Akaroa Wharf

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Exploring the Town

Our sailing ketch excursion, which we wrote about in Akaroa by Sailing Ketch, returned us to Akaroa Wharf around 11:30 am.  We had learned that the St. Patrick's Catholic Church added a mass at noon on Sundays when ships were in port.   We didn't know exactly where the church was located but we knew the general direction, so we started walking. 

Along the way, we found some historic houses, shown here.  What a beautiful setting with the floral gardens in front of these old buildings.




Historic Library  

The next building we saw was the Akaroa Coronation Library which was erected in 1875 to house the Literary Institute.  The name was changed in 1911 when it was remodeled.

Inside the old library, we asked for directions to the church.  They marked the walking route on the map and said the the priest would welcome us, even if we arrived late (we weren't certain how long it would take us to get there).

St. Patrick's Church

It was a very welcoming church.  At the conclusion of the mass, the priest went pew by pew getting to know more about those that had gathered.   We were surprised to find out that he was familiar with our area, having lived there for awhile.  What a small world.

Akaroa War Memorial 

 The memorial comprises a reserve and seating surrounding an elaborate free-standing cupola with a granite spire and fly buttresses, right in the centre of town. The Akaroa War Memorial are a grand tribute to locals who gave their lives fighting in conflicts around the globe. The cornerstone of the Banks Peninsula War Memorial was laid in 1922 and completed in 1924. The engraved marble slab reads, “In sacred memory of those who fell in the Great war 1914 – 1919.” Additional plaques list local soldiers who died during the South African War (1899 – 1902) and World War II (1939 – 1945).

It was damaged in the Christchurch earthquake of 2010. After the earthquake, a team of dedicated locals raised funds and organised the rebuilding of the memorial.  See our Akaroa Wharf photo album for more images of the memorial as well as from our walk around town.  There is plenty to see an do around town, so if you go on an excursion, plan some extra time to visit the wharf area.

Additional photos can be found on our Australia & New Zealand Shutterfly page

Akaroa Wharf


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Books at Sea

Drop Everything and Read Day

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Harper Collins Publishers promotes April 12th as Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E.A.R.).

They cite reading a book as more enjoyable than any other task (like chores) and encourage people of all ages to 'drop' what they are doing and grab a book to read.

One of the great things about reading is that you can do so anywhere, even on a cruise ship (which is the focus of the rest of this post).

My sea day routine typically starts with me eating breakfast in the buffet and then camping out on deck reading a book.  I prefer to find a comfy lounge chair, somewhere in the shade, on one of the pool decks. On rainy days, I'll camp out in one of the lounges on upper decks of the ship, overlooking the water.

Tip:  take turns (with traveling companion) having lunch, so that you don't have to pack up your things or find another chair after you are finished with lunch.

Forgot Your Books - Don't Worry

When you were packing your bags for your cruise vacation, books may have been the last thing on your mind.  Did you forget your books?  There is no need to worry as most ships have a library on board.   Shown here is the library on Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess.   We sailed on her earlier this year and I took full advantage of the library.

We had several sea days during our 15 night voyage in Southeast Asia.  I packed three paperback books.  Yes, I still enjoy the feel of paper as I'm reading.   Paperbacks are my preference as they are smaller and lighter to pack.   I usually pack one or two in my carryon for reading on the plane as well.

On this particular cruise, we had a sea day right away.   I started reading one of my books and it didn't take long before I completed it.   On to my next book...

We had an unexpected change in itinerary due to high seas in the China Sea, so we were in port an extra day which we converted into another sea day.   Within the first few days on the ship, I'd read all the books that I'd brought with me.  Again, not to worry - the library on the ship is just like any other back home.  You can check out books for the duration of your cruise.  Most ships have a selection of hardcover and paperback books as well as games and other resources which can be checked out.

Book Exchange

The majority of ships that I've sailed also have a section for passenger book exchanging.   Just as it sounds,  you swap your read books for others that your fellow passengers left on the shelves.   On this cruise, I swapped books out several times.  This gives me the opportunity to pack light, but still have plenty to read during the cruise.  I've gotten exposed to new authors this way as well.

Electronic Age

Nowadays, "reading" may not entail holding onto a "paper" book at all.  You can bring an entire collection of books with you on your cruise, or download them as you go via the ship's Wi-Fi.  Of course, it would be cheaper to download them ahead of time.

Regardless of your preferred source of reading materials (paperback, hard-cover, or electronic) be sure to consider that among your packing essentials for your next cruise vacation, and enjoy reading at sea.  It can be very relaxing and enjoyable.

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Carnival Triumph - Great Cities Theme

Carnival Triumph - Ship Decor

While on our recent Canada & New England cruise aboard Carnival Triumph, I learned that the theme for the ship is "Great Cities". In looking at the decor throughout the ship, I might have thought it was "Around the Globe" or "The World" since the globe theme appears throughout the public areas.

When you look at the names of the various public spaces, the theme does start to take shape. The two dining rooms are called London and Paris. The main show lounge is the Rome Lounge. Another entertainment venue is Club Rio Lounge. You can enjoy a drink and cigar in the Oxford Bar or perhaps curl up with your favorite book in Washington Library. Those are just a sample of the "Great Cities" represented on Carnival Triumph.

Decor of a ship contributes to the overall atmosphere during your cruise experience. Modern cruise ships are brightly decorated often, with abstract art throughout the vessel. In ages gone by, the ships were decorated with exquisite wood and often times the decor was very dark. Cruise lines spend a large portion of the new ship budget bringing their vision to life.

The next time you are onboard a ship, take a look at the decor and see if you can determine the ship's theme. Take some time, perhaps on one of the sea days, to walk around the ship and enjoy the various art that is displayed throughout the ship. This may open up an entirely new aspect to your cruise experience.