Cancelled

The Port of Tauranga imposes restrictions of winds to be no greater than 20 knots for ships to depart.. Evening winds of 22 knots, meant we were held there until 2am, and unable therefore to make it to our next port of Napier in Hawkes bay by 1pm the next day..  Napier would be cancelled entirely.
Super dissappointing. I write this from our stateroom balcony, after another boring sea-day, its 5pm, we're southbound, watching Hawkes Bay pass in the distance with not 20, but 50knot winds and the ship and sea are hardly moving. The waves wouldnt even be a metre high. I think this is our 13th or so cruise and we've never had a port cancelled entirely. Once, our last with Ryland had a port change due to covid, but never cancelled. Seems ironic it happen now, on our biggest ship yet, for such paltry, conservative wind restrictions. Weve been on ships with 100knot winds before, choppy seas, and a nasty storm or two, but here we are.
The day has really highlighted how sea days on a cruise ship with toddlers, are more chore than fun.
There's the pool issue, no real access to kids in diapers, you cant exactly stop for drinks, or shows, or relax and unwind. Kids dont allow for that, they scream, fight, fuss and constatntly require attention.
Further, whilst this isnt a bad ship, for the biggest we've ever been on, its unremarkable/nothing special. It doesnt have anything of real note others ships havent had, and really lacks any grandeurn or spectacular elements.. the shops, cafes, promenade, theatre and decks are a little plain and uninspired. The restaurant has been our least ever enjoyed, rather than a grand locale, this ship separates its main dining into four separate themed, smaller spaces; Silk (Chinese), American Icon (American), Chic (Designer) and Grande (European). We're allocated to the former. It'd be nice to try others... the staff have been lovely, but the seating arrangement not great, food very ordinary and service slow.
We tried a bit of a swap today, I spent 45min in the adults only pools while Nat took kids to the playground and then she took Ryland to the pool whilst I sat with Axel for a nap.
Weve had zero time together, and no relaxation. Time ashore has been fun, sea days not so. Bring on Picton.Leia mais