Day 7 - Monday 9 April 2018

Cruise Day 7 - Nuku'alofa, Tonga

The ship provided the best view of the Royal Palace and the Parliament Building.

After disembarking we completed a short walking tour around the capital city, starting with a stroll through Pangal Lahl - Royal land.

Opposite the Royal Palace is the Centenary (Royal) Church, a Free Wesleyan Church.

Next we walked to the Mala'e Kula - the Royal Tombs (I met King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in 1998).

Opposite the Royal Tombs is the yclone-damaged Centennial Church, Free Church of Tonga, the official state church.

Nearby is the Basillica of St. Anthony of Padua, the first Basillica in the South Pacific Islands.

We then hired Jimmy to drive us around the eastern part of Tongatapu.

First stop was at Abel Tasman's landing site (21 January 1643).

Next stop was the first Christian Missionaries' landing site 928 June 1826).

We then stopped at some of the beaches and at Maka Sio'ata (Tsunami Rock) - a 1600 metric ton coral boulder that was moved inland from the coral reef  by a tsunami.

We then drove to Mapu 'a Vaea (blow holes).

Our final stop was at the Three-headed Coconut Tree, before returning to Nuku'alofa.

Local dancers fared us well.

The dress theme for this evening's dinner was Mexican.

Day 6 - Sunday 8 April 2018

Cruise Day 6 - Sea Day

Change of plans - due to cyclones in the area, the ship bypassed Port Denerau, Fiji, had a brief stop in the sea off Suva, Fiji, to exchange cruise performers, before continuing to cruise east.

Day 5 - Saturday 7 April 2018

Cruise Day 5 - Sea Day

Another pleasant day, though again slightly overcast.

We had a delicious lunch at the Bonsai Sushi Restaurant.

Watched an ice-carving exhibition.

Lynaire, Di & Bill attended an entertaining presentation on camera tips by Steven Katkowsky.

Tonight's dress code was formal.

Showtime was a great production, "Motor City", by the ships's performers.

We concluded the evening at Medusa's Nightclub.

Day 4 - Friday 6 April 2018

Cruise Day 4 - Noumea, New Caledonia

After disembarking, we found free WiFi to fulfill our administrative needs.

We then strolled through Place des Cocotiers (Coconut Square).

Next we visited Saint Joseph Cathedral, with the statue of Joan of Arc outside.

Next was a visit to the Blenheim Library.

We then caught a local bus to and from the beach at the Baie de Citrons.

Our ship departed in the late afternoon.

After dinner & showtime, Paul & Lynaire taught us the dice game of Farkle - Bill had beginner's luck!

Day 3 - Thursday 5 April 2018

Cruise Day 3 - Sea Day

Another pleasant day, though slightly overcast.

Di & Bill attended a sushi-making demonstration in the Bonsai Sushi Restaurant.

Paul continued teaching Bill how to play Bridge.

Another pleasant sunset.

Our regular dinner at Truffles Restaurant.

Finishing the evening at Billie's Bar, singing along to the piano player.

Day 2 - Wednesday 4 April 2018

Cruise Day 2 - Sea Day

A pleasant day, as we settled in.

Di & Lynaire attended an interesting cooking demonstation in the Noveau Restaurant.

Paul began teaching Bill how to play Bridge.

                                              

Day 1 - Tuesday 3 April 2018

Melbourne - Sydney - Cruise Day 1

Packed & ready to go.

Morning flight JQ524.

Boarded our home - Carnival Legend - for the next 18 days.

Obligatory photo 1 - Sydney Opera House.

Obligatory photo 2 - Sydney Harbour Bridge, with our travelling companions, Paul & Lynaire.