An obligatory smile for the ship’s photographer then crossing the gangway we overhear
“Nice boat”
“Not a boat, it’s a ship”
“What’s the difference?”
“A boat is what you get onto when a ship sinks”
“How often does the ship sink?”
“Only once”
But before we sail we attend the compulsory lifeboat drill. Seven short blasts and we muster on deck five. Which is our lifeboat, have we tied the lifejackets the right way? But the crew are on hand to help and exercise the utmost patience until the roll call, seems a few passengers have disregarded the lifeboat drill.
As the tugs pull us away from the pier at Princess Wharf there’s real excitement on deck. Passengers take up their vantage points along the railings and jostle for position with their cameras as Volendam takes centre stage amongst the ferries and smaller craft on the harbour. As the ship glides smoothly through the water, the wind was in our hair and we felt more like racing car drivers than tourists bent on enjoying the wonderful sights of Auckland city.
Like a giant bird of prey Volendam cruised lazily in the millpond of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, then into the undulating swells of the Pacific Ocean as we headed south for Tauranga. We’re Kiwis so we’re good sailors and don’t disgrace ourselves from sea sickness, although these big ships handle the seas well. Even so there’s a library of remedies, tablets and ear tabs, and if all else fails the ship’s doctor.
Finding deck eight was easy enough, finding our cabin was a bit more difficult. Are we on the port or starboard side, astern, amidships or aft? Eventually finding our cabin and we are immediately impressed with all the creature comforts, deep comfy beds, soft plump pillows and most important of all lots of wardrobe space.
Before sailing we’re left to roam and explore the ship. Six decks of cabins, four restaurants, three bars, four lounges, a cabaret, movie theatre, two swimming pools, library, Internet cafe, a shopping complex and a casino complete with one arm bandits, blackjack and roulette for the incurable junkies.
There’s something remarkably liberating about cruising, freedom from time plays a big part and so does testing yourself each day to see how much food you can eat in any one sitting. All meals are included in the fare. The Lido restaurant is informal and offers a full buffet service morning noon and night plus a deli bar with lighter and healthier meals.
In contrast The Rotterdam is the main dining room with an a la carte menu with the option of a dining time to suit and if you have the urge for a fillet of beef from the grill, Pinacle is much smaller and more formal and famous for its 750gm steaks.
Day two marked the beginning of a new routine 7am - stretching, well that’s easy; 7.30am aerobics - great but can we crawl out of bed to dance athletically in front of a tall, toned and tanned instructor? Hey no time for quitting, there’s the walking track, yoga, pilates or a lecture on ‘how to burn fat faster’ that’ll be well attended.
The booming health industry has been expanding- treadmills, power walkers and rowers and you’re trying to look like you do this everyday at the local gym navigating your way through the endless electronics. Will it be a marathon, fast or slow walk or just burning calories? It’s rather like a doctor making a diagnosis except you can cheat a little and if all fails you can always press the instant start.
The reward for this vigorous exercise is some pampering in the Spa. Hmm, the list of treatments for the anti-aging process reads like a restaurant menu but we’re willing to try reflexology “the science of the foot”. As our petite masseuse pummels and massages the soles of our feet she can feel a particular spot and asks if we‘ve had a stomach upset lately. What about a cure for headaches we ask - massage the toes she says!
For the less strenuous, the library with its comfy reclining leather chairs, trivial pursuits, bridge, shuffleboard, mini golf and art auctions beckon. You might even be tempted to sneak into bingo where a $100,000 prize is up for grabs.
We had slept very little, if at all, it had been a long day since boarding at Auckland. Our arrival into Tauranga was met with an entourage of tour coaches, most go ashore but we catch-up on emails and relax around a practically deserted pool.
Wellington’s treasure must be Te Papa, a living museum. There’s nothing stuffy about this one and nothing can beat Wellington on a summer’s day with its impressive waterside walkways and grand public gardens, world class restaurants and al fresco dining.
Early the following morning we slip quietly into the Marlborough Sounds and Picton, a quaint, compact little town best known for as the southern end of the inter island ferry run and its sauvignon blanc.
Good morning Christchurch. It’s the annual flower festival and the city is in full bloom. We’re met by the Town Crier, smile for the camera and then head off for the Antarctic Centre for the day.
Sleep by the seventh night came easily and by early morning we are safely moored at Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin and famous for its university, brewery, Scottish heritage and chocolate.
Destination Milford Sound and for many the highlight of the entire cruise. The immensity of the place can only be appreciated from the air or from a ship and we have the rare treat of taking in the extraordinary majesty of the sound and its cathedral-like silence from the best seat in the house.
Two days crossing the Tasman before we berth alongside mountains of woodchips at Burnie at Tasmania. We’re afforded an enthusiastic welcome by the Mayor as we head off for a wild-life tour at Cradle Mountain.
We spend the next day shopping at Melbourne, and as we head for Sydney and our last port of call we reflect on the memories of all the good times at sea, the fabulous meals and vintage wines and the captain and his officers all in neatly pressed white uniforms.
Disembarking in Sydney, land feels odd. For those still to experience cruising would surely look down on us with resentment, Volendam had made our dreams come true - well for 14 glorious days!
Dennis and Rosamund Knill were assisted by Air New Zealand, Holland America Line, Blis Travelguard and Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
