Auckland

Arcadia alongside her berth in Auckland City Centre by the Ferry Building - you can not get any closer than this without wheels!



Good Day Everyone,

We arrived in Auckland at 0700 hours today. I was so excited to be here again. It takes me back to my second trip to sea when I was on the ss ORIANA based in Sydney with P&O Australia. Even when I was counting my NZ Dollars for going ashore - the very smell of them took me right back in time to my Cashiers Window on the Purser's Desk, I could hear the rattle of the steel shutters, the ringing of the Concierge Bells, and feel the heavy weight of the enormous steel doors of my cash safe as in those days passengers and crew used cash for all their business - there was no express checkout and very few credit cards in use.


All Clear for arrival. The NZ Officials Neville and Deborah travelled with us from Apia pictured here with Crew Manager Shov's and Administration Manager Belinda.

Matthew and Laura get set to say farewell to our disembarking passengers.

Stephen from FIRST SECURITY in Auckland who is originally from Belfast NI. I love going onto the dockside to check the Terminal Building and the Quayside Operations. It is a great opportunity to meet the locals and get the feel for the Country you are visiting.

Shore Excursions Manager Mo Harrison is always one of the first Officers on the dockside in every port to see that all is in order for our passengers. The iconic Ferry Building in the background. It started off overcast in the morning but it turned out to be a most beautiful day.

The New Zealand Sniffer Dogs arrive at the Terminal to check the baggage. Be sure you do not take ashore any food!

James and our Port Presenter Cherry May!

Welcome to Auckland - so happy to be here on New Zealand soil again.

On your bike Mate! It is compulsory to wear the helmet!

As soon as I went outside the Port this morning Roger Pigg shouts over to me - are you James - you are the Blog Man!!!! Roger said he had been following my blog since the Arcadia left Southampton. Roger was very excited as he was meeting his family who have travelled out to NZ on the Arcadia.

At your convenience! What a business to be in - flushed with success!

A fond farewell to Dr and Mrs Anderson from Ballywalter who are now taking a long holiday in NZ. Have a great time. Hope to see you again on board Arcadia.

After six days at sea there is lots of maintenance to be done.

This is Queen Street just opposite our berth - all the retail is here.

Arcadia is in town. She attracted a lot of sight seeing.

Many interesting buildings to admire.

Older style building amidst the new skyscrapers.

Interesting Arcades all around. Arcade versus Arcadia!

Red Lanterns for the Chinese New Year.

Palm trees in the middle of the side streets - what more could you ask for?

The Auckland Sky Tower - the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. There are two observation points - one is 220 meters above the ground. I have a lot of pictures from there so hope to get them posted soon.

The Civic Theatre.

I love clock towers!

Another view of Queen Street.

The IMAX three D Theatre.

I love the wide open streets and there is that 'gold rush' feeling about Auckland.

Lots of little Boutique Shopping and Eating areas.

Next door to this quaint Mall is this huge skyscraper......

Old and New - the spice of life.

Jo is in town - this is one for my friend Heather M.......

There are lots of wool shop as they have something like 40 million sheep and 4 million people in NZ. I have some photos from a Sheep Shearing Tour for the future! This wool shop is dedicated to Gillian Bell!

Many an excellent meal I have enjoyed over the years in the Harbourside with friends.

I love the Iron Gates.

James was here! Wish you were here also.

Our CPO was very busy with his men today touching up the paintwork. Arcadia is high maintenance.

What a way to see the World - There is a World out here -

ARCADIA ROUND WORLD CRUISE! We are almost half way round now!

Captain Ian Walters on the Bridge preparing for departure with our local Pilot Captain David Payne.

Colonial style buildings abound.

A lot of construction going on in the port area.

As Arcadia is about to sail the Terrace at the Harbour Side Restaurant is doing a roaring trade.

Best wishes to all our passengers who are now waving us Good Bye. It is a wonderful experice to be on the other side of the world and watch your ship leave harbour - reminiscing on all the good people who are still on board the vessel. It has to be experienced to be believed. That is the difference between an Aeroplane, a Resort and a Ship - the Ship has the Soul which is a tapestry of human emotions. Near, far, wherever you are; my heart will go on.....................!

What is lovely about New Zealand and Australia is that almost everyone has a boat, a yacht or anything that floats!!!...........and they take them out to sea as soon as the 5.00pm office empting rush is over.

Captain Ian Walters took Arcadia out of harbour at 7.00pm accompanied by a flotilla floating their good wishes to the Arcadians on the warm evening breeze.

Bye for now,

James.

We are sailing.......to be near you to be free.

Thank you Rod!