Snorkeling around Taha'a with sharks, tropical fish, and liquid sunshine As the Zuiderdam glided along the western side of Taha'a after first light, we could hear dozens of roosters welcoming the new day. The ship turned into the channel between Taha'a and Raiatea,...
We venture off the beaten path in search of interesting photo opportunities and celebrate the Chinese New Year back on the Zuiderdam Promptly at 5 am, the Zuiderdam was underway from Papeete starting the short journey to Moorea, where we anchored in 'Ōpūnohu Bay....
We found flowers and pearls in the daytime and the food trucks in the evening The Zuiderdam arrived in Papeete around 5 am, but we weren't cleared to go ashore until around 8 am. Note: There are two piers for cruise ships; one on the northern edge of Place Vai'ete...
We enjoyed a guest concert at Noon and the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers in the evening - rounding out a nice day Keith and Nani Lowery (see above photo), The Polynesian Ambassadors, also known as Island Joy, joined the ship in Panama City and have been holding...
Beinelisa is the guest at Coffee Chat and Rebecca Kelly is on the Mainstage - plus a photo tip. Nuku Hiva is home to the largest statue in the South Pacific: Tiki Tuhiva. Many people will have their picture taken with the Tiki Tuhiva in the background. Here is a tip...
Glamping on the Grand Voyage was Glorious - Our first party was a big hit The morning sun illuminated Nuka Hiva as we sailed into the harbor around 6 am. Our early arrival allowed local officials to board and clear the ship without delaying tours or passenger going...
The longest stretch of sea days is coming to an end - we are ready to go ashore! Our longest stretch of sea days comes to a close. When I was in the US Navy, my longest stretch of consecutive sea days was 93! And many Navy veterans can easily beat that number. I...
We learn the inside secrets of how to tame the towel animals! Towel Animals have been a part of cruising for years. They used to appear in our cabins daily after dinner and disappear once again the next day. Now they only make an appearance on Gala nights or other...
Sundays at sea mean it's time for a special brunch Normally we would surrender our passports during check in, but that adds time to an already lengthy process. Today was the day passports were collected, along with our yellow fever vaccination card and the reference...
Learn more about Mike West "The Ship Guy", cruise ship enrichment speaker From time to time, I will publish a more in-depth feature about some of the most interesting people I encounter while cruising. Today I sat down with Mike West in the Gallery Bar for a chat to...