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6 people from Fremantle crew joined 82 other Rovers from around Australia for Cruise moot from the 8th to the 15th of Feb. After a number of complications, including some confusion as to the departure date, a passport left in Canberra and a long delay in boarding, the Pacific Sky left from Darling Harbour in Sydney spent for 7 nights cruising to the Isle of Pines and Noumea, New Caledonia. We sailed out under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the opera house and Taronga Park Zoo, through the Heads and set a north easterly course for New Caledonia. We settled into our cosy cabins and went exploring, and were on our way to checking out the 9 bars on board when we were rudely interrupted by a compulsory emergency drill. Dinner was 5 delicious courses every night, followed by many, many cocktails.

The first full sea day brought generous buffet breakfast and lunch, and activities such as bingo, deck quoits, shuffleboard and dancing classes. And more cocktails, while getting into each others' pyjamas.

Another day of activities, swimming, sun and cocktails concluded with a formal evening and the Captain's welcome cocktail party.

The following morning brought us to the Isle of Pines, with white powder beaches and crystal clear water full of tropical fish, including Nemo! That evening started with a Rover cocktail party, and ended as usual with an excess of cocktails and dancing.

A day ashore in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, brought some culture with a visit to the museum, and some challenges as the local population spoke only French. We got into the swing of things, having crusty bread and camembert cheese for lunch, and finding a chocolaterie. Other highlights included the cathedral, traditional dances and lots of souvenir shops. The evening took Terry and Gavin off early to eat with the kiddies so they could prepare for starring roles as Indians Eagle Eye and Camem-bear in the musical Country and Western Show. The drink of the night was also in theme 'Cowboys' (no sucking going on…).

Another day on board - more sun, swimming, games and cocktails. The spa was a highlight, nice and warm, with waves rolling from side to side as the ship moved. The eternal question - how many rovers can you fit in a sauna? was answered - 15. A formal dinner was followed by the Fright Night (eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!). A champagne waterfall looked spectacular, but the champagne provided was home brand, with all that implies…

Our last day on board (Valentine's Day) brought a rose for Sam, and crossing the EAC (for all the Finding Nemo fans). A rover won $2500 at bingo, and the ship's entertainers did a great Australian themed show. We took full advantage of our last night on board, drinking the $6 cocktails and dancing the night away. Most of us didn't bother sleeping, but watched the sun rise as we sailed back into Sydney harbour.