"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report # 48 Sailing Towards Darwin February 17, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees 45 Pictures

Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 12:02:41 PM
Subject: Report # 48 Sailing Towards Darwin February 17, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees 45 Pictures

Report # 48 Sailing Towards Darwin February 17, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees 45 Pictures

Today was slated as being the start of a Great Barrier Reef Experience. We were supposed to have scenic cruising on the way to Sherrard Island for an overnight anchorage. The point was to see the sunset and the sunrise on Sherrard Island. Well, that changed, when it was announced that due to the distance to Darwin, our next port, we would not be able to stop overnight. In fact, Captain Jonathon added that Sherrard isn't really an island, but it is an underwater coral garden.

This cancellation was not a surprise to us. The same thing happened back in 2012, we think, when the entire reef itinerary never happened. Further information was that it would cost too much to do an anchorage that included overtime and the necessity of running an extra generator. In our way of thinking, shouldn't that have been factored into the equation at the beginning of the cruise?

The scenic cruising we did today was actually pretty good. The reef pilot took us close to deserted islands, and sand banks as the ship zig-zagged most of the day as we headed north. Thank goodness for a strong breeze blowing, because it sure was hot out today. We photographed every island and spit all morning and afternoon from the aft deck. Occasionally, a local ship or freighter passed by us. We did expect to see some wildlife, but all we saw were a few birds, and some jumping fish in the ship's wake.

We have been so busy catching up with reports and photos that we have missed giving news on the ship's events. New people have joined such as the speakers. Andrew Johnson has begun a series of talks all about tourism. Today his topic was tourism's positive potential contribution to the local environment. Melvin Foster has come onboard to talk about the convict history of Australia. Mel was on most of the Tales of the South Pacific last fall. He is quite savvy on the subject of sea fare history and piracy. The guests really liked his presentations. Today his subject is about the first settlers of Australia: the swindlers, doxies, debtors, and thieves. Bet that is not boring…….

It appears a new guest chef has taken George G's place. Her name is Janella Purcell, and she will begin her cooking talks today at 11am. Not sure what her specialty is yet.

Barbara H, our port lecturer, talked all about Darwin today. Hope her talk is on TV later. Every time we have been to Darwin, we have taken a different tour. So we do not remember what the town has to offer for those of us on foot. Guess we will find out when Barbara's talk is repeated on the TV later.

We had an invite to dinner tonight with Bill and Leta. They have a table for two, but it is a 4 person table. Like our group, they always like fixed seating, but not upstairs on deck five. We helped them to secure this location when we were here last fall. Since there are fewer late seating guests, it was not a problem getting their table.

Dinner was great. We ordered the ginger pork, and were not disappointed. Our hosts, Wendy and Steve, happened to be joining Del and Konnie next to us. They said that the Pacific Princess will be in port the same day we will be in Darwin. There is a couple on that cruise that we all know. Interesting comparing their perks with ours. Seems they get a lot of free internet on that ship, and they said it was fast. Go figure…..

The entertainment this evening was a trumpet player by the name of Gary Guthman. Doubt we will go, but are sure to get a report from our tablemates tomorrow. They go to everything.

Bill & Mary Ann

President's Club gift – a nickel-plated tray with the 2016 world cruise logo (fashioned after the 1958 World Cruise gift)