There are some serious gamblers on board. Here gambling officials prepare for the days first race.

Here the casino's staff comes to the pool deck to advertise the sophistication of the gaming available.

Crossing the equator is done with the required pomp and circumstance. Everything is done with such sophistication.

The ship's version of the Beach Boys.

Another display of the fine foods available.

And those same fine foods provide some guidance for a bowling game on a rolling ship.

Two of the ship's entertainers Lindsay and John are both from England and are engaged. Damn we are not the cutest couple on the ship.

Entering NUKU HIVA in the morning light. It's right out of the movie King Kong.

A nice shore welcome.

The kids got the day off from school to show us their traditional dances. There are not a lot of visitors to this island.

The cutest girl in town.

The local band rocks.

The construction of the local theater was primitive but impressive.

The surrounding beauty was ever present, very Robinson Caruso.

Guess who?

Traditional underground cooking provided a wonderful lunch.

The meat is cooked inside bamboo stalks. We dined on goat and pig.

The island's version of the Beach Boys.

Again just looking around, the exotic surroundings were magnificent.

Home sweet home at anchor.

The party followed us back to the ship.

The natives made friends fast espacialy with the single guys and the male crewmembers. These girls will stay on board for several days to provide a little local flavor to our island stops.

The women are all beautiful and exotic.

The men are very formidable looking.

A war dance is demonstrated.

A different kind of dance much more to my liking.

Leaving Nuku Hiva in the mist at dusk. Even though we had only been there one day, I felt a little sad when we left. The friendliness and wonderful hospitality of the community made this place a joy to visit.

And another breathtaking sunset over the Pacific.

A serenade and dance at dinner.