The first thing I read this morning is a note from the captain explaining that we will have very little if any satellite communications for the next 6 days or so. Any TV will be spotty and internet connections will be nearly impossible. This is because we are located in an area where there are very few people and therefore no satellites positioned to service this part of the world. I try, but there is no connection.
The ship is talking to us with her characteristic groans and moans as she pitches and rolls a small amount. I try walking around on the outside promenade deck, but there is just enough motion that walking is a little difficult for me. Probably if I had a few drinks it would be easier, but I choose instead to walk a treadmill in the gym.
During the day I listen to several presentations on world explorers. Milt Keiles is the guest speaker. He covers many of the early explorers, but not my favorite, Henry Hudson.
George Stosur is also doing a series of presentations focused on geography. So far all the presentations he has given I have heard on a previous cruise, probably HAL but I'm not sure.
Guest speakers are usually retired, and have some sort of expertise in a subject that will be of interest to the passengers. I don't know the details of the financial arrangements, but they are part passenger and part staff with duties limited to the presentations.
Tonight there is only the one show instead of the usual two. If I go to the dining room, I most likely wouldn't be able to attend, so I go to the Lido instead. Unlike most other ships the food in the Lido is prepared to order and served by the staff instead of being piled in steam table pans and picked over by the passengers. The Lido also serves every item that is being offered in the dining room ad then some. I have spinach linguine and ice tea, skipping any rolls or dessert.
The entertainers, Jeff and Tessa Evason, are "mind readers". How they do it I don't know, and just like when I watch a magician, I don't want to know. The show is very well done. They have performed all over the globe and have an exclusive arrangement with HAL for cruise ship performances.
Shortly after the show, the musicians are doing a jazz program in the ocean bar. Often this venue is used for ballroom dancing each evening, and this will be the first time I go there. I share a table with Karla from Miami and Mike from the UK, two younger solo travelers. They know each other having met several months ago playing trivia on a different cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. The world of cruising really is a small world.
The sax player is exceptional, and just like everywhere on the ship I find no need for earplugs like I usually do on other ships.
Tonight we turn our clocks back another hour. As I write this we are nearing the equator, have traveled 3000 miles from Florida, and have over 2300 miles to travel to our next port.
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