Since Auckland was one of the ‘exit’ points for the cruise, yesterday we got about 200 new passengers. As they are at the beginning of their adventure, they are all bright and bubbly, unlike us grumpy long termers.

As we make our way north and around the tip of the North Island, the ocean is definitely getting a little on the grumpy side . The ship spent the day rocking and rolling, with a little bit of cold rain to add to the atmosphere.

The change in temperature means that our daily attire has changed from shorts and t-shirts to jumpers, long pants and the occasional scarf.

A highlight of the day was sitting out on the pool deck (yes in the misting rain) and watching Top Gun, while wrapped up in a blanket. The experience only got better when I got hot chips for lunch.

Fun fact:There are five islands located in the Tasman Sea – Lord Howe Island, Ball’s Pyramid, Norfolk Island, Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef.