Crossing the Tasman Sea – Australia to New Zealand

I didn’t do my homework.  I slipped up and made a rookie mistake and it probably won’t be the last.   I knew that the first three days of the cruise would be sea days and while I expected that the weather would be a little chilly, I wasn’t prepared for the reality of crossing the Tasman Sea.

The stretch of sea between Australia and New Zealand spans approximately 1,200 miles and is known for some of the roughest seas in the word.  It is the place where the currents of the Southern Ocean collide with the Pacific, often resulting in massive swells and high winds.  It wasn't until I heard the announcement from the captain that it became clear. The next three days would not be spent lounging by the pool but instead indoors staggering through narrow hallways like a sad drunk on a Saturday night. 

Surely this can’t be right.  I checked the ship schedule.  SeaWalk photographs at 11:00, Ping Pong Tournament at 12:15, Poolside Games at 1:15, Shuffleboard at 2:15, Movies Under the Stars at 6:30.  Why on earth would these outdoor activities be scheduled when it was clear that the Tasman would not cooperate. 

Did you know that people in this part of the world call the Tasman “The Ditch”?  It definitely felt that way, like being stuck in a ditch.  I’ve been bamboozled!  I was sold on a relaxing three days at sea before reaching New Zealand and instead I was being tossed around like a loose sock in the dryer.

Take a cruise to New Zealand they said, it will be fun, they said.

Okay, deep breath.  At least I’m not prone to motion sickness and besides, I just crossed the Drake Passage a couple of months ago.  I could handle it.  I would find things to do to keep me occupied and entertained and we would be in New Zealand soon enough.    

And the ship rocked, and it rolled. Side to side, up and down.

I went to a lecture on the history of New Zealand and promptly fell asleep.  I went to the pool deck, snatched up a blanket and a comfy chair to watch a movie on the large, outdoor screen, but even with the blanket it was too cold and windy.  I ventured back to my cabin to try and get some work done but watching the words on my laptop screen sway back and forth with the motion of the ship gave me a headache. I was not having fun, so I gave up and took a nap.  I grumbled to myself. Being around all these retired people was rubbing off on me.  Napping during the day while on a cruise ship buzzing with all manner of organized activities?  I suck and am unworthy of this adventure.

I woke up feeling better and vowed to adjust my attitude before dinner.   I decided to play “dining room roulette” by electing to be seated at a shared table.  I won!  I found myself seated with a mother daughter duo from Portland, a couple around my age from Phoenix and another older couple from Seattle.  It was a jovial and lively group.  Between courses we exchanged travel stories, sipped wine, and genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.   We found things in common, laughed quite a bit and by desert I was I was feeling grateful that I met such a wonderful group of like-minded travelers so early in the trip.

Things continued to get better.  Over the next two days I joined in trivia games, attended a few more lectures (all more interesting than the first).    I took a Māori Poi dance class, attended a martini demonstration, and finally even managed to get some work done.  I went to several shows and by happy accident met and had a fascinating conversation with one of the guest performers.  Andre King, a New Zealand comedian, and very funny guy.  (If you want some laughs, check out his YouTube channel).

The ship continued to rock, to roll, to move side to side and up and down. 

I got used to it and in the process managed to enjoy myself and have fun. I met dozens of people.  People from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and Germany.  I met solo adventurers, retired travelers, digital nomads, young people in between jobs and multi-generational families.   The trip had gotten off to a rocky start, literally.  Then slowly it got better, and then better still.

By the time we docked in Picton, New Zealand I was ready to go ashore and explore Marlborough wine country.  I welcomed the calm seas and clear weather and was eagerly looking forward to the next part of the trip.