Day 27 of 102

Today in Captain Hall’s noon day address, apart from the routine position and weather update, he did say that there was plenty of sea life appearing, dolphins, green turtles, and rare blue whales.  I have seen the dolphins, but nothing else, except spectacular green algae.

For the first time, last night, I was unimpressed with the show featuring a fast talking magician and illusionist.  He was a “stand-in” for a 60s band, which failed earlier in the day, to materialise.  Perhaps I was, by that time, too bleary-eyed to follow much of his show, which, if nothing else, was fluently presented, with dramatic background music.  Jo retired for the night while I paid my usual brief visit to the midnight buffet for a small sandwich and a camomile tea. 

We entered a new time zone at 2 a.m., and I had already altered my watches.  Hopefully, the brand new one will adjust itself automatically as we sail further southeast. We have a further three time adjustments between now and arrival in Penang on Saturday.

Again, after around five hours’ sleep, I awoke early enough for breakfast served in the Britannia Restaurant. This time, I didn’t go for any cooked option except for oatmeal with banana, yoghurt, half a grapefruit, and several cups of coffee. The restaurant is on the same level as my stateroom and but a few steps away, unlike the Kings Court where one has to balance plates of food while searching for somewhere to sit.

This morning, after said breakfast, I chose to walk around Deck 7 in a bid to achieve my walking target early in the day. Already it is gloriously warm as we continue our south-easterly course towards the southern tip of India, and Sri Lanka.

Captain Hall should, by now, in possession of my Laconia archive, which I hope will prove interesting. At the very least, it will be this portfolio that will have travelled from Southampton to Australia and back on this cruise, celebrating the Centenary of R.M.S. Laconia’s historic first public round-the-world voyage of a passenger ship.

A splendid shore-side party is planned for Singapore on 23rd February. A free bar from the early evening, fabulous cuisine, and spectacular entertainment awaits just those who have signed up for the full World Voyage. The evening usually ends in riotous chaos as the now inebriated guests are bussed home, bursting into song, or having to be carried aboard! Needless to say, I shall be as sober as a judge, but will join in the singing!

Many thanks for reading, David. I didn’t get around to posting this blog until 8th Feb, after having just posted my blog for yesterday. No 0019. Therefore, this is renumbered 0019(A), and refers to the day before yesterday.