October 6, 2024

Everyday I am learning something new!

These handy maps located at all the elevators give you a quick reference of where the restrooms are when your away from your cabin. 

There are mirrors in the corners of all the hallways, to avoid walking into someone, as you round the corner.

An Irishman, Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, invented the Wind Force Scale. So you can look at the sea waves and judging the height and amount of white caps to get an indication of land breeze. You then add or subtract that from speed ship is going, depending if going with or against wind direction. And this will give you wind gust on Ship's deck. Which have been in 40's for us, since we are traveling with land wind speeds at 20 to 25 mph and sailing at another 18 to 20 knots. Don't think we'll get any pickleball in today!

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!