Day Twenty Three January 28

Today's forecast again called for scattered thunderstorms with High of 29C/85F.

We are docked directly in the capital of Tahiti, Papeete. The cruise terminal has sufficient space for our ship as well as two additional cruise ships- The Paul Gauguin and The World were also docked.

The Paul Gauguin sails solely within French Polynesia on 7-10 day cruises. We cruised on this ship for our 25 wedding anniversary. The cruise included free liquor but I cannot remember if the tours were included. The back of the ship opens up to include water sports like sailing and kayaking if the seas allow. The ship carries approximately 300 passengers and is about half the size of the Insignia. We really enjoyed the warm feeling of the ship where the entertainment team and hostesses called gaugines dressed in their traditional flowered and bright dresses wearing flower headdresses. They apparently have male gauguins now as well- shirtless guys with many tattoos! I am not sure if you are aware that tattoos started in French Polynesia, very tradional with no colour - just black and this is where I got mine as a present to Janice for our 25th. It was also partly due to the wonderful friends we met Sandy, Barry and Blair who were also getting one and who encouraged me by being bribed by Janice apparently. But friends no worries, this was a one off and there wiill be no tattoos this trip.

The World on the other hand was bigger than both our ship and the Paul Gauguin pput together. People are allowed to buy cabins on the ship (one, two and three bedrooms are available). The passengers then decide on an itinerary with the Captain having the final say which I assume is chosen on a yearly basis. Think of The World as a top end condominium sailing the world's oceans costing between $4million for a studio to over $10million for a 3 bedrooom suite.

Our Papeete ship tour required us to depart at 08:15 today for a three hour catamaran excursion. We sailed out of the harbour around the breakwaters, pass the airport and then back through the breakwaters where body surfers were testing their skills. In order to drop anchor and start snorkeling, we were required to pass through the waters surrounding the airport. Papeete International Airport is on a point so landings and takeoffs occur over water. All vessels must stop, check the surrounding skies to ensure no planes are in the area as the water is considered an extension of the runway. Once safe our captain carried on. This area is patroled by local police and should any vessels cross while a plane is landing then the vessel is fined.

Once at the destination we anchored to snorkel for about 45 minutes then returned to the ship. There were no fish in the area but it was just nice to swim in the crystal clear blue waters.

Since we were last here in 2017, a boardwalk had been constructed along the harbour with green space and artwork. I explored this area in the afternoon.

This evening Janice and I organized a cocktail party for our friends, Lynda and Terry from Huntsville, Alabama and Cliff an Englishman living in Portugal. He was by himself as his wife, Angela was back home in Portugal. We had many dinners with the three of them during the cruise from Los Angeles.

All three were leaving the next day in Papeete. Lynda and Terry were flying to Bora Bora for five additional days before flying home.

Cliff on the other hand would be visiting friends in the US and then off to the Caribbean to watch his beloved England cricket team. Before leaving he delivered a small piece of luggage to our stateroom which is now under our bed. We will deliver it to him when we meet up in Portugal later in the cruise.