Day 48 of 102

The world weather forecast indicated torrential rain and winds with cloud symbols all over where we are right now, for the next two to three days.

It has just been announced that we shall be in Darwin a day early, in lieu of our call at Bali, yesterday. This means postponing my birthday lunch. And I have just arranged for it to be a birthday dinner, hopefully in the Verandah, as before, but at 7.30, still on March 1st. 

This alteration may, however, provide an opportunity to go to Litchfield Park, an excursion I missed in 2018, and was fully booked this year.  So far, there is nothing on the My Voyage App.  I have just ascertained that the “Day 1” excursions will be published between 3 and 5 o’clock this afternoon. 

I do enjoy the daily (at sea) routine of making it in time for breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant.  At the table next to me, a couple of Australian ladies who appeared impressed with my visits to their country. 

If I understand correctly, we are around 350 nautical miles from Darwin, or at least, the northwest coast of Australia.  Outside right now, it is cloudy but dry with frequent appearances of the sun.  The sea (Indian Ocean) is around 8,000 feet deep, where we are right now.  Outside, it is a magnificent but humid 84°F.  It’s not going to cool down anytime soon; I don’t want it to!  Will it still be 37°C in Perth when I arrive there, in mid to late March? 

I am just debating whether to grit my teeth and go up in one of those tiny aeroplanes to view the Great Barrier Reef from above.  After travelling to Ayers Rock (Uluru), the same way in 2019, I vowed, never again, except that I would not have missed that experience for the world! 

Those pictures took some locating! 

Today is one of relaxation, alternating between Britannia Restaurant, stateroom, Atlantic Room, and trying to walk on the Promenade Deck.  It is hot out there, obviously.  I have been on here 48 days now, and apart from some unexpected homesickness at the start (which did catch me unawares), this voyage is exceeding my expectations in so many ways.  While there are numerous activities from which one can choose during the day, I am perfectly content to enjoy the plenteous open spaces outside, especially in these tropical climes.

The adjacent tables are already set up for dinner.

I enjoyed lunch at a table with a good view outside of the turbulent sea promised by Captain Hall. But almost immediately afterwards, I was reminded that I need to attend Australian Immigration.

Although the queue stretched a long way, we were all dealt with very quickly and efficiently. 

I am contemplating entering some of my better photographs in an onboard competition. The deal is this. Each entry costs $10. In return, your picture is printed and displayed, and the person entering the competition receives a print. At Boots, a similar picture is less than a quid! The top prize…a framed souvenir photograph and a stack of onboard kudos! If my pictures can be printed as taken, and not cropped or distorted, I shall be fairly happy to submit some entries.

In the afternoon, I chose to go for a pedicure.” At least, my toe nails would be taken care of. I would enjoy an hour of absolute bliss as everything below the knee was “worked on” for an hour. This was more pleasurable than some of the coach tours (shore experiences) I had been on at roughly the same price!

Jo and I met for a pre-dinner deck walk, had dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, and attended the show in the Royal Court Theatre. New Zealand’s answer to Pavarotti gave his second performance, but with no repeats from his first show, a couple of nights ago.

I would sleep quite well, just making it in time for breakfast in the Britannia before they closed at 9.30.

Many thanks for reading, David, 11.12 hrs GMT+9, in my stateroom. Apparently, it is raining hard outside.