Tilbury to Auckland by Container Ship - Chapter 9

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And so we come to the last leg, across the Tasman to Auckland

7th November. Our second to last day at sea, this is in some ways a double-edged sword, on the one hand we are glad to be heading home, on the other the voyage has been so enjoyable it would be nice for it to continue. When we look back it seems like only a few days since we boarded at Tilbury, when in reality it is thirty-eight. We had a party night in the Officers Lounge with the whole crew to celebrate an Indian festival. As with the BBQ night it was a very enjoyable night. After a few drinks and something to eat there was horse racing shipboard style. Very much the same as we participated in on the "Fairstar" using two dice of different colours to mark which horse moved how many spaces. We didn't do too badly as we only lost $2.00. Duncan made enough to recoup the $10.00 he was fined on "Bingo" night. The night ended with dancing and LOUD music. Earlier in the evening the Captain had the crew and officers group up so we could get a photo of everybody and Bryan & Duncan had a few words of thanks to say to them. We had decided between us that we would each give $50.00 to the Captain on their behalf so they could have an extra party night on the way across the Pacific ocean, but we found this to be impossible with the Captain refusing to accept it.

In the end he did take it, to be given to a charity of their choice in their name, so all were happy in the end.

8th November. Last day at sea, day to start packing up and sorting out the junk we have accumulated. We have arranged wine for the tables tonight but the Captain wont let Duncan and us pay for it, it is very hard to win an argument with a Captain on his own ship.

9th November. Well here we are of New Zealand. We awoke in the Hauraki Gulf with land in sight all around us and had to wait for the tide. The pilots came aboard while we were finishing breakfast, so once we had picked up our cameras and binoculars it was up to the bridge to see if we were aloud to stay up there (We were). Entering any port can be impressive but added to the fact that it was a homecoming made it all the more spectacular being able to see familiar sights from a different perspective. Duncan had arranged for his daughter and son-in-law to come aboard for lunch before he disembarked and they were waiting on the wharf while the gangway was being set-up and were nearly the first people up it after customs and agricultural officials. We were able to complete all the formalities before lunch and Duncan and his family were away before 1:00pm. As we were not able to make our original flight time of 1:10pm on that day, we had changed our booking by ringing from Brisbane to the same time on the 10th so the Captain had allowed us to stay onboard another night.

10th November. Well it was with happiness and sadness we awoke on our last day aboard. While we were at breakfast some of the on duty Engineering Officers especially came into the dining room to say good bye. Then up to our cabin to get our bags, and NO I am not allowed to help carry them to the lift or down the gangway. Then it's goodbye to the Captain, Chief Officer and those on duty at the gangway. The Chief Officer had arranged transport to the gate even though it is a short distance and there is a marked walkway. Then a Taxi to the Airport and home.
All in all we have to say that this has truly been the trip of a life time however trite the saying may be we feel that in this case it is true.

CP Australis
Technical Information
Date Completed December 2002, at Daewoo shipyard, Okpoo, South Korea
Tonnage GRT 46,009 NRT 25,880
Flag United Kingdom
Registered in London
Length 281 metres
Beam 32.20 metres
Container Capacity 4,121 TEU, including 1,304 reefers
Service Speed 25.2 knots

Since our return we have been amazed at the interest our trip has generated. We were interviewed on the local (Hawera) radio station and there was an article in the provincial newspapers monthly magazine. As a result I have been asked to speak at several meetings, not something I am used to. Also as a further result it was suggested that I submit this serialised version of our trip log for you to read.

For those interested here are the costs in NZ dollars and some in Pounds Sterling where marked. These are at 2005 prices and currency conversions.

Total Cost of Travel,
Hotels, Disneyland etc $21,365.00
Cash for spending money $5,342.49
Total Cost of Trip $26,707.49 (for 2 people)
$13,353.75 each
Cost per day: $ 460.00 per day for 2 people or $230.00 each.

Air Fare $1175.00 for 2 $587.50 each
Land costs
Hotels, Taxies
Etc. $1,337.00 for 2 $668.50 each
Voyage $15,200.00 for 2 $7,600.00 each

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