February 23, 2017

Our final Sea Day (#8) for this cruise brought a sunny sky, temperature about 26, strong winds and low humidity.  The forecast for the next few days along Western Australia’s west coast was for high temperatures above 32 C and no rain.  The sea had developed waves with about two meters troughs causing the ship to sometimes creak. Only some of the waves had white caps.

     At breakfast in the dining room, we shared a table with a couple from London, England, a couple from Southampton, England, a woman from England and man from Australia.  The couple from London flew to Australia on Qantas Airlines, because the plane had the longest beds in the first class section.  They were disappointed in the toiletries supplied by the cruise ship – shampoo in a shower dispenser and bar soap – compared to what they had in their five star hotel in Sydney – shower cap, mini sewing kit, cotton swabs, mini bottles of body wash, shampoo, condition, hand cream and bar soap. There were other shortcomings noted during breakfast, which were a bit eccentric. This was their first Royal Caribbean cruise, which also includes the next cruise.  They are going to try a P & O cruise next, because their neighbours told them that the alcohol prices are cheaper with that cruise line.  On board this ship, the daily special drinks on board are $12 US plus 18% gratuities. The wife does not like that the specialty coffee, at $4 for a 12 oz size, is only served in cardboard cups; somewhere she even made a Starbucks barista find her a “proper cup”.  They noted that the level of service is not as high as Cunard Cruises, which is a much higher priced voyage.

     This morning we needed to pick-up the Fremantle/Perth excursion bus assignments, since Fremantle/Perth is also disembarkation day for about two thirds of the passengers.  Then we sat in on a Jive dance instruction by Sue and Robert.  The instructors started the steps with the man beginning with his right foot, but our experience is for the man to start with his left foot.  Although the intricate moves taught were doable, they could not be incorporated into our current swing dance repertoire.  We also attended a Tango lesson given by the stars of the Tango Buenos Aires show, but they also started their Argentine Tango lesson with the man beginning with his right foot.

     The captain’s noon announcement informed us that to arrive in Geraldton on time, an extra $20,000 of fuel is being used travelling from Port Hedland and Geraldton, due to the three hour later departure from Port Hedland yesterday.  The speed has been between 21 and 23.5 knots per hour compared to 14 to 17 knots per hour from Cairns to Darwin.

      We chose Steak and Kidney Pie or Vietnamese Fried Rice for our lunch in the dining room.  After lunch, later in the afternoon, there was a meeting in the Aurora Theater for the 670+ passengers who are staying on board for the Fremantle/Perth to Sydney cruise.  Instructions were issued regarded surrendering the current Seapass card (ID for on the ship) and obtaining the new cruise’s Seapass card in Fremantle as well as what to do if you had to switch to a different stateroom than on the first voyage.  Bob and Maureen have to move to a front of the ship stateroom four decks higher.  They will have a great view of the helicopter landing deck that was used when the pilots form Port Hedland flew off the ship yesterday evening.  The system is quite different from the Celebrity Cruises continuing cruisers procedures in Barcelona last fall.

    We spent part of the afternoon sorting the photos, from the Spain and Portugal trip, to be eventually printed into a photo album either electronic or paper.  Then a venture to the Casino before dinner.

     Just before 5:30 p.m., an “Alpha on Deck 6” announcement was broadcast on all ship’s speakers even into the staterooms and pre-empted all television channels.  I wondered what happened.

    Dinner this evening for appetizers we chose creamed wild mushroom in puffy pastry and royal crab cocktail.  The entrées were Thai Chicken Breast with red curry, edamame & shitake mushrooms, boy and steamed rice and Prime Rib Beef, potato croquettes, tomato and green beans. Desserts chosen were Grand Marnier Soufflé and Ivory Chocolate Mousse & chocolate ice cream.

     This evening’s main stage entertainment is a group of three women, called The Diamonds, singing soul, disco and popular tunes.  At the conclusion of the show, Cruise Director, Joff Eaton’s announcement was well received.  He informed the crowd that at Geraldton, the ship would be docked and not tendered.  There was a relieved cheer.

Steps  10,972