This morning's sunrise was most unmemorable as far as color goes. There were just too many clouds for the sun to shine through them. It appeared we had been going through passing showers through the evening, which is most common considering where we are right now. The temperatures have remained warm and the humidity high. Also typical of the area around the Equator. We spent the late morning at the Seaview Pool relaxing at a table along the side railing. It really is the best place to catch a breeze. Many folks were stretched out on the lounges getting burned very rapidly. This equatorial sun can be very damaging if one is not careful. However, while enjoying the fresh breeze, one of us decided to try a strawberry daiquiri. It was just as refreshing as the ones we had while in Half Moon Cay. This could turn into a dangerous habit.
Captain Paul came on the speakers for his afternoon talk, and something in his voice gave us the impression that we might not be going to Fanning Island. There was nothing specifically that we could put a finger on, just a hint of hesitation while describing some of the conditions at the tender platform that we may encounter. If the seas remained like they were today, there should be no problem. Still, we were doubtful that this tender port would happen. Perhaps that is due to the fact that we have missed it in the past about as many times that we have successfully made it there. Judging from the chatter on social media websites, we knew some folks would be bringing donations to the island. It had been made clear that those who chose to bring things to give away, would have pack them off themselves. There would be a collection booth near the tender platform to leave the donations.
We ordered a room service lunch for a change. Two entrée-size chicken Caesar salads were ordered, which arrived without the chicken. The waiter had repeated the order back to us, but whoever fills it, forgot the chicken. Then we split a roast beef panini, which is about half the size that it used to be. Probably better for us to have smaller portions, but we have to keep that in mind when ordering. It did take all of 40 minutes to arrive. After lunch we turned a movie on by the name of Being Rose, a very deep and almost depressing movie. We watched it until the end literally because the main character died.
Then it was time for a walk. There are far fewer folks walking the promenade deck at 5pm, mostly because they are off to an early dinner. Although it was still warm on one side, there are less people out and about. At one point, we stopped in the forward area to take in the breeze. Always on watch for flying fish, we did see some a good 50 yards off of the ship. That is odd to see these fish popping up so far off. It was possible there was something under them giving chase. Lo and behold, up jumped two large dolphins, followed by several more. They were pretty far out there, but we happened to have the small camera with us and got some shots. At one point we guessed there were at least a dozen of them keeping up with the ship's speed. So fun to watch. Within a few minutes, the entire railing was full of people watching like us. It always pays to "stop and smell the roses".
The sunset would follow, but once again, it was not a memorable one. Too many rain clouds on the horizon blocked the setting sun. All we got was some color in the nearby clouds. Time to get dressed for dinner,so we went back home.
Dining room dinner was a varied menu, unlike any other so far this whole trip. We are not seeing a repeated menu like we had on the 7 day Alaska runs. This menu is full of South Sea-like items that go with the area. A particularly good appetizer was a shrimp and artichoke heart cheddar cheese dip with one bread stick. Actually it took a slice of bread to finish the entire bowl which we ended up sharing. Salads were a mixed red and romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and croutons minus the salmon. Mains were chicken cordon blu – one with the potatoes and peas, and one with linguini and sausage. It was a great combination.
Just as we finished our ice crem and yogurt desserts, Captain Paul came on the speakers. Guess what? The port of Fanning Island had to be cancelled. Now the reason was one we have never heard before. Turns out the Kiribati customs officials could not make it to the island tomorrow to clear the ship. Despite the fact this has been on the itinerary since day one, they claimed there was no flight or a suitable vessel for the locals to get to the island on time tomorrow. The scheduled arrival time had been 7 or 8am with a departure time of 1:30pm. It was a short window, but it was not to be. Now here is where the story got interesting. The Captain announced that he would personally be at the front desk to answer any questions that the guests may have. And he specifically added not to engage with the front staff crew members as they were not responsible for this deletion. We sure hope that he warded off any unpleasant confrontations, although we cannot imagine anyone not understanding the situation. The final decision to abandon the planned stop is really made from the people in Seattle. On addition there would be no problem with refunding any tours since there are none on the tiny little island. Captain Paul did add that the donations that the guests planned on taking over to shore would be stored on the ship for their next stop in January of 2024. For some unknown reason, we were not at all surprised with this change of plans, but never expected the reasoning behind it.
So the plan for tomorrow is to circumnavigate the 14 mile island, then head off for the next port in Samoa. Like we always say: expect the unexpected.
Bill & Mary Ann
