Category Archives: international

Auckland, New Zealand

Posted on February 19, 2016 by travelbynatasha

We are disembarking the ship today in Auckland, the country’s largest city with a population of a half million.  Housing is scarce in this growing city with an unemployment rate of 0%.  We are fortunate to have a direct flight … Continue reading →

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The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Posted on February 17, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Today is a full day in Tauranga, New Zealand, a favorite holiday spot for those from Auckland and Wellington.  Monday is a local holiday in Auckland, so people have come in early for a long holiday weekend.  In the Bay … Continue reading →

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Hobbiton, New Zealand

Posted on February 16, 2016 by travelbynatasha

After a day at sea, we are scheduled to arrive in Tauranga, New Zealand at 5 pm.  Most guests will be staying on the ship tonight for the evening’s entertainment; we have chosen an evening excursion to Hobbiton.  Hobbiton is … Continue reading →

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Napier, New Zealand

Posted on February 15, 2016 by travelbynatasha

We are now on the north island of New Zealand and visiting the town of Napier in Hawk’s Bay celebrated for its Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture.  Napier is a town of 50,000 and it will be our base … Continue reading →

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Akaroa, New Zealand

Posted on February 11, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Southern New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise with wonderful hiking, water sports, and amazing scenery. Today we are in Akaroa, a French-influenced seaside town that is a home base for hikers and animal lovers. There is just a small pier … Continue reading →

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Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia

Posted on February 5, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Tasmania! We are anchored in the bay off Port Arthur, Tasmania. Port Arthur was developed as a penal colony. The historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we made land is a day’s visit in and of itself, but … Continue reading →

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Natasha Goes Walkabout and sees Koalas and Kangaroos

Posted on February 3, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Today we are in Melbourne, our only other mainland Australian port, and I couldn’t visit this country without my koala and kangaroo fix. It was a hot day for a walkabout with temperatures reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Boris and I … Continue reading →

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Sydney, Australia

Posted on February 1, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Natasha is cruising again; this time to Australia and New Zealand, including stops in Tasmania.  We flew in yesterday on Air New Zealand directly from Houston to Auckland, New Zealand.  After a short layover, we flew to Sydney, Australia where … Continue reading →

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Route des Vins, France

Posted on August 28, 2015 by travelbynatasha

Today, our last excursion day of the cruise, we have our choice of two long half-day tours in this wine producing region along the Alsatian wine road, the route des vins which hugs the foothill of the Vosges mountain range. … Continue reading →

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Strasbourg, France and the Black Forest, Germany

Posted on August 26, 2015 by travelbynatasha

Today we dock in Germany, but cross the river to visit France-Strasbourg, a French city with a German name.  In the afternoon we return to Germany to visit the Black Forest. We had the choice of morning excursions, Boris was … Continue reading →

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