Abel Tasman

Tuesday – March 11, 2025

You are probably wondering who this handsome devil is – correct? Well, he was a Dutch explorer who, among other things, is credited as finding New Zealand and Tasmania years before James Cook. We have been sailing in waters named after Mr. Tasman – the Tasman Sea – since we arrived at New Zealand. I thought it would be nice to include a tip of the hat to Abel since he was instrumental in the development of the area we are currently visiting. You can read about him and his adventures here.

There wasn’t much happening this day at sea. I put a screenshot in the media to show where we are and the relationship between South Island, New Zealand and Hobart, Tasmania. When we arrive in Hobart the entire compliment of passengers must present themselves for a face-to-face with an Australian immigration agent. The captain has indicated this can take some time. The face-to-face will be off the ship. Until every passenger (even those not leaving for excursions) has been interviewed, we may not return to the ship. We estimate this process will take from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Today’s World Cruise game was strange. Two people walk the length of two display tables holding a balloon with their backs – can’t touch with hands or arms. Along the tables are paper cups filled half way with water and floating on the water are blue rubber balls. The team goes to the farthest ball while keeping the balloon between them, picks up the ball, changes direction and brings the ball back and drops it in a five gallon bucket. This process is repeated until time is up. Team that has the most balls in their bucket wins.

Air won the first round and entered the final to compete for champion for this game. As has been our performance lately, we lost the final. The M.C. lady announced the next game but I couldn’t understand what she said. We’ll find out what that is on Thursday.

There is a photo of one of our entrees that is for Sharon – red snapper. Both Jan and I had it and it was delicious!

The show this evening was The Tap Pack – four guys who sing and tap dance. We enjoyed this show as we did for the first one. They added some new routines which included one where the spotlight was only on their feet – that was clever. Jack performed a “made-up-on-the-spot” dance – he can make his feet go so fast! This show was as good as the first.

For the video and photos from today (slim pickings), click here.

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