The last formal had a Tropical Paradise theme. This photo is of Barbie and Ellen. I wore a long shift with a tropical flower running up the dress to the top. Rachael asked what did you wear to the Mutiny on the Bounty formal. I really had nothing significant to wear so I decided on black pants by Alex and a black top set with gold flowers woven through the fabric also by Alex. The reason I decided on this outfit is it did show a certain amount of cleavage so that was my little bit of pirate fashion. So much for the fashion report.

When we awoke the morning of our Rarotonga port the seas were running high. Ten to twenty foot swells. These conditions were not conducive to tenders. But our Captain was determined and relentless in getting us to the island. He asked those who were not agile and mobile not to go ashore but I must admit I did see one lady with a walker. The seas were so bad that at some point we had a sailor go in and, of course, immediately rescued.

Our tenders were bobbing up and down but our group on the tender started yelling whee as we plunged down. It was like a roller coaster and I thought it would be fun to just stay on the tender and go back and forth.

We discovered this old cemetery a short distance from the port. As I was looking at the graves I was thinking that this cemetery had to be ancient because of the conditions of the graves. Then there was a loud crash and Barbie said to me “Lets get out of here.” The Palm trees turned out to be coconut trees and as they dropped they were crushing the graves.

The island was closed for Sunday so there was not much to do. Barbie and I caught the local bus and just rode around the island. Beautiful beaches and scenery. If we hadn’t taken the bus I am afraid after a half hour the visit would be over. This hotel lobby was open and I took this shot from the bus. Drive up registration. After our bus trip we attempted to get a beer at a café and we were unsuccessful. This cat is a symbol of the island. Laid back and sleepy.

About an hour before the last tender the Captain closed the right of people to leave the ship. Conditions were worsening and his concern was to get the people on shore back to the ship.