Cruising the Sounds

As we cruised past the Tasman Sea sailing towards New Zealand, we experienced seas that were anywhere between 15-18 feet. For some passengers the two day journey wasn't as pleasant as they would have liked. For now let us just say that at least some fish were fed on certain occasions by passengers who had not yet established their "sea legs".

By the third day having sailed from Melbourne, we slowed down to 10-15 knots as we entered inside one of the United Nations' World Heritage Sites, the New Zealand Sounds. We cruised through Milford Sound first, followed by Doubtful Sound, and finally Dusky Sound. We spent approximately 2-3 hours in each sound and words are never enough to truly appreciate the glory of God's creation that we saw in these three Sounds. They were simply breath-taking and we can only hope that the pictures below provide a glimpse, a foretaste of what we experienced. Though the weather was mildly cooperative we were still able to stand on the weather deck (5) or topside deck (10) to appreciate the clean air and the beautiful scenery that passed before I eyes. Unfortunately, we didn't see the dolphins that we heard so much about, but the lack thereof did not detract us from what was cherished during this day of cruising! Praise HIM!!!!!

Rhapsody of the Seas cutting through 15-18 foot seas.

A little overcast cruising through Milford Sound.

Ian waking up to the beauty of Milford Sound!

Daddy and Ian going for a stroll on the weather deck while enjoying the scenery.

By this way, Mommy and Ian strolling on the weather deck enjoying the scenes from Doubtful Sound.

Who needs a stroller when you can walk!

Stern-view of Doubtful Sound from Rhapsody of the Seas.

One of the many waterfalls of Doubtful Sound.

Sharing the water with other passengers from smaller cruises along the New Zealand sounds.

Topside view of Doubtful Sound.

Views of Dusky Sound; a little hazy, but "wow" was it breath-taking!!!