Let's see...well the high seas could be for me - not a twitch of Menieres (now that may have been unmitigated luck) with seasickness never making its way on to my agenda. And yes we did have a period of rough weather to test my mettle. I know this because of the many people running about the ship with these curious white bags attached to their faces and the elevator conversations regarding the gravity of their cabin mates seasickness. Spicegirl and I on the other hand found it exhilarating planting our feet surf-style and riding the waves up the corridors and out on deck. So pleased this didn't end up being the solo cruise it was initially intended.
Day 4 greeted me with a horrid virus/cold thing that worsened as the cruise wore on and into my return home. I was a sick bunny. However, my illness in no way (I don't think) contributed to my already ensconced boredom-of-the-insane kind nor my aversion to 90% of the catering on offer including the Waterfront restaurant.
If memory serves me right some of Spicegirls descriptives included...muck, poo, atrocious, hit and miss at best, f#*&, bland, ghastly and several others. I concur. However in fairness, out of the the 23 meals each in which we partook, we classified about 3 to 4 as delicious which really means they were in fact passable. Uneaten food on plates was appalling, the waste scandalous. We of course and without apology contributed to this.
If memory serves me right some of Spicegirls descriptives included...muck, poo, atrocious, hit and miss at best, f#*&, bland, ghastly and several others. I concur. However in fairness, out of the the 23 meals each in which we partook, we classified about 3 to 4 as delicious which really means they were in fact passable. Uneaten food on plates was appalling, the waste scandalous. We of course and without apology contributed to this.
Our first port of call was Noumea and we both agree it was lovely. The ship arrives too late at this port and by the time they get the plus 1,000 off ship it's already 4pm. We took a Choo?? Train around the island with the French guide being a brilliant commentator. It was a lovely hour and a half. And we got some lovely photos - 347 of them actually (pre-editing)
Most passengers agree that a full day at Noumea is a must. We would have loved to try authentic French cuisine but everything near the ship was closed.
We were pleasantly surprised at the hard work and professionalism of the entertainment team performing in the Marquee each evening. We thought they were above this bottom of the line cruise line.
Our cabin was old and tired like most of the Dawn but it was roomy, we had a big window, the shower was fabulous and Spicegirl only blocked the toilet once. It wasn't me no matter what you may hear. It is my blog, I tell the truth.
We believe the crew/staff are treated (not very well at all) and we had conversations with staff and witnessed things that were disconcerting with much I don't feel at liberty to mention here. Having said that many were happy to sign up for further contracts. We found ALL staff to be professional, hardworking and eager to please.
Lifou was a big disappointment - full-day here not required. I was unwell by this time so Lis climbed the hills to the Churches that I wanted to see but they too were disappointing up close. Litter by the locals was everywhere, particularly once you walked away from the pier and went exploring. I stayed onshore for half an hour and returned by tender to the ship. The little island itself and it's surrounding waters are truly beautiful.
Port Vila. Ugly spot to dock, but no choice of course. Spicegirl walked for 45 mins from the dock area to get anywhere, found everything to be dirty and smelly but that is not to say that some of the organised day tours may not have been lovely. Lis caught a water taxi back to the ship and said that was the best part of her little outing. I managed to go ashore to these so called markets with one repeating the other. It was bizarre, they were all the same. Poor darlings are all trying to eke out a living since the devastation caused by the cyclone three years ago. I found Port Vila to be a sad and unsettling place. I paid a ridiculous price for a carved shark tooth pendant for Jack (purported to bring great luck) mainly because I hoped it might at least pay for the rent on the sellers tent for the day.
The following two days were at sea - more mind numbing boredom....til Brisbane.
Lifou was a big disappointment - full-day here not required. I was unwell by this time so Lis climbed the hills to the Churches that I wanted to see but they too were disappointing up close. Litter by the locals was everywhere, particularly once you walked away from the pier and went exploring. I stayed onshore for half an hour and returned by tender to the ship. The little island itself and it's surrounding waters are truly beautiful.
Port Vila. Ugly spot to dock, but no choice of course. Spicegirl walked for 45 mins from the dock area to get anywhere, found everything to be dirty and smelly but that is not to say that some of the organised day tours may not have been lovely. Lis caught a water taxi back to the ship and said that was the best part of her little outing. I managed to go ashore to these so called markets with one repeating the other. It was bizarre, they were all the same. Poor darlings are all trying to eke out a living since the devastation caused by the cyclone three years ago. I found Port Vila to be a sad and unsettling place. I paid a ridiculous price for a carved shark tooth pendant for Jack (purported to bring great luck) mainly because I hoped it might at least pay for the rent on the sellers tent for the day.
The following two days were at sea - more mind numbing boredom....til Brisbane.
And off they sailed into the setting sun......happy, gleeful
- to never do this cruise again!
I'll sign off with a magnificent sunset
Going
Going
Gone!
Good to see you've enabled comments again!! S. Xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice place! Your cabin was roomy compared to some of the med ships I've been on! Mike.
ReplyDeleteRose so good to see you back--often wondered what happened to you...My best friend Jay (who I mentioned in my blog the day he passed) said "Sometimes the best adventures are right in your back yard." Hope to hear more from you--Jim
ReplyDeleteJim, have no idea if you'll receive this...whatever has happened to you old friend??
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