We sailed from the Island of Dravuni after a fun day at shore with expectations for an arrival in Port Villa, Vanuatu the next morning. Vanuatu was the site for the TV series Survivor for many episodes and the filming and accomodations for the TV Staff took place on the island close to our port. Upon arrival to Port Villa, the captain politely woke everyone up at 6 am with a general announcement into the entire ship and each of the rooms, advising the passengers that we woul

We arrived at Dravuni Island aboard the Coral Princess, and anchored offshore in the waters about 40 miles from Suva. The island is a volcanic island known for it's clear, pristine and white sandy beaches. Our ship launched four tenders around 8 am but Jan and I headed in to shore around 9 am, with the last return tender running us back to the ship at 3 pm . It was a classic tropical day—about 30°C, with a bit of wind that took the edge off the heat, but strong sun. The wate

We only had one day in Suva, Fiji but it didn’t take long to feel like we’d stepped into a completely different world—hot and very humid air, old and poor, with surprises as the day passes. The harbour and port were very commercial with lots of containers being stored and ships in the bay. Fishing boats were moored in the harbor and the port was busy during the entire time we were in town. A little about Suva Suva is the capital of Fiji and its largest city. It sits on the so

Our arrival in Apia, Samoa was our 21st day at sea and Jan and I, along with two other couples opted to find a local company to take us on a tour of the island. Apia, is the capital of Western or Independent Samoa, and is a city of 40,000 on the island of Upolu. It's picturesque waterfront is lined with public buildings, shops, and trading companies. When we got off the ship there were so many companies and individuals looking to provide tours and after some negotiations we d

Would you trust this guy to Captain the Ship? Today was a sea day but we were busy attending a personal guest tour of the bridge, beginning my ukulele lessons, partaking in music trivia, having dinner at the Crown Restaurant and attending two concerts in the Universe Theatre. Yes, we kept so busy that we actually jumped in time, passing through the IDL (International Date Line). Even though this evening is Tuesday, tomorrow morning becomes Thursday. If anyone can come up wit

Seahawk- Go get em' Today was the first of four days at sea as we sail on our way to the American Samoa port. We began the morning with 45 minutes of Tai Chi, moving slowly and deliberately while the ship swayed beneath us. It was a peaceful way to wake up our bodies and minds, and to remind ourselves to be present for the days ahead. Plus it took away some aches and pains from all the walking and especially the sitting as well. After Tai Chi, it was time for something a lit

We arrived in Papeete, Tahiti this morning on the Coral Princess to sunny, hot, humid weather—32°C and very much rainy‑season air. Locals told us it had rained lots over the past week, so we felt lucky to start the day under blue skies. At the port our ship shadowed over the sailboats docked in the city marina and close to the town stores and market. We were one of three cruise ships in the Papeete port so the island was busy. Our excursion, “Tour of the Island,”  took us by

Today we visited Moorea, in French Polynesia. The temperature was hot from early morning, which is the kind of tropical heat that wraps around you the minute you step outside. Because there is no deep-water dock for larger ships, we anchored offshore and used tenders to reach the island. The short ride gave us our first close-up views of Moorea’s dramatic green peaks and the shimmering blue lagoon. Moorea is a volcanic island and the largest member of the Windward Islands, a

After leaving Hawaii some five days ago, we arrived in Raiatea, French Polynesia this morning at 7:00 am on the Coral Princess . It felt like a true milestone in our Pacific crossing—watching the open ocean slowly give way to the dramatic outline of this lush, green island. Threading the Needle Through the Coral Reefs As we sailed toward Raiatea, the ship had to pass through a narrow opening in the surrounding coral reef. From our balcony, we could clearly see the waves build

Now that we have been on board the Coral Princess for more than two weeks, it feels like we have moved into a small floating neighborhood. Our room D-618, is our new home and the rest of the ship is our new backyard but with no snow to shovel nor grass to cut, we will take advantage of the low maintenance. We even have a barbershop, jewelry store, clothing store, alcohol sales and medical supplies, entertainment and bars. We seem to be all set especially with the "Drink Packa

Today was a celebratory day aboard the Coral Princess as we crossed the equator at exactly 1 pm and officially left the realm of mere “Slimy Pollywogs” behind as they became trusted Shellbacks. Polliwogs are sailors or passengers who have never crossed the equator. Slimy Pollywogs are uninitiated lowly status marine travelers. Once they complete the ceremony they become Trusted Shellbacks. And so the ceremony began. Most of the ship's passengers gathered around the pool and u

Today is our second day at sea since leaving Kona, Hawaii, and we have a few more days to go before we get to our next destination which is Raiatea, French Polynesia. We're passing our time today relaxing and catching up on some social media. Jan's doing her crocheting. There's comfy chairs outside the Wheelhouse Bar and a perfect place to settle for a good view of the rolling seas. The water has been moderately calm, but as of mid afternoon today the winds were picking up. N

Our four days in Hawaii with blue skies, warm weather and an opportunity to visit all four large islands has drawn to an end. Starting with Honolulu, then Kauai followed by Maui and today the Big Island, has been a treat for both Jan and myself. We have been to Kauai several times but now we can say we have visited all four islands. But how did this chain of islands get formed? The earth’s outer crust is made up of a series of tectonic plates that move over the surface of the

Our bucket list item has been fulfilled. We achieved a goal, and it wasn't that scary nor rugged as promised. We certainly saw lots and enjoyed every minute of the day. From 8 am this morning to 4 PM this afternoon we travelled in a small mini bus with 10 others cruise guests from the Cruise Terminal to the town of Hana and back. The "Kodak Moments" never ended and I know I took way too many pictures but it's all a great memory. Our tour guide, who doubled as our driver was

Kauai, known as the "Garden Island," is the fourth largest and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, celebrated for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rich cultural heritage. It covers an area of 562 Sq, Miles and is located 73 miles northwest of O'ahu. It is characterized by it's stunning natural features including emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs. The island is home to Waimea Canyon State Park and the Na Pali Coast which offer breathtaking views an

After 5 days at sea we finally made it to Hawaii with our first port stop Honolulu. The weather had clear skies with some overcast clouds but it was a comfortable 25C with some humidity but much better than the temperature at home. Honolulu is home to half a million people and the island has a wealth of cultural, scenic and historic attractions. Waikiki and Diamond Head are two of the city's enduring symbols. Pearl Harbour, the site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the "Punchb

Our journey began at the Port of Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 21st. We are completely checked into our new mini-suite on the dolphin floor. At 5 PM the Coral Princess,  pulled away from the LA cruise terminal, and it seemed that our 115 day voyage ahead felt small when compared to the size of the shipping container sites and industrial lands of the harbor that we passed. It was not the most impressive part of LA but it was our farewell to California and the North America

Monday Jan 19th began with a bus ride from London to the Toronto Airport where we boarded a plane to LA. Our flight left Toronto at 7 PM with an arrival at LAX at 9:30 PM PST. We received all our five checked baggage and took the shuttle to our hotel which was booked for two evenings. As we left the airport, with our heap of suitcases, we passed others on a similar trajectory - either heading for the hills or planning a large cruise. The size of the baggage gave that away and

Greetings from Paul and Jan and yes, here we sail again ! Setting Out on our Circle Pacific Adventure Our adventure began with one goal, It was to see a part of the world that we have previously never visited, but not using our own boat this time. We booked a four month cruise (115 days at sea) on the Coral Princess Ship to circle the Pacific Ocean, departing and returning from Los Angeles. For the two of us, it is an amazing way to experience the diverse cultures and differ

When things draw to a completion, the expectations of what will come next always passes through your mind. What I do know, is that our...