The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 4, Fanning Island

When we awoke and opened the sliding door to the balcony we were greeted with a blast of hot and very humid air. We were definitely near the equator, this is truly tropical weather. We took the GPS up on the deck and it showed that we were about 90 minutes from Fanning. Because Fanning is so low, it wasn't yet visible.

Soon, however, that "smudge" on the horizon became a "bump", and then the bump grew trees, and eventually the atoll itself became visible. The Star moved around the northern tip of the island to her station off the west coast of the bay. The bay is way too small for the Star, so she must stay off shore. It is too deep for her to anchor, so she holds her position for the entire stay using engine power and thrusters.

It took a while for the crew to deploy the tenders and move crew and supplies ashore. Since the majority of the passengers would eat lunch ashore, this was an undertaking of some magnitude. Once all of those logistics were completed, they started tendering the passengers ashore. There were tendering tickets available, and the entire process seemed quite orderly. At least it was from our perspective as we were in the spa...

About 10:30 they announced open tendering, which means that all the folks who were in a hurry to get ashore had already done so, and the rest of us could board any available tender. We did that and got ashore shortly before 11. Since we had been to Fanning Island in June, we had already explored the island. This trip we wanted to purchase some of the unique shell jewelry, so we only went as far as the market, bought the jewelry we wanted, and got on the next tender back to the ship. We were aboard by 11:40 and enjoyed our lunch in the buffet without the flies and in air conditioned comfort.

Everyone back aboard, load the tenders, and we were underway by three. Within an hour Fanning Island was over the horizon, but we've got the pictures.

The Chocolate Buffet was in progress as we sailed. Bob is a chocoholic, so he was in seventh heaven. Sandi doesn't "do" chocolate, so she took the pictures. It must be seen to be believed. This is also "lobster night", so the tables got turned as Sandi loves lobster, while Bob can't eat it.

Following dinner we returned to Las Rambles to again listen to Hawaiian Musician Charles Nahale play and sing. This time it was a treat, as Ginger Fortin, another Maui resident, danced the most beautiful hula. A perfect end to a very special day!

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©1998-2020 Robert and Sandra Swanson. I greatly appreciate people viewing the photos, but not stealing them. If someone is interested from a commercial point of view, please contact me.

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