We are back...

Who ever said that cruising can't be memorable?? Not this family that's for sure. After 21 days on board the Pacific Sun, 9 spectacular ports and only 2 nights of rocking-n-rolling seas, we would leave in a heart beat and doing it all over again. The itinerary and mostly the crew made this an unforgettable holiday!

After departing from Aukland NZ, we would spend the first few days at sea and have ample opportunity to discover every nock and cranny of the Pacific Sun and sample some fine dinning. So we did! We ate, walked and danced. We ate, walked and danced, we ate, walked, danced and ate some more:)

After sampling the buffet restaurant on the first day, we decided to take advantage of the sit-down restaurants and enjoy some pampering. This turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made. As we looked over the menu for that night, our waiter came over to see if we were ready to order, his name was Herbert. After asking him for some bread, a bowl, some hot water, 2 teaspoons, some plastic cups and some spare napkins we thought he would never want to wait on us again.
Too much work.... all you parents out there understand right?!?!?

Well, Herbert and Orix (the assistant waiter) rose to the occasion and were wonderful. We were pampered. Not only did they make sure that our glasses were always full, that our meal was perfect and that we had everything we needed, they also found time to entertain/distract the girls so that mom and dad could enjoy their meal. How wonderful... well it's gets even better... Hurbert and Orix suggested we reserve the table for the rest of the cruise. So we did!

This guaranteed that we would always have them as our waiter. It gave Mackenzie and Breeana some sense of a routine as they always saw their friends Herbert and Orix for every meal. And so it went.

Over the next 18 days Mackenzie and Breeana got quite attached to Herbert, Orix, Ryan, Kirby, Digna, Jenedine, Cristine, Jose, Noel and several others. Almost every night someone would do a card trick, make a paper animal, blow-up a balloon, or take the girls for a tour around the restaurant. Little did we realize how our first dinner would impact our entire cruise.

Afterwards most dinner meals we would wander around the ship before bedtime and find some music. Mackenzie always wanted to find some music so that she could make her way onto the dance floor to bust a move. With an audience of about 50 all three girls and dad would dance the evenings away.

Not only did the crew take an instant liking to the girls but it also seemed as though they found a warm place in many of the passengers hearts. Many crew have been away from their families and children for many months and many of the passengers missed their own grand children. Mackenzie and Breeana were happy to be their surrogates! They both waved and smiled to everyone eager to meet new people.

As we sailed North to warmer weather, we soon arrived at our first port of call - Vava'u, Republic of Tonga. This was a great introduction to the Pacific islands. Aqua green waters surrounded by the dark Pacific ocean. Sailboats and yacht everywhere. Warm and kind people. Island life! Reminiscent of Jamaica!

Little did we know that the best was yet to come! Over the next 17 days we would make our way to some of the most beautiful places in the South Pacific: Rarotonga (Cook islands), Raiatea, Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora (French Polynesia-Tahiti), Apia (Samoa), Savu Savu, Suva (Fiji), and Tin Can Island.

Our favourites were Rarotonga, Moorea, and Bora Bora. All of these places are heavenly. We will travel to them again. They are just spectacular. Unfortunately, our pictures don't let you see the real beauty.

Rarotonga because is gave you spectacular beaches, views without the high prices of Tahiti.

Moorea was special because we were able to hook-up with a friend of a friend. Karim who was so generous. He spent the day with us and took us around the entire island. It was really nice to have him show us around and tell about Moorea and Tahiti.

Bora Bora. Do we need to say more. It is even more beautiful in person than all of the pictures we see in the brochures. This was a fantastic day. We spent it at the Intercontinental Resort located on one of the most scenic beaches and lagoons that Bora Bora has to offer. After enjoying a complete chef's breakfast buffet, we would take turns swimming in the pool, the lagoon, walking out to the huts or simply layout out in the sun. A totally relaxing day. Definitely a place that we will visit again. Of course only after we have seen our first 50 countries before we are 50:) Only 27 to go now....

In addition to all of this - great food, great crew, great people, great destinations - this trip was even more special because Breeana celebrated her 1st Birthday. Can you believe that in her first 12 months of life, she has visited 8 countries!!!! It worked out perfect because we celebrated her birthday while we had a day at sea. All of the crew and our dinner neighbours helped make her day special since family couldn't be with us. We took lots of pictures but videotaped even more so that all of the grand parents could see it when we come home.

As we made our way back South again to colder weather, we approached New Zealand with a heavy heart and a smile. A heavy heart because our travel adventures to this part of the world will soon come to an end; but a smile because we will soon make our way back to Canada to be close to our family and friends.


Raiatea - Tahiti

Papeete - Tahiti

Apia - Samoa

A taste from home.

This past month was simply wonderful. It all started with Tom and Louise (Michael's dad and wife) arriving at the beginning of the month. How excited we were to see them in person. Mackenzie and Breeana were especially tickled pink - how cool to touch them and not only see them on skype. While "skype" has done wonders to help us keep in touch with everyone, nothing compares to being able to hug and kiss the ones you love. We are sure looking forward to seeing everyone when we get home!

When they finally arrived (jet lagged and all), and after all the kisses and the hugs were done, they spoiled us with some of our favourite treats from home. They opened a suitcase filled with treats. There were bags of "fresh" oreo cookies for Kathy, containers of maple syrup for Michael, and books and other treats for the girls. It was just like being at camp and receiving a care package. We were all very excited!

Tom and Lou had given us strict orders not to book their social calendar. They wanted to spend time with us and save the touring for their trip to the South island. So we did. We spent everyday together talking about everything and anything while overlooking McCleod's Bay or visiting Whangarei. The view from their bach was simply amazing. Thanks to Scott and Tanya, Tom & Lou rented a beautiful four bedroom house at the Whangarei Heads. You could see the Heads from the kitchen window and the ocean from the family room window! Just spectacular views! Wait until you see all of the beautiful sunsets or all of the spectacular rainbows we got see. Just simply amazing!

Once they mastered the art of driving again :), they visited several of our favourite places: Ocean's beach, Pataua Beach, Waipu, the Whangarei falls, the Town Basin to name a few, including a few of the local golf courses. Next thing you know, it was time for them to head off on their South island adventure.

Upon their return, it was great to reminisce and compare notes of our respective favourite places on the South island. It was like visiting everything all over again. For those of you who have toured around the South island, you will surely agree that this is one place in the world that you wouldn't mind visiting several times in a lifetime.

The last few days were spent dotting on the grand-kids. Mackenzie and Breeana showed off their new tricks. Mackenzie mastering her new dance moves (all in preparation for Matt & Andrea's wedding of course) and Breeana joyfully waving and blowing her big kisses.

Next thing you knew Tom and Lou were weighing their suitcases to see how much of our stuff they could bring back for us. Lucky for us they had brought large suitcases:) It was really hard to say goodbye eventhough we will be home about 10 weeks. Having Tom and Lou here reminded us once again of how fortunate we are to be experiencing this unique opportunity.

Sooooo, we are off again on a 21 day cruise around the Pacific islands where we will visit the Cook islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia to name a few. We can't wait!!!!