu is to die for! I love Portofino in the Navigator.

Keep enjoying,

Dunno, Doug. I don't remember seeing anyone named Mohammed in Portofino but whoever is in charge is doing a fine job.

G'Day all LCT friends,

Margo , thanks for being our onboard reporter here. I would just like to add that it has been a great pleasure meeting you and Tom and the other LCT folk on Navigator. Thought I would just add a little story we heard about the other evening over dinner. One couple told us about their carpet in the suite. They were becoming a bit annoyed by a stain on the carpet and had asked if anything could be done to remove it! After being told that many attempts to remove the stain had been unsuccessful they were asked if they could please be out of the suite at 8am the next morning and return after about 2 hours. On their return a complete new carpet had been put down in the suite! They were very suprised and most impressed!!

Best regards to all from the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Wow! Why can't I get carpet installers work that efficiently here at home?

Masaki

Wonderful receiving your seamail!

Margo, that's quite a tempting menu! I'm sure it was as good as it sounds - probably better, right? Hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating George's birthday!

Installing a carpet is record time is a real accomplishment. Impressive, to say the least!

Frank and Wendy - good to hear from you. That's some kind of carpet job, all right! Hope you're having a grand time. When do you head back to the land Down Under?

Gary's due back next weekend from hurricane relief work. He's in the lower Florida Keys (a/k/a Margaritaville) and at least is having good weather while he's working. He sends his best (and yes, he'd rather be aboard right now but knows how much help everyone there still requires) Cheers, Anne

Ship’s Log
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
5:30 AM
Approaching Nuku Hiva
Iles Marquises
77.6 degrees
Showers in the area
Speed 16 K
Heading 204.7
8 39’32”S
139 50’ 10” W
We moved our clocks back ½ hour last night. (odd time zone yes?)

After six days at sea you can feel the excitement of nearing land. Last night most of the passengers and crew were in a celebratory mood. These sea days are wonderful, but the islands await!

The tour desk has done a consistent job of warning passengers not to expect too much from the island tour operators. Their daily program note Having said that, they hope we won’t be too surprised at the variety of 4wheel drive vehicles that will be used for the upcountry tour.

This is our fourth visit to Nuku Hiva so I haven’t planned to take a tour. I can honestly say I’ve been there done that. But I will tender in to take a leisurely walk along the waterfront. As always, I’ll stop to visit the church and a small store. I also plan to stop at the post office to buy a simm card for my cell phone. Haven’t talked to home for a week, and it will be nice to check in.

There is also usually a small handicrafts market near the pier so perhaps I’ll find something interesting to bring back. I haven’t done all of my Christmas shopping yet!

Yesterday we attended the American Express cocktail party – at 11:30 AM! We were all a little surprised at the time...but yes, they had us drinking before noon. Whatever trepidation we had at the start disappeared about as quickly as the first Bloody Mary. It was a nice chance to make new friends and we asked Laura (our onboard cruise consultant) about the Tier Rewards Program. Evidently the home office is still tinkering with the details and now they say it will be announced sometime early NEXT year! So hold your hats, there’s no news yet. Of course everyone around us was hoping a different perk – from free laundry and dry cleaning services to free upgrades or internet service. At this point I’m not sure we have enough days to get anything more than a couple of free drinks, but time will tell.

One of the features that I always enjoy during our sea days are the Enrichment Lectures. Thus far we’ve been educated and entertained by several very interesting individuals. While I haven’t attended all of them, I’ve particularly enjoyed Oceanographer, Robert C. Clark. On almost any voyage to the South Pacific the topic of Captain Cook will be discussed. And on each of our trips to this part of the world I become more intrigued and have started to do some reading about Cook’s 3 voyages of exploration. We’ve also had discussions of the endemic flora and fauna, as well as the history of navigational skill and tools, and some of the history of Polynesian people. It’s almost like being back in college with a great field trip thrown in!

Well, I can now see the rugged cliffs of the island, so it’s time to sign off. I’ll try to write more later.

Wonderful Margo. Thanks for taking the time to bring a little sea life into our landlocked lives.I look forward to your reports and love hearing anything about the south pacific.

WOW great report Margo, I can almost see the cliffs of the island myself!!

Have some fun in port - anxiously awaiting more reports.

Always great to hear from you Margo! I look forward to all seamail - adds some light to our landlocked days - Joanna

Margo,

I'm just lovin' your reports. Thanks so much for taking the time to post for us.

Betty

We are just about to go ashore. Leaning over our balcony watching them prepare the tenders, we saw a rather enormous sea turtle swimming around the ship! It had to be several feet across.

It's a very warm spring day in Nuku Hiva and we look forward to checking the place out!

Ship’s Log
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Approaching Moorea and Papette French Polynesia
5:30 AM
Sunny 78 Degrees
Sea Smooth
Speed: 19 Kn
Heading 229 Degrees
Location:
16 55’ 26” S
149 10’ 36” W

Good morning! We will be in Moorea in a few hours, but I’ve fallen behind on my reports so I’ll try to catch you up this morning.

First let me tell you about our day in Nuku Hiva. The island is only 330 square kilometers but if you measured it vertically it would be much larger. As you approach from the sea you observe sheer peaks erupting from the ocean. It is very lush, but you can’t imagine the effort it must take to go upcountry! The tallest peak is Mt. Tokao (1,208 meters).

Nuka Hiva has one very fine bay for anchorage. It was formed long ago by the collapse of a volcanic crater. Thus the town of Taiohae and this bay were formed. This is the administrative capital of the Marquesas Island and has a population of about 1687 people. The entire island reported 2375 inhabitants in the 1996 census.

We tendered ashore shortly after 9 AM and were greeted with leis and music from a Polynesian quartet. Two beautiful Nuku Hivan natives draped the fragrant flowers around our necks and then we were off for some exploration.

It’s very easy to see all of Taiohae by foot but the heat and humidity was enough to convince some to board the shuttle for the ride to several sights. I elected to walk so I had the chance to duck into several very small shops along the way. You really can’t have a shopping spree on Nuku Hiva, there’s just not that much here. Only 5 or 6 ships anchor here each year, and there is only one small resort on the island for tourists. I found a tiny stationary shop and purchased some post cards for my grandsons.

The bayside is pleasant, lots of trees shade the walkway and of course we were all taking photos of the Navigator turning on anchor in the bay.

If you follow the crowd (that would all of the other passengers), you will soon find your way to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is in a beautiful and very peaceful setting. On the massive doors and inside you’ll find carvings by local artists. All the Stations of the Cross, the pulpit and even the baptismal font are carved of temanu wood. The saints and disciples are portrayed as Polynesians.

When you return to the bayside, you’ll find a ceremonial paepae called Piki Vehine. There are the remains of several stone carvings depicting tikis and sacred events. Unfortunately they are not protected and the elements and some vandalism has taken its toll.

While walking you’ll see many locals on horseback. Several passed me by as I wandered back to the ship. I also saw chickens and other farm animals. Life seems very quiet here but the people were friendly and it was a lovely pause from our seagoing routine.

Yesterday was another of our glorious sea days. While it was somewhat cloudy and we had sporadic showers it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. As always there was a full schedule of activities and as a friend noted, she was rushing from one thing to the next.

A troupe of Polynesian dancers joined our ship in Nuka Hiva and they have entertained and instructed us in the Tahitian culture. These beautiful women are charming and the delight of all of the passengers. Our friend Frank was able to snap a wonderful photo of Tom with two of these beauties. Needless to say Tom is grinning from ear to ear!

Well, I see the clock is ticking away. Today I’m going to take the Dolphin Watching tour so I hope to have something exciting to report later.

We will anchor at Moorea for the day and will then sail to Papeete at 6 pm. The crew has planned a Tahitian Dinner under the stars as we sail between the islands. It should be a lovely evening.

Enjoying all your reports, Margo, and anticipating more!

Neither you nor Marsha have mentiond soduku - has that gone by the wayside?

Kathy, I have had no time for sudoku! I've either been reading or sleeping or watching the ocean go by. I might need a few puzzles for tomorrow, though, our day in exile between cruises. :)

Another terrific report, Margo. Thanks so much for taking the time out of visiting Paradise to post!

Unfortunately I never got my sudoku lesson from Marsha...as she said...lots of reading, sleeping and passing ocean.

We will really miss her and George - they have tried to shanghai some fellow passengers and today it would have been easy - a really beautiful day in Moorea!

Bon Voyage to the PG and Marsha and George.

Thanks Margo!! I hope you received the little item intended for a baby in Hawaii. I put it outside your door.

We had a wonderful final meal last night in Compass Rose with our neighbors. We splurged on some caviar beforehand and then made our way down to dinner. We skipped the barbeque on deck because I was pretty tired after our long day. We went up and put our bags out, but they were not collected until this morning so we could have waited on that.

Off to the Radisson Plaza now. It's a rainy, warm day. We're going to meet the aforementioned friends at Le Marche for lunch so the transition to our brief civilian life is going to be eased a little.

More later from the PG!!

Marsha...the little items was received and is safely stowed until we reach Hawaii. I saw Brian and Denise this morning at the market and they told me they were going see you at lunch. Hope you had a wonderful time.

New passengers are arriving this afternoon. It is a hot and steamy day in Papeete and almost everyone seems to be staggering back from the market, glad to find some AC. This morning's rain turned the climate into sauna-like conditions. We need some cooling breezes just about now, but I think everyone is taking a siesta.

I stopped at Tahiti Nui travel agency this morning to ask about their webcam, but there so many people waiting there I decided to move on to the market. Sorry you could stalk us today.

Great reports Margo - thank you sooooo much!!! Joanna

Should I not be reading this thread either? :D

Great reports, guys!

Masaki

It's okay, Masaki, if you don't mention this to Marika. :)

Mum's the word!

Masaki

I spent about an hour this morning writing a long seamail...while trying to copy and paste it here I lost the whole thing! I'll try to recreate it later, right now too disheartened to do it all over again.

We are on our way to Christmas Island - crossing the equator this evening or early tomorrow morning. It's hard to get computer time and there are lots of problems with the system - some machines work better than others. I now know which one NOT to use!!!

Otherwise, things are great - today they are having the country fair on the pool deck. The captain is in a small pool float and passengers are throwing an even smaller lifering to try and "rescue" him. Many laughts.

Good Morning from Christmas Island! We've been anchored for about an hour and the tenders are now taking passengers ashore. The water is so shallow that only 35 people can board at a time. The island is only about 10 feet above sea level with some spots "soaring" to 30 feet!

It is the largest atoll in the world...and beauiful if a bit low key - lots of palm trees and schrubs visiable from the ship. Bird watching is the attraction, with most equatorial seabird nesting here.

Everyone seems excited to add an new destination to their list of places visited.

The Seven Seas Society party was last night before our formal dinner. There were so many passengers with 100 plus days that they announced only those with 200 or more from the stage - our most experienced guests had more than 500!

Dinner was fabulous - escargot, french onion soup, rack of lamb - I get hungry again just typing up my order.

I'm going on a Wildlife Tour this afternoon - I let you know if we see any!!!

Love your seamails Margo. I can't wait to hear about your Wildlife Tour! How fun!!

P.S. For fun you can change the date stamp on your camera to December 25 and take photos on Christmas Island for Christmas cards!

Oh Marcie...wish I'd thought of that!

We had a wonderful day...saw dolphin, manta rays and millions of birds! What an enchanted place. I know that there will be passengers who will complain about why we stopped THERE...but it was truely one of the most unspoiled places in the world.

The water was so crystal clear - a beautiful blue color. The people were welcoming. It is a simple but really restful place. I'd go back again.

Now we're 2 day from Honolulu, Masaki, Amanda and Marika...can hardly wait to see our LCT friends.

I'll try to write more tomorrow - too much wine with another fantastic dinner has impeded my typing skills.

Actually 3 days but close enough for government purposes (International Date Line) :)

Looking forward to seeing you soon, Margo!

Masaki

Margo:

We looked longingly at your cruise and if there wasn't so much on our vactation plate for 2006, we would have liked to have joined you.

In the meantime, I enjoy being a parasite.

Cheers! Ray

I'm so enjoying your reports, Margo!

Have a terrific visit with Masaki, Amanda and Marika!

See you soon!

Denise...I'm planning on a photo opportunity for "little fish" AKA Marika and her proud parents. I know we're going to have so much fun!

We had a beautiful start of the day, but before noon we ran into stormy weather. Showers for most of the afternoon and the seas are a bit rougher but nothing that bothers us...it will be interesting to see if the dining room is a bit quieter tonight.

Sadly, they asked for our disembarkation forms TODAY...more than a week before we leave, but we must see immigration in Honolulu so perhaps that's why - who knows.

I met with the Guest Relations Manager about our day off and then on the ship again. While they won't tell us very much, evidently a company has chartered the whole ship. They can't seem to tell us much more, but they will store all of our luggage and even will take everything on hangers on a cart so I don't have to worry about that. Unfortunately we have to leave the ship by 9:15 AM so may need a place to hang out until our ride to brunch arrives. I'm sure we'll figure something out. I asked if we could just stay in one of the lounges, but evidently Customs insists we leave the ship so that they can inspect our carryons/offs

We are still having a wonderful time - rain or not - the lectures and nap time seem to be carrying the day! Off to dinner now with Wendy and Frank.

Bye,

Margo, could you explain your day on and off the ship for me? I must of missed it in an earlier report?

Margo, you won't have much wait.

I think we are leaving at 9 am for the ship so we should be there bewtween 9:30 - 9:45. I will double check - I have the info written down at the office.

Karen, there is a whole day between Margo's back to back cruises where the ship is chartered. It was once the Cruise to Nowhere, where I had booked for our Anniversary. They canceled the one day and Margo and Tom have to disembark and stay in a hotel for one night. Ironically, we have MIMOSA, the West Coast Brunch that day so it's perfect entertaiment.

Hi, Margo!

So sorry to hear that they have been unable to make things easier for you that one night. It really is a disruption in the flow to have to do that.

We miss all of you Navigator folks but we are having such a wonderful time here on the PG. I heard there was another block party, did you attend the second one?

Margo,

Looking forward to seeing photos of you and Tom with Marika, Amanda and Maskai.

Hard to believe the first part of your journey is just about over. However, you do have Incredible Cruise Part II and MIMOSA! See you NEXT SUNDAY!!

Margo - weather's not a whole lot better here in Honolulu right now. Regardless, very anxious to see you and Tom tomorrow!!

Masaki

Masaki...sun is shining now so we'll bring it to Honolulu with us! :)

Denise...we're excited too - I'll have my laptop so can show you the photos!

Karen...Kathy explained it fairly well - we're getting kicked off (so to speak) for 24 hours - but the Guest Relations Manager did say if there any chance we can stay they will try to arrange it, so cross your fingers.

Kathy...we can talk in Port Hueneme about the schedule on Sunday - Tom is a little anxious about where we'll wait, but I'm sure we'll find a chair in the cruise terminal!

Marsha...we miss both of you! Had dinner with Brian and Denise night before last and hope to join up with them again soon. We had our second hall party and it was just as fun - even made it all the way down to meet some folks that have been with us since Nov. 8...everyday we seem to find new friends! So glad you're enjoying the PG. Hope the rainy weather is north of your cruise route!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Margo, I'm finally catching up on all the posts here. Your cruise sounds fabulous. So glad you are having a good time. And, lucky you, getting to meet "Little Fish" in person. Can't wait to see the photos.

Margo, how nice that you and Brian and Denise had an evening together.

We have had just a little rain but not enough to slow things down too much. It's usually sporadic and then we have brilliant sun.

Can't wait to hear about your lunch with Little Fish. I hope she brought her parents!

Had the most wonderful time visiting with Margo and Tom aboard the Navigator. Being aboard again brought back a lot of memories of our cruise on the Navigator from NYC to Montreal. Tom is an absolute hoot with a dry wit. And Margo is such a dear - they were very gracious with our tardiness and our uncooperative munchkin! Marika was in one of her moods where she's tired/hungry/mad all at the same time and refuses to do anything to fix any of the 3 conditions (grin) Despite her moodiness, she was quite the hit aboard ship with multiple people asking to carry her. :)

Margo - we had the best time having lunch with you two - hope to be able to repeat it soon on a future cruise! As you well know, the blanket was immediately loved and had Marika's "personal touch" added all too soon! And Marsha/George - the puppet was way too cute! Thank you for thinking of her (once again) :D

Masaki

PS: so now I know, Gannett newspapers is pronounced "gah-NET" as opposed to "GAH-net"

What a great time to be able to get together! Masaki, as any of us who have raised kids know....some days they are great and some days are, well, just not so great! Been there, done that!

That is so wonderful that you were able to go onboard with Margo and Tom!!

How great that you all were able to get together. Can't wait to meet Marika in person, no matter what her mood.

How special that must have been for all of you. Now on to the West Coast. First stop in Port Hueneme!!! Yippee! One week from today! Then on to the MIMOSA Brunch!

I am so glad you all had such a nice time! I am envious as can be that Margo got her hands on Marika and I still have not but oh well, these things can't be helped!!

I know Marika is too young for the bath puppet but maybe when she's a bit older she'll enjoy it. I appreciate Margo and Tom bringing the package to you.

Marika was adorable...no matter what her mood! And of course Masaki and Amanda were anxious that she not bother anyone so they were probably more sensitive to her behavior than we were. She is such a sweetie...and everyone loved having a little one on board! Our waiter Lucius even offered to babysit.

In the evening another set of friends joined us for dinner, it was so fun to see them again after several years - Tom and Mark once worked together so the old company gossip ruled the evening.

We were so tuckered out from all our entertaining that we were fast asleep when the ship sailed at midnight.

Today we are in Maui but there have been a couple of problems.....after I left early this morning on tour it seem the ship's anchor wouldn't hold against the current so they have basically been running the engines all day just to keep the ship in position for the tenders. We were suppose to remain here until 11 pm but the schedule was adjusted, we will sail at 6 pm - hopefully those who left on tour before the announcement was made will return in time - their tours will be done, but if they strike out on their own afterwards they may have a big surprise! I'll let you know if anyone misses the "boat"!

Our deck barbeque was also cancelled because we'll be underway and it's too windy to serve outside.

So today had a few surprises and disappointments, but nothing really serious. We're off to Kona next - I'll try to check in tomorrow.

PS: Masaki & Amanda...thanks so much for coming to the ship with Marika - we had a wonderful time with you and can't wait to see you again.

Margo - sorry to hear about Maui - too bad about the anchor not holding (!). Lucius was quite funny - we ran into him as we were leaving the port building and gave him last minute directions on how to get to K-mart. We would have offered to have driven him there but we needed to shop a bit at Aloha Tower to get our parking validated. :)

Have a great time in Kona!

Masaki

Aloha...we are anchored! We arrived off the Kona Coast this morning, greeted by sunny skies and smooth seas.

It was a very quite cruise between Maui and Hawaii last night, but our depature was delayed a bit - when they raised the last tender at around 8 pm the dining room erupted in applause - still haven't heard exactly what happened, but I'm sure today's grapevine will produce some news.

I have no tours planned for today but will certainly go ashore and walk around Kona. I plan to pick up a few small gifts for crew members - they seem to come back with munchies when they go ashore, so food items might be a good choice. I also plan to get a couple of phone cards because both our stewardess and our butler love to phone home.

Kathy...there has been another change in our stop at Port Hueneme....we are only staying until 5 PM! All tours have been cancelled not enough time to go and come back! Someone told me we are just stopping to disembark passengers. The government controls the time we are there so the ship has no real say in the matter. Anyway, wanted to give you the headsup on that - We would still love to have you visit us on the Navigator - and if it's not a long drive to come to the port I hope we can still plan on seeing you. Just wanted to let you know.

So wonderful to hear that you all had a lovely visit. I'm sure Marika won over everyone's hearts!

We love Hawaii and have visited Kauai and Maui twice. We've yet to visit Kona, but have heard it's a beautiful and very interesting island.

I do hope you are able to connect with Kathy and Frank while in Port Hueneme.

See you on Sunday!

Hi....checking my email this morning - we changed our clocks again last night so now we're on west coast time...our brains are still in Tahiti I think - slow start this morning - at 7:30 I was the third person to show up for coffee in the Navigator Lounge - that's unusual.

We'll be in SF on Friday and I'm looking forward to some shopping and just wandering around - may have to buy a pair of shoes - just realized I have sneakers or sandals but nothing in between - and it seems things are a little cooler than I expected. Oh well, can always use a new pair of shoes (or two)!

Yesterday we found out we can stay on the ship the night of December 4th! Originally there was a charter and we were suppose to stay at the Beverly Hilton for the evening...but the charter has been cancelled so Hurrah...we get to stay. In fact I think there will only be three or four passengers onboard! I'm excited to have the ship almost to ourselves. And they will just move us while we're enjoying Mimosa, can it get any better than that?

When I talked with our Stewardess last night she told us the housekeeping staff is going to Disneyland on Sunday - they are very excited - a special treat for them. I hope the waitstaff gets a treat too. They all work so hard to make our shipboard life wonderful. This unexpected night "off" should be fun for all of them.

California LCTers...what's the weather like? We have CNN International right now and sometimes it's easier to figure out how to dress in Turkey than SF! The weather seems to be getting cooler but haven't heard a forecast.

Can't wait til Sunday...see you then.

Margo, right now the So. Cal weather is delightful, cool mornings but warms up to around 70. I hear there's a chance of rain for the weekend. Hope they're wrong as Saturday is the big USC vs. UCLA rival game!

Pray for a dry Saturday & Sunday!!

So happy you get to stay onboard and not leave for a hotel!

Really enjoying your reports, Margo, and looking forward to many more!

Are we going to see a picture of you with Marika??

Margo - congrats on getting to stay onboard the ship for that one day!!

Masaki

Kathy...right now I can't post any photos from the ship, but I promise to do it when I can...perhaps Masaki can put one of if he would.

Margo, I have missed something. Where do you go next?

Margo,

Can you burn a CD on the ship and give it to me this weekend and I will upload some for you!

I'll be interested in how your cabin change goes, Margo. We are going to have to do that on Leg 2 of the WC. Enjoy seeing everyone at MIMOSA.

Kathy...as far as I can tell there is no opportunity to burn a CD here on the ship although I can probably do that on my own computer, so I'll try to do that before we get to you.

Donna, I'm told that they will just exchange the drawers etc and bring all the hanging clothing on a cart to our new suite. I promise to let you know how it goes. I think they will tell us more on how to prepare on Saturday.

We are now about 36 hours out of SF...the weather is cooler and cloudier and we're all feeling the "end" is near. It's been so wonderful and we are still enjoying meeting new cruise friends. Tonight we decided to take a chance and form a new table with people we hadn't meet....it was great, in fact we've almost always find it a great way to meet new friends.

I'll try to write more tomorrow....sweet dreams to all...after dinner and wine, I'm sure we'll have ours!

Kathy...the security officer called me this afternoon...the Port Hueneme (sp? can't ever remember how to spell that) officials have now told RSSC that they will not allow visitors.

He has promised to follow up, telling them that they had granted permission, but he isn't optimistic. I promise to call you tomorrow to let you know what I know, but perhaps we should just agree to meet on Sunday. I hate for you to drive to the ship and not be able to board. They are offering us a free shuttle to the shops at the mall so I have a backup plan if none of this works out.

I'll call you tomorrow when we have cell service.

Sorry for all the confusion - I know Radisson is upset that is was so poorly handled.

We had our farewell party and dinner tonight. Everyone was so beautifully dressed. The crew had a wonderful dinner for us.

We're so sorry to think about saying goodbye to our shipboard friends. We will loose passengers for the next 3 days....but it's been a wonderful voyage....today at lunch they had the most incredible "market" lunch in Compass Rose... stations for all of the international foods from shashimi to pasta to tacos...and everything inbetween. The day was rainy but who would know, we were having the most wonderful lunch. I'll post the photos when we get to a high speed connection.

Tomorrow SF....I can't believe we're back to the US.

Good night and sweet dreams to all!

We'll be cruising under the Golden Gate bridge in about a half hour...it is clear but very cool and windy - quite a change for us. Everyone is excited and headed up top to watch. Guess I'll join them! It's exciting to be coming "home"!

Margo has your trip, so far, gone as quickly for you as I feel it has for me - feels like yesterday you were getting ready to leave Florida - Joanna

Hi Joanna...yes, sometimes it really does seem as though we left only yesterday, but then again as we sit down each evening to another fabulous meal in Compass Rose we feel like we've been eating FOREVER! LOL!

All our friends will be leaving the ship on Sunday and we are sad to say goodbye but also happy that we have 2 more weeks.

Today was a perfect day to be in San Francisco. It was cool and clear this morning. Everyone was off to see and do things around the city. We've been here many times but this was the first time I actually rode a cable car. It was fun to really be a tourist.

We sail tonight at 6 pm. One more day and we'll be in LA....and Mimosa for us! hurrah!!!!

Hello from the West Coast!

This morning we are cruising south from San Francisco towards LA. The first part of our voyage is coming to a close but we have Mexico and the Panama Canal ahead of us.

Unfortunately, almost all of our South Pacific friends will leave the ship today or tomorrow. Last night we felt a tinge of sadness as we gathered in Frank and Wendy’s (Cairns, Australia) suite to share some champagne and canapés and reminisce about the last 24 days. Larry and Judy (from Camarillo, CA) brought along their laptop and we relived each port as we laughed and talked about their photos.

Digital cameras and laptops make travel photography so easy and the results are instant. Remember when you used to come home form vacation and have to mortgage the house to get the film developed? Thank goodness those days are gone.

Jens and Gunhild (Vancouver Island) also joined in our celebration and we continued on to the dining room. We’ve had the pleasure of dinner in this group of eight several times. Inevitably we are one of the last tables to finish. I’m sure there are some nights when the wait staff wishes they could whisk the table cloth right out from under our elbow to move us along!

One of our favorite wine stewards Yavuhs (I’m sure I didn’t spell that right! He’s from Turkey) know all of us so well; he arrives with several different wines to satisfy all tastes. Wendy is allergic to sulfites so they have a special wine for her. Tom wants Sauvignon Blanc do his choice arrive, I like the Coppola Merlot, another bottle appears, before you know it our table is crowded with bottles and Gunhild decides to try them all! You can imagine the laughter we shared.

On Monday, when the next group of passengers arrives, we will be very lucky if we meet others that are as gracious and friendly as this special group of cruisers that we now think of as friends.

But enough…don’t want to get misty eyed and foul up the keyboard. Let me tell you about my day in San Francisco!

Yesterday dawned bright and clear. After 3 days of mist and rain it was like magic, everything was brilliant…but a little cool. Burrrrr! Many of us gathered on deck 12 to view our passage under the Golden Gate Bridge. We were all bundled up to our ears with any warm clothing we had the foresight to bring along. There was a buzz of excitement, land ho...after four rough and sometimes rainy days at sea. And for most of us, the sight of what we call home, the USA.

The pilot arrived onboard and the coast guard cruised alongside as we entered San Francisco Harbor. Open your golden gate….here we come!

Soon many of us were headed for some shoreside touring and shopping. After so many trips to SF, I finally visited Fisherman’s Wharf. It was fun to just poke around in the shops. I found some small Christmas gifts. Next I wandered down to the bakery to have some sourdough, yummy, couldn’t miss that.

My digital camera batteries have been fading fast during the trip so I set out to find a shop that sold the right kind of replacement. While on that mission I passed an “In ‘n Out” burger store. After so many comments by California friends, I had to stop and try just one double-double...double Yum- Yum! So now I had a few calories to walk off!

I also wanted to ride the cable cars. Yep, never done that before either, so today was my day to be a real tourist. The drivers are almost as good as the ride. They each have their own driving “stick” and by the end of the line you’re a part of the act! When I arrived in Union Square I needed to walk around a bit and consider some shopping. Tom was lucky, the crowds and the time kept me from doing any serious damage. So I boarded another cable car and took a different route back to the wharf. All too soon it was time to set sail again.

So here I am. checking email from home and wishing all of you were here to enjoy the Navigator with me. Maybe someday!

Hi Margo,

I have enjoyed reading your posts so much. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences from the South Pacific. I'm glad you had a fun time in SF. Isn't the sourdough the best?

Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow and hearing more of your adventures!

Dena

Well....we're in Port Hueneme and it's been a very interesting exprience. First we waited quite some time for all disembarking passengers to leave the ship. Next the captain announced that all shore leave for crew was cancelled. Then he announced that the ship had to be cleared by the coast guard and they were not at the dock yet????? By now it was after 2 pm....still no clearance and the ship must sail at 5 pm (again at the insistance of the port authority) so the time for the two tours was dwindeling very quickly. Finally the captain comes on and announces that only passengers with tour tickets may leave the ship - anyone else who hoped to just walk off to catch a taxi or meet friends (like Kathy and Frank) were not allowed to go off.

You can imagine the uproar. There are many unhappy passengers. The cruise director apologized and immediately organized a pool cocktail party from 2:30 - 3:30.

I met one of the offices returning to the bridge -they are very upset with the local port authority - not because of their decisions, but because they failed to communicate any of this ahead of time. It does seem like very poor business to treat the ship and the passengers (90% Americans)like we're a national threat!

Oh well...off to the pool party!

PS...Kathy, so glad you and Frank didn't drive over here just to be turned away - I decided to skip the shopping trip - they are on such a tight schedule it didn't seem worth the hassle. See you tomorrow.

Dena...can't wait for MIMOSA..it will be so much fun.

What is sad about this whole experience, is that RSSC gets all kinds of press when there is a cruise ship stop at Port Hueneme. In May, the Mariner left for Alaska on the first Alaska Cruise of the season and they even had a big group depart from Ventura County. Being it's a primarly a Naval port and used for shipping, it only has had the Mariner visit in the past. I guess the port authority isn't used to much people traffic. There really is not much to do there at all and actually some of the surrounding neighborhoods are not all that great to be walking around. Go figure - maybe it'll be the last RSSC stop there. I met the mayor of Port Hueneme last year, maybe I ought to call her (ha ha)

Kathy...I'd recommend that chat...everyone is writing very negative comments about Port Hueneme...is sad when your last impression is not a good one.

Even as we were leaving there was a fire engine following us down the pier as though we were some kind of danger - I think homeland security is doing all of their drills right here!

We stayed on ship this afternoon and had a wonderful dinner with Frank and Wendy. I will be so sad to see them go tomorrow.

Right now we are going 6 knots....we're so close to LA...can't arrive too early! Originally we were suppose to be in Port Hueneme until 10, but again, they kicked us out early - but all is well, the casino is open so we can win or lose a few dollars before tomorrow.

Can't wait until MIMOSA...SEE SOME OF YOU SOON!

Love your reports Margo, that was really an unusual circumstance in Port Hueneme. Keep them coming.

Good morning from LA! Bright and sunny - but a little cool, 54 degrees. The ship is abuzz as everyone prepares to leave. It strange to feel sad and happy at the same time, but we do.

Tom has finally caught the cold that's been going around the ship. I'm not certain he'll come to Mimosa...he doesn't want to give it to anyone else. I've been taking my airbourne at a constant clip - hoping not to catch it from him (or anyone else).

See some of you in a few hours!!! :)

<img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

Margo, it's fun to keep track of you via your reports. Sorry Tom is ailing, but I hope you enjoyed MIMOSA enough for the both of you.

I hope your canal transit is as pleasant as the first segment of your journey.

Hi Marsha...we've enjoy following you and George on the PG and in Bora Bora!

Tom and I both have the COLD now...we've spent the last 4 days in our suite...a very nice suite, but not where we hoped to be 24/7. We even had to decline an invitation to dine with the Captain :( We're hoping to face the world again today. This is my first time at the computer in so long, it may take awhile to just check the email.

We have seen both grey and humpback whales off the Baja...and the weather is glorious. We hoping for a cure by Acapulco!

Hurrah....we had our first dinner in the dining room in a week - I think the "cold" is almost gone. I've heard other coughs on the ship...hopefully they don't have what we HAD!

Everyone has been so amazing - we had calls from the nurse, and guest relations asking how we are doing. And every staff member we meet asks if we're feeling better. We really do feel as though the staff cares that we are doing better.

Tonight in the dining room our favorite wine steward came across the room to see us - he thought we'd left the ship....you know, the staff really is wonderful, they have made us feel so well cared for. Our waiter Alberto told me to see him tomorrow for "early coffee" in the Navigator Lounge - he has something good for a cold. Just can't remember when a crew was so sweet and caring about our health.

Well, we'll see if Tom is on the mend, I left him in the casio at the blackjack table!

Welcome Back, Margo. It's been quite a week around here.

Margo, I am so glad you are feeling better. It's rotten to spend your cruise sick!

We walked in the door on Friday and a few hours later I said to George, "How weird, that airplane seat must have made my back hurt. And it gave me a headache and a sore throat."

It turns out I think I have the flu!!! I am miserable. I can't have the flu shot and it looks like it got me this year. Oh well, it waited until we got home, how lucky is that? It's slowing me down getting ready for Christmas but that is hardly a crisis.

Marsha....get well soon! It's NEVER easy to be sick, but being in your own bed has some advangages - all your comfort things are nearby.

Kathy...I've been wondering how everyone else is? Tom said I'm worse than Typhoid Mary....but I'd be shocked to know that what we had would spread that quickly. If it did, I am soooo sorry - I didn't even know I was sick or I would have stayed away. Hope all is well.

Margo, you're better, hooray! Hope you can get back to enjoying your cruise and posting more seamail.

Margo, so glad you are feeling better. Marsha, so sorry you're not feeling well so get well soon.

I've really enjoyed reading all of your wonderful posts.

Nancy

We all got it at the same time so we can just blame it on the limo driver! As long as we're all the mend, that's what counts