March 31, 2025

So, I told you earlier that I don’t really prepare for these trips as much as I should, my bad.  I knew where we were going, but the impact of standing on the ground that explorers like Robinson Crusoe, the ancient Moai statues and Captain Bligh first explored and settled is incredible.  We have all probably seen Mutiny on the Bounty once or twice, but we are here! Right where Fletcher Christian and his fellow mutineers, with some Polynesians from Tahiti decided to settle down and live their lives.  We passed right over the burned-out wreck of the Bounty.  How amazing is this?  On top of that, the mayor of Pitcairn Island came aboard and welcomed us.  He said the last 6 cruise ships (like a year’s worth) were not able to bring passengers ashore due to the seas and tides, but we did it, we got ashore.  The local residents were as excited as we were that we came ashore.

The population of Pitcairn Island is 42, they just lost the oldest citizen of the Island a couple of weeks ago, she was 96 years old.  So, when our 200 plus passengers descended on them, there was a population explosion for a day.  They were all happy to host us.  There is a school in town, but they have no children to attend it.  There are two high school age kids, but for their benifit, they shipped them to New Zealand for a better learning experience. The future of the Island is certainly in question.

Kim, with her guide, the mayor, hiked to the St Paul’s pool, which was an amazing place.  Once again, due to adverse conditions, people can seldom swim in the pool because of the tides and currents, but you guessed it…. We hit it just right and several fellow passengers were able to swim there. 

This trip is over the top of what I expected.  We are having a fantastic time.  Again, I have no desire to brag about what we are doing, I just want you to join us in this adventure.  If I can lift you up in any way by describing our experiences, I have met my goal. 

As for the “pool Chronicles”, they might have to wait until next year when we are on a regular cruise ship. These people for the most part are quite savvy.

That said, the other night there was a “star gazing party” planned on deck 10.  I overheard a lady tell another passenger that there is no deck 10.  When pressured for more information, she said she checked all of the elevators and there are only 9 decks.  I passed the Captain and told him that he lost deck 10.  He said that the home office would be very upset because when they turned the ship over to him, there was a deck 10.   According to her elevator theory, I didn’t even bother to ask what her what happened to deck 1 and 2, I just figured it was a fuel saving measure on the part of Seabourn, there would be less drag if those floors weren’t in the water!

So, how’s the weather?

Three sea days ahead, see you in French Polynesia………