Travel – Cruise – Page 5 – Life is a Journey

Christmas Cruise Photos

Posted on January 15, 2016October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

I didn’t blog our Dec/Jan cruise on Explorer of the Seas (which I now regret) as I was concentrated on vlogging the experience. But I still wanted to share some of my favourite photos of the trip. Hope you enjoy.

Christy and Athena had an inside cabin with a virtual balcony.

We had a rear facing junior suite.. with an amazingly large balcony.

This was perfect for sailaway.

With bright pink and blue hair it was really easy to spot the kids when out and about :-).

Our first stop was Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

We enjoyed a yummy breakfast (since our tender was called much quicker than expected). I had a cheese & onion toastie (which was very British). Then had a walk around the markets before going on a helicopter flight over the islands and out to the hole in the rock.

We also visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

And saw a Maori show (we saw another at Rotarua the next day).

The next day we docked at Tauranga and went on a day trip to Rotarua and Hobbiton.

Hobbiton was definitely the highlight of the whole cruise. Even Mum & Dad who hadn’t seen the movies really enjoyed it.

For our last day in New Zealand we were treated to a stunning sunrise as we sailed into Auckland harbour.

We had arranged for a private tour around the city.

The winter gardens…

Views from Devonport.

The colour of the water here is just beautiful.

Then it was few days at sea.

New Years Eve and the start of a new year.

The stunning Isle of Pines.

Our last port day and a private tour in Noumea included a delightful stop at the Aquarium.

Before we visited the beach where we enjoyed some French treats.

We then concluded our outing with a quick visit to the zoo.

The cutest national bird.

Our last few days at the sea.

Finally found the front the boat.

Arrival back into a wet, grey Sydney.

We had another wonderful Christmas cruise with a great combination of sightseeing and relaxing. I especially loved the 3 days in New Zealand – such a beautiful country. And it’s always wonderful to spend time with my family. And a big thanks to my Mum & Dad who treated us all to this wonderful vacation.

Be sure to watch my videos if you’d like to see more.

Christmas Cruise – Day 8 & 9

Posted on December 30, 2014October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Seas days are always relaxing. And the last two days of this cruise were no exception. But relaxing days also means not a lot of photos or video.

We managed to get a rear window table in Windjammers for breakfast this morning. Nice to reminded our fav. rear facing cabin view.

I tried a bagel today (not toasted) and it was horrid. I assume it wasn’t freshly made today as when I’ve had bagels on previous cruises they have been delicious.

Lunch today was in the dining room and we were seated right under the huge chandelier.

I had pasta with an arribatta sauce (nice, but not spicy in the slightest).

Dessert was cherry crepes.

After lunch we took Christy to the main pool and had a swim with her (as she wasn’t allowed in the solarium pool/spa which we preferred to use).

Then more relaxing on our balcony.

Kevin decided he wanted to buy both the girls nice, waterproof watches.

Tonights show was 3 singers. While they had fantastic voices, it was more of a listening experience than a visual one.

Tonights dinner was aranchini balls (delicious)..

eggplant lasagne..

and a cheese plate…

Christy was mucking around with our waiter and for some reason ended up hiding behind a chair.

You only get towel animals every other night now, so it’s fun when they appear.

Nan and Pop had this cool bat.

Our last day at sea, and of the cruise, was considerably cooler and more cloudy.

Another breakfast in Windjammers.

Then morning trivia. Really enjoyed this, just wish they would put it in a bigger venue so you didn’t have to arrive at least 45mins early to get a table.

We didn’t do too well this day, but the top score was only 13.

Back in our cabin we found this sad reminder that the end was approaching.

We had lunch at Windjammers again. All the soups I had throughout the cruise were amazing.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and packing our luggage. We skipped the farewell show (since is one of the acts we weren’t that impressed with).

Sadly it was time for our last dinner in the dining room. Mushroom soup..

Asparagus tart…

and the cheese plate…

We said farewell to our waiters and put out our luggage for collection. We’re all sad we’re leaving tomorrow and would be happy to keep on cruising.

Don’t forget for more details of the cruise you can check out the cruise vlogs.

Christmas Cruise – Day 7

Posted on December 29, 2014October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Woke up at 8am today!!! But with two hours time difference it was really 6am anyway :-). Felt pretty tired – but it’s more likely to be the Fibro I think. We rang Athena at 8.30am and waited for my parents, who rang shortly after to say they had just woken up. So we decided to go up to breakfast without them. There was NO-ONE around the ship – odd for 9am – I guess everyone was still recovering from Christmas Day (Athena said there were a lot of people around late last night/early this morning). We ate at Windjammers (I had the usual breakfast potatoes, fried egg and a bread roll)…

then we headed to trivia. No problem getting a table this morning (though they had all filled up by the time it started).

We didn’t do quite so well today but we enjoyed it anyway. We went back to our room and Nan, Pop & Christy showed up. We had a chat and then read/played games on phones, etc.

Then before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Kevin had been up earlier to reserve us a table.

I miss this view from the back of the boat (on our last 2 cruises we’ve had rear facing balconies).

Todays choice was Johnny’s Rockets. After waiting another 10mins for an inside table we realised we wouldn’t all fit (6 of us) in a booth and it was suggested they could add some chairs at the end of the booth if we ate outside. Worked out really well (esp. after being squashed in the bus yesterday) and it was actually quieter than inside, though we probably didn’t get the whole 50s dining experience.

We were brought out fries and onion rings without even asking.

Kevin & Christy got shakes.

I had the veggie burger (of course) which was pretty good, but not anything outstanding. Made a change from salad though :-). I’ve actually been disappointed in the lack of vegetarian meals on offer in Windjammers. It’s really just been soup, salads and vegetables, which luckily enough I do enjoy. We all enjoyed lunch and thought it not bad for the $6.95 cover charge.

After lunch we went to check out our photos – and today were told we could view actual prints, not just the screens with copyright logos all over the photos. So much easier to evaluate the photos. We eliminated some and will go make our final choices tomorrow. Then it was quiet time. I played on my computer, Kevin slept and Christy eventually arrived and also slept. I believe Athena had a nap in their room. As you can tell sea days are very hard work :-).

Before I knew it the hours had past and it was time to shower and get ready for tonights show. Unfortunately Kevin had drank the shake he got with lunch and was feeling really sick so didn’t join us.

The show was great. I always love the productions they put on. The singers on this cruise seem to be especially amazing (but I’m sure they all are).

After the show we took a few photos…

then found a place to sit in one of the bars. I ordered a pina colada but ended up with some peach drink, which was just a little too sweet.

I was pleased to see Kevin when we arrived at the dining room. Tonight I had mozerella salad …

vegetarian paella (haven’t had paella in over 10 years because it always had prawns in it). It was delicious but I only managed to eat half)….

and the cheese plate…..

Back in our cabin, I read for a little while before going to sleep. Looking forward to getting one of those lost hours back tonight.

Christmas Cruise – Day 6 – Christmas Day in Fiji

Posted on December 28, 2014October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It seems to be getting harder and harder to get up before the sun. Today I woke up with a start, thinking it was later than it was. When I looked out the window I could see some of the Fijian Islands and was able to enjoy our trip into port and watch us dock.

Since Kevin & I were up we decided to head up on deck for Santa’s arrival. We wondered where all the kids were but when Santa just walked on by we realized the kids were all in Studio B waiting for his arrival and to be given presents. All kids under 17 were able to get gifts but two were fast asleep :-).

Kevin took a couple of panaromas.

We decided to pick up a bit too eat (breakfast part 1) which we ate on the balcony…

as we continued into port…

Then the girls arrived shortly before our room service breakfast, eating inside this time as it was stinking hot outside. I just had some pastries.

Around 9.30am Nan & Pop came over and we gave them their gifts. They also a gift for the girls and I that they had bought for us on the cruise. I got some Victoria’s Secret body spray, Christy got a butterfly Swarovski necklace and Athena got a Gucci handbag.

We left a gift for our room attendant (a big box of chocolates – Freddo Frogs to be exact) then headed to the theatre for today’s tour of Nadi. We realized we’d left the water in the room so raced off to get some more. There were a few issues with this tour starting and with the the size of the seats of the bus. I have NEVER seen a bus/coach with 5 seats across – so can you imagine how small each seat was. It didn’t make for the most comfortable ride, that’s for sure. But we still really enjoyed this tour. The guide was great and the countryside beautiful to look at. I’d forgotten how lovely Fiji is – even though we were here just 3 years ago.

We drove past a Hindu temple – but only got to view it from the outside.

Our first stop was the see the sleep giant… not that you can see it in this photo…

than a souvenir shop in Nadi – I hadn’t expect to be buying anything but we picked up a few things…

then finally a beautiful spot by the water for fresh fruit and a coconut husking demonstration…

Then it was back to the ship, where we immediately headed up to Windjammers to get some lunch. Soup, salad and bread for me :-).

Then some quiet time back in the cabin. I always want to go for a spa but no-one else is ever too keen. Oh, well, it’s nice to just relax and listen to the water outside. Kevin, of course, had a sleep and I tried to for a bit but one of the girls arrived (as they always tend to do if I want a sleep :-)).

Tonight was the second formal night so we got all dressed up again before heading the to theatre. Tonight was supposed to be Australia’s friendliest comedian. And while I’m not sure was that, he was quite enjoyable (just not as good as other nights). He did tricks with a yoyo and spinning top which were pretty impressive. Christy would have enjoyed it, but she didn’t come tonight.

We then had some formal photos taken and I had one of family in front of the tree, as I always do each year.

There was a bit of time before dinner but no seats to be found so we went back to our cabin for about 20mins before heading to dinner. The table was all set for Christmas with bon bons (and we didn’t have to worry about Rosie being scared of the noise).

Dinner was nice, but not very Christmasy for me. I had French Onion Soup, Potato Gratin… a small serve but plenty for me and Christmas yule log..which was rice so I only ate one piece. No photos as I can’t get them to upload.