Luganville

Date: 23rd December 2022

Arrival

When I woke at 6am the ship was still steaming along, I decided it was a good time to do a bit more washing but when I hung it out I found that it was quite windy and the sea had white caps.

After breakfast I had my usual walk, the wind had died down but it started to spot with rain, it was never heavy, more of a drizzle. I think it is just the overnight rain marking the beginning of the wet season.

Oh yes, the ship does have a laundry service but I prefer to wash my own.

As predicted the island of Santos was soon in sight and quickly all around us as the ship made its way to the dock. It is interesting that the ship seems to be able to turn in its own length using bow thrusters and (I presume) stern propellers  that can face any direction. On this occasion my cabin faced away from the dock.

After docking the weather started to clear and looked quite promising as blue sky appeared.

The WWII Relics Tour

Went to lunch at 11.30 just to leave plenty of time to get off the ship for my Relics of WWII Tour.

The tour took place in three mini buses which was ideal compared to a coach, they stopped often for passengers to get out and hear all about the site, the driver of my bus was called Henry – a mine of information. about the island and its history

In some ways it was rather like an Australian small town’s historic tour where all the sites are of places long gone because, for example the wreck of the ship President Coolage was completely under the water but despite this I really enjoyed the tour. We stopped at some beautiful places with great views, the guides  gave interesting talks about the history of each place and why it was important. Finally we called in at a restaurant where we had a complimentary drink. Well, worth the money.

After the tour returned to the ship at about 4pm, tired but happy. The cabin steward had left yet another of his weird towel arrangements.

Well, that is all my shore visits done, from when we cast off this evening it is all sea days heading south back to Sydney where we should arrive Monday morning.

Evening

Tonight I dined at Dragon Lady, I chose better for this evening’s meal last time I had Laksa, I don’t know why I chose it, I am not a fan of soup at all. This evening the meal was really good, I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. The service was back to normal too.

There was a magic show on in the Marquee Theatre which I attended and enjoyed, the bloke was funny and a there was a lot of audience participation.

I had intended to go to the Sit Down Comedy later in the evening but to be honest when the time came I was just so tired that I fell asleep in my cabin.

Today was a good day.