Yesterday we had another message from the hotel director concerning activity venues. Now we have often wondered what would happen if, for instance, 800 passengers would decide to join in popular activities like trivia, dance lessons, Microsoft work class, watercolors, or arts and crafts? Well this cruise has more people than ever participating in some events, and there is a problem. Although this was not stated as the problem, we heard today that this complaint has been directed towards arts and crafts. The students arrive before lunchtime to the Lido, eat lunch, then wait for the instructor to arrive at 2:30pm. Then they are there for the supplies for the class of the day. Wonder if they are running out of supplies, as they under-estimated the size of this class? Not much different from our attempt to participate in the Microsoft lessons. We have never been successful in getting computers, let alone get into the room. The way we see it, the time is coming when the guests will have to pay to join these classes. That way, everyone might have a chance to join in , and the supplies would not run out. Time will tell if Henk’s message will work for people not to arrive too early for scheduled events. Naughty bunch, this group….
It was much cooler with cloudy skies today. The further south we traveled, the rougher it became. At 11am, we went to the Crow’s Nest on deck nine for another Cruise Critic meeting. This was the second gathering to welcome some new folks that joined this segment yesterday. Except only half of the members attended this meeting. More than likely, the motion of the ship would have stopped most people from going to this deck. We began hitting some significant swells after breakfast, and it continued to get worse by noontime. It was all we could do to stand up straight.
We met Barb for lunch, which is always fun. Captain Mercer gave his PM talk, but with a twist today. We have had an itinerary revision regarding an intense low-pressure system, barreling its way towards Tasmania, our next destination. They have decided to pull out of Hobart earlier than expected tomorrow, and skip our stop in Port Arthur. With expected winds at 40 mph and swells of 6 feet, tendering folks ashore would be too dicey. The next port in Kangaroo Island is north of Tasmania, but the intended route would take us into seas with swells up to 24 feet. The Captain has no intention of taking us through that. So the plan now is to travel up the east coast of Tasmania, through the Bank and Bass Straits, gaining access to the Australian coast. No doubt, it is still going to be rough. Whether or not we get to Kangaroo Island is not known at this point. Naturally, all of the cancelled tours booked in Port Arthur will be credited to shipboard accounts. Everyone will receive a refund on the port charges as well. And to keep most everyone happy, there will be complimentary sparkling wine or soft drinks at dessert on Wednesday evening to celebrate our safety. And that’s how things can turn on a dime. We say better safe than sorry.
Besides walking a few miles outside, watching some massive swells explode off of the hull, we kept busy with yesterday’s photos. Two lectures took place in the Queen’s Lounge. One by Barbara H, all about what to see and do in Kangaroo Island and Adelaide. We are still searching for her talk about Hobart, because although we have been there at least three times, we cannot seem to recall what is there. Our first visit, we went to Port Arthur to tour the prison. The second stop there, we took a wine and zoo tour. The third time, we went out exploring on foot, ending with a lunch in a pub. At the time, we had a different computer, so we don’t have those old reports for reference.
The second lecture was from here to infinity with Alan Wright. Not sure what that was all about, as there was no other hints. Same applies to the entertainer this evening, Andy Joy, with a unique blend of musical talent, story-telling, and humor.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill, and a table for two. We are never disappointed with the lamb chops or filet…..both savory, with sides of French fries, you cannot go wrong. We would have been finished by 9:15pm if we had remembered that a soufflé takes 20 minutes to bake. Still, it was worth the wait.
Tomorrow should be fun as we “re-discover” Hobart.
Bill & Mary Ann
