Rhapsody of the Seas - 28 days Vancouver to Sydney
Sep/Oct 2008
This was our very first cruise ever and it spoilt us for life. We never thought we would like cruising much, but Rhapsody converted us, and to this day it remains our favourite ship. My husband, my teenage daughter and I shared a cabin and enjoyed a month of luxury crossing the Pacific. First of all - the ship. Click on the slide show below to see what it looked like.
This ship shone in every way. Each meal was an exquisite culinary delight. The entertainment was outstanding - every act top class. But the thing that impressed us most was the staff. Every member was without fail, friendly and helpful, courteous and efficient. Nothing was ever too much trouble. And they seemed genuinely happy in their jobs. The Captain was a jovial Norwegian who had a high profile about the ship. He was seen regularly wandering around and was always ready to chat to guests and staff. His regular midday report from the bridge was always interesting and entertaining. In one speech he made, he said that the Rhapsody of the Seas had a reputation of being the friendliest ship on the ocean. At the time I thought every captain probably said that about his ship, but many cruises later I have to agree with him.
My rating (with 5 being the highest):
Cabin 5
Ship decor 5 |
Entertainment 5+
Activities 5 |
Food 5+
Staff 5+ |
And now, the journey ...
Vancouver, Canada 19 Sep. 2008
Victoria, Canada 20 Sep, 2008
The lovely city of Victoria on Vancouver Island was our first port of call. We had spent a week here recently, so were content to stroll leisurely around the city and its beautiful harbour area.
Astoria, Oregon, U.S.A. 21 Sep. 2008
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, first established as a fur trading post. It was rather a bleak day when we set foot there, but still an enjoyable visit. Many scenes from the movie, Free Willy were shot around here and you may recall the bridge from scenes in Kindergarten Cop. Leaving Astoria, we headed west towards Hawaii, settling in for some long leisurely sea days.
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 26 Sep. 2008
After four days at sea enjoying all the luxuries of cruising and appreciating the weather warming more each day, we were excited to sight land. Lahaina is a pretty seafront town on the northern part of Maui. In the early 19th century it was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom It was also an historin whaling village during the whaling boom of the mid 1800s.
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Nahwiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii 28 Sep. 2008
Kona, Hawaii 29 Sep. 2008
Kona is on the west coast of the big island of Hawaii where not far to the south, Captain Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he was eventually killed. Kona is also famous for the gruelling Ironman World Championship held here annually. It consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike ride across the Hawaiian lava desert, and a marathon run (26 miles 385 yards) along the coast. No marathon for us however. Instead we strolled around Historic Kailua Village which was once a sleepy fishing village and home to Hawaiian royalty. Now it is a bustling seaside town of shops, restaurants and accommodation sharing space with historic buildings and sites.
Leaving Kona, we sailed around the south of the Big Island and were treated to a spectacular fire spitting and sizzling display of red hot lava flowing into the ocean, lighting up the black night. The captain took the ship in as close as possible, so close in fact that we could feel the hot tiny splashes of ash raining on us. Mt Kilauea is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano. It is near-constantly erupting and is having one of the longest lived eruption known on earth, which started in 1983. The island grows around 42 acres each year due to the eruptions causing lava to crawl into the ocean and solidify.
Hilo, Hawaii 30 Sep. 2008
Hilo overlooks Hilo Bay, home to the University of Hawaii and the Imiloa Astronomy Centre. The region is blessed with fertile rain forests and blooming gardens, in stark contrast to the volcanic Kohala Coast. Sorry, no photos from here except these magnificent orchids.
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 1 Oct. 2008
Honolulu is the state capital of Hawaii.. It is a major tourist destination as well as being a hub for international business and military defence. We took a local bus around some parts of the island and also spent time on the famous Waikiki Beach. Many people left the ship here and new cruisers boarded.
We first fell in love with Honolulu in 1996. We still loved it this visit. It has a wonderful holiday feel with all that white sand and blue sea beckoning. On our earlier visit we went to all the major attractions such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbour, the Honolulu Zoo, etc. This time we were content to stroll and soak in the atmosphere while reminiscing a little. |
And so we bid farewell to Hawaii, home of hula dancing, surfing and sun worship, and headed south to Tahiti. So far, sailing has been smooth, ports of call appealing and the weather glorious. The Pacific Ocean is living up to its name and creating a real sense of peace within us.
Crossing the Equator 4 Oct. 2008
On October 4 we crossed the Equator and there was much merriment aboard. A grand ceremony was held with much singing and dancing. The reining King Neptune chose a queen. A great deal of sea water was splashed around and we all received a nice certificate notarising this momentous occasion in our lives. I am no longer a slimy Pollywog, but a more highly esteemed Shellback
The tradition of line-crossing ceremonies is an old one. The initiation rite commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. In the 19th century and earlier the ceremony was quite brutal, involving beatings and throwing victims overboard. Thankfully our ceremony was much more tame.
The tradition of line-crossing ceremonies is an old one. The initiation rite commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. In the 19th century and earlier the ceremony was quite brutal, involving beatings and throwing victims overboard. Thankfully our ceremony was much more tame.
Papeete, Tahiti 6/7 Oct. 2008
Moorea, French Polynesia 7 Oct. 2008
Bora Bora, French Polynesia 8 Oct. 2008
Raiatea, French Polynesia 9 Oct. 2008
Crossing the International Date Line 13 Oct. 2008
Not the festivities here like crossing the Equator. We just lost a day. Rather sad I think. It also means we are getting closer to home.
Lautoka, Fiji Islands 14 Oct. 2008
Sydney, Australia 18 Oct. 2008