Oct – Nov 2016

Transpasific Cruise

A 25-day adventure by Vander Wonders Read more

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Trip start
October 8, 2016
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- Day 1
- Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 11:31 AM
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 1 m
- United States Kinnear Park 47.625137, -122.36599747°37’30” N 122°21’58” W
Boarding the Explorer of the Seas
October 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Arrived safely in Seattle, similar to the previous time we were here, it is raining.

When we got into the Royal Caribbean shuttle bus to the dock we realized that we were the youngest people on the bus by about 30 years. All the seats at the front of the bus was taken and only the last row of seats in the bus were open. To be honest i felt like a naughty school kid in the back of the bus.

Then when we arrived at the dock the Gold loyalty member line and the normal line was absolutely empty, this time it paid off not to be a diamond or platinum member of something, as almost everyone on this cruise obviously do this kind of cruise annually.

Let the exploring of the ship begin!

{Roedolf}Read more
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- Day 1
- Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 1:20 PM
- 🌧 17 °C
- Altitude: 32 m
- United States Myrtle Edwards Park 47.624112, -122.36111947°37’27” N 122°21’40” W
2
Home sweet home for the next 24 days
October 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
Sonja Gouws 💜
10/8/16Reply
Traveler Stateroom 7553
10/6/24Reply
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- Day 1
- Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 8:10 PM
- ⛅ 24 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- United States Kakaako 21.271658, -157.8804221°16’18” N 157°52’50” W
Day 1 Seattle
October 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
This is not a black and white picture its actually how grey it is. I am convinced it always ☔️ rains here.
Settled in with a stroll around the explorer. Off to our first dinner date in dining room.
{Issy}Read more
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- Day 2
- Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 3:03 AM
- ⛅ 10 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 40.830002, -135.88999940°49’48” N 135°53’24” W
Day 2 @sea
October 9, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Feeling the motion of the ocean in the Pacific today, luckily both of us have sea legs & have Stugaron (seasick tablets) to help out too.

It's pretty miserable outside, happy that I packed warm stuff. Roedolf's am arm workout killed me, wide grip close-grip, tricep pushups😩and LOTS of them, I might not be able to lift my wine glass tonight.

Fueled up with the selection of fresh fruits and an egg white omelette. It's a treat not planning & preparing our own food.

Lots of R&R today. The spa had a complimentary ladies pamper party. It was right up my alley, they treated us to a lovely mini facial, before our killer nap.

Roedolf changed our dinner table, it feels like a major upgrade as I'm not freezing under the Ac's draft. We also have a much nicer waiter, Jaison, is from India; very interactive and going the extra mile to get me honey & ginger, We both have a bit of a scratchy throat.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 2
- Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 3:06 AM
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 40.830002, -135.88999940°49’48” N 135°53’24” W
First sea day
October 9, 2016, North Pacific Ocean
Cruise day 2

Due to the fact that we are cruising against the direction that the earth is turning we had to move our watches back one hour today, this means an extra hour of sleep. We planned 8 hours sleep to be able to hit the gym at 8am but got 9 hours of sleep and still made gym at 8am. 👍🏼

If that was not enough we also had a 3 hour afternoon nap. We clearly have a lot of sleep to catch up on.
Nothing like a rainy day at sea, to rest!

After all of this sleeping Isabel actually fell asleep in the "Invitation to dance" show we went to after dinner and it was a really good show. #Lewensmoeg

{Roedolf}Read more
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- Day 3
- Monday, October 10, 2016 at 4:09 AM
- ⛅ 10 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 40.830002, -135.88999940°49’48” N 135°53’24” W
Day 3 @sea
October 10, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
1592 nautical miles to sail before we wake up in Hawaii, the rest is wonderful, I actually realize how fast our pace was the last few months. My body appreciates the downtime.
{Issy}
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- Day 3
- Monday, October 10, 2016 at 11:50 PM
- ⛅ 10 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 27.73229, -151.79199427°43’56” N 151°47’31” W
Day 4@sea
October 10, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Mingled with a lovely bunch of Aussies and a NFL referee at breakfast. Lots of peops from down under on the boat. The "older" crowd of 🇦🇺 Australians was not arrogant at all (maybe my perspective of most Australians are scewed?) , actually had a great time with them.

I went on my "first Pacific" run today, it was very windy on the track on deck 12 so I opted for the treadmill, it felt like I am running on clouds ☁️, with the swell and boat moving. Mind over matter I managed the usual Tuesday routine🏃🏻‍♀️.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 4
- Tuesday, October 11, 2016
- ⛅ 28 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 40, -13540°0’0” N 135°0’0” W
1
Explorer of the Seas
October 11, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Cruise day 3

After 3 days on this big ship are we truly able to find our way around without the way-finder on each floor.

We are on deck 7 of 14, the dining room is on deck 4 and the gym and pool on deck 11 which puts us nicely in the middle. We endeavor not to use the lifts unless Isabel is in high heels and a fancy dress. I am sure taking the stairs all the time is the reason why we manage to rack up more than 100% activities on our fitbits everyday so far.

{Roedolf}Read more
Martie Van der Westhuizen Roedolf is jy saam met n filmster op d skip?? Isabel jy lyk so mooi
10/16/16Reply
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- Day 4
- Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 8:20 PM
- ⛅ 3 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 30.64344, -147.76136630°38’36” N 147°45’41” W
Bobo would have loved this!
October 11, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Cruise day 4

Having taken 2 cruises with my folks, it impossible to walk around the ship without noticing what they would have enjoyed.

My dad would not be able to pass the pastry counter or the ice cream self serve station without helping himself to the tallest sort serve imaginable.

Hence the reason why i have a love hate relationship with food. On previous cruises I overindulged on basically everything available on the ship. So far I have proved to myself that I have a much better relationship with food, I just need to keep this up for the next 19 days and I would survive this cruise without picking up weight.

{Roedolf}Read more
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 10:31 AM
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 28.144558, -150.46527328°8’40” N 150°27’55” W
Day 5@sea
October 12, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
We are Feeling more energetic today, woke up at 6am without an alarm, got coffee and watched the sunrise over the Pacific. We had a bit of a sunrise basketball competition. After a yummy breakfast we played some mini golf, I choked on the last hole & R kicked my ass. After a nap and lunch we watched the musician, Leo Ward, class guy, his tricks seriously fools my brain.

Explored more of the ship today & we played cards - again Roedolf whipped my ass. I clocked a 3 miler and MORE pushups after a afternoon nap.

Time for sundowners, a show & another dinner date with Hubby. I Love all the quality time.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 4:00 PM
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 29.842222, -148.63749729°50’32” N 148°38’15” W
Towel creations
October 12, 2016, North Pacific Ocean
Cruise day 5

Our stateroom attendant Iputu surprises us with a towel animal every night after dinner. I wonder if he will be able to do 24 different animals.

The room is made up during breakfast, then again during lunch and again at dinner. So we took that as we have to sleep between each meal. 😜

{Roedolf}Read more
Martie Van der WesthuizenLyk alles net te lekker. Hou daarvan dat julle genoeg rus ook inkry. Geniet d rustigheid.
10/14/16Reply
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- Day 6
- Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 2:11 PM
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 25.3925, -153.37033125°23’33” N 153°22’13” W
Day 6 hoodie off
October 13, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Hoodie gone bikini on!! Yay for a pool day, enjoying the sun & my book on the deck.

Today is a beautiful day, the temperature got 2 degrees warmer everyday since we left Seattle. Once Again confirmed that I don't enjoy cool weather, happy to slowly approach the Southern Hemisphere's summer.

Spent the afternoon at a wine tasting, the Pinot Noir from Marlborough NZ was our favorite.

Planning our day in Honolulu tomorrow over yet another delicious dinner.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 7
- Friday, October 14, 2016 at 4:05 PM
- ⛅ 26 °C
- Altitude: 27 m
- United States Kahauloa`21.278795, -157.69445821°16’44” N 157°41’40” W
1
Koko head aka "stairs of doom"
October 14, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
O my greatness, they aren't kidding with the whole "stairs of doom" thing. According to Isabel's fitbit it was 152 floors of stairs. The worst thing is its straight from bottom to top, really a mental challenge!

But it was totally worth it, not only because of the feeling of triumph but because of the amazing views.

We were the only tourists on this hike, everyone else were locals and they use it as training, as one of the guys told us "this beats a leg day in the gym". To be honest I think we can skip leg day for 3 weeks and our legs will still feel those stairs.

As Isabel said: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

{Roedolf}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizen Julle is lekker nat gesweet 😜👍🏻❤️
10/15/16Reply
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- Day 7
- Friday, October 14, 2016
- ⛅ 25 °C
- Altitude: 3 m
- United States Kuhio Beach Park 21.276169, -157.82711821°16’34” N 157°49’38” W
Oaho adventures
October 14, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Arrived in Honolulu this morning. We hopped on the local bus to Waikiki where we got a 50cc scooter each. The guys were very friendly and I "corroborated" my online research with their local advise and off we went. Rocked the right side of the road driving on the scooter, I was a tad nervous at first as the roads are way busier than Bermuda, but didn't overthink it too much.

We Stopped at Kuilei cliff Beach park on our way to Hanauma Bay, for some snorkeling, then hiked Koko head. We chased the sunset back to Honolulu via Diamond Head and all the lookout points along the way. Enjoyed watching the surfers 🏄. We returned the bikes just after sunset & walked along Waikiki beach.

We had a fantastic day. I loved the mountains and the contrasts.I expected it to be more touristy based on other peoples feedback that visited before. Don't get me wrong Waikiki is very commercialized but again "moenie jou ore uitleen nie" (don't listen too much to other people); experience things and write your own story. Pearl Harbor will have to wait for another day, nothing beats being outdoors.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 8
- Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 4:12 PM
- ⛅ 27 °C
- Altitude: 19 m
- United States Ka‘ekaha 21.003084, -156.66494821°0’11” N 156°39’54” W
1 1
Kapalua coastal trail & snorkel
October 15, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Jumped in the water for another amazing snorkel with more sea turtles not to far from the beach.

Nice little easy walk along side the beautiful coastline. An awesome reminder of Gods grace, enjoying nature.

{Roedolf}

Ditto- Snorkel hier snorkel daar en siedaar!! 'n Ongelooflike dag vol aksie en natuur.

{Issy}Read more
Sonja Gouws 😆
10/16/16Reply
Charmaine Thomas Still looking slim after that all-inclusive cruise. Good job!
10/21/16Reply
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- Day 9
- Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 12:10 PM
- ⛅ 27 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 21, -15721°0’0” N 157°0’0” W
Hanauma bay
October 16, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Under the sea from little mermaid was on repeat in my head. An Abundance of fish, shy ones, cheeky ones and then the profound moment with the eel. My personal favorites are the Moorish idol (black, white yellow ones) & reef triggerfish (they are absolutely perfect it looks like they were colored ) . #wowed
{Issy}

I was sceptic at first when we arrived at Hanauma bay and I saw the number of people and we had to pay an entrance fee.

To top it all off we had to watch a safety video before we were allowed on the beach, typical America.

Within minutes of entering the water we were blown away by a rare sighting of a moray eel completely out of its hole, normally you tend to see only the head or the tail.

The fish life is really amazing, we probably saw as many fish in this one snorkel as we dit in our 80 plus dives in Bermuda.

{Roedolf}Read more
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- Day 9
- Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 12:04 PM
- ⛅ 28 °C
- Altitude: 16 m
- United States Wahine Pe‘e Beach 20.921145, -156.69407720°55’16” N 156°41’39” W
Snorkeling at "Black rock" in Maui
October 16, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
The black sandy beach coupled with some Hawaiian green sea turtles meeting us a few meters into the water made it yet another amazing snorkel.

The fish life is just unbelievable here almost no need to go scuba diving if this is what you see just snorkeling of the beach. Lugging our snorkel gear all the way here really paid off, not only does it save a lot of money not having to rent gear everywhere, but it also gives us the freedom to just go in the water and snorkel wherever.

Hawaii is really an unbelievable paradise where ocean and mountains come together to create breathtaking landscapes.

In my opinion its a must do destination.

{Roedolf}

#Double-wowed the marine life is incredible. I am happy to have a big strong rugby player to carry my snorkel goodies (and hiking boots) around; to fit multiple turtle and land adventures into a day.
{Issy}Read more
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- Day 10
- Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11:36 AM
- Altitude: Sea level
- South Pacific Ocean -9.639048, -174.6196579°38’21” S 174°37’11” W
Lahaina; Maui Hawaii
October 17, 2016, South Pacific Ocean
We were back from the crater late morning. We dropped our warm gear, munched and grabbed our snorkel gear. No naps -we need to keep moving, 7 hours to make the most of Maui:

We explored the old town, Lahaina played a major role in Hawaii's heritage; the arrival of the Polynesians and the era of the missionaries . It was also influential in the whaling industry. During the US annexation came a plantation culture & mass migration of Asians and Europeans.

We didn't venture far out from Lahaina for one last snorkel, once again, on an average looking beach we spotted a yellow eel, lots of fish & some amazing coral .

Mahalo Maui your culture, adventure and scenery enchanted us

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 9
- Sunday, October 16, 2016
- ⛅ 25 °C
- Altitude: 579 m
- United States Hālona Stream 20.89474, -156.63757520°53’41” N 156°38’15” W
Hawaii video
October 16, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
https://youtu.be/47GiDPyAuxI
La Reine PrinslooBaie cool!!!!
11/5/16Reply
Martie Van der WesthuizenAmazing
11/5/16Reply
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- Day 10
- Monday, October 17, 2016
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: 2,095 m
- United States Haleakalā Wilderness 20.708992, -156.16930420°42’32” N 156°10’9” W
Haleakalà Sunrise @Summit
October 17, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
A truly unforgettable day; we watched the sunrise from the summit of the dormant volcano, 10000 feet above sea level. Profound moments like these can't be captured on any picture & no write up can really explain what we experienced. To marvel at first light over the crater (21 miles around) was mystical. It was absolutely freezing before the crack of dawn, (it was 4 °C) but the panoramic views of sunrise on the one side and full moon setting on the other side left us in awe.

We cycled down the summit wearing the biggest possible helmets. It more like a diverse scenic 25mile free down the mountain to be honest. We had a few breaks along the way to take pictures of the subtropical forest and ocean in the distance. This was a lot of fun - scary at times when you hear the breaks squeak, but thrilling to lean into all the needle turns with speed (average 35 miles per hour) and spectacular scenery round the next corner.

More on the mission to get to Haleakalà -Our day started pretty early, Lahaina was a tendered dock so we had to leave the ship with a lifeboat at 1.30am for the tour company's van to pick us up at 3am. We hanged around under a massive tree, watched the drunk people coming out of the bars and catching up with loved ones & social media. Then we took the windy journey up the summit.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 12
- Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 5:00 AM
- ☀️ 18 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 10.820666, -162.71249410°49’14” N 162°42’45” W
Flow rider
October 19, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Cruise day 11 & 12

After basically sleeping and chilling most of day 10 on the ship after a full out 3 days in Hawaii I tried my hand on the Flow rider.

My first run lasted an amazing 4 seconds 😜. FYI this is nothing like snowboarding 🏂.

The second and third time I actually stayed on for over a minute before wiping out.

This is good fun!

{Roedolf}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizen😂
10/24/16Reply
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- Day 13
- Thursday, October 20, 2016
- ⛅ 15 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- South Pacific Ocean -9.739895, -174.6807719°44’24” S 174°40’51” W
Day 13
October 20, 2016, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
It's the First time watching a movie out of a jacuzzi tonight, terrible movie though, Hail Caesar, it might have good actors but thats about it.

We Met a lovely South African couple from Sydney, could not tell the "oompie" is 73 !! He is fit as a fiddle and sharp!! He was very interested in the prone cobras we did in the gym. He's stories makes me miss my Oupa Samie. I couldn't help giggling when he introduced he's wife Magdeleen ( Roedolf's dream girl name for our unborn daughter but not universal enough for my standards) . He gave us his views on ageing, apparently it's sudden like a cliff. The way he explained it with his hand gestures was witty and will stay with me forever.

{Issy}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizenWaar is die fotos van die oompie en Magdeleen 🤔🙄
10/24/16Reply
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- Day 13
- Thursday, October 20, 2016
- 🌧 11 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 10.820666, -162.71249410°49’14” N 162°42’45” W
Day 11 @sea
October 20, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Rainy day at sea, smashed leg day, watched a movie & a live mentalist show. It was a first, I found it interesting how he only "guess" positive things about people in the crowd, its creepy and fascinating at the same time.

We Celebrated at one of the Specialty restaurants, Chops Grille , tonight. The food was amazing. The mushroom soup & scallops with bacon and caramelized onions were to die for.

{Issy}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizenSo moet 'n sjokelade moose lyk !!!
10/24/16Reply
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- Day 13
- Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 6:27 PM
- ⛅ 15 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- North Pacific Ocean 2, -167.3866732°0’0” N 167°23’12” W
Day 12 @sea
October 20, 2016, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
A beautiful day at sea, Roedolf is mastering the flow rider and I put my wall climbing skills to test. My arms were very shaky, think the lady that broke her finger last week got a bit into my head.

We are Lazing by the pool, reading our books and doing some people watching.

Watched the ice show this afternoon, 3 of the main female dancers fell during the show!! Ishhh not easy on a moving ship.

{Issy}Read more
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- Day 14
- Friday, October 21, 2016 at 7:25 PM
- 🌙 23 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- South Pacific Ocean -4.9635, -171.8171694°57’49” S 171°49’2” W
Celebrating crossing the equator
October 21, 2016, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Cruise day 13

We are celebrating the crossing of the equator with a full day in the sun ☀️.

Captain said in his daily announcement, we crossed the equator at 2 am last night, which is good as most of us were asleep, so no one felt the bump as we crossed the equator, LOL some people actually believed there was a bump.

Tanning on the deck, swimming in the pool or chilling in the jacuzzi is the reason I need some after sun today. We even watched a movie on the big screen outside while sitting in the jacuzzi after running 2 miles around the track on the top deck.

{Roedolf}Read more
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