With December now in full swing, what better way to celebrate than a Christmas cruise around the Hauraki Gulf? In fact, why not make it pirate themed?
We put on our best pirate outfits, opened the champagne (and rum!) and made our way to Auckland Viaduct Harbour for 4 hours of cruising, eating and drinking.
We boarded the Olympic Spirit and were greeted with a choice of bubbles or rum mixed with ginger beer.
With the Auckland skyline getting further and further away we set sail to the soundtrack of Christmas carols and sailed underneath the bridge.
Past beautiful bays……
We feasted on Moroccan Whole Roast Chicken, Honey, Grapes and Garlic, Cous Cous and Pistachio Stuffing, Palm sugar, Lime Leaf Glazed Champagne Ham and Caper, Thyme and Red Wine Marinated Beef Sirloin, Horseradish Parsnips, Green Beans and Sage.
This was accompanied by artisan breads and Turmeric and Cumin Roasted Potatoes with Basil and Broccoli, Asparagus and Chickpeas, with Roasted Spiced Grapes.
For dessert we indulged in Chewy Brown Sugar Meringue with Eggnog Custard and some festive sweets.
With the drinks flowing, the DJ turned up the music and we also danced with one of the most beautiful views of any dance floor.
The cruise flew by in a flash and with some sweet talking in the Captain’s ear we managed to get an extra hour of cruising.
Our smiles say it all!
After a spectacular cruise around the harbour we arrived back at the viaduct where we happily skipped straight into Dr Rudi’s rooftop bar to carry on a fantastic evening.
Find Amada Cruises at http://www.amadacruises.com/
Have you done a harbour cruise before?
We all enjoyed your trip