It's a swell day and just ramblings...

We're headed south-southwest across the South Fiji Basin at a speed of approximately 19.0 knots, which is about 22 miles per hour and already the air temperature is cooler.

Today's high was about 70 degrees and the change of temperature caused passengers to dress in a wide variety of clothing. Some looked like they were ready for a cool fall day, dressed in slacks, sweaters, and jackets. Others weren't giving up the swimsuits yet and searched out deck chairs in the sun.

Then there were the swells. The sea was quite rough today and walking proved to be quite difficult at times as the ship rocked up and down. We tried to do our daily exercise and found the promenade deck that goes all around the ship was closed off at the very front but that the jogging track up high on deck 16 in the front of the ship was okay for a short walk/run. Gave up after 15 laps (1.5 miles) as running in short circles combined with the rolling of the ship was just too much.

Ship slamming down on the swells

When we booked this cruise, we booked a guaranteed balcony stateroom instead of actually selecting the stateroom. This meant that Princess assigned the stateroom for us but it left us open for a free "upgrade" in case a better category did not sell out and Princess would feel like they should treat us to a better room. Well, that didn't happen so don't think we'll even try that again. Our stateroom this time is close to the front of the ship. We usually have had a cabin either mid-ship or near the back. I think that one feels the rough seas more in the front of the ship....at least today that is the case.

Other than that, the location is good. We get more exercise having to walk way to the back of the ship for meals, and that can be a good thing.

We went to the ship's library today as it was noted in the daily announcements that there would be a passenger paperback exchange. I have a Kindle with and have several books loaded on this e-reader; Terry had a few books selected to pack along on the trip. Well, as good as his intentions have been in the past, he never actually read a complete book during a cruise. So when I saw that he packed 3 books, I pulled one out to keep the suitcase weight down. Bad choice! He finished 2 books and then had nothing to read. So we were happy to see the opportunity to exchange a book for one he has not read. Mission accomplished and he spent the afternoon reading away.

Terry reading in our cabin while Joyce writes blog

In preparation for our New Zealand ports, I exchanged some US money for NZ money. We were able to use US money at all the previous ports as the tours and vendors near the port accepted US$. Not so in NZ and Australia. The ship doesn't give a great exchange rate but we won't have to try to find an ATM immediately as we have a tour reserved in Auckland, our first NZ port, that leaves right from the ship's dock soon after we arrive.

We have met the most interesting people on this cruise. This morning at breakfast, a couple joined us at our table and we sat and chatted for well over an hour with them. They have travelled the world since retirement 20 years ago and told us stories about some of their favorite places...and they still have places they have not visited. I hope 20 years from now we will have similar stories.

Good Night!