The Cruise

World cruise on the Dawn Princess starting in Sydney on May 21, 2010 and sailing west around the world for 104 days.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Dawn Princess World Cruise 2010 - Friday June 18, 2010

Day 28 Approaching the Red Sea
We have seen the engineers walking past our cabin, deep in thought and looking concerned but if we ask how things are going they just smile and shrug their shoulders. The captain told us that the starboard engine is not working and cannot be repaired until we get the required part in Port Said. Because this has slowed us down by about 12 hours, we will not have the time to have a day at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. This is most disappointing as many of the passengers considered this was the main reason for their trip. I see it as a reason that we will have to come back some day. We are limping valiantly on to Port Said where I hope they can get the necessary part to fix the problem. The captain has not said anything this evening, but some of the passengers think that we have just entered the Red Sea, and are now safe from the pirates. I think they may be right as the seas are now calm, and there was a noticeable 90 degree turn late this afternoon. However, the “keep away” sign and the high - powered pressurized hoses are still in position. During our transit of the Yemeni coast there were several patrolling warships to be seen. The movement of the ship and the map of where we are has been turned off in our cabins. Maybe the authorities do not want us to know how slowly we are actually going and how little of the red line on the map we have actually achieved. We went to a lecture on De Lesseps and the Great Canals, namely, Suez, Corinth and Panama. At dance class we learnt the Gypsy Tap, which we put into practice this evening in the Atrium where Alan and Alanna were playing the appropriate music. We were also able to dance the modern waltz in this session so we are feeling a bit chuffed. The weather is not so hot now, and I was able to spend some time lying on deck reading. Tonight we watched the Princess dancers and singers perform “Classically Yours”. Most of this show was excerpts from operas and operettas. They are a very classy act and the costumes are outstanding. I marvel at the speed with which they can change from one outfit to another. Bill is enjoying his choir and rehearsing for the next concert, which is scheduled for a few days before we reach Southampton. Tonight Bill has gone up to watch England v Algeria in the world cup. I am going to bed . Goodnight. We are now six hours behind eastern standard time. (Barbara)
England 0 Algeria 0. Boring game! (Bill)

3 comments:

  1. Thank you for such interesting posts on your blog, I enjoy reading your blog every day. Sheree

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad your enjoying it Sheree.

    Bill

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  3. 12 hours in 105 days is a miniscule delay. I'd call a mutiny, Bill. Did they ever find out who ate the strawberries?

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