Another grey, wet, windy, hot tropical day. The sea was absolutely heaving although either we have totally got our sea-legs now, or the ship just rides it all out so well. We did walk drunkenly when moving around but no motion sickness feelings at all. Went to the morning art class and today we painted an orchid. I was incredibly pleased with mine and it is a mark of how much James has helped me that I can now paint some more delicate subjects. We have a...

A very sultry and tropical day. We were in squalls most of the day with grey skies and bucketing rain but hot temperatures. Not that it mattered as we had a pretty full day of activities, all of them indoors. First off after breakfast was our bridge lesson. We haven't been for ages what with repeat catch-ups for some of the late starters and then port days. Anyway, today was a new subject and we were partnered with a nice couple who play friendly bridge ...

Well, the god's continue to smile on our voyage. When we awoke the ship was about ½ mile off Rarotonga and we could see the sea was pretty flat. So, scrambled out of bed and up to breakfast and then down to get a tender. Wow was it hot and humid! Some clouds around as though it was going to rain but that never happened. Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands named after Captain James Cook of Whitby! There are 15 islands in the group and they ar...

A nice relaxing sea day, a good thing for my ears at least. Very clicky today so am dosing up with Sudafed to try and clear it all up before we arrive in Rarotonga, Cook Islands tomorrow where we have more diving arranged. A lovely sunny day, so after a good lie on and some breakfast, we pegged out on deck for a while, enjoying the occasional swim and reading. The Captain made an announcement that Rarotonga, which is a tender port, can be tricky to land in...

They came in search of Paradise and found…… Moorea. Without a doubt the most beautiful island I have ever seen. Extraordinary deep green volcanic peaks, jagged pitons, flat topped cones. Then the blue sea: turquoise out to the fringing reef, then the surf break and the deep royal blue as the ocean drops away. White sand beaches…. No high rise development at all. Nothing visible at all really as it is all hidden in the palms. Absolutely beautiful an...