Each cabin has its own bathroom, which is handy, and a massive picture window where the view is constantly changing. I could happily have spent the entire cruise down there, gazing out upon the blue water of the Hauraki Gulf. But keeping oneself to oneself is not what cruising's about so my companions and I headed upstairs to the bar for a welcome beverage.
As we set a course for Motuihe Island, we discussed our activity options. Should we take the tender to the island and go for a walk? How about going for a kayak? Or just relax on the boat? In warmer weather, we'd have added swimming to our list of options.
Never one to turn down an opportunity to paddle, I decided to kayak, another of our gang chose to wander on land while our third mate stayed on board ship for a spot of lounging around.
Anchoring a few hundred metres off shore, the paddlers shot off to don swimming costumes, the words "togs-togs-undies" repeating in my brain. The walkers were put into the tender and whisked ashore and the loungers did a whole lot of nothing, right by the bar.
Suited up in our lifejackets and togs-togs-undies, we were shown a bit of paddle etiquette before hopping in our crafts that were lined up for us on the stern of the ship - this is the first time I've ever been lowered into the sea hydraulically - and off we paddled to shore, the hearty party loungers raising their glasses from three storeys up.
They thought we were a little bit crazy to do anything but sit, chat and drink, but the island was calling.
Once on land, you'll want your shoes. There's a bit of rough stone and sharp rock, as there are some sweet tracks to be wandered including the historic headland walk.
We had a good hour or so to explore, plenty of time to read the information boards and take pictures of the decrepit old jetty that juts out to sea. There are loads of wading and seabirds here too if you're a bit of a twitcher.
I wandered a while, and took a very quick dip over the other side of the island before getting back into my boat for a paddle along the shoreline, poking my prow into various shallow caves. It was such a lovely sunset adventure, a wee slice of paradise and so close to the city.
Back on the boat, quick to wash, dress and dry, I was soon in the bar comparing notes with the walkers and those who'd stayed put. Once our heads had been counted, the captain weighed anchor and we motored to our mooring for the night, round the back of Motutapu. One of the great things about this cruise is the captain can always find a serene little cove sheltered from the wind.
Starving by now, I was delighted when dinner was announced and what a super fare you get with your fare and the three-course menu provided plenty of choice. The scallops were divine, the beef main a delight and the puddings, despite being replete, they were just too tasty to refuse.
And all too soon it was time to call it a night, after all it was still a week day. We opted to keep the blinds up in our cabin - after all, it's not every day one sleeps on the ocean. Anyway, with the supremely comfortable bed, sheets and pillows, I was soon out like a light.
During the night I woke a couple of times and forced my eyes open to admire the outline of Rangitoto and the stars in the sky which are much more impressive that little bit off shore, away from the bright lights of Auckland.
Waking to the sound of the big old anchor chain being hauled on board, this was our signal that it was time to get up, rise and shine.
Breakfast (no, I couldn't have it sent to my cabin) was an astounding array of cooked and continental choices which we enjoyed as we headed back to Auckland.
Top crew, great food and cosy cabins, this is a sweet adventure in every way. Whether you wish to surprise your sweetheart with a romantic night out, or buy your parents a really cool anniversary gift - or perhaps even curry the boss' favour by organising the best work do ever - Hauraki Blue Cruises is just the ticket.
CHECKLIST
Further information: Experience Hauraki Blue Cruises' one-night cruise around Auckland's harbour and the outlying islands. A three-course dinner plus cooked and continental breakfast are included, with drinks extra.
