New Zealand - Feb 25

February 25 - Saturday

POL:

Today is the day for embarkation.  But before we make our way to the ship Ginny and Robin have a task to perform.  They both want to take the leap from the Sky Tower.  Once at the Sky Tower they both checked in and were garbed up in their jump suits and harnesses.  Once properly attired they were led upstairs while the rest of us were taken to the landing platform so we could get a good view of the descent.


Ginny went first.  It was a quick, but exhilerating ride to the ground.



Robin was next.  Her descent was more Peter Pan-esque.


Both jumpers thought the ride down was super exciting and well worth the efforts.

After the jumps we made our way back to the hotel to collect our luggage and make our way to the ship.

Once at the cruise port we handed off our luggage and since we were over an hour early for our scheduled check in time we got to wait - for an hour.  After our wait we were allowed to get in line to be told we had to ensure we had our passports and travel documents for Austrailia.  We then had a seat in a row of maybe 15 seats to wait our turn.  Once our turn came our row was directed to another line where our passports were checked.  Then on to another line to have our travel documents verified.  Then on to another line for customs (didn’t even get a stamp - the jerks).  Then to another line to have our carry on luggage scanned for contraband and anything else the ship did not want us to have (i.e. booze, knives, etc.).  Then onward to have a commemorative photo taken.  We passed on the photo.  Finally we were allowed on the ship.  Start to finish the entire process took about 45 minutes (not including the hour we had to wait for being early).

We found our room and it was the typical cruise line room.  It had a bed, a small bathroom, a small desk / vanity, some closet space with shelves, and a small balcony.  Some of the decor looked somewhat tired, but it was clean and the bed comfortable.

We had a quick snack we called lunch and then dinner.  Dinner was at one of their premier restaurants.  There was one appetizer that was unusual.  It was carmelized, maple syrup back bacon.  Very good.  Filet mignon and pork chops were the main course.  For desert there was baked Alaska, creme brule, and key lime pie.  All very good.




After dinner we had a stroll around the decks and saw a decent sunset.  Late in the evening it was time to call it a day.



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