Subject: Report # 76 Sailing Towards Phuket, Thailand March 16, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees 7 Pictures
Forgot to mention that the clocks were set back one hour last night. Frankly, we were so tired we barely remember our heads hitting the pillows. The extra hour was very much appreciated.
We have ended yet another segment of the world cruise. It went from Hong Kong to Singapore and was for 10 days. Total miles for that segment was 2322 miles. Total miles so far since Ft. Lauderdale is 22,907 statute miles as of 10pm this evening. That's a lot, with more to come.
It was so darned hot outside today, we had to take our daily walks in short spurts on the lower promenade deck. The side that was in the sun was empty of customers. The opposite side was full of folks sleeping or reading. Don't blame them. We stayed cool in our room while working on photos. The longest break we took was for lunch in the dining room. Today, Maureen joined Barb and us for a nice visit and equally as good meal. They had the best almond-crusted chicken tenders, which we could have made a meal of by itself. One of us had soup and a tasty hero sandwich, while everyone else had salads. Dessert was ice cream.
Our 7 day overland trip in Sri Lanka is coming up soon, so we had to concentrate on getting ready for it. We made lists of the minimum items we will need, although the good thing is we will be driving to Yala National Park, and not flying. The only flight will be from Colombo to Dubai on Emirates Air. They are generous with their weight limit, and we shouldn't come anywhere near it.
The guest speakers are still onboard delivering their series once again. Revell Carr spoke about the Dutch influence in the far east, while Kate Ross dealt with the Indian Ocean trade network. We are sorely missing these lectures on our room TV. Not happy about that change.
Barbara H and Shore Ex manager, Nyron, gave talks on the ports from Phuket, Thailand to Salalah, Oman. Speaking of tours, even on port days, many of their tours are offered to be sold up to that very morning. Wonder if they are having difficulties filling the coaches? We do know that some excursions have been cancelled due to no interest. That is unusual.
Way too hot to sit at the aft pool, we did our visiting on the promenade deck this afternoon. Also checked out the sunset on deck nine, only to find that the orange sun was going behind strange gray overcast on the horizon. The humidity was so heavy this morning, you could see it. Many cargo ships and container vessels passed us coming or going, as this is a very busy waterway.
We had reservations for an 8pm dinner in the Pinnacle Grill this evening. Beginning with Caesar salad, custom-made with our choice of light, medium, or heavy dressing, we also chose to have no anchovy. Our entrees were steaks….one New York strip and one filet mignon, the smaller cut of 7 ounces. We shared a bowl of well-seasoned mushrooms with two stacks of skinny fries, instead of the baked potato. They were excellent for a change. Dessert was two bowls of rocky road ice cream, along with several little biscotti cookies they make special for this venue.
The entertainer this evening was a funny magician by the name of Mel Mellers. Our dinner ran overtime, so we missed most of his show. He will surely be on the stage again.
Tomorrow's port is in Phuket, but as of now, we are scheduled to dock, which is located far from everywhere. We like the tender port much better, where we anchor and ride to Patong Beach. Everything is there instead. Darn.
Bill & Mary Ann
Sunset photos on our way to Thailand
Set at 6:32pm
Our room garden
Covers the window now
