Home away from home on Regatta’s passage to Polynesia Nov 2018

[rloke]

Off next to Mauna Loa to “visit the macadamias nuts factory”. And then to Banyan Drive to take a peek at the Banyan trees planted by various famous personalities. Then another quick peek of Liliʻuokalani garden. And finally off to Richardson Beach...decent washroom facilities here.

 

 

Edited December 1, 2018 by ipoh
Spelling and added photo

[rloke]

Done with Hawai’i ports and off to French Polynesia...four sea days.

 

Weather turned much warmer as we headed towards the equator. Getting windy though and most headwind too.

 

Of course we had a wild and fun (for some) line-crossing ceremony.

 

 

[rloke]

King Neptune made his way to the ceremony...and I am sure most know what would happen next...

 

 

[rloke]

A small brunch was also held during one of the sea days.

 

 

[rloke]

June, the Polynesian enrichment instructor, came onboard and had some hula/haka dance lessons. Also lei, bracelet, necklace making and ribbon weaving (with fresh flowers flew in from Thailand though and local kukui nuts).

 

[rloke]

Bracelet and necklace making classes were very well attended. Class starts at 3pm but the port side terrace cafe section was full to the brim by 2:45...

Edited December 1, 2018 by ipoh
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[rloke]

Hula dance class..

[rloke]

BTW...King Neptune (portrayed by GM Damien) making his way to the line-crossing ceremony.

 

[rloke]

Also special cupcake tea time.

 

[rloke]

Due to the persistent headwind, arrived at Nuku Hiva about 1.5 hours late. Captain Luksa decided to stay in Nuku Hiva for an hour longer than the scheduled departure time to make up for it.

 

 

[rloke]

On the first tender out...a bit choppy and everyone was instructed to hold on to the railings and be seated as soon as possible.

 

 

[rloke]

Nuku Hiva dock with FP welcoming song and dance.

[rloke]

Off to a 3-hour island tour with Temarama...first stop at a viewpoint looking down at Taiohae Bay where Regatta was anchored.

 

[rloke]

According to Richard of Temarama tour, road is now all paved...lots of twisties, hairpin turns and quite steep in some stretches. Drive to airport is now 1-1.5 hours instead of 3...

Edited December 1, 2018 by ipoh

[rloke]

Next stop at the viewpoint overlooking the Taipivai Valley and the Comptroller Bay.

 

 

[rloke]

Next stop was at Kamuihei and a historical lesson on the tradition of placing beloved remains at the Banyan tree.

[rloke]

We then stopped briefly at Hatihe’u for a restroom break.

 

The Hatihe’u beach had nice gentle rolling waves at that time with some swimmers in the water.

 

 

[rloke]

Last stop at the cathedral...

 

 

[rloke]

Amazingly gentle rolling waves at Taiohae...

Edited December 1, 2018 by ipoh
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[rloke]

Took the second last (I believe) tender back at around 2:20-ish. Pretty smooth tender back.

 

One last panoramic look at Taiohae...

[rloke]

Terrace Cafe had fresh fish, presumably, from near Nuku Hiva for dinner.

 

 

[rloke]

Although we left Nuku Hiva an hour later than scheduled, with the dissipating headwind, the Captain made up about half an hour...so a bit more bonus time at Moorea.

 

The Hilton overwater bungalows in the distance..

[rloke]

Docked at Opunohu Bay and tendered to Papetoai. A few tour vendors were available offering various island tours and 4x4 adventures. Prices seem reasonable. And of course free shuttle to the pearl stores.

 

And several vendors selling the usual FP items such as bracelets, wood carvings, ertc...

 

Edited December 1, 2018 by ipoh

[rloke]

Plan was to take a taxi to Ta’ahiamanu Beach near the Hilton. Not easy to get one as most are there to take people on island tours. Once the tour frenzy subsided after 5-10 minutes, a couple of shipmates and us shared a taxi to the beach for $30.

 

It started to rain on our drive there and there were no shelters at the public beach...the taxi driver suggested that we should go to the Hilton to buy a drink and get some shelter there first.

 

Edited December 2, 2018 by ipoh
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[rloke]

Once we arrived at the Hilton, the rain started to subside. We took a walk to the beach where the overwater bungalows are situated and saw a little ray swimming near the little dock...

 

We decided to just unpack our gear and discreetly snorkel off the far left side of the beach.