16 Days To Go

Picked up all our documentation yesterday morning and printed off our boarding pass from the Cruise Personaliser. Done as much as I think we need to the plan (see below) and the only thing left is to sort out the luggage etc. My next post will be onboard the Sun Princess.

THE CRUISE PLAN

NOUMEA-Docked Friday October 24th 8am - 5pm
The hop - on - hop off bus sounds good to me.Walk to market. Noumea Explorer bus to aquarium, zoo/gardens, etc. Explorer bus runs about every hour and costs 1000 xpf (A$13.75). .

NUKUALOFA -Docked Monday October 27th 9am - 5pm
Full day tour with Toni Mathias Tours - . Frank/Mary, Jan/John, Bill/Diane, Peter/ Evon, Betty/Trevor,Ellen/Ken, Anne/Barry, Kate/Ian & Tracy/Ian

VAVA’U -Tuesday October 28th 7am 3pm
We have booked a morning tour with Evon & Peter, Kate & Ian with a taxi driver called Semisi. Apparently the town is well worth a visit and the walk along the Bay into town might have some attractions in the afternoon.

RAROTONGA- Wednesday October 29th 9am - 6pm
Hire car for the day Large car NZ $49 + $6 insurance + licence. Peter/Evon; Frank/Mary. Full day round island sightseeing tour.

RAIATEA -Docked Friday October 31st 8am - 5pm
From what I have read Raiatea does not have the glamour of its neighbouring island of Bora Bora. There are no white sand beaches except around the motu islets. The quay in Uturoa is quite new and was especially built for tourist ships. Vendors located on the Raiatea waterfront provide an atmosphere of an old-world marketplace. .
It's the longest pier in French Polynesia and apparently lovely to wander around. Apparently there will be many options for tours available when we get off the ship.

PAPEETE-Docked Saturday November 1st 9am overnight - 6am
An overnight stay provides plenty of time to explore. Walk along Papeete’s waterfront and discover the exotic blend of Polynesian and Parisian culture.
Evon has arranged Marama Tours half day Tahiti Circle Island Tour (1.30 – 5pm). . Bus with either 8 or 15 seats.
Morning - Frommers South Pacific has a map and a walking tour

MOOREA - Sunday November 2nd 9am - 6pm
Moorea is described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world and we have booked the Princess tour to Tiki Theater Village .

BORA BORA -Monday November 3rd 8am - 6pm
Have booked a morning Princess Tour, Highlights of Bora Bora. 2.5 hour In the afternoon we might just wander around the little town of Vaitape. From what I have read it’s like a small village, with many duty free and souvenir shops. After that we might see about a taxi to Matira Beach. It is supposed to be one of the best beaches in South Pacific. I have read that it is possible to use the pool, showers, private beach etc at the Sofitel for a very reasonable price, around $10 US)

PAGO PAGO - Docked Friday November 7th 8am - midnight
Currency US dollar. Hire Car booked with Friendly Hire. F & M plus P & E . Family Size Taurus. Visit Tisas Barefoot Bar, Sadie Thompsons and shop.

APIA - Docked Saturday November 8th 7am - 5pm
Full day tour with Mark Birtwistle, Berties B&B Tours. Collect at the dock gates at 8.30 am.
Then we visit in order: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Bahaii Temple, Papapapaitai Waterfall, Sopoaga Waterfall, Lalomanu Beach (Lunch)

SAVU SAVU -Tuesday November 11th 8am - 6pm
Might find a bus to a beach resort or just spend time looking around the town and the port area.

SUVA - Docked Wednesday November 12th 7am - 6pm
Shopping at Tappoo or Jacks ( buses will pickup and return) Tappoo probably the best. Other than that I think we will stay onboard.

PORT DENARU- Docked Thursday November 13th 7am - 6pm
Hop on and off the Bula Bus. This is a free service and runs a shuttle service around the resorts. It operates every 20–30 minutes between 6.30am and 6.30pm. Currency Fiji dollars. Or AU$.

DRAVUNI ISLAND - Friday November 14th 7am - 4pm
Wander about, eat, drink and have a swim. No tours available here.