Day 4 – Sunrise, Stretch, and a Journey to Enchantment
Our fourth day aboard the Ovation of the Seas was a symphony of early starts, exploration, and moments that tugged at our hearts, setting the stage for what was to become a day of profound experiences and delightful encounters.
Greeting the Dawn
Our day commenced before the world awoke, at 6 am, to witness the mesmerising beauty of the sunrise. There’s something utterly magical about watching the first light of day painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, especially from the deck of a cruise ship. It was a moment of tranquility and awe, a reminder of nature’s grandeur.
Morning Routine with a Twist
Following the sunrise, we joined a 7 am stretch class, a perfect way to awaken our bodies and prepare for the day ahead. The class was both refreshing and invigorating, setting a positive tone. At 7:30 am, we retreated to our room for a breakfast delivered by room service, enjoying the luxury of a private meal with the endless sea as our backdrop.
A Morning of Leisure
Our leisurely morning continued with crosswords at 9:45 am, followed by a trivia session at 10 am where we scored an impressive 12 out of 20. Our competitive spirits were high, and the sense of community with other passengers added a layer of fun to the challenge. At 11 am, we found solace in coloring, a simple yet profoundly relaxing activity that prepared us for the adventures ahead. However, I did get a bit competitive so it did become a bit stressful haha.
A Culinary Pause
Lunch from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm was a delightful interlude, refueling us for the afternoon’s off-shore adventure.
An Off-Shore Adventure to Remember
The process of disembarking for our shore excursion was a bit cumbersome, highlighting a need for improvement in organizing the ferry transfers. However, once on our way, the day unfolded into an unforgettable adventure. Our bus driver, doubling as our tour guide, offered a mix of strong political opinions and humor that kept us entertained and engaged.
A walking tour that promised a 3-minute track stretched into 30 minutes, humorously more of a “stopping tour” than walking. This slow pace, however, allowed us to fully absorb our surroundings and appreciate the moment.
The highlight of our shore excursion was the visit to the glow worm caves. The ethereal beauty of this natural wonder moved me to tears, prompting a deep reflection on what’s truly important in life. This experience was a poignant reminder of the world’s beauty and the moments of clarity that travel can provide.
Leisure and Reflection
The remainder of our excursion included more bus rides, humorously reluctant companions, and leisurely time spent at a boat club watching the ocean’s vastness. Unfortunately, a technical issue with one of the tender winches meant we missed collecting the day’s charm, a small hiccup in an otherwise perfect day.
Evening Delights
Dinner was an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers—an American couple with dreams as vast as ours, touring Australia and New Zealand before taking on the world. Their stories and companionship added depth to our meal, making it an evening of shared dreams and wanderlust.
Looking Forward
As we retired for the night, our hearts were full of anticipation for the next port of call: Auckland. The adventures we had experienced so far were merely the beginning, with the promise of more discoveries, more beauty, and more moments of reflection lying in wait.
Day 4 was a beautiful blend of serenity, adventure, and emotional depth, a testament to the transformative power of travel and the endless wonders our world holds. Onto Auckland, with open hearts and eager spirits.
ThisIsGracieLou 