Eve of arrival into Cochin

Day 16 on the eve of our arrival to Cochin

The three sea days crossing the Bay of Bengal to pass the islands of Sri Lanka have been relaxing. A westerly course had been maintained through this major shipping lane. We have spotted many types of vessels, tankers, merchant ships carrying unusual types of cargo and fishing boats. One ship we passed had what looked like 3 oil rig platforms on its deck. On the night of the 8^th June we were up on the deck after dinner at a deck party around the main swimming pool to "dance the night away" when we spotted what seemed to be a very long ship lit up with lights giving the appearance of a jetty, which of course, wasn't.

This morning whilst we were enjoying our constitutional morning walk along the promenade deck, a huge pod of whales heading south, were spotted of the starboard side of the ship. I reckon I counted at least 20 to 30 water spouts and saw a tail well out of the water as its owner dived to deeper water. I also saw three whales breach the water in concession, which I presume to be a family travelling together. 

As the ship passed Sri Lanka we noticed a few fishing boats, I would say to be about 5 to 10 kilometres off the coast. A large white lighthouse on the tip of the island could be seen clearly from the decks. Then afterwards a group of white buildings could be seen just west of the lighthouse. I am not sure if we were looking at a major city or not but the buildings would have been  4 or more stories.

The DP has now changed course to head North West to the tip of India. Ooh my goodness how exciting is that. India. Tomorrow we dock in Cochin.

In the past 3 days our clocks have turned back 2 ½ hours. In Adelaide it is 5pm whilst it is 1pm on board. It has been great getting an extra hour every so often. DH has had extra bed time whilst I have raced off to the laundry, firstly to see if I can get a washing machine not in use, then if so, wash, dry and iron. Then DH wonders why I come back to the cabin grouchy. Hmmm. We become 'Elite' after this leg of the cruise and washing can be done by the ship's crew as a reward for continued patronage. Yippee. But then DH has said they wash only and not iron….is he teasing?  Time will tell. DH may well be checking out the ironing board if not.

This afternoon we joined the party atmosphere in the Vista Lounge as the ship hosted the 'Melbourne Cup' races. Yesterday the horses had been auctioned off and a group from Cruise Critic bought a horse entered into the race. We had lots of laughs and won a couple of 'races', on a three dollar bet we won $8 and $10 and lost $10 on another bet…..big gamblers we aren't. But we did win a luggage tag for having a funny hat each.

 

Malaysia

Day 12 Malaysia

Yesterday the DP docked at Port Kelang, just 1 ½ hours' drive the Capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The thunder storms had passed to leave a reasonably sunny but hot, 34c day in its wake.  We decided to catch the ships shuttle service to the local shopping mall as Paul and I had been here before.  I have nothing much to report except we bought post cards and stamps and posted them with the wrong date on them. Sorry kids.   

We still have 3 out of the 4 engines working. New technicians boarded the ship in Singapore to supposedly fix the problem but have given themselves lots of room to wiggle out. This must be one sick or damaged engine. Two weeks of assessment to actually say if the engine can be repaired before Dover! If not repaired our ports after Dover will be amended. At this stage we are compensated $200 each…..wow! But at least we are having a great time and I am still pinching myself.

The ship docked today at Langkawi on the amended schedule. 6 hours in the port instead of the 9 on the original itinerary. I think everyone still managed to see/do everything they had wished to achieve on Langkawi in the reduced time. It's a lovely island holiday destination for beach and a little Malaysian history. We found the people polite and helpful. The island appeared clean, though a little tired. Duty Free prices here are so far, the cheapest. The ship's staff are now checking bags for spirits on arrival. We are only allowed to bring on a bottle of wine each or 6 cans of beer, which I consider is fair.

Singapore

Day 11  Singapore        

Tropical thunderstorms were the background of our day in Singapore. Some passengers had to rethink their planned outdoor activities to avoid a drenching. The ship berthed at the Harbour Front Cruise Terminal where Paul and I caught a taxi to Marina Sands Hotel and Casino. It cost us $5.60 on the way there and $8.40 on the way back. The taxi driver drove really well in the heavy rain and at no time did we feel in danger of an accident.

We left Tower No 1 around 1pm and had noticed the crowds had trebled in the time we had arrived. We got there about 9am; too early to go up to the 57 floors to the skywalk deck and have a swim. As the deck opens for non-hotel guests after 10am, we decided to have a look at the one and only casino in Singapore. The Singaporean Government allowed the operation of the casino on condition the local population would not easily lose their hard earned wages on gambling. We discovered this when we entered the casino through the 'Foreigners'' entrance and didn't pay $100SGD for admittance as the local population are required to pay. Of course we had to show our passports to validate the fact we were not local. Once inside we didn't immediately notice the cigarette smoke from many of the gamblers due to the great air conditioning but when we stopped to watch a few games at various tables, we were amazed at how many people were smoking. Even at 9.15am on a Sunday morning we saw many of the tables in use and a lot of money in play.

When we tried to purchase a ticket to the sky walk we were told the local thunder storm had made conditions unsafe and it had been closed. Plan B. We went from tower 3 to tower 1 where we caught a lift to the restaurant on the sky walk. Unfortunately the restaurant had just closed for breakfast and would not open for lunch till 12 noon! To top matters off we were not dressed appropriately for lunch. (Paul had shorts on) But we managed to sneak a look and get some photos whilst we were up there!

Our visit ended by having lunch and a Singapore Sling in one of the lobby bars whilst we listened to a 4 string quartet play and watched the guests as they checked in or out. Singapore Sling cost $18. We had heard Raffles charged $36 for their Singapore Slings!

Once back at the terminal we found we had to go through security and immigration before turning around to get to the Duty Free Shop in the centre. To get to the ship we then had to go through Immigration and security to get out to the terminal, then go through security and immigration to get back onto the ship. Prices for wine in the Duty Free Shop were not worth the hassle…….cheapest white wine $39SGD, bought 6 cans of Heineken for $14SGD. AUD 11.20.

We had a sail-away get together on deck 11 aft, with quite a few Cruise Critic members.  Afterwards we headed off to the pizza restaurant with our Blackwood mates R & M, B & R for dinner so we could catch the comedian's act in one of the lounges.

Day 10

Day 10

Friday, 3^rd June. Today we were fortunate to experience a 25 hour day. As the ship sails west, and into different time zones, the clocks on board are turned back to align with the updated time. Last night we shared a bottle of champagne with friends on our balcony before heading off to the restaurant for formal night. It was whilst we were sitting on the balcony; the ship sailed through the straight between Bali and Lombok Islands and into the Java Sea. During this time we noticed the sea had white caps and was quite choppy. We became  alerted when we felt the ship's momentum slow, and to us, seemed to almost stall, it was then  we saw what seemed to be a gutter of say a 3 meter wide trough of calm water about ½ meter lower than the choppy seas on either side. Once the ship sailed over this  strong current, its speed returned to normal.

Speaking about engines, we have been informed the still unrepaired engine will need further work to restore it to operating standard and there could be cancellations of a port or two. Talk around the ship……..isn't speculation is wonderful, is we may even spend a few days in Singapore, maybe in hotel accommodation?, whilst the ship goes into dry dock to have the engine repaired! Well, who knows till we hear the latest update from the Captain.

I do know that the laundry on the 11th deck had been flooded and everyone had to use another laundry!  Also talking to passengers in a cabin on the 9^th deck aft, who experienced flooding yesterday.

Having left Darwin well and truly behind the ship sailed west for about 24 hours before heading north. Seas are reasonably slight with air temperate in high 20c's.

The routine at the moment goes like this; Paul attends choir practice every day, usually after we have been to a lecture from the Economist. After lunch we head off to hear another speaker who had worked as a British Diplomat in Uganda, Seychelles, Afghanistan, Vanuatu and Hong Kong.  We usually head off to the afternoon quiz. Maybe some live entertainment after dinner before retiring to our cabin.

 

Day 8

Day 8         

Yesterday we sailed into Darwin Harbour as the sun's rays, peaked out over the city's tall buildings as it rose. Up on deck the breeze kept the temperature down but by 30 minutes after the sun's appearance, we could feel the warmth increasing to the expected 30c for the day. We saw a couple wearing fur trimmed parkers and wandered how long it would be before they had to take them off!

We hired a Tarago from Avis rent a car and 6 of us headed off for the day. Firstly, a tour of Darwin and its local environs, then off to Adelaide River and the 'Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise'. We had great weather for the day, blue skies and a slight breeze off the water which kept the mozzies and humidity away. Just before boarding the little observation boat we waited under a covered veranda area having a cup of coffee, listening to the corellas squawking in the trees lining the river and felt the cool breeze coming off the water. 

We had been on this cruise previously in December with our lovely American friends when we saw quite a few crocodiles, however yesterday there were completely different crocs spotted. It wasn't long after leaving the wharf, a big 8 metre male crocodile, estimated to be 100 years old, slide off the river bank from where it had been sunbaking and swam towards the boat. It stayed alongside the boat, with its top part of its head above the water as it studied all of us on board. Quite an eerie sensation. The attendant on the boat hung some meat from a pole and tempted the crocodile. It eventually jumped twice on our side and they swung the boat around so it was positioned on the other side and on the second jump it took the meat and swam away satisfied. We saw 5 crocs. In all before the boat headed back to the wharf.

On the way to Darwin we stopped off at the Humpty Doo Pub, noted for its Territorian hospitality. Here we met up with Gloria and Kim and Grant and Sue, our 4x4 friends from Adelaide. It was a special time for us having the opportunity to catch up with these friends.

Back in Darwin we did a little shopping, including a couple bottle of bubbles. We were questioned about bringing alcohol on board when we went through security and warned not to bring any more onto the ship in future ports as it is not allowed. At our sail away party with other Cruise Critic friends, we discovered some had their alcohol confiscated by the ships security but later handed back on the proposal no other alcohol is to be brought on at later ports.  Hmm…

We finished our day with a spa before heading off the bed while others went to see either a Juggler, the movie 'Black Swan', poker in the casino, Jazz in one of the bars or other music and dancing in another lounge.

Today the ship sailed west on its course to Singapore. The seas have been slight and the wind from the west has only been 8 knots. Another reasonably calm sailing day. We worked out at the gym and finished with another spa and swim before getting ready for dinner. After dinner we saw a Neil Diamond show performed by an Irish Singer.

Day 6

Day 6 Eve to arrival into Darwin

Yesterday we woke a little later than previous mornings due to that fact we are sleeping longer and deeper…..yipee! First activity for the day is 7 laps around the promenade deck. If you can remember the book or movie Midnight Express where the main character is in a Turkish Prison and all the inmates are walking around a centre point and he makes a decision to walk in the opposite direction. Then this is the impression I had this morning, a sea of walkers, all moving anti-clockwise around the deck. I am sure there were at least a quarter of the ship's passengers getting their daily exercise at the same time. The previous day a lady pushed her husband in his wheelchair, along this deck as everyone walked in the recommended direction. It was lovely seeing their happy faces as they took in the fresh sea air. We had passed them twice before we finished our laps. We had guessed nobody had the heart to let them know they were going the opposite direction!

In the afternoon we sailed past the two Tuesday Islands, Wednesday Island and Thursday Island. Whilst we listened to a commentary relating to this group of islands, we stood on the deck and watched as the ship passed. Then a broadcast came over to say an electrician living on Thursday Island rang the ship and said his parents, whom he hadn't seen for two years, were on board and he would try to make himself visible to them as the ship passed. Well, I become teary when a little fishing boat comes tearing out from the island, white water splashing up over the bow as it is obvious that the engines must have been powering on full. This little boat manages to stay about 200 meters portside of the ship for about 30mins as the Dawn Princess passes the group of islands. How lovely for Mum and Dad. This of course, made me think of my DS and DSD and DSS and in-law children….and GChildren, this is why I became teary.

Today started fairly well. All the Cruise Critic passengers were given a special treat, however we were asked not to disclose the details. As a consequence Paul and I missed out on our morning walk, however we made up for it after lunch. Whilst I played the afternoon quiz, Paul headed off to have a body massage which he greatly enjoyed.

Tomorrow the ship docks in Darwin.  

Day 4

Day 4, 28^th May 2011

We spent a hectic first day at sea, trying to set a pattern for our life on board the ship. We had a broken first night's sleep on board which I put down to the excitement, unfamiliar bed and surroundings. I know that I didn't manage to have much sleep the last couple of nights before leaving home, which I put down to anticipation and organising home, dog and financial affairs, and our last minute farewells and packing.   However I expected a better night's sleep the second night, which was not to be, but last night has broken the trend as we have both calmed down and sleep has finally come to us.

So far our days are starting with a 7 lap of the deck walk followed by breakfast and the day's programs. Our intentions are to increase our laps every few days and work out in the gym though at the moment it is hard to find any piece of equipment in the gym which isn't being used when we walk in there. We have discovered and intend to sit in on his talks, an economics lecturer, Colin White, who is giving a series of lectures on the World's Economy whilst we are sailing to Dubai.  He is giving us a very interesting insight on how the countries around the world are structuring their policies.

Talk about remembering names……..we have met so many lovely people, chattered with them and built up a repour and can I remember all of their names? I think I have about half of their names locked in the memory but the others will just have to repeat their names. I bet they are thinking the same.

Last night the ship had the first of 17 formal nights. This occasion also had the Captain's 'Welcome aboard Party' and Champagne Waterfall. With that is 'free' champagne!  Paul had an upset over his soda and bitters he usually gets with his 'soda card'. The waiters keep coming back to him to say that they couldn't give him his favourite drink on the card as bitters was alcohol and the 3-4 drops would constitute the drink as an alcohol beverage and he would need to pay for it separately. On previous cruises this had not been an issue and it took a trip to the Purser's Desk to qualify the change. They rang us next morning to inform us that the food and beverage manager would allow the drink to be added to the soda steam package. I now have one happy husband…..he was distraught thinking he would be drinking water for virtually the whole cruise.   

Today we are sailing at 19.7 knots, just off the coast from Townsville and north to Cooktown. The seas are slight, there are a couple of cotton ball clouds scattered around in the blue sky and the temp is 24C. People are scattered on the various decks, lying on lazy boys, reading their books or electronic books, or listening to their iPods.

The Capt.  announced yesterday one of the 4 engines had broken down and a technician will be boarding the ship in Darwin to (hopefully) rectify the problem.

There has been a line up outside the Tour Office with people hoping to book on the ship's tours. Most of them are already booked out. The trip to the Taj Mahal had been booked out months before sailing but I have also noted a lot of other tours were booked out as well. There is one lucky couple who have managed to get on the Paris/ Seine tour thanks to my oversight of booking the tour twice on the cruise personaliser. I handed back the extra tickets yesterday and today I intend to check our statement to see if the cost has been refunded.

Paul has joined the World Cruise Choir. There are two other couples from Adelaide who have encouraged him to join with them in this activity. I listened to them practice today but will use this spare time to do something else.  We played the Afternoon Quiz today but gave Bingo a miss. Last night watched the Showtime performance of 'Rock This Town', the previous night we saw the comedian Dave Burke who I thought, was quite funny and not crude.

So far today I have walked 5kms on the pedometer.