Birthday in Bora Bora

Friday morning brought us in contact with dry land again.   Early morning we stood on the sun deck to watch the ship maneuver into Cooks Bay on Bora Bora.  What a sight to see – a lush green that is hard to explain.  We shared the bay with another cruise ship – the Aurora, a P & O ship holding 1800 passengers, so it was over twice as large as the Royal.   Both ships were too big to come near shore, so we tendered again from the ship to the shore.  

This was a great place to spend a birthday!  After tendering to the shore, we walked through a little shopping area with handmade arts and crafts and fresh local fruits.  We then looked at tours sponsored by local tour guides.   We decided on one that would take us around the entire island – which actually didn’t take too long as it is only15 square miles.  But there were several stops along the way – the first at the very famous Bloody Mary’s – home of the Bloody Mary – so of course we had to partake of one!!!  Then it was off to Matira Beach – a beautiful white sand beach overlooking turquoise blue clear water.   We went to some amazing look-outs to view Bora Bora and surrounding islands.  

Then it was back to the ship for a great birthday dinner at the Sterling Steak House followed by a cabaret show in the lounge and then we ended the night with an island tropical deck party – more food and a cascading champagne waterfall that used 100 bottles of champagne for the passengers.   What a wonderful way to end my birthday.  I truly recommend a cruise for your next birthday!!!

Cruising with Herm