DAY 30 day 6 of 6

Our last day at sea before our arrival in Dubai.  Security measures are still being carried out on-board. We stopped off shore near Muscat Oman while we waited for a change of Security people to come along side and board the ship as we travel the Homoz (spelling) straits. We were stationary for nearly 2 hours waiting be proceeding finally passing through the straits at 11.30pm. There were several of little dinghy’s with outboards buzzing around us.  We presumed they were fishermen but didn’t see any rods or nets.  I awoke during the night to go and have a look out on the balcony; all I could see were oil rigs. At one stage I counted 9.

A pathetic finish to the progressive Trivia, all we could have won was a wooden spoon if they had one…. J

We’re moving cabins again which doesn’t worry us as that’s what you get when you book a ship’s guarantee and we still think it’s the best way to book, especially on a long voyage like this.  We will move to Deck 6 with balcony.

Apologies for the lack of photos, the internet has been quite intermittent. I will try in Dubai.

Dubai tomorrow. J

DAY 29 day 5 of 6 days at sea

Been busy so I am three days behind so I will now post all three days one after the other..... happy reading. :)

Another perfect day at sea, and the perfect place to celebrate my Birthday.  We started with breakfast in the Diamond breakfast room. Then it was off to Trivia, back up to 15 out of 20 today, we all wish we could just be a little bit better but we’re having fun and that’s all that counts.

Clocks advanced an hour at midday so before we new it the afternoon was gone. The Sportsbar has US$3.00 beers from midday until 4.00pm so we met there for the cocktail of the day at US$3.00 and a few beers before the Paradise Parade began along the Royal Promenade. The Parade was good and costumes were great but it could have lasted a bit longer with a little more dancing.

Our time schedule seems to always be busy and we had about 45 minutes to get showered and ready for the show at 7.00pm.  Tonight it was a Hypnotist, we’ve not seen one ‘live’ before. He had several ‘willing volunteers’ up on the stage….which didn’t include us. ;) The guy had these people believing they were Elvis Presley, Lap dancers, riding horses, seeing the audience as if they we were all in the nude, all of which was hilarious…..glad we didn’t volunteer. J

Portofino specialty restaurant was the choice tonight for my Birthday.  It’s the most amazing restaurant and the food is divine. The Captain was also dining there and he was happy to sign my Birthday card and have a chat and a joke with us.  He’s such a personable guy, hope the new Captain from Dubai has the same sense of humour?

We didn’t have time for any sports activities together today but Roy and Wayne had a game of Putt Putt where Roy wants to announce he had a hole in one… J Then they shot a few hoops on the basketball court…. Or should I say tried to shoot hoops and between the two of them they didn’t score even one hoop!!  We girls wish we had been there, we would have given them heaps about that.  If it’s not too hot tomorrow we’ll all have a go, and we’re sure the girls will be the boys easily.

Voyager of the Seas employs magic Elves….. we went to dinner and when we came home we had new carpet in our cabin…..just like that…. And everything that must have had to be moved was all back exactly as we had left it.

Tomorrow is our last day at sea before arriving in a very hot Dubai. They’re now predicting 45C….!!!

SUNDAY 13 MAY..... HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MUM  <3
Thinking of you today,
Lots of love, Jill and Roy xxx

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me..... another year younger. :)

DAY 28 day 4 of 6 days at sea

We decided to have a relaxing morning with a leisurely breakfast after Trivia. We’re still not able to get a score of better than 16, so don’t think we’ll be winning the gold watch and the world cruise…..lol.

Lunch was at Johnny Rockets, what a great place that it.  It’s the first time we’ve eaten there.  We danced our way through lunch eating delicious hamburgers and huge milkshakes and Sundaes.  We all felt like we were back in Happy Days with the Fonz.  The crew had us up dancing from the minute we arrived in the door. J  I’d recommend this to everyone for something different and a lot of fun for lunch or dinner.

As our lunch didn’t finish until around 3.00pm we walked off the lunch out up to the bow of the ship.  The sea is still calm and the air hot and up the front it was roasting.

After drinks early evening we decided not to go to the Dining room but to have casual dinner up in the Windjammer.  As we are still under security everywhere that doesn’t have curtains is dark, so we ate in the dark, quite a romantic dinner. J

For the first time since we have been on board we had an early night, in bed by 10.00pm. I think we needed it. J

At sea tomorrow.

DAY 27 day 3 of 6 days at Sea

Another beautiful and warm morning again. Progressive Trivia no:3 wasn’t so good for us today, we got a miserable 11 out of 20. So often we debate between two answers, one of which ends up being correct but we end up putting down the wrong one…..darn.

The Captain has quite a sense of humour.  In his report this morning he was apologizing for all the security on board but also explaining that of course safety is paramount on the ship.  Then he finishes by saying with all these dark and romantic settings around the ship after dusk…… he’ll be interested to see the results in 9 months time…… J Unfortunately he also disembarks in Dubai so we were told.  He’s been very informative and thorough with his reports from the Bridge.

It’s so hot outside this afternoon our Olympic challenge has been relocated to an indoor sport…..cards. We think we’ll have to have the outdoor pursuits in the morning before it gets too hot.  Apparently the temperature expected when we reach Dubai will be in the mid 40’s…….eeek.  I think I can handle that if Roy keeps me inside the Gold Souqs where it’s cool and he has his credit card in his hot little hand……lol. 

As always we have heard from the ‘moaners’ on board, and there’s always plenty, don’t know why they bother going on holiday in the first place because nothing seems to please them. 

If I worked on a cruise ship I’d write a book, I’m sure it would be a best seller. Jimmy the Cruise Director has ‘the’ list of stupid questions the guests ask.  One I remember was “I’ve had my photo taken at dinner on the Formal nights but now the photos have been removed from the display and are in piles.  How I will know which one is mine now that I want to buy one?”

We finished our Formal night off tonight with a couple of after dinner drinks at the Pig and Whistle which is always packed. If we don’t get a seat inside there’s always plenty outside on the ‘street’, the Royal Promenade.  Robbie McNay the resident entertainer is excellent.  He’s on the ship until November for those who may be on this ship between now and then.  He’s fun and plays great music.

At sea tomorrow.

DAY 26 2 of 6 days at sea

As I opened the door out on to our balcony at 7.00am it felt like I was opening the oven door! The sea is glassy and sapphire blue in colour. Captain Martinsen reported that the temperature today would be around 33C however the humidity is making it feel a lot hotter than that.  Our clocks went forward an hour today at midday…. I think that will happen for the next few days.

Very proud of ourselves again this morning, breakfast consisted of cereal and toast only…..no trimmings today J now I’m not saying this will be a daily occurrence…. J

Progressive Trivia No:2 this morning.  Yesterday we came in at 5^th.  Today our score was 16 out of 20 so it’ll be interesting to see where we come tomorrow. Nowhere near as many playing on this leg of the cruise.

The Royal Navy came alongside this morning to provide more security as we sail the waters between Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the Straits of Hommos. The ship is in total blackout after dusk.  All curtains are drawn and glassed areas covered.  Outer decks are closed until dawn because there is no lighting.  The Marines carried out some practice shots aft, it wasn’t noisy as they have silencers on their weapons. We are travelling in a convoy with 5 other ships and also have helicopters monitoring from above.  This security will continue for the next few of days until we’re clear of the area.

We’ve spent some of today chatting and people watching at the Promenade Café. It’s a popular spot on the ship as is the Pig and Whistle. The best internet connection is at the Café here on deck 5. I think it would be a huge ‘plus’ if wireless internet was available throughout the ship. I would assume Suites would have wireless but the rest of the ship need to connect in the designated areas. PC’s are available at the library on deck 7 and 8. Here’s a tip for those who would like to use the Library on this ship.  You need to get in quick to get your books as they vanish in a flash and the Library is not that extensive.

On our leg from Dubai to Singapore they are introducing 3D movies, a first for this ship. We also have the DreamWorks characters wandering around, Penguins, Shrek, Puss in Boots etc. This is also something new for the ship.

The 70’s night was a great hit once again.  On the last leg it was held in the Royal Promenade.  This time they held it in Studio B which is the ice skating venue on deck 3. This was a much better venue as there was more room to dance and everyone was up dancing. There must have been at least 1000 there but the venue has ample room for everyone to either be on the dance area or seated. The crew throw glow in the dark flashing rings and lots of tee shirts as giveaways during their stage performance.  It’s a lot of fun as everyone loves 70’s music as it is interactive.

Jimmy Rhodes, our Cruise Director has been excellent.  He finishes in Dubai and the new Cruise Director whom we met yesterday will take over. I can’t remember his name. He is from Canterbury in the UK. Jimmy was from Alabama in the USA. The crew do work hard on here but must say they always do it with a smile and always make time to stop and chat with the guests.

Tomorrow is at Sea.

DAY 25 1 of 6 days at Sea

We awoke to another beautiful day. We had a bit of a late night last night as we popped into the Pig and Whistle after dinner.  Robbie is the resident musician, he both sings and plays the guitar.  He has a huge repotoir of songs.  We couldn’t catch him out at all, every song we asked him to sing he did. Roy and he hit it instantly as they both originate from Liverpool UK. Of course we had to sing ‘You’ll never walk alone’…… in Scouse. J

Later in the evening was party time with a pool party up on deck in the warm Arabian night air.  Everyone was in full swing with glow in the dark drinking glasses and flashing glow in the dark rings.  The crew had everyone up dancing. The bands around the ship are all excellent and have the knack of playing just the right music to make you want to do nothing but dance.  All is well until we go to get out of bed the next morning, it’s then we realise how much we must have danced the night before. J

Speaking to various people today it sounds as if Luxor and the Valley of the Kings was a great success.  It was a long day for everyone but well worth it.  Now that we have 6 days at sea there’s time enough to chill out and enjoy the sea days until we arrive in Dubai. 

This morning was day one of our progressive Trivia. Chris, the Activities Manager who takes the Trivia is excellent, and well spoken. Our team,  ‘The 42 Dayers’ achieved 15 out of 20……good start but can we keep it up? I know it’s only going to get harder….but it’s fun and it keeps the brain sharp……or should I say sharpish. J

The ship had a ‘drill’ this morning as we will be sailing through the Gulf of Aden and it is mandatory certain procedures are carried out.

Those who have booked an aft corner or even just an aft cabin on this ship are in for a treat.  We think it’s the best spot on the ship.

Reburshiment continues on the ship.  They have been replacing carpet in various different venues around the ship. I believe the hallway carpet is being replaced deck by deck also. None of the work taking place has interfered with anyone’s enjoyment on the ship. It’s not until you walk past somewhere and notice it’s changed that you learn of the changes going on.

Don’t know if I have mentioned it before….. you’ll have to forgive me if I have…. My brain is well into ‘cruise mode’ now. The shop sales on board are excellent the usual watches and other Bijeux Terner items, pashminas, hats, evening bags etc are all US$10.00 each.  One of the shops even sells sports shoes by La Coste and Puma all for good prices. I could have bought all the Guess Handbags, they have a great selection on board.

I had a go at Bingo again this afternoon but didn’t win a thing.  There were not many there as most are enjoying the hot weather and are up sunning themselves around the pool, especially those who come from cooler climates.  They’re talking about having the Bingo around the pool which would be a good idea as more would play and the Jackpot would be worth winning. 

Roy won our Olympic Shuffleboard challenge yesterday afternoon…. He can’t fit his head through a double open door today….. just watch that change after we play our Golf round this afternoon…hahaha. J

Two hours later………Just got back from our golf challenge which was won by Brian, we had a late scratching from Margaret who has a cold and cough.  Roy and I had the same thing between New Orleans and Barcelona. Naturally after our challenge we enjoy a debriefing drink at one of the bars, we try to use a different  bar everyday…..there’s plenty to choose from on this ship. J Tomorrows challenge will be Table Tennis.

On the way to drinks we passed by Johnny Rockets, it’s located aft on deck 12.  The staff got us all dancing as they do there.  It’s a fun place and we’re going for lunch there tomorrow.  It’s just like the Diner from ‘Happy Days’ and a lot of fun. There is a cover charge of US$4.95 per person for all you can eat, well worth the money.

Tonight’s 50’s and 60’s Rock and Roll night was excellent.  I’m sure we’ll have a few sore muscles tomorrow from doing the Twist. J

We’re loving the US$3.00 cocktail of the day, they have all been delicious and a couple of variations we hadn’t tried before. Perfect on these very hot and humid days.

Another late night but who cares we never know what the time let alone the day. The best I could do is tell you what month and year it is…..lol.  J

At sea again tomorrow are now leaving Saudi Arabia and sailing toward Yemen This distance we need to travel between Safaga and Dubai is over 4000 nautical miles.

Correction…… we were advised today there will be two Formal nights from Dubai to Singapore.