LA Cruiser 88 Travel: Cruise Day #44 - Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

As we were leaving Oban yesterday, the Captain announced that the overnight winds would reach 45 knots (52 mph)! That meant rough seas ahead… and he wasn’t kidding!

There was a nice crowd gathered in the Observation Bar as we sailed away from Stewart Island. At dinner in The Restaurant, we were seated next to a solo traveler who turned out to be one of the ship’s new entertainers, Nyree — a vocalist performing a Celine Dion tribute in a couple of nights. It was a pleasure getting to know her, and she joined us afterward for fellow vocalist Jennifer Gray’s performance in the Grand Salon. We’re even having dinner together tonight — this time at the same table! Jennifer's show was impressive, she sang mostly show tunes.

When we woke up this morning, we were already cruising through the Fiords. (Fun fact: Fiords and Fjords are the same word — “Fjords” is used in Norway, while “Fiords” is the New Zealand spelling.) It’s sunny today with just a few clouds. The naturalist’s commentary was available on the TV bridge cam channel and also being broadcast in the Observation Bar and Seabourn Square.

After toast and cappuccinos in The Restaurant ☕, we made our way up to the Observation Bar. Both the lounge and the outside viewing deck were quite busy. I snapped a few photos from the deck, although they really don’t do justice to the incredible scenery.

We stayed up there for over two hours just soaking in the views.

By noon, hunger won out, and we headed to the Colonnade where — surprise! — it was Mexican lunch. All the favorites were there, including chilaquiles and churros. Muy bueno! 🌮

Yesterday, we were invited to a gathering this afternoon for the viewing of Milford Sound, in the Penthouse Spa Suite of our friends C & M. It was a lot of fun — beautifully catered by the bar and restaurant team with plenty of canapés, caviar, champagne, and wine 🥂. The aft suite was huge, with an equally massive veranda!