Top Places we have visited on the World Cruise – 1st Half
Papa Top 5 – 1st Half Nana Top 5 – 1st Half
Cairns 2/18/2025
Nana and Papa explore Cairns, Australia, and its surrounding wonders like the 135 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest and Barron Gorge. They experienced the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, marveling at breathtaking views and its history. Their journey continues with three days at the Great Barrier Reef before heading to Darwin.
Arlie Beach Queensland 2/16/2025
Today we stopped at Arlie Beach. Airlie Beach, located in Queensland, is a vibrant coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Here are some interesting facts about Airlie Beach: 1. Gateway to the Whitsundays: Airlie Beach is the main gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 tropical islands famous…
Moreton Island 2/14/2025
The group arrived at Moreton Island, famous for its WWII history and Tangalooma Wrecks, amidst unfavorable weather. They faced challenges with tender docking and rain during their kayak tour. Despite the difficulties, they enjoyed snorkeling around the wrecks. Their Valentine’s night concluded with a formal dance, preparing for their next destination.
Sydney Australia 2/11-12, 2025
We arrived into Sydney early yesterday morning. We are here for two days and staying overnight. The night before were a lot of goodbyes for people leaving. So far on the first leg the passengers were 1400 of about 2,000 at full capacity. 500 people were leaving and 400 were arriving. I think a lot…
International Date Line Crossing Questions
On a previous blog I asked my grandchildren 6 questions about crossing the international date line. Here are the questions: I have had two answer so far. I thought I would share their answers with you. The first is from my 14 year old grandaughter Joanna. Hi, Papa and Nana! This is Joanna, answering the…
Noumea Grand Terra, New Caledonia 2/8/2025
Our stop yesterday was on one of the islands of New Caledonia. New Caledonia was first settled by the Austronesian-speaking Lapita people around 1,500 BCE. Their descendants, the Kanak people, developed a distinct Melanesian culture based on clan-based societies, agriculture, and extensive trade networks. In 1853 France annexed New Caledonia under Emperor Napoleon III, making…
International Date Line Crossing 2/4, 2025
We crossed the international date line today. Today is 2/4 and back in Atlanta it is currently 2/3. Somehow we skipped a whole day. This is an interesting math and engineering issue. Yes, as I write this note it is really February 4th, 2025. We skipped February 3rd all together. So I want to issue…
Rarotonga, Cook Islands 2/1/2025
We arrived yesterday to the Cook Islands. A very pretty island but small.Rarotonga was first settled by Polynesians, likely from the Society Islands (modern-day Tahiti) around 800–1000 AD. The island became a hub within the vast Polynesian triangle, with strong connections to other Pacific islands. The traditional Māori culture of the Cook Islands, including language,…
French Polynesia 1/28, 29, 30 /2025
Before I get Popeete, I want to tell you about a fun outing we had several days ago. On January 25th there was an unusual planet alignment of 6 planets. The ship had anyone interested go up to the “Retreat” area of the ship, 11th floor forward. They turned off most of the lights on…
papa carney 