January 4, 2026

Papeete (with a population of  26,000) is the bustling capital of French Polynesia and the cultural heart of the island of Tahiti. Papeete is directly across the lagoon from Moorea and several ferries ( just a 35 minute ride) connect the islands & the only airport is in Papeete. The city is known for its mural arts, Polynesian culture and pearl trade.

View more

Our first day in Papeete  we went to Te Moahe Resort on a day pass with 30 other ship residents to relax and enjoy their pool and amenities. The deal included a yummy lunch and cocktails. It rained for a short spell in the afternoon, when I just played cards ( Phase 10) with Bosco, under our chaise lounge umbrella. It was a nice relaxing day! Coincidentally, we ran into the French family we shared the snorkeling excursion with in Bora Bora, as we were leaving the Resort and they were checking in - such a small world!

View more

The second day in Papeete was New Year's Eve  and I walked around the town taking it all in, mostly in drizzling rain. I figured it was my only time to see things since almost everything would be closed on our last day there as it would be New Year's Day. There were tons of French Bakeries, Pearl Shops and Retailers and Restaurants and Bars. I was more interested in the mural arts and people watching, as I strolled around through the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Papeeta, City Hall and the Marche Municipal .

Fresh Flower head dresses are all the rage with the locals for New Years!

I have been getting a chance to brush up my high school French and so far have been able to resist buying any Pearls!

MAGNETIC ISLAND - KOALA'S

By Patricia Patrick • February 15, 2026
We got up at 6:45am to get to National Park Forts Walk trail in the hope of seeing koalas . Prior walkers mark trails with tree branches pointing in the direction of their sighting and we were luck enough to see 3 markers in our first hour of hiking. It is so stinking hot and humid the success we had made it bearable. The koala population on the island started with 20 brought over in 1930, to escape fur hunters. Today, the island boast 800 to 1000, and they are so cute and drowsy. They need 20 hours of sleep a day! The early morning is when they are the most active.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
Just off the coast of Townsville, Australia is a special little island (that used to be part of mainland, hundreds of thousands years ago). The island was formed by molten granite that was pushed to the earth's surface with volcanic force.Over time the volcanic overlay weathered away leaving an extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders, many as big as a house and spectcularly perched. Over Seventy Percent of the center of the Island is a National Park. There is lots of wildlife here too - koalas, rock wallabies, snakes & birds.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
This is my third time in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA and I really enjoy how walkable, clean and charming it is. The waterfront esplanade and lagoon area is a nice walk day or night. We had 2 nights here in the waterfront Shangri La Marina Hotel while waiting for the Ship to arrive and then 2 additional days in Port.