The seas remain at about 10 feet or less throughout the night. The air temperature this morning rises to the high 70's. The skies are broken clouds with lots of sun.
At 9:30 there is a training drill for the crew. Our cabin steward is not happy. Not only will the drill add several hours to his long work day, the simulated fire in a cabin two doors down the hall from us will also mean more work for him in restoring the cabin to normal after the drill.
Ship evacuation exercises for today are cancelled due to the weather conditions.
The seas increase to 6 to 8 meters, and the wind is beaufort 9, (50 mph) almost directly on our bow. Yes there is a difference in how this ocean liner cuts through the water and a cruise ship plows thru the seas. This ship is very stable and rides very smoothly despite the rough seas.
The captain choses to take us on a rhumb line course to New York instead of a great circle route. While a little longer in distance, this took us further to the south of huricane Ernesto.
During the afternoon the seas begin to subside.
Today's best program is a preentation by sculptor Douwe Blumberg on his building the 40 foot golden spike monument for Utah. Completed earlier this year, the park is not open yet commemorating the completion on the transcontinental railroad. The gold leafed "spike" will be visible for miles once the park is opened.
Since we boarded in New York he has been working on a sculpture everyday on the ship for passengers to observe his technique and progress.
The sirloin steaks served for dinner should have been labeled "tough grilled beef". It was difficult to cut, and impossible to chew. No not just our opinion but also of the couple seated next to us. All of us ordered it and had the same experience. Lots of fish food from our table.
Overall, with a few exceptions, Cunard gets a C- for food quality. Definitely below Royal, Celebrity and Holland.
They finally have Bamboo Saphire gin back in the Chart Room. It has taken 3 or 4 days to make it from storage to the bars.
The seas have calmed substantially. This evening we pass just north of where the Titantic rests.