Ahoy Mates!
All I can say about New Zealand is WOW! After viewing Priscilla’s fabulous photos, I was even more excited to visit here….and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Day before yesterday we were in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. We visited the small, charming beach town of Russell. The weather was perfect, probably in the high 70’s with beautiful, clear blue skies. We enjoyed waking up and down the streets seeing the small shops and numerous outdoor cafes. They have to die for “Tip-Top” ice cream! The town has a quaint, Cape Cod/New England feel to it. The locals are so friendly, prices were reasonable (so unlike French Polynesia!) and all the dogs were well cared for and on leashes with their owners. We visited Christ Church, the oldest chapel (1835) in New Zealand. The church sits amongst a cemetery which was also very interesting.

Yesterday (Monday here) we arrived in Auckland and what a great day we had! After breakfast I had gone to Cabin #900 to put Olivia’s door sign up. At 10:00am we met Ngaire’s sister June (we had asked Ngaire if this would be possible and as always, she pulled through for us). For those who have met Ngaire, there is no doubt that June is her sister. She is cute as a button! In fact, if you close your eyes you’d think you were talking to Ngaire. Their voices, their LAUGH, their mannerisms are so similar! From the dock the 3 of us walked around the downtown area and did a bit of shopping. Auckland is definitely the prettiest, cleanest large city I’ve ever seen. There are hundreds of sail boats in the harbor, the skies were crystal blue with no sign of any pollution. We then drove to the Sky Tower. This looks very much like the Seattle Space Needle and is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s taller than the Eiffel Tower standing over 1,000 feet tall. We rode the elevator up to the circular observation deck and WOW…. a 360 degree panoramic view of all of Auckland and its bays. If you can imagine, they allow bungee jumping from this (called a “sky jump”). We actually watched someone do this and I took a great photo! After this we were off for lunch at a winery. We drove about 45 minutes, crossing a long bridge, through the luscious rolling green hills speckled with sheep everywhere as well as seeing the pristine beaches….Heaven! We had a wonderful lunch outside accompanied with a glass of their great wine. After lunch, we were off to “Sheepworld” located in Warkworth…the highlight of the afternoon. We watched 3 different dogs herding sheep…each with a different task to complete. This was so fascinating! The dogs are so intelligent….kind of put our 2 dogs to shame! After this we went indoors and watched a large sheep get sheared. She was not the happy camper about any of this shearing and required very careful handling by the shearer to avoid kicking and being cut. We learned about 4 different types of sheep and how to recognize the differences. This was all so interesting. Finally, the baby lambs were brought in and I volunteered to bottle feed one of these babies. It was so much fun! There were many other animals there including llamas, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, Shetland ponies and birds. Visiting a sheep farm is a MUST for anyone visiting New Zealand….so far this has been my favorite of any of our excursions. I was certainly in my element…Heaven!

We then drove to June’s home where we met Brian, Ngaire’s brother. We had invited them both to come aboard the ship and join us for dinner in the Compass Rose.. Upon arriving back at the Voyager about 6:15pm, June and Brian wandered the ship while Tom and I did a quick fix to get ready for dinner at 7:00.

I was so excited anticipating seeing Olivia as I knew she was boarding in Auckland (this begins Segment 2 of the World Cruise). Since she was originally booked in Cabin #900 you can imagine our surprise when we were walking down the hall on deck 7 and saw her door sign on Cabin #729….TWO DOORS FROM OUR #733CABIN. We rung her doorbell and upon opening her door there were hugs and happy squeals (well at least by Olivia and me!). We informed her of dinner plans in ½ hour. The 5 of us had such an excellent, fun dinner! Brian was so pleased with the food that he ordered 2 entrees and cleaned both plates. The good news is that I think Olivia and I have convinced Brian and June to join us on the 2006 Alaskan cruise (MUSH). Of course, this was a bit difficult considering we have no dates, itinerary, price etc.! They will both be on PIP in May so many of you will have the pleasure of meeting them both. They are both so fun and a real delight! Olivia was still jet lagged so she was the first one to turn in. After dessert, many more laughs, learning more things about the family (there are 7 siblings in Ngaire’s family) it was finally time for them to disembark as our ship was scheduled to leave Auckland at 11:00pm. We walked them to the gang way, hugged them good bye….feeling like we were saying good bye to friends we had known all our lives! :hug:

What a FANTASTIC day …..wonderful new friends, Olivia now on board with us, a gorgeous country, feeding a baby sheep….all of this in one day!

It just doesn’t get any better than this!! Heaven!

What a fantastic cruise you are having! Now you have Olivia to play with! I look forward to reading these reports...keep 'em coming!

Wow! That's awesome. Glad to hear you got to meet Ngaire's family and that Olivia made it over without a hitch (I'm assuming no lost luggage based on your post).

Marcie, thanks for the continuing reports! Sounds like you have had a wonderful time in New Zealand. Have a great time on this next segment! Wasn't there a special concert for full World Cruise pax in New Zealand or was that on last year's cruise?

Marcie, that sounds like a heavenly day indeed! Your report is so descriptive I feel as if I am there with you. (I wish!) Thanks for taking time to tell us about your wonderful day.

How wonderful, Marcie! A lovely report. Thanks for posting and hi to Olivia!

How exciting - what a great day. How fun to find that Olivia right there with you and to meet Ngaire's family too.

Thank you for keeping us in your loop!

Oh what fun! Hug each other for me!

Marcie, I didn't think it could get any better but I think I was wrong! This segment sounds like it is starting out with a bang!
Thanks for your reports, you know we sit on the edge of our seats waiting for each new one!

xoxo

Hello, Marcie.

What a wonderful report!

I know how much you had been looking forward to spending the day with Ngaire's sister, meeting her brother and having them join you on board for dinner. You can't ask for a more special excursion than this. How kind of them to give you such personal experiences. I am sure these are moments you will treasure all your life.

NZ is very high on our list of places to visit. Your report (along with Priscilla's photos) have increased my desire 10-fold!

Please send our best to Olivia. Happy to hear she made it without incident and is your neighbor!

It is such a treat to get your reports and I look forward to many more.

Hugs to you and Tom from Alan and me!

Keep 'em coming and pass our best to Olivia!!

How much fun we are all having on your trip thanks to your fabulous posts.. Thanks Marcie!
you are the best!

I just spoke with my sister who just loved Marcie, Tom and Oliva (well who wouldnt) she had a fantastic day with them and was on a real high. I think she may come to Alaska. I am posting Marices posts on my web site by the way. The link is on the front page and says "Diary of a World Cruiser" I have had several calls from people who are enjoying reading this. So many never come here to LCT and this is a way for them to enjoy the experience. Betty allowed me to post her post from when she returned. It is fun to read them in a row so if you ever want to revisit them that is where they are.

EXCELLENT!

Oh we can't wait to join you!!! J and T

Great fun, Marcie! Thanks for keeping us "in the loop." Have fun with Olivia!

Marcie,

You are having such a great time, your enthusiasm leaps from your posts. We look forward to every word. Thanks! Enjoy and keep posting!!!!!

Betty

Wow! Sounds like a blast. Glad Olivia made it safely and with all her luggage???? Thanks Marcie for the wonderful updates.

Marcie...another great day cruising with you! Thank you!

Hey Guys,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. My Birthday took a lot out of me. Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes. With Marcie onboard, I really can't add much to what she is reporting. I wish the internet system on the Voyager would be upgraded. It really if slow and frustrating. Otherwise all is still marvelous. I look forward to getting to know Olivia. Take Care, PAUL

Paul

I had about decided you had fallen overboard. We still need to hear your take on all the activities. Those of us who are living vicarously through you & Marcie can't get enough reports.
Keep them coming.

Great report, Marcie! Hi Olivia - we'll be expecting to hear from you as well!!

Masaki

Hi Marcie and Paul! wonderful to hear from you. Olivia - hope the jet lag passes quickly and that you have a great time.

Sounds like a perfect day to start Segment 2 of the cruise. I'm watching the Aussie open live as I type this so am with you in cyberspace (Federer is up one set over Agassi). Hey .. you're probably getting ready to head down for dinner AGAIN. Mmmmm .. Cheers, Anne

Paul...please keep adding some notes. As Betty said, we just can't get enough of your adventures. We hang on every word...so give us some more "rope"!

Marcie,

Glad you and the res tof the gang are having a great time!

Anthony

I ready to sell the house, quit my job, leave Doug and join you. However, I think Doug may do the same....

Marcie - I think that you are well on your way to earning a "Master of Travel Journalism Degree", if you don't already hold one. I hope that Karen or Margo can come up with an appropriate certificate for you! Your day in Auckland did sound heavenly.

Marcie -- we were on the Serenity next to your ship when you left San Pedro pier. We left just after you did. Your ship looked fantastic all lit up and ready for fun. Hope your voyage is as wonderful as that sendoff looked! Judith

Wonderful posts, I almost felt like I was there with you Marcie. I don't know if we'd ever do the whole World cruise, but if we did segments, 1 and 2 and maybe 3 are high on our list.
Thanks for the updates, we will continue to look forward to them.

Marcie-
Thanks so much for posting! Your enthusiasm and obvious delight in every moment make your updates a true joy to read! I'm glad Olivia made it safe and sound, and thanks to Paul for chiming in as well. Can't wait to hear more!

Marcie, extraordinary post from an extraordinary
cruiser, thanks...look forward to hearing about
Olivia, Tom, Paul and your new adventures..r/wes

ps..Pls go to the Off Topics and click on Dancing Dog..a post for Tom and you..

Marcie,

What a wonderful couple of days you have had! Love your stories. Say hello to Paul and Olivia! Did you take pictures of Brian and June -it will be fun to see them.

Cheers!

Ginny

Marcie, I can just imagine the reunion between you and Olivia! The south Pacific may never be the same. Thanks for taking the time to update us.

Thanks for all the great posts. Definately makes me put this type of cruise on my once in a lifetime things to do. Keep em coming.

Marcie~ Your enthusiasm is bursting off the computer!! Thanks so much for sharing! <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

Can you BELIEVE that our sweet Marcie was once a cheerleader???? <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

Who IS that handsome dude in Todd's posts??
<img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />

Marcie.
Do you have photos of Ngaire's family?
Thank you for the wonderful updated report.
A guy I work with in the office just got back from 2 weeks in NZ and his comments mirror yours.

Oh Marcie - you are taking me back to my Navigator cruise. I'd love to share New Zealand with you. It is the most beautiful place. We,too, were impressed with Auckland. Our 2 favorite places are still to come for you - Dunedin (Port Chambers) and Hobart, Tasmania. I hope you find them as beautiful and charming as we did.

We did not get to a sheep farm. I was sorry at the time and now, hearing what a fantastic time you had, I'm really sorry.

So glad Olivia made it there safe & sound and so close to your cabin!!! You are all going to have the best time. Tell her hello!!

We'll be looking forward to meeting Brian and June on PIP. I had no idea they were coming!!

Marcie, I truly love your posts. They are ALWAYS so uplifting and tell the best stories of every step you are taking on this world journey.

Cyndi,
I had forgotten that it was you who did that fantastic trip on the Navigator with me...what an unbelievable place New Zealand is!!!
Sheri