Just a touch of Tonga

Today, unfortunately, a big disappointment: Tonga could only be seen from a distance and was canceled.

When I wanted to quickly go to the 'Concierge for World Travelers' after breakfast to get a city map, they told me that the captain had just announced that he would not dock and there would be no shore excursion. (Announcements cannot be heard in the restaurants, so I didn't know about it yet). I couldn't believe it because the weather was nice, blue sky, Tonga within reach and in sight, a little more wind, but no tropical rain, so I didn't expect Queen Elizabeth to capitulate before Tonga.

As the captain explained, strong winds were expected, and after consulting with the pilot, whom I saw leaving in his boat, he declined to dock. It's a shame, but you have to accept it because the safety of the passengers and the ship is the top priority, and if something happens, it will cost the cruise line a fortune and, above all, its good reputation.

Yesterday, as a small gesture from the bed turnover service in the evening, I found a nice pair of binoculars on my bed. We receive small gifts at regular intervals. Under these circumstances, the binoculars took on a whole new meaning. I didn't think I would need it so soon.

The decision not to dock significantly affected the crew. In no time, the cruise director put together an entertainment program, the ballet and 2 lecture speakers had to perform immediately, and the print shop had to print new programs in record time. The kitchen had to recalculate the portions. The cabin crew held back on cleaning as everyone changed clothes again. I had also prepared my anti-mosquito clothing for the shore excursion.

After some time, the captain announced that he would get an earlier berth in Auckland and that we can now set sail. At first, he wanted to go to Fidi, but that was too far away. That would have been even better. But now it's good too, because we will already be in Auckland one evening before, as we dock directly in the city.

So, until Auckland, there are two sea days, which I spend with seminars from my camera club and a newly launched series of workshops on the PC (such as Photoshop). So no boredom in sight.

Best regards,

Eva