Yesterday was that great day: boarding the ship! MarnaLou and I got to the cruise terminal in San Pedro right around Noon and checked in pretty quickly thereafter. The Radisson folks were having network problems -- do I remember similar problems before MINT? -- but they only slowed things down a bit. We were aboard in short order.

We had lunch in the Portofino Grill and then Marna headed off to the hair stylist while I wandered and sat around reading in anticipation of our room getting ready. Before 2PM I was just standing in the Deck 9 forward atrium when a crew member asked me if I was waiting for my room. When told, "yes!" the crew member gave me the OK to head down the hall to 919. Before Marna even finished in the salon, I was unpacked! :p

We met with Margo, Tom, and a number of other folks in Galileo's after the funniest muster drill talk I've ever heard (the cruise director turned it into a combination of training and stand-up comedy) for our initial get-together. Nice folks.

Then we headed to dinner with our neighbors across the hall (folks from London). Dinner in Compass Rose was, as seems always to be the case, delicious and we had a wonderful conversation with Brian and Denise (the Londoners).

Post dinner it was time to turn in after a long day that started in Long Beach and ended on the way to Tahiti!

George, I am just loving all these updates from everyone! I suppose since you have all those glorious sea days, we might get a few more than usual :)

Keep them coming George love to hear from you

Keep posting George - wonderful - we boarded at
1 PM for last cruise cabin ready at 1:30 PM - Joanna

Everyone looked great in their dress-up clothes last night. Marna and I dined with our across-the-hall neighbors (the Londoners mentioned earlier) in the Compass Rose. The food, of course, was delightful.

Following the "just let me sleep one more hour" theme of this cruise, so far, Marna and I headed back to our room after dinner and crashed! Whether it is something being "piped into the air" as Margo has suggested or just the constant swell/rock, I continue to be amazed at the amount of time I can spend quiet happily sleeping away the day! :o

Today there is a lecture on Volcanos and Atolls (in just a few minutes). That will be the first educational thing I've done!

george

Ditto George. I think there was anesthetic in the air the past few days. I have not been this awake since we set sail. We're going to try to do something with some redeeming value today, if it's nothing more than getting an espresson. I have to say the coffee is realy bad on this cruise. Room service, the restaurants, doesn't matter, it's swill. Everything else is so nice.

It's finally warm! We've been chilled since before we left LA but today it's warm and balmy and tropical and humid. We really know we're on our way to Tahiti now.

Have to say the infamous vibration isn't bothering me. I noticed the glasses shaking against each other in Portofino this morning but it's hardly anything to get excited about. Our midship cabin is wonderful.

Did I mention we did not fill up all the drawers in our cabin? That is a first for us.

So good to hear from you guys! I hope the coffee improves, we had no problem with the coffee on the Voyager, rich and robust just the way we like it!

Hi guys,

I also thought the coffe was bad when I was aboard Navigator this summer. The capuccino is slightly better.

Thanks for posting!

Keep posting, Marsha and George! Glad to hear that the weather is finally warming up for you!

Masaki

It's a gorgeous Saturday morning. Margo pretty well encapsulated yesterday on her thread so I'll just add that we are looking forward to dinner in Portofino tonight. This is George's birthday and that means that it was one year ago today that we sailed on MINT.

We were seated at dinner last night with our next-door neighbors, whom we recognized, thanks to the block party! That really has turned out to be the greatest idea ever. And you know that as soon as you meet one person, you quickly meet all their friends as well.

The maitre d' in Portofino is looking into some kind of special dessert for George since he is wildly allergic to eggs and can't eat most of the confections the pastry chefs churn out every day. We'll see if they can come up with something creative, otherwise the poor dear will have to resort to port and cheese. Failing that we'll stick a candle in a grape!

More later!

We really had a great evening at Portofino's! Margo and Tom and our new friends Brian and Denise joined us for George's birthday and we had a wonderful time. It is theater combined with a wonderful Italian dinner with a hearty dose of wine tossed in for good measure.

We are trying to get Brian and Denise to join us here at LCT. I know they'll receive a warm welcome when and if they do.

See you all tomorrow.

So what did they figure out for George's dessert??

Masaki

I find that too Marsha. On sea days I get really lazy at times - isnt it wonderful. So good for us to really chill out and relax. Love hearing from you and glad you are all warm and the seas are good now.

The dessert, what did they do???

Well, to be honest, the dessert was a little odd. As far as I could tell, it was just chocolate whipped cream, studded with chocolate, and piped into quite a lovely shape. It was presented with great heart, lots of singing and attention to the birthday boy. But it tasted like whipped cream stiffened with a great deal of sugar and we really couldn't eat it. If there was more to it I apologize to the chef but it really doesn't matter. We had a great time.

The singer for the evening accompanied the presentation of the cake and asked George go make a wish. George replied, 'I did, but you're still here.' Brought down the house and the waitstaff seemed to love George's sassy self. It was really a special evening.

Dinner/happening was marvelous fun. I can honestly say that I think it might have been the best entertainment I've every experienced on a Radisson ship. Except for Kenny Smiles. :)

While I agree with Marna's evaluation of what was in the dessert, I actually enjoyed it. What's not to like in chocolate, sugar, and whipped cream? :D

george

Ah, I miss that wit. :) Glad to hear that you enjoyed it, George - I imagine the chef was busy scratching his/her head trying to figure out what to make!

Masaki

Well, we crossed the equator today so they had the shellback/pollywog ceremony this afternoon and it was an absolute hoot. Many foodstuffs were thrown in the pool in symbolic mayhem, and at the end officers from the bridge, waiters, casino workers, spa workers, one of the onboard lecturers and provisioners were thrown into the now-derelict pool, all in uniform. Those who were not yet thrown mostly accepted their fate and jumped in and it was hilarious. The band played "Anchors Aweigh".

It's probably the prettiest day yet out there. It's warm with calm seas and just the most refreshing breeze. Most of us are napping less than we were but it's still a major pasttime.

What a fun birthday party for you George!! Love hearing all from you guys!

LOL, I am just trying to picture George's whip cream desert! You are right, it really is the thought that counts!

Karen, it was really gorgeous. Maybe there was some gelatin in there, I couldn't really tell but we were having such a great time we didn't really care. Being allergic to eggs is a bit of a nuisance and I feel sorry for G that he has to deal with that since they are absolutely everywhere.

It's a WONDERFUL day out today. It's warm but not hot and the sea breeze is absolutely delightful. We're going to sit in deck chairs and catch up on our reading and snoozing this morning. We land tomorrow and have some tours. Our second formal night is tonight and the only pressing thing I have to do is some pressing. :)

It sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time! I sure wish I was on my way to Tahiti. Enjoy!

Babs

This has truly been a great eating cruise, thus far! Marna and I have actually skipped breakfast (except for a protein drink) the past two days and I'll tell you it feels good to actually feel hungry when I sit down to lunch! :rolleyes:

george

Today was Nuku Hiva. We took an excursion which was really a simple ride on the local school bus around the environs. We stopped at a (recreated) native Marquesan religious site, a handycrafts market, and a remarkable Roman Catholic cathedral.

The wood carving in the cathedral was worth going ashore on its own, in my opinion. For those who know and care, there were individual carved stations of the cross (each was about 3 feet high and about 18 inches wide), a carved crucifix behind the altar (which was adorned with carvings), a beautiful carved Mary & Child, and a baptismal font area that was breathtaking. I'll put pictures up once we're back in Portland.

We pulled up anchor and headed out of the bay just about 30 minutes ago. Next stop (after a sea day tomorrow) will be Moorea.

george

Our day in Nuku Hiva was most enjoyable. George and I took a little tour in an open-air bus (between its runs to deliver little kids to school and back) and saw a bit of this interesting little island. At the crafts market I bought a tablecloth I like very much. Our guide was most gloriously tatooed, and he allowed George to take a picture of his arm. His English was rather spotty and while my French is certainly less than impressive I did a little translating for him and we really had a lot of fun.

Less exciting was the behavior of some of our fellow visitors. Despite signs and the tour talk, both of which cautioned us to set our expectations appropriately, many of the other tour takers were vocal about their disappointment in the lack of amenities. It was really annoying to listen to the constant complaining, especially when we were in such a wonderful spot, rich with history. Sure it was warm and humid but did they not understand the destination???

By the way, our tour tickets PROMINENTLY mentioned that gratuities are not included and our tip was cheerfully accepted by our guide.

I loved the Marquesas. Nuku Hiva is a big place in comparision to the other islands but that is what makes the Marquesas special. I find it fascinating that people live on these remote islands and they all look so relaxed and happy. Maybe they really have the secret to a happy life. We stayed one night in Nuku Hiva and then flew back to PPT. The hotel at the top of the hill was lovely and view was spectacular. I remember watching the PG sailing away and thinking "what an idiot I am for not staying onboard for the next week" The drive the next day from Nuku Hiva to the airport on the other side of the island was truly spectacular. Incredible mountains and valleys I felt like we were in a really pristine paradise.

George I loved that Church. The carvings were beautiful, it was very polynesian and also I felt a strong sense of serenity. I will always remember that church. I bet on Sunday with the women in their colorful dresses and the congregation singing it would a sight to behold.

It's our last day at sea before George and I say a sad farewell to this part of our journey, and to all our new friends. We woke up to a light rain and then a gorgeous rainbow.

I have decided that my favorite part of this ship is definitely the bathroom in the cabin. The separate tub and shower are a huge plus but the best part is that there is no shower curtain to wrap itself around one's legs. Five stars for the loo!!

We have no constructive plans for the day except to plan for our departure Friday.

Ah, great memories of Nuka Hiva and funny memories too when Steph (the F & B mgr. on WC) told me that the Voyager would restock Sambuca when we arrived in Nuka Hiva. Yeh right!! And I fell for it! Anyone who has been to Nuka Hiva will understand! (like convincing someone that they'll find a Nordstrom's there!)

MarnaLou, hope you and George enjoy your final day on the Navigator, but another adventure awaits you!

Marcie...I was in the market on Nuka Hiva yesterday...even if they'd found sambuca the price would have double your cruise fare!

It was such a wonderful "off the beaten path" place to visit and even though it was our 4th time there I still enjoyed revisiting the church and other spots of interest.

The Nuku Hivians are so welcoming. As we sailed away I tossed the lei they presented to me that morning into the bay - hope I return again someday. You have to believe - after all it's worked 3 times before!

Great, as always, to live vicariously through your seamail! Continued beautiful days ahead to you all!

We have just dropped anchor off Moorea and those on tour have been invited to go ashore via tender. It's an absolutely glorious day here and we saw the PG off the port side as we pulled in.

George and I reported for immigration this morning pormptly at 8. We have to do this as we are actually entering French Polynesia, as opposed to simply passing through as most onboard are doing.

Some friends of ours on deck 8 had a most interesting day yesterday. They were lunching in Portofino when several officers came to find them in order to inform them that the fire sprinkler in their cabin closet had gone off. They returned to find all their clothing and shoes soaked and the rest of the cabin completely flooded. They have been relocated to a dry cabin and every stitch of clothing has been taken to the laundry. Last night was formal so they rushed those outfits through to be ready for dinner, and they had something to wear ashore today but everything else is still being cleaned up. The shop on board really isn't a place to stock up on clothing so I don't know what they are going to do about the things that are ruined. We surely feel sorry for these poor people, but I did feel compelled to mention Jean and Clyde's experience, not to minimize their difficulties but we did have a laugh about keeping perspective.

Marsha,

Just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed yours and George's seamail and look forward to more. I know you'll love the PG cruise as well. Bon Voyage again!

Did they ever determine what set off the sprinklers? :ohmy: You were very wise to put it in perspective!

Oh how we love these seamails!! MarnaLou, the first thing that occured to me when reading about your friends and the sprinklers going off....what if there had not been any empty cabins!! :eek:
I guess if this had happened to us on the WC I would have moved in with Capt. Dag and Tom would have moved to a chaise on the pool deck! :D

I guess if this had happened to us on the WC I would have moved in with Capt. Dag and Tom would have moved to a chaise on the pool deck!


Yes Marcie - we all have dreams, hopes, wishes, desires,

Well, that's the thing. There was an extra cabin but as of tomorrow when we debark there isn't. I am not sure what they are going to do.

Anyway I got some pareos for my sisters and an aubergine pearl pendant with matching earrings for myself. Great day.

That was really a freak incident. I hope they're able to get settled in and have their clothing issues resolved.

True..this is very minor compared to what Jean and Clyde (as well as everyone else on that sailing) went through.

Good news and bad news.

The bad news: we're getting off Navigator in just a few minutes, cast aside from the bosom of the ship to fend for ourselves for the next 24+ hours in Papeete.

The good news: tomorrow we board the Paul Gauguin and won't have to worry about Radisson-withdrawal for another two weeks. :banana:

george

Kathy, I didn't see before that you asked what set off the sprinklers. There is some kind of glass cylinder in the mechanism and it broke, triggering the deluge. I don't know if they know what made it break but that's what they think happened. Since no one was in the room it was a system failure (or the infamous vibration), they think, not a human-caused accident.

Yes, it's time to get off this ship, honey!!