Today we awoke with independent plans on Dravuni Island, Fiji. We knew there were no formal excursions on Dravuni Island - it is that small! But Dravuni Island offers great beaches and some of the most fantastic snorkelling in the world with beach access! So J had plans to meet with another keen snorkeler. They were both down at the tender operations meeting point close to 7:30 am - even though tender operations were not due to begin until 8 am.
I had plans to meet with R & C to meet at 9 am on the ship, catch a tender to the island and to walk to the school on the island. We were told the school would be easy to find as we walked straight off the the dock where the tender boats landed and up the hill to the school. C had brought notebooks, markers and other supplies, purchased new in her home state to deliver to the school. I was going to make a cash donation (though I was unsure if they would be able to accept that) - but I wanted to offer support however I could.
While J was awaiting the first tender, he heard rumblings from staff that the sea was looking a little rough and they anticipated a formal announcement from the Captain at 8 am.
And indeed the Captain made an announcement at 8 am that after lowering the first tender boats to be used, the seas were proving to be rough. So rough, in fact, that the tender boat positioned next to the open A deck area, where guests would be loaded, broke a bow line. When this occured sea water flooded into the ship where guests would be standing in about thirty minutes time. Once that occurred and after consulting with the local boat captain, hearing the forecast was not due to improve in the morning, the Captain made the decision for the safety of everyone, we would not be running tenders to Dravuni Island. Our port visit to Dravuni Island had been cancelled.
And so our plans for the day kind of melted away. I filled the hours with a walk on the Promenade and listening to Kainoa’s presentation on the importance of leis in the Polynesian culture. We joined R & C on the Lido Deck for lunch. Again - they had a table and we did not! We learned they are committed to arriving at 11:30 am to get a table when the Lido opens for lunch - while we stroll in looking for a table about noon and find all the tables full! Well, you learn something new everyday - but the bonus is, we get to visit and laugh with friends!
The closest we came to Dravuni Island, Fiji.
J played a less structured game of bridge and I stayed in the room - watching the seas get rougher throughout the day!
After dinner I went to the performer in the MainStage - the Canadian Ventriloquist Mike Robinson! He had some good laughs and good interaction with the crowd - but I still prefer musical presentations!
So fingers crossed the tenders will get into Lautoka, Fiji tomorrow! Tomorrow is we have an independent excursion booked with a group of cruise critic folks - all hoping to see the island where Castaway was filmed!
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