When the Captain announced that we would be bypassing the New Zealand Fiordland National Park (a World Heritage Site) my heart sank. What was to be a highlight of the trip was reduced to another day at sea.

Passage through the fiords is narrow, and can be challenging on a good day for large cruise ships. We understood the decision to bypass with rough weather in the forecast. That night and the following one confirmed the decision. We didn’t get sea sick, but quite a few passengers succumbed.

All was not lost since our return trip on the Norwegian Spirit provided a second chance. The beauty of sailing back to back cruises with similar itineraries is having the opportunity to explore a little deeper into ports of interest, or in this case, for the first time.

The Fiordland National Park consists of Milford Sound (most notable), Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound. These glacier carved fjords (called Sounds here) rise dramatically from the water’s edge displaying dense rain forests. If I could choose just one word to describe the feeling at first sight, it would be, humbling. From an abundance of waterfalls in Milford Sound, to the eerie quiet of Doubtful Sound, they captivate the senses and command reverence.

This was an all day affair as we entered Milford Sound around 10:30 am and exited Dusky Sound around 5:30 in the evening. Conditions from low-lying clouds to full-on sunshine created dramatic and varied views.

The ships staff kept us comfortable on the outer decks with blankets, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

The sound of silence…