Ngahi Bidois: Dream liner shows wishes can come true

The cruise ship Celebrity Solstice docking in Tauranga harbour.

IS THERE something you have always wanted to do but thought it would never happen? I am not sure where it originated from but there is a quote that says, "Be careful what you wish for, because it just might come true."

My wife had always wanted to go on a cruise ship and for me it was so far out there that I didn't even think it would come true. However a few years ago I was talking to one of my friends, the late Don Stafford who told me that he frequently spoke on cruise ships and that it could become a reality if I pursued it.

So I started putting the word "out there" and last year one of my speaking buddies from Singapore recommended me to a cruise ship company. One thing lead to another and I recently found myself speaking on the Celebrity Solstice, a cruise ship that holds 2850 passengers and over 1000 staff.

My wife and I boarded the Solstice Cruise ship in Sydney and cruised from there to Melbourne, across to the NZ Fiordlands, to Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Tauranga and finished in Auckland.

Of all the stages I have ever had the privilege to present from the engagement aboard the Celebrity Solstice would rank as one of the best. The auditorium I spoke in held over 1000 people and the audio visual equipment was second to none. However it wasn't just the speaking equipment and the awesome people that made this so special, it was the fact that one of my dreams had once again come true.

I am surrounded by people such as my uncle Popeye and other whanaunga (relatives) who are always encouraging me to keep dreaming, because dreams really do become reality and I hope your dreams do too.

Being on a cruise ship was everything I thought it would be. We enjoyed a 5 star restaurant and first class shows every evening and the overall cruising experience was exceptional. Highlights included cruising through the Fiordlands, parking up in Akaroa Harbour and being able to see into the Wellington rugby stadium (the Cake Tin) when we parked next to it. This ship was huge and the voyaging experience gave me a real appreciation of how expert the crews and our ancestors on the Te Arawa waka and all the Maori waka must have been when they voyaged to Aotearoa.

My dream of sailing on a cruise ship that went from Australia to Aotearoa, assisted by the latest technology, is nothing compared to the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors who sailed through the Pacific frequently. Their dreams became a reality and are an inspiration for all of us to keep dreaming, because dreams really do come true. Kia kaha koe ki te wawata, hei oranga mo te iwi.

Ngahihi o te ra Bidois is an international leadership speaker, VIP Host, author, leader, husband and father. See www.ngahibidois.com for more of his story.