Another day at sea, and another day closer to Townsville. We think. During his PM talk, Captain Jonathan planted the seed that due to the high winds and a narrow channel to approach Townsville, it may be a challenge getting the ship into their dock. During the night and into today, the rough seas and winds stayed with us. Although later in the afternoon, conditions improved. We will think positive that it will be a go.
The sun had actually come out, so we took advantage of that, and headed for the pool. As comfortable as it was outside, there were only a handful of us out there on the lounges. The humidity was high, mostly because we had a following wind, and occasionally there was a very light rain. Barb even came back with us for a spell to get some fresh air and a little sun.
We really believe that getting as much fresh sea air is essential to staying healthy while on a ship. Even when things are normal, without the threat of communicable diseases, we think it is healthier to be outside. And with that thought in mind, we all received a message regarding visitors coming onboard from here on out. Starting tomorrow, they will no longer be allowing new visitors to come on the ship, out of an abundance of caution for our health and safety. Prior requests will be honored, but only if the new visitors will have temperature checks and other protocols. Prior submitted visitors will need to bring passports and be checked for past travel. Truthfully, we are surprised anyone not on this cruise is still being allowed to board. To say these are ever changing times is an understatement.
Several activities kept the folks busy. Guest speakers lectured on science and the war in the Pacific. And we noticed that we have the Reef pilot with us now, and he gave a talk about steering clear of the reef. The guest chef, Scott Webster did a cooking show in the morning, then had a sip and savor session at 4:30pm for $7. This was really popular last year, but it was held in the Crystal Terrace (deck 5 atruim). Obviously, they needed a bigger area, so the Explorers Lounge was perfect.
We were not very hungry at lunchtime, so we had room snacks, then went to the Ocean Bar to listen to the music. Even with rough seas, there was a dance floor full of waltz, fox trot, and 2 step experts enjoying the dancing. The band just played the music slower, so there were no injuries.
There were five of us for dinner, since the fellows went to the Pinnacle Grill with other friends who will be going home in Freemantle. Tonight the theme was Aboriginal Night Fire Dinner with mesmerizing sounds of the digeridoo. We waited for the music to start, but it never did. Maybe that was a good thing. The room had been decorated with deep pink lights and table decorations. The tables had black tablecloths, and the black-covered chairs were tied with pink chiffon bows. Even the waiters wore all black with sparkling vests. Thinking we could not hear the music where we were sitting, our waiters admitted it was never played even for the early dinner. Some of the menu choices reflected the Aboriginal foods, but we ordered the cod, which was really good. Our only request is that when we order fish, it has to have no bones and no smell. So far, it has worked.
Entertainers tonight were a duo called Soul Mystique, described as world renowned magical transformation artists. Certainly the guys will go, since they rarely miss a show, and let us know what that was all about. Last night, they missed one of the best performances we have seen. So they will catch the singer if she appears one more time.
And for a change, we added a very thoughtful saying used by good friend Richard F. Hopefully he will not mind if we share his amusing thoughts.
Bill & Mary Ann
I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not
sure you realize that that what you heard is not what I meant.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Report #124 Day at Sea March 10, 2020 Tuesday Partly cloudy & 69 degrees
