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Solstice Live: Australia/NZ/Hawaii, Many Pix’s, Jan. 20-Feb. 3


TLCOhio
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Loving your blog and I am so pleased that you have enjoyed your trip this far and that you have found us Aussies to be friendly folk. I know New Zealanders are the same.

 

We have been on Solstice 3 times and it's our fav ship. We have also been to NZ on a cruise ship 4 times and we have had fantastic weather each time but....We would have loved to see a bit of rain and all those waterfalls in Milford Sound. It's just the luck of the draw. Enjoy:D

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erewhon: Terry' date=' Enjoying your blog, fantastic photos. Hope the weather is kind to you for the remainder of your visit to NZ, if you have time it's worth a visit inside the [b']Dunedin Railway Station[/b].

 

boingy300: Ha! My tablet decided to skip that page describing IN GREAT DETAIL the bridge climb. NOW I see it. Thanks. Such a fun thing to do. Glad you got to do it. Sorry about that! Karen

 

pattyj 1204: Terry' date=' I almost wish we had signed up for that tour. Glad to hear you felt it was worth it. Thanks again for all the information you are sharing, [b']can't imagine how much time it is taking for you to post[/b] all these pictures and commentary.

 

bbqoug: Terry' date=' [b']Awesome blog & photos! [/b]I especially like your food photos from Tuscan Grill. I agree with your advice to pace yourself in that particular restaurant. On a previous cruise, I was literally in pain half way through the meal due to too much good food. I persevered though, and made it through dessert. Hopefully you are planning on visiting the other specialty restaurants on this cruise for more great comments and photos. Jeff

 

Stumblefoot: Terry' date=' Apologize for the interruption as I know you're in the middle of your grand voyage, but if you get a free minute or two, would love your feedback on this thread. Smooth sailing! [/quote']

 

jameybano: Thank you for taking the time to write another fine photo travel review. Your pictures are always fantastic and the accompanying commentary is always informative. I referred to your Soltstice blog when we planned our Med cruise on her in June of 2012. It was an invaluable planning resource. We were in a Celebrity Suite on Solstice also! Do you have Rasti as your butler? If so' date=' tell him Big Don and Jamey Banowetz from Indiana by way of New Orleans and Columbus say "hello!" Thanks again and I hope you are having smooth sailing! [/quote']

 

Essexlass2: I am enjoying following you along on this super holiday cruise. I hope Penny is feeling much better now.

 

Appreciate ALL of the added great comments' date=' suggestions, questions, etc. [b']Very interesting and helpful.[/b] We've now passed over the 10,500 views level on this live/blog. Glad there is such interest. Much more to come. We're just starting the fun!!

 

Just got back late yesterday from our two days in getting a great sampling for the interior of NZ's amazing South Island. Will share many more details and pictures as I get time. Our day today is super busy as we are going on the TranzApline rail "adventure" to the middle of Arthur's Pass National Park, plus then doing a JetBoat ride on one of the wild rivers near Christchurch.

 

We also loved our second full day in New Zealand. Weather improved wonderfully. Things are looking very good for the next few days on weather in this part of NZ that can be fairly cool at this time of year (their summer). Here are a few quick responses to some earlier comments and questions:

 

1. Yes, for erewhon, we were able to a little mini-tour inside the Dunedin Railway Station yesterday afternoon. Well worth the stop and time!!! Very impressive. Like our small sampling for Dunedin. More pictures later on that stop and Dunedin.

 

2. Glad that boingy300 found the Sydney Harbour BridgeWalk info.

 

3. For Patty, others in our group that I pushed to do the two-day, Queenstown overnight were very, very happy. Staying on ship good news? Weather improved for the other two sounds that those on the ship saw after we departed to Queenstown. They were very happy. Will have more details later.

 

4. For Jeff, we have done the other two speciality dining places, also, on this trip. BUT, I have not had time to post, yet, pictures and details on Silk Harvest and Murano. More good food porn to come from those visuals.

 

5. Sorry for Stumblefoot, but I'll have to wait till mid February when back to have time and easy Internet access to check that suggested thread. Not lots of "free time", so far, on this cruise, including traveling with six other couples from Central Ohio. Busy, busy!!

 

6. For jameybano, no we do not have Rasti as your butler. More on our butler later. He's very good and has added to our enjoyment. His name is Arsin Jashasn. He is from a special part of northern Greece. Will get his picture, post more, etc.

 

7. Yes, for Essexlass2, my wife and others are very happy that we have returned to calmer seas as we head up north along the eastern NZ coast.

 

More pictures and details soon. Looking forward to enjoying the great sights, sites and weather during the coming days. PLUS, a nice ship, staff and fellow passengers.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 159,869 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

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As I am “catching up” from earlier parts of our travels, below are some of the visuals from one of our Hobart, Tasmania, port stops. This included driving some distance to Port Arthur, the famed British penal colony on this island. We saw in traveling there, the check-point of dogs to keep prisoners from escaping this somewhat remote location. Conditions were not good in these facilities, but many also viewed conditions at this time in London to be very bad. Remember Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities?

 

Our guides were very good in helping us understand the historic context and the realities for life at this time in Australia. Can provide more details later our private tour, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

From Port Arthur, the historic Tasmanian penal colony seen during our stop in Hobart, here are a series of view of the sights there. First is an overview for a portion of this camp. Second, shows our tour guide, Murray, giving an overview on a model for how the camp looked at the time of its operations. Third is a view from some of the old building remains towards to the nearby water area and the location where the prisoners would arrive from England for this “visit”. It took six to nine months to make the journey from England to this distant part of the world. Fourth is an interior view as some members of our Central Ohio group tour and learn more about daily operations here.:

 

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Port Arthur was the location for the “worst of the worst” with these prison camps down under. Here are some more architecture examples from this site with many of its buildings made of native sandstone and classic designs. :

 

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Here is more from our stops during our private tour from the port of Hobart, Tasmania with our group of seven couples from Central Ohio.

 

Appreciate your patience as I work to get "caught up" from our earlier stops. More from NZ in the next couple of days. Off to get ready for our big train ride and JetBoat trip today.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

As we traveled to Port Arthur, this was one of the scenic beach/shore views. Like this weather? Look like an attractive location?:

 

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In the Tasmanian historic town of Richmond, here are two visuals of interest. First is their historic stone bridge, built by convict labor, that goes back to 1823. We drove across it. Still works. Second is the interior for the old historic Catholic church there in this town. Not as old as the churches in Europe, but it gives a sense of Aussie history. Lots of interesting shops there in this town. Didn’t have time to do stops in the shops. Good news!! Saved money and kept my wife’s buying habits in check.:

 

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In Hobart, one of the hot new attraction is this art museum built along the water in Hobart. We did not have time to stop here, but we drove by. It has free admission and was built by a local “rich guy” with unusual art tastes. Very popular, according to our guides.:

 

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Terry, as always I appreciate your photos. Glad you're enjoying! (are you using a polarizer for some of the shots?)

 

YES, on some of the nice sunny days, do have a polarizer filter on the lens. Good eye!!

 

Here are some added visuals from our tour at Port Arthur. This penal colony began operating in 1848 as they tried what they thought were to be “innovative techniques” for operating such facilities at these times. It stopped operating in the 1870’s.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Here are four additional views from in and around the Port Arthur penal colony grounds, including this sample of the on-site church with the remains of its tall tower that was made out of the native sandstone. And, of course, built, with skill, by convict labor. You will also see some interior samples, including from the inside of a cell in the “silence” section to which those prisoners with more behavior problems would be sent. Here, they could not talk or interactive with another prisoners or guards, etc. Another view shows some of the nice-looking flowers on these grounds as they look these days. Clearly, we enjoyed perfect weather, sun while doing this tour day.:

 

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Part of the value for traveling to Port Arthur from Hobart is seeing some of the coastal and countryside views. Here is one example, with, if you look closely, a bird soaring in the sky.:

 

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Appreciate ALL of the added great comments, suggestions, questions, etc. Very interesting and helpful. We've now passed over the 10,500 views level on this live/blog. Glad there is such interest. Much more to come. We're just starting the fun!!

 

 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Terry,

many thanks for your ''near real life experience on board'' your fantastic posts provide us with.

Question; any info on the refitting of the funnels & Mast to get Solly ready for clearance of Vancouver's Lions Gate bridge early May ?

Since this only requires a short out of service wetdock time window,I suspect it might have been done already while spending 3 days in Sydney

in between the short 3 days sailing to Hobart and the one you're on, ...or it might be done in Honolulu either 27th,28th or 29th April, as 3 days in one port during the repositionning is one longer than usual for the industry.

If done already, it's probably not even visible ''with the naked eye'' and some of the officers on board would confirm ( or deny....)

Thanks again

Cheers

claude

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Terry, we are so glad your trip is so fantastic. Friends we cruise with have been suggesting for some years to do this one. Our struggle is with being away from work long enough to "Do it right!"

 

I suspect will enjoy the "Big Island" of Hawaii more than Oahu; something to still look forward to!

 

Arie

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YES, on some of the nice sunny days, do have a polarizer filter on the lens. Good eye!!

 

You'll be happy to know I'm teaching photography now, at our community college since last fall. Mind if I share some of your work as an example of a good travelogue with a photo-journalistic approach?

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Thank you, thank you!!!!!!

Planning for 2 years from now is even more exciting reading your posts and seeing the incredible pictures.

Looking forward to details when you get home re: private touring and companies used in Australia.

You'll be happy to know that you'll be missing the coldest night of the year here in Ontario tonight (as well as your neck of the woods in Ohio).

Rosa

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I love the photo of the sandstone tower at the Penal Colony. Such detail in the stonework in the foreground with the lovely blue sky to contrast.

 

I'm really appreciating your supreme efforts to take us all with you on this trip :D

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Terry,

 

I really loved your pictures of Port Arthur. Yes, it is a ways from the port. Your comment about Charles Dickens came to my mind as well, especially Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. Our port stop was shortened so we focused on Bonorong and Port Arthur.

 

I am so happy you enjoyed the overnight to Queenstown. I was wondering if the times at the various stops were different going in the opposite direction. I felt it was well worth the price and was very organized.

 

Be glad you are Down Under as it is brutal here in western Pa. Everything is shut down. Relief mainly by the end of the week but then they are forecasting freezing rain. If the weather is still bad in the East, you might consider staying longer in Hawaii. Tell your wife she is better off where she is even with rough seas. You are not missing a thing with our weather.

 

Take care and thank you so much for the pictures.

 

Patty

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Hi Terry, it is great catching up with your travels. I recall much 'conversation' with you during your planning time. Glad you are having a great experience downunder, even the Fx gods are smiling on you with $A down around US87c :D, not so good for us:eek: for our upcoming trip to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and back to Sydney via Pacific Islands.

 

Happy cruising

Edited by mr walker
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Wonderful report on your Australia/NZ holiday. Looks like you are having a great time (and your photos are just wonderful). I've really enjoyed reading your "blog". It definately shows that I need to get out and about and actually explore my own country.

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c-legs: Terry' date=' many thanks for your ''near real life experience on board'' your fantastic posts provide us with. Question; [b']any info on the refitting of the funnels & Mast to get Solly ready for clearance of Vancouver's Lions Gate bridge early May ?[/b] Since this only requires a short out of service wetdock time window,I suspect it might have been done already while spending 3 days in Sydney. in between the short 3 days sailing to Hobart and the one you're on, ...or it might be done in Honolulu either 27th,28th or 29th April, as 3 days in one port during the repositionning is one longer than usual for the industry. If done already, it's probably not even visible ''with the naked eye'' and some of the officers on board would confirm ( or deny....) Thanks again. Cheers. claude

 

StartrainDD: Greatly enjoying - fantastic! Terry' date=' we are so glad your trip is so fantastic. Friends we cruise with have been suggesting for some years to do this one. Our struggle is with being away from work long enough to "Do it right!" I suspect will enjoy the "Big Island" of Hawaii more than Oahu; something to still look forward to! Arie [/quote']

 

YOW: You'll be happy to know I'm teaching photography now' date=' at our community college since last fall. [b']Mind if I share some of your work as an example of a good travelogue[/b] with a photo-journalistic approach?

 

dangler25: Thank you' date=' thank you!!!!!! Planning for 2 years from now is even more exciting reading your posts and seeing the incredible pictures. Looking forward to details when you get home re: private touring and companies used in Australia. You'll be happy to know that you'll be missing the coldest night of the year here in Ontario tonight (as well as your neck of the woods in Ohio). Rosa [/quote']

 

Pearl64: Terry' date=' I really loved your pictures of Port Arthur. [b']Yes, it is a ways from the port[/b]. Your comment about Charles Dickens came to my mind as well, especially Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. Our port stop was shortened so we focused on Bonorong and Port Arthur. I am so happy you enjoyed the overnight to Queenstown. I was wondering if the times at the various stops were different going in the opposite direction. I felt it was well worth the price and was very organized. Be glad you are Down Under as it is brutal here in western Pa. Everything is shut down. Relief mainly by the end of the week but then they are forecasting freezing rain. If the weather is still bad in the East, you might consider staying longer in Hawaii. Tell your wife she is better off where she is even with rough seas. You are not missing a thing with our weather. Take care and thank you so much for the pictures. Patty

 

mr walker: Hi Terry' date=' it is great catching up with your travels. I recall much 'conversation' with you during your planning time. Glad you are having a great experience downunder, even the Fx gods are smiling on you with[b'] $A down around US87c[/b] , not so good for us for our upcoming trip to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and back to Sydney via Pacific Islands. Happy cruising

 

xxpinksaltxx: Wonderful report on your Australia/NZ holiday. Looks like you are having a great time (and your photos are just wonderful). I've really enjoyed reading your "blog". It definately shows that I need to get out and about and actually explore my own country.

 

Mr Luxury: As usual Terry' date=' the [b']best pictures on CC[/b]. Thank you

 

Like so much the excellent, added comments, questions, and updates, especially on the cold, cold weather back home in Central Ohio. Glad to be here in NZ's South Island and enjoying such super sunny weather and great skies while doing our wonderful adventures yesterday. More below on those fun, exploring excitements while tendered in Akaroa. This live/blog is now over 12,200 views. Appreciate the interest. Keep it coming!! So much more to share.

 

As we get ready to approach the NZ capital of Wellington this morning on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the high today should be around 70 with mostly sunny skies. Some clouds. Continued great weather in a season down here that has been limited so far in this part of their summer season for great weather days. Several locals have told us that they have only had about six days, so far, like for such great weather. Very fortunate for us and it should be continuing this way for several more days.

 

In December, I discussed with my wife the option of the Tranz Alpine Jetboat Tour KQ12 at Akaroa, New Zealand. I got her OK by keeping semi-secret the cost and her not worrying too much about doing a JetBoat ride. The rail part is considered to be one of the great train journeys in the world, taking you through the heart of the Southern Alps in comfort and style. Then, it would topped off by a thrilling jet-boat ride to get your heart pumping. That high-speed "rocket boat" goes down the Waimakiriri River. We had a great lunch next to the river before doing the boat ride.

 

In Māori, Waimakariri has several meanings, one of which is "river of cold rushing water". The river rises on the eastern flanks of the Southern Alps, eight kilometres southwest of Arthur's Pass. As the river approaches the Canterbury Plains, it passes through a belt of mountains, and is forced into a narrow canyon (the Waimakariri Gorge), before reverting to its braided form for its passage across the plains. It finally enters the Pacific north of Christchurch. From

http://www.jetthrills.com

http://www.alpinejet.co.nz

there is more info on these jet boats, the area, visuals, etc. They note in the promotion info: "skim the shallows, spin in your own length, feel the power of our Hamilton Jets"!! True?? Absolutely and more.

 

The night before this adventure, my wife and Susan were considering backing out of this portion of the trip and settling for a more tame "sheep ranch" stop. What was the right decision? See photo proof below.

 

From some of the above comments, here is some added reactions, comments:

 

For Claude, I will have to check more on whether the mast will get modified for the Vancouver's Lions Gate bridge needs. YES to Arie on the requirement that to down under takes more time than average. We are looking forward to the Big Island of Hawaii. Yes to YOW on using any of my picture to help in college photo class teaching. Very honored to help in that way, especially with your great photography skills. Appreciate from Patty the comments/contrasts on weather back home versus here in Australia and NZ. Lots to see and explore here in both of these wonderful countries and the improved value of the dollar has helped us during this period.

 

More more photos to review, check, fine-tune. BUT, I wanted to get quickly a few of these wonderful ones from the JetBoat trip post while so "hot" and exciting. Agree??

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Celebrity Solstice Visual Highlights? From our June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in France, Italy, Kotor and Dubrovnik, I have pull together a number of wonderful visuals of the Solstice, its features, food, entertainment, options, etc. We are now at 15,771 views for this shorter version of my larger full review of that cruise and all of the port pictures/details. Check these postings and added info at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803477

 

 

Here is a small sampling of just six of my pictures from the about 150 visuals that I shot while doing the JetBoat adventure at the river location near Christchurch. First, here is a picture "before" the six of us from Central Ohio did this exciting trip. From left, here is John & Susan, Dennis & Janet, my wife (Penny) and me (the tall one on the right).:

 

JetBoatOne_zps2508d555.jpg

 

 

This picture shows just one example of the THRILLS during these fast, roaring shots up and down this narrow and scenic section of this river. I was fortunately seated right behind our excellent driver, Greg Peacock. I didn't get very wet, but those on the right side got more of the "showers". No extra charge. But, nobody got too wet. It was all part of the fun. :

 

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At a couple points during our about 25-minute trip on the river, Greg stopped at a scenic location in this river/gorge to give us more background on these boats, experiences in doing this work since 1998 for him, etc. Greg's sense of humor was wonderful!! These Hamilton Jet Boats were developed around 1960, including work done at this site to perfect the design and test the models/designs. Notice the great background/dramatic areas that we were "sailing" up and down?:

 

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When pilot Greg put his hand up, as shown here, he was doing a twirling, rotating sign to warn us. It's 360 degree time and the need for us to be bracing as he would be doing a full-circle, high-speed spin in the middle of the river. WOW!! Times ten. Maybe even better. These were so fast and such fun!!:

 

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There were three boats from our ship group doing this trip and here is a picture that I got of another JetBoat during our fast ride on the river doing its adventure. A picture is worth a thousand words in summarizing how fast these boats travel and the fun being had by those doing this exciting trip.:

 

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Now finally, here is a picture that my wife loved. Notice her hands and those of others in our row super tightly gripping the safety bar? That says so much about the speed and thrills while roaring up and down this amazing stretch of scenic river. I showed my wife this picture (and several others like this one of her where the wind was blowing her hair in the opposite direction). She liked this picture so much, that she said to put this one in her obituary (not that this need is upcoming anytime soon). It showed her having fun and she said this ride was the most fun of the whole cruise/trip. We've had lots of great moments on this trip, but one was a unique and special ride in a location that is spectacularly world-class. And, perfect weather with good friends adds to the great joy!!:

 

JetBoatOne1_zpscafe58a3.jpg

Edited by TLCOhio
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Our Solstice is just now pulling into the scenic setting and harbor of Wellington. Looks sunny at this early hour, plus totally clear, perfectly blue skies. By contrast . . . .

 

Here is the lead story headline from this morning's Columbus Dispatch: "Subzero cold, wind shut area schools" with these story highlights: "It probably won’t be record-breaking cold today, but it will again be polar-vortex cold — and probably lower on the thermometer than we’ve seen this winter. Cold enough that Columbus schools and nearly every other district, plus Ohio State University and Ohio University, decided by late yesterday afternoon to cancel today’s classes." Glad we are here in New Zealand and enjoying great weather in this part of the world.

 

Wellington is southern most capital city in world. As understand, the big ships dock at Aotea Quay, between the Interislander Ferry Terminal and the train station. The walk to the city center takes over 20 minutes. Small ships dock at Queens Wharf, right in the heart of town. Aotea Quay cruise terminal is an industrial area. It's a five-minute walk to the train station, which has cafes, newsstands and small shops. Large industrial area near round, new Westpac soccer stadium, nothing close and/or charming in this location. We are highly flexible today. Catch up and relax time. Might grab a cab at the train station for a little "mini-tour", hit their museum here, do lunch, etc. Been super busy the last three days with so much bus travel that a little "shifting of the gears" is important and needed.

 

Here are some of the key summary points from some top cruise line for Wellington:

Crystal: Hugging the hillsides around Port Nicholson, a horseshoe-shaped bay that is one of the world's finest, Wellington reminds many visitors of San Francisco. In cultural offerings as well as landscape - Wellington boasts the National Art Gallery and the Dominion Museum, as well as the Government Building, one of the world's largest wodden structures.

 

Seabourn: Visually stunning, Wellington is nestled between a magnificent harbor and a natural amphitheatre of forest-clad hills. Its compact size, combined with cultural sophistication, makes it New Zealand's most inspiring urban destination. Wellington's cultural crowning jewel is Te Papa, a donation-only museum that celebrates Australasian natural history, science and culture. Exhibits include Maori artifacts, an extensive Pacific Cultures collection and interactive science exhibits. The city's art scene is flourishing, with numerous galleries and craft markets displaying the work of the country's top artists and craftspeople.

 

Oceania: Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite botanic gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Dining: Savor a variety of continental dishes in addition to succulent lamb and seafood. Shopping: Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens and leather

 

Regent: Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite Botanic Gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping: Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Enjoy a variety of continental dishes in addition to succulent lamb and seafood.

 

Princess: New Zealand's capital offers stunning views of forested peninsulas, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian buildings. Settled in 1840 by the London-based New Zealand Company, "wonderful, windy Wellington" is frequently buffeted by bracing winds funnelling through Cook Strait. The sophisticated metropolis boasts museums, winding streets and even a cable car. No wonder many travelers compare it to San Francisco. Despite its steep hills, the city can be easily explored on foot. Kelburn Cable Car, stairways and footpaths climb the slopes from the city center.

 

Sound like fun?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 159,869 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

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-----in NZ's South Island and enjoying such super sunny weather and great skies while doing our wonderful adventures yesterday. More below on those fun, exploring excitements while tendered in Akaroa.

 

Friends of ours had to live in their summer residence at Akaroa, while their house was being renovated, after the Christchurch earthquakes.

 

We loved the Trans Alpine train journey, fortunately did this in 2008, before the earthquakes of 2011.

Edited by upwarduk
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Hi

 

Quick question - if you happen to pass the Martini Bar one evening could you look to see if the iced bar top is working?

 

Celebrity said they were going to fix it in January - I'm hoping it'll be up and running for our March trip :)

 

Thanks in advance.

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Terry,

Many thanks for sharing your research and stunning photographs. We are planning our pre-cruise package for Jan 2015 and have identified many of the same itinerary elements. Your blog is helping to confirm and/or tweak our plans and we appreciate the insights. Mahalo!

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Hi Terry,

Enjoy your day in Wellington.

 

Our Solstice is just now pulling into the scenic setting and harbor of Wellington. Looks sunny at this early hour, plus totally clear, perfectly blue skies. By contrast . . . .

 

 

From the live webcam in Centreport , the Port of Wellington. Solstice is sharing the quay with Voyager of the Seas . The InterIsland Ferry in the foreground , is the cargo and passenger sea link between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

 

29aoteaquay_zpsdaf63cd2.jpg

 

http://www.centreport.co.nz/cargo-tracking/web-cams

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Hi Terry,

Enjoy your day in Wellington.

 

From the live webcam in Centreport , the Port of Wellington. Solstice is sharing the quay with Voyager of the Seas . The InterIsland Ferry in the foreground , is the cargo and passenger sea link between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

 

 

http://www.centreport.co.nz/cargo-tracking/web-cams

Cheers for posting.:D

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