The ship was small but comfortably appointed. Each activity was well organized and designed for the enjoyment of all passengers. The first port of call was Aitutaki, also one of the Cook Islands. The adventure began by boarding a small inflated boat called a Zodiac. These little boats carry ten passengers from the ship to the shore.
People sit on the outer inflated portion of the boat because there are no seats.
The docking sites in ninety-nine percent of the ports is the sandy beach, where people disembark and wade ashore. It didn't matter, however, because the water was warm and by the time the shore was reached, everyone was already wet from the splashing waves into the Zodiac from zipping along. Aitutaki was surrounded by a coral reef and a huge protected lagoon. Welcoming ashore came with flower leis, hugs and kisses on each cheek, thus becoming true Aitutakians. The local dancers performed amazing Polynesian dances.