Last night, guests of National Geographic Orion left the sweet flowers and kind, generous people of Samoa to head towards the Cook Islands. Though we are excited to visit the next islands, time at sea gives us a great chance to relax, look through photos, jot down inspiration in our journals, and learn more about the culture and history of the next stops on our itinerary.
Christine is an Explorer's Club Fellow, Polar Expedition Diver, Expedition Leader and conservation photographer and videographer. She has worked as a professional diver around the world for over 18 years dedicated to ocean education, exploration and ...
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Day breaks as National Geographic Orion cuts a shimmering path east toward the Cook Islands. Vibrant turquoise waves cradle us while onboard experts regale us with stories of lustrous pearls, ancient Polynesian tattoo traditions, and the delicate symbiosis threading life together. The day ends with golden light dancing on the horizon, promising new discoveries and wonder just beyond tomorrow’s dawn.
Today, National Geographic Orion continued cruising across the Pacific on the long leg from Samoa to the Cook Islands. Crossing the International Date Line, time stood still as we experienced two February 22nds. The date line exists primarily to keep our calendar and time systems in sync and helps prevent confusion by establishing a clear point where the calendar day changes. The 180° meridian was selected because it mostly runs through the sparsely populated Central Pacific Ocean. While the date line generally runs north to south from pole to pole, it zigzags around political borders to avoid cutting some countries in half. The day started off with a leisurely brunch followed by a tour of the galley and presentations from the staff. In the afternoon, we had a special “fruehshoppen” on the back deck, complete with brats, beer, and Bloody Mary’s. While we certainly love our time on land exploring the amazing cultures of Oceania, we welcome a few days at sea to rest and reflect on all that we have seen.
Following a morning at sea, we eagerly entered the sleepy harbor of Samoa’s capital city for our afternoon ashore. Our first stop was a grand cathedral whose façade mirrored the sparkling blue waters of the tropical Pacific. Inside, we marveled at the ornate wooden ceilings and stained glass that blend biblical motifs with traditional Samoan imagery. A short trip out of town brought us to the historical estate of author Robert Louis Stevenson. Nestled among lush botanical gardens, we spent the rest of our time on the island exploring the vibrant tropical setting that inspired many of his later literary works. Those of us looking to cool off took a moment to sip a cool drink or swim in a scenic waterfall. It was a beautiful introduction to this remote nation that left many of us eager to return.
