Report # 49 Sailing Towards Cairns With Scenic Cruising February 16, 2014 Sunday Rain, cloudy, 85 degrees (or less)

As the Amsterdam sailed towards Cairns today, we veered off course enough to sail through the tropical Whitsunday region along the Queensland Coast. It is reportedly full of holiday towns, continental islands, with boating and diving as the highlights. There are 74 islands in the Whitsunday Islands National Park, referred to as "the jewels of the region". This is part of the massive Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so large, it can be seen from outerspace. We believe that the ship, with the guide of a reef pilot, is sailing in the Whitsunday Passage this morning. This was not planned or advertised on the original itinerary, but has been recently added for our enjoyment.

Our location guide, Barbara, delivered a commentary as we entered the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The timing for us was not great, since it cut into our breakfast hour in the dining room. However, our ever so kind waiters made sure we had our favorite table for two by the window, so we did not miss anything. We did see dozens of small and large islands, but nothing in the way of fish life. Dotted along the hillsides and shorelines of the larger islands were some resorts and condos. You had to use binoculars to see any of them close up and personal.

The Aussie BBQ

There was an "Australian Sizzler" BBQ held on the aft deck from 11am to 2pm. Tasty steaks of kangaroo, emu, and crocodile were seared over the coals, and served outside. The only downside was that it began to rain around 1pm. Why is it that every time they plan an outside BBQ, it rains? The head chef was asking the very same question as he came out to check the BBQers.

Crocodile, emu, & kangaroo steaks

About the same time, Captain Jonathon came on the speakers for his usual 12:45pm talk. He had mentioned the chance of showers for today, but not quite the rain we know is coming. The skies were black as can be on the shoreline, with occassional strikes of lightening. In fact, the Captain added that we will probably have continued rain and thunder showers tomorrow in Cairns, as well as all the way towards Papua New Guinea. This is the cyclone season, so we cannot complain. We are happy that we chose not to book the Great Barrier Reef tour with shore excursions tomorrow. 

The lack of sunbathers told the story

If the weather remains unsettled with rough seas, that tour can be really disappointing. You would expect that the expensive tour ($300) would be cancelled, but we have seen them go anyway, and have some very seasick passengers on the way there and back. With choppy waters and no sun, the snorkeling is lousy. At this point in time, if you cancel the excursion, you lose your money, as the deadline to cancel was yesterday at 3pm. The more seasoned passengers know that they can book a reef trip right from the pier tomorrow. If the weather is nasty, they will not sell you tickets. Much better deal, we think, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. On past cruises, we have gone on similar tours, and did enjoy them, although one time, we floated away with the riptide, and had one long scary swim back to the platform. Important message for those who may do this tour someday: listen carefully to the warnings and instructions that are given as you cruise towards the reef on the high speed ferryboat. They may save your life.

The first lecture of the day was given by Peter McGugan, who is actually an award-winning filmmaker. His subject dealt with the power of vulnerability.

At 3pm, the Kent Dancers gave a dance lesson to those who wished to attend in the Queens Lounge. During their early morning chat with Gene, they said that dance lessons at home would cost about one pound per minute or 60 pounds per hour of instruction. That could really add up quickly if you have two left feet.

Frank Buzzard spoke about the wonders of the universe inside the Milky Way. And our reef pilot gave a talk about his role as a pilot and his knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Today we had an invitation for another nice cocktail party in the Explorers Lounge with our travel agency hosts. Essentially, the party was held to welcome the new guests that have begun their cruise in Sydney recently. The time for us was at 7pm for the late dinner seating guests. Many of the staff members had been invited as well. This was an excellent chance to get to know the future cruise consultants better. Michael and Joanne have taken over that job for the 2014 world cruise, and are a very friendly couple with a lot of cruising knowledge. Maureen, the arts and crafts instructor, also joined our group. We are hoping she will be spending more time at our table for dinner, since she enjoyed it the last time we invited her.

We have a correction with the name of the clarinetist. The correct spelling of his last name is Martyn, and he is on the stage tonight with a brand new show. Preceding his performance at 7:30pm, is a game show called Majrity Rules. It is a trivia game with a twist, according to the daily newsletter.

If none of the above is of interest, then there is always the show in the Wajang Theater. This evening, Romeo & Juliet (the 2013 version) is shown at 6, 8, or 10pm.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for a pleasant, and hopefully dry day in Cairns tomorrow. Although we are not going on an organized tour, we know many folks will be. Either it be in the mountains or on the reef, good weather is necessary for the ultimate sight-seeing or excellent snorkeling.

Here are some photos of the scenic sailing through the Whitsunday Passage.