Lines are cast off and pushing off the dock – our final port in New Zealand

During our arrival this morning we had low overcast, which isn’t conducive to photographing the great arrival/departure through the narrow, navigable channel. Although still not perfect, the weather had improved for departure, so I headed up to Deck 7 to watch and snap a few photos.

Departure

With 2 cruise ships docked and a box boat ahead of us, it was a tight departure, with 1 tug standing by between us and the Princess ship.

Sneaking past the box boat, thrusting the bow into the channel

Leaving Princess rust bucket in our wake

On course and passing the box boat entering buoyed channel

Approaching the first turn

Mud flats to port, best to avoid them

Gulls in a feeding frenzy fwd of the ship

Rounding the last turn

Lined up for departing buoyed channel

Port side shoals

Royal Albatross Centre walkway and viewing platform on beach side

Last headland with all white specs being nesting Royal Albatross

Safely back at sea, bye bye Port Chalmers/Dunedin

Meals

No special meals were provided today, although they did have a Super Bowl Event on the Pool Deck. Probably had some additional offerings at the Pool Grill, but we have no interest in that type of football, so went to the MDR for dinner.

Assigned to table 153, we enjoyed dinner with Elizabeth, a lovely lady from Sydney. Another excellent dinner, but apologies, as I forgot to take the camera, so no photos.

Entertainment

In the Star Theatre this evening was a Viking Concert – An evening of classical music. Not really our preference and having completed a long tour today, we elected an early night.