At Sea

January 19^th, 2025

Three days at sea before we return to Durban.

The weather has been great, calm seas and brilliant sunshine as we make our way south through the Mozambique channel. Although it did cloud over in the afternoon just as I was thinking of going to the pool.

When I headed out to Seabourn Square to pick up my morning Coca Cola (Seabourn Square is the only place where they have cold Cokes, all the other bars stock them at room temperature), there was a lively game of baggo going on in the atrium below – no one seemed to be getting the bean bags in the hole, but everyone was having a good time.

In Seabourn Square there is a map with our progress, so I check out where in the world we are every morning. It is reassuring to know we are on track.

Although they serve a very comprehensive breakfast in the Colonnade, you can treat yourself to a light breakfast in the Square, with yogurt, granola, fruit and a smoothie if that takes your fancy.

It doesn’t take mine, I’m there for the chocolate. Pain au chocolat to be more precise, except they are called panne chocolate in Seabournese. Maybe that is another term for the delicious pastries, but I must say I have not heard it anywhere else. Pain or panne – they still taste great, although not as good as the ones you get in France. However, I am not complaining.

The officers joined us for team trivia today. It is always fun when they join us, but why do they get such a big bowl of popcorn when we have to make do with a couple of small dishes? It reeks of favoritism, I think. No wonder they get good scores.

I had a very lazy afternoon, and before I knew it, it was time to head back to the Observation Bar, this time for predinner crisps and champagne. The bar is always nice in the evenings. It is not too crowded, you can always find a seat, but there are enough people there that it doesn’t feel abandoned and I really enjoy listening to Robert on the guitar.

In some bars the music is so loud you can’t hear yourself think, let alone engage in lively conversation, but Robert is great. The exact right volume to be able to sit back and enjoy the music without it being overwhelming.

We had dinner in Solis with friends and returned to the Observation Bar after dinner. If you want to listen to the Trio and dance after dinner, then the Club is the place to be, but if you want a quieter experience, the Observation Bar is perfect. A great way to end the evening.