We were eventually joined by a couple from Melbourne, Australia, and spent a lot of time talking about things to do and see in that city. We’ll spend several days in Melbourne this season, and have never been there before, so we were soaking up their recommendations. Alas, the topic of conversation soon turned to US politics. Aaaarrrggghhhh! We simply can’t get away from that.
The rain fell in sheets all morning, driven by the strong wind, and several minisuites on our deck (Dolphin) flooded when the water ran in their balconies doors. What a mess! All along the midship corridor, huge shop vacs were extracting water from the soaked carpet in the cabins and corridor and by this afternoon, large blowers were set up to take care of the rest.
The rough seas made us sleepy, and we actually napped a little before we went to destination specialist Kay Taylor’s lecture on Port Douglas. I have to admit that she is pretty darn good, and her slides are excellent. One interesting point is that 1600 wrecks have been identified on the Great Barrier Reef, and, while old sailing vessels didn’t have a huge impact on the reef, when more modern ships wreck, carrying fuel and dangerous cargos, it’s had a devastating effect on the reef.
The Most Traveled Guests (formerly the Most Traveled Passengers) luncheon was held in the Crowne Grille beginning at noon (hence, our light breakfast). It was nice to see Captain D again. He admitted that the weather has made his sleep difficult for the past few days, but that, by the time we arrive in Port Douglas in two days, things should considerably improve. I had submitted a request for a vegan meal plus seafood, and had a feast. My starter was a beautiful presentation of grilled curled zuchini (I think) strips, button mushroom, tomatoes and other vegetables topped with a light truffle oil. For the entree, I had various seafoods (squid, mussels, shrimp and scallops) in a light tomato sauce on spaghetti. And dessert was a beautiful fruit plate. I survived just fine, even abstaining from the wine, and, for once, didn’t feel like sleeping all afternoon afterwards. (But I did miss the wine!)
Unfortunately, I also didn’t feel like getting cleaned up all over again before dinner. The seas had calmed slightly by then, with wind gusts reaching only 48 knots, and we actually saw a little bit of sun, so I went up to the fitness center for a non-sweaty weights workout with some bike time. G held down a hot tub for part of the afternoon. The hot tubs are disappointingly NOT hot, and the pools are all downright cold. The sea grew calmer (though the navigation channel on TV still called them ‘Rough’) and we very briefly saw the sun before it disappeared for good for the rest of the day.
For once on MTP MTG luncheon day, I was actually hungry when we went to dinner. Today it was a ceviche starter followed by the vegetarian entree of grilled vegetables made vegan by leaving off the cheese. I am finding these meals very satisfying and don’t feel at all deprived. Tonight we skipped even a fruit plate dessert to get to comedian Robert Pearson’s 6:45pm show in the Vista Lounge (ugh) and then rushed to get two of the last seats available 20 minutes ahead of production show Stardust in the Princess Theater. It is quite a change to see it performed on this larger ship with 4 vocalists and 12 or so dancers, compared to when it is performed on the Pacific Princess with 2 vocalists and 6 dancers. On both ships, it’s great.
The seas are definitely better tonight, though one of my nightstand drawers just slid out and back. Time to get out the duct tape again. ;-)