February 1, 2023 – Moorea, French Polynesia

Moorea, (pronounced MOE-oh-ray-uh) one of my favorite places!  Truly a paradise.  I remember seeing this island, the first time, in 1999 when Bob and I were on a cruise.  It was a 12-day cruise of the French Polynesian islands.  We loved it so much, a few years later, we returned to stay on the island of Moorea for 10 days.  We stayed in garden bungalow close to the beach.  We visited agricultural areas where they grew pineapple and cultivated the famous Tahitian Vanilla.  In 2020, we were here on the World Cruise and took a wonderful tour around the island.

Unfortunately, I was unable to go on tour today.  I thought yesterday I was coming down with a sinus infection and sure enough, I knew this morning there was no way I could go out all day feeling this way.  Bob, of course, offered to stay here with me but I insisted that he go on the tour and enjoy the beauty of this special island.  

I wanted to get ahead of it, so I started taking an antibiotic last night so I would feel better soon.  Although I was sad about not stepping foot on Moorea, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on our balcony the entire day and enjoying the magnificent view of the reef and many shades of blue waters.  I watched boats, waves, surfers, and off in a distance I could see overwater bungalow’s at The Hilton.  We were anchored in the beautiful Opunohu Bay with volcanic mountains in the background.  A view etched in my memory from 24 years ago (so beautiful, it’s on their coin).  As the wind gently blew, the ship would gradually move a bit giving me different views.  

Bob went on the tender to join his tour.  I saw as his boat motored away.  Looked like a 15 minute ride to the dock where he went off on safari vehicle to explore the island.  He was able to text me a picture occasionally.  The view from Belvedere lookout is a must-see panoramic view of both Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay (yes, Captain Cook), flanking the mountain.  Bob took a picture of our ship in the bay below.  Although, I was not able to go, I was very happy Bob could go and enjoy.  Hmmm…you never know, I could find us a deal to come back here and stay in one of those lovely bungalow’s.

As I watched from the balcony, I recall this island is also home to the spinner dolphins.  We took a tour years ago with the renowned marine biologist, Dr Michael Poole, to see spinner dolphins and also saw humpback whales. This heart-shaped island is only 51 square miles but packed with sugar white beaches, dramatic volcanic peaks, crystal clear lagoons, fishing, diving (500 species of fish) and a great agricultural school.  The Moorea Fruit Juice Factory uses local papaya, grapefruit, pineapple, coconut and other fruits to make juices.  It also produces an assortment of fruit brandies and liqueurs, including star fruit, ginger, coconut, pineapple and papaya. 

Bob soon texted me saying he was on the return tender.  I watched and could see it coming in a distance.  We waved at each other as he stepped off the tender and boarded the ship.  He could see me on the balcony.  In a few minutes, he arrived and joined me on the balcony.  He told me about his day and showed me beautiful pictures he took.  I thanked him for going and taking pictures.  Just the way I remember!  We stayed on the balcony to watch sail away.  Out through the bay and past the reef edge, we hit the breakers.  The clouds were beautiful as the sun was setting and we watched Moorea fade away.

Mauru’uru Moorea for sharing your treasure once again.

This is what happens when I take too much cold medicine