LOCATION: Drake Passage
What can I say - not much action today. The morning was a possibility- foodless for @Mac and some attempt at attending, of all things, Bingo! But, other than that, from 10.30 till 7 ... it was variations on the "prone" pose. He kept the medication regime going, added the ginger and rode out the storm.
@Loraine adopted a similar strategy and although uncomfortable was nowhere near as ill as on the first crossing.
@Mac actually emerged for, enjoyed and retained a dinner at the 7 pm sitting.
But was back in the neutral position by 9 holding onto everything for dear life as the Silver Wind rocked and rattled her way through seas of 5 to 6 metres. The noise was impressive. I had towels around the deck doorway as water from the breaking waves was making its way inside under the base of the sliding door.
It was one of those situations where you couldn't look away. The sea was illuminated by the sweeping navigation lights of deck 10 making it possible to watch the churn of the ocean. What a roller coaster.
Somewhere at around 3 am the seas had changed. It no longer was the up down pitching and rolling of a heaving sea - now it was a washing machine. A new low level of intensity that felt like quick left right jerks of an agitator. More "violent" in the change of direction for the ship but less "wild" in the degree of chane in each movement.
I was up and down like a yoyo with toilet stops - parched dry for the sea sickness retailers- skulling more water to make MORE toilet stops. Padding the doorway with towels. Restoring the stuff falling to the floor - checking online Weather maps in case @ Captain Sasha callsed me to the bridge. Meanwhile, @Mac was in the best place for someone suffering sea sickness..... under the covers and sound asleep.
The Adventure
I think the crossing was the adventure but life on the ship still goes ahead and our group members chimed in where appropriate.
As mentioned, Bingo started the day and @Lloyd won major "points," @Mac scored on the four corners which they promptly donated to the young American children on their 12 month holiday . Their few points may have got them a plastic pen, but added to the children's stash ... they might get a shirt by the end of the trip 😂. I loved that when I told the girls to call out "Bluey" instead of "Bingo" they 💯 per cent got my joke.
@Richard and I joined the @Captain for a tour of the Bridge. Interesting behind the scenes look at modern navigation of these big ships. All very technology enabled and all systems were duplicated and then apparently replicated in the engine room No photos permitted in this area but I wish I could have taken a snap because the ocean vista from the @Captain's chair through the all glass sweeping panels was something very special.
Lots of enrichment lectures running back to back, games were out, table tennis set up in the central internal areas all accompanied by food and drink.
Occasional forays for me into various seating areas, but literally a day of sitting or staggering down constantly and unpredictably moving hallways.
@Captain Sasha hosted the Captain's Farewell in the Showroom and staff were honoured and acknowledged for their outstanding service. We will definitely be registering full marks for the team that has looked after us over the 12 nights of this cruise.
Survival Barometer
Steps 4376
Weather 5 degrees big seas - huge seaz
Health - benefited from prior experience - early and consistent meds and bunkered down
Can you believe this?
🚢 Key Facts About Silver Wind from Co-Pilot
- Launch Year: 1995
- Major Refits: 2018 (luxury upgrades), 2021 (ice-class hull reinforcement for polar travel)
- Passenger Capacity: 274 maximum
- Crew Members: 239 (exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio)
- Length & Width: 156 m long, 21.5 m wide
- Gross Tonnage: ~17,400
- Speed: 17 knots
- Decks: 6, with 148 cabins (including 49 large suites and 2 wheelchair-accessible cabins)
- Dual Personality: Originally a classic luxury cruise ship, now transformed into a full expedition vessel without losing its elegance.
- Adaptability: Can seamlessly switch between polar expeditions and iconic ports worldwide.
- Boutique Scale: With fewer than 300 passengers, it offers a far more personal experience compared to mega-ships.
- Wildlife Access: The Zodiac fleet allows close encounters with penguins, seals, and whales in Antarctica.
- Hotel at Sea: Guests often describe it as a floating five-star hotel with adventure built in.
For Jesse - visited the Bridge today woth Captain - no cameras allowed inside - could only get a shot outsode the "Crew Only" door
'My Nanny said she sat in the "captain's" chair! Me too.'
No comments:
Post a Comment