Saturday, February 15^th, 2020

Still at Sea

It has been 10 days since we last set foot on land, and it will be another 3 until we can do so again. Hopefully.

Nearly every one I have spoken to is OK with this. They do discuss the disappointment at missing once in a lifetime ports, and the frustration of trying to change plane tickets, get Australian visas, contacting loved ones to reassure them that we are OK, and lost shopping opportunities.

Some guests have the resources to book another Asian cruise, but many don’t due to financial and health issues, I feel really sorry for them.

I had wanted to remain in the cabin so that we could answer the phone when we are called to schedule a meeting with the guest relations officer about my air ticket. Ruth pointed out that no one was likely to call us early in the morning, so we headed off to the Britannia Dining Room for breakfast.

As expected when we returned there was no message, so Ruth decided to try to use the computers in the internet room and then head out on deck to sunbathe. I said I would remain in the cabin, but as we had not had a call by 11:00, I decided that I should also get out and enjoy the day.

At his noon announcement Captain Hashmi said that we had passed quite close to Krakatau last night, but it is not currently active, so we would not have been able to see much. He also said that there is an active volcano in our vicinity, but too far away for us to see unfortunately.

The sun was out and there wasn’t too much wind, so I spent the afternoon by the pool. Even though it is perfect outdoor weather, it was easy to find a lounger in the shade, and I had a very relaxing afternoon alternating between the pool, the not so hot tub, and the lounger. It was all rather pleasant.

Before dinner the music director, Jeff Hughes , presented a programme of his original compositions as well as classical and big band music. He will be leaving the ship in Australia, but luckily will be back on board in Southampton. He is really extremely talented and I will miss him.

At dinner I discovered that there had been a ‘mistake’ in the letter we had received in regard to on board credit. They will in fact give us $250 each to spend before Fremantle, which makes a lot of sense. Also, it is refundable credit, so if you don’t spend it you can get the cash back, or a credit to your credit card. That helps with my rather nasty looking bill.

After dinner there was another deck party with Purple Haze. I had hoped we would be dancing under the stars, but again there was not a star to be seen, no Southern Cross again tonight.

Also, it was rather windy at the back of the ship, but it was still great fun, and I really had a good time. The deck parties are a great idea.

When I returned to the cabin I realized that no one from guest relations had contacted us all day. It is very disappointing, especially as we are trying to let them know that Cunard Air had made an error.

Talking with other passengers this evening, they feel that Cunard should be doing more to reimburse us for the missed ports, a full refund for this segment at least and some future cruise credits. Apparently other cruise lines are doing this. That would be really nice, but I am not holding my breath.