Mar. 6 & 7

Very quiet days, although the sea has been rough and we had pretty much constant Force 9 winds, which are strong gale force winds. The temperature was in the 50s most of the time, although by Tues. afternoon it had risen to the low 70s. Not very appealing conditions for sitting out on deck, or even in the Jacuzzi! Last night, there was the big party and dessert buffet by the pool. Even though the pool has a low wall around it, water was sloshing out all over the deck, and on the people around it. Our cabin, being about as far forward as possible (there are three cabins past us) was really moving, as the ship rose over a wave the bow would fall back into the water with a tremendous THUMP. We thought about going out on our balcony this morning, but everything is coated in a layer of salt.

Today was the cooking demonstration. The Princess executive chef is on board, doing his inspection of the ship, so he did the demonstration. It was fun to watch him, and I definitely learned a few easy ways to garnish foods! Also, an easy pesto dish and veal oscar. Then a tour of the galley, it looked very much like the galleys on the other ships we've been on. All stainless steel, and separate areas for every type of food. And, of course, huge.

Tomorrow we're in Tauranga, our last day. Then we head for Auckland where we'll disembark in the morning. It's been a fun cruise, I'm sorry to see it end even if I am looking forward to a great weekend with Mary and her roommate Lindsey.