May 18, 2025

ACAPULCO, MEXICO

We got news in the morning that the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, their first female president who won with an 85% approval rating, was visiting ACALPULCO and that she was going to be in the Port and wanted to say Hi to us! The port agent originally thought it would be at 11 am, so we stuck around to see her. But when that time came and went, we decided to continue off the ship to the beach as the certainty was waning. She did show up closer to 12 and some fellow passengers caught her below in the van and on the bridge. The crowds yelled we love you and she yelled back I love you more! Acapulco needs the investment of cash and positive attention, the town has been beat up by hurricanes in 1997, 2003, 2004, 2023 and 2024 ( this one was very severe - it hit at night and didn't leave any glass window intake!). In addition the cartels presence until 2018 has also had its toll on the once grand city. Claudia also went by new Hospital and Health care center that is about to open very shortly.

Link to video w Mexican President

We walked to a local beach but it was so crowded, we ended up taking a taxi to another beach further around the bay. The water was breaking very roughly, due the high swells we expirenced when coming into Port.  But the cool breeze and shade was lovely to lounge in and pass the afternoon heat away! Bonnie Steve and I chatted away the afternoon and caught up on the last year of happenings.

ACAPULCO at night is much prettier!

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 4, 2026
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua, New Zealand is known for it's geothermal activity ( geysers, mud pools, hot springs) and rich Maori culture . I saw lots of that last time I was here in 2016, so this time I wanted to see their Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. John and Colleen joined me in exploring. Their redwoods are smaller than the ones in Muir Woods California, but still impressive. Both are planted forest dating back to around 1908.