Mystery tour

Life has been exciting, confusing, uncertain and certainly different. I am sure you could all say that. Our holiday was not as expected but then for all of you stuck at home, at least it was an adventure and one you should share.

As you know ,it started well. We spent a night  in Singapore and explored Raffles. Once we got to the port, we wandered around the markets and went back to our favourite food court before joining the ship……yummmmmm……..do you think we should buy lanyards……..no, we will get one on the ship. We should have bought lanyards as someone,not mentioning who kept dropping his cabin card.

Enough chatter! What’s the cabin like?
How about the ship? Picture time.

I took the photos before we messed it up too much. You can see it is quite large with a couch ( could be a bed if someone annoys you too much. Hoping I’m not relegated there.

Now a tour of some of the public areas. A quick walk around the pools, bistro restaurants etc.

First Deck 10 outside pool . Not so popular with most passengers so you can guess who was in it at 7.00 am, then relaxing with a coffee.

Looks great lit up at night. Here is the inside pool. Popular  with sun and heat lovers during the day. Not popular with us shade seekers. We didn’t hang out here because most seats were taken by those wanting a tan or to lounge with a cool drink. One lady amused us by wearing full makeup, a frilled leopard swimsuit and black see through skirt…..what’s amusing about that…..breakfast,lunch,dinner……hat hair …..no hair. We wondered if she had any clothes with her.

The roof can be closed.

Onwards explorer!

Our favourite spot. The Bistro with foods of many types……Indian, Mexican, Roasts,Salad, Fish and lets not forget the fabulous Sweets.

Eurasian restaurant

This is the main foyer from above. Buy your DVD  and cruise photos from here or not, if you are us.

Nothing you need here. Keep walking.     

  Here is the Ocean Bar. Site of many confused , smart, funny games and quizzes. Too full for the morning quiz, up to the dome for afternoon quiz, drinks or just to read looking out to sea.
So there’s more but you get the gist of it don’t you. The ship carries 1200 passengers but you certainly don’t get to meet all of them. So how did we spend our time…..we made use of the promenade deck.

Phuket…..in the distance.
Go to a show…

Join the Knit,Sew and Natter group or learn a new skill such watercolour painting  ( I think this was me),craft, or playing the ukulele ( planning on trying this next time.). 

Then ,of course there is the towel animals. Definitely a source of  entertainment for me!

   
Now after so much excitement watching Phuket , sunsets ,eating our  breakfast, lunch, dinner and maybe afternoon tea…we welcomed a call to do a lifeboat drill. I would like to say I looked ravishing in my orange life jacket but you and I both know, I would be lying.
Columbus arrives! Because of the pandemic, we are transferring passengers who need to return to Europe and we are receiving their Australians and New Zealanders.
 
Despite media reports, the transfer was orderly. The crew were efficient and professional……though in the regular lifeboat rescue later that day …the dummy nearly got run over. Thankfully no dummies were lost or drowned in the process.

Life on board settled down to a pattern We had a BBQ. Look at the amazing fruit and vegetable carvings.    

King Neptune arrived to  christen all those making their first crossing of the Equator. There is much fish kissing, jelly and shaving foam involved , before a dunking in the pool.     

More towel animals, concern about our arrival in Fremantle and what is awaiting us. The cruise company were great but were kept in the dark by  the  West Australia  Government. Originally they were told we would disembark and return home to self isolate as we were all healthy and had been at sea for two weeks. Then the Ruby Princess fiasco happened and our fate changed. The Captain and company were not kept in the loop. They were hearing the news via the media.

Hurrah we see the coast of Australia!

Everyone goes out to see Fremantle.

It’s a relief to at least be closer to home.  We pesky cruise passengers are under police guard to ensure none of us tunnel or swim to freedom.

Next stage….New Zealanders disembark and go home. The rest of us could return home before the curfew but we held on the ship.

Much grumbling as the WA folk get sent to Rottnest. They would rather go home but will be enjoying a few days(14) in cottages. 

Less grumbling as we resigned Easterners are escorted with police sirens to a hotel in Perth.

Fabulous view, comfortable room, regular airline meals, nothing to complain about but no leaving even for a walk.

You will note we are keeping up standards and are drinking our Aqua Viva in wine glasses. It is excellent H2O but not sure of its provenance.Our days are punctuated by a knock on the door that heralds the arrival of breakfast, lunch , dinner  or clean linen. One of the other passengers’ , who I ring ,described us as almost  as well trained as puppies……we just don’t have wagging tails. Imagine getting excited about changing your sheets or towels. I have downloaded a Zumba programme and yes , we are actually doing it. Finished all the knitting wool so sewing now. Have been painting and so far Mike is beating me at Backgammon ,but heck ,I still have a few days to catch up.

Keep smiling , stay well or how else will I torture you on our next adventure.

P.S  I chat to fellow prisoners below who I met  on the ship   to  give   someone a rest.