World Cruise e days at sea - heading to Port Kelang
6th February Thursday
Everything was slightly up in the air this morning. Judith asked me to stay in bed till eight, to give her some undisturbed sleep. Which l did with good heart. We had retired to bed rather later than normal the night before.It was midnight. And we had watched “once upon a time in Hollywood “, really strange film, weird and not deserving any of the awards it received. Although the performances from Brad Pitt and Leonardo de Cipriano were amazing. The evening was balmy, so we walked around the deck under the stars enjoying the piece and tranquillity, but more importantly the ability to stroll late at night in the dry warmth.
Of course in the morning, laying awake from 6am my mood was not so generous. Although l did keep it to my self for a change. But my mood did take a dip when l found the new i watch l had bought on the ship struggled to keep a charge for 24 hours without requiring a charge. Not good. Then when l tried to get onto the internet, all my remaining 100 minutes had suddenly and inexplicably disappeared. The final nail in the coffin was finding out as we arrived at 9am for our Ti Chi, was that we had missed the lesson. It emerged that we should have put the clocks on an hour prior to retiring last night. Which also meant we had to race to the other end of the ship to catch the lecture. The Atmosphere for the day was certainty not joyous.
Fortunately the talk on sea creatures; turtles and birds was interesting and informative. Yet slightly marred by the massive decline due to habitat and climate change and the accidental killing by fishermen. Turtles need to come up for air, which they can’t do if they are snared in a 50 mile long net.
The second talk was about the Tower of London from General Lord Dannatt.
Returned my i watch and received a refund without any quibbles.
By which time it was another excuse to eat. Decided to try the fish and chips in the Golden Lion pub, along with a beer and glass of wine. Delicious. Although £8 for a pint of beer is a bit rich. Can’t imagine the size of bill some of the other inhabitants of the pub must rack up. Most whom seem never to travel more than a few steps away from the bar, their favourite haunt. Yet many have £1000's as on board credit.
An afternoon lecture on Malaysia during the Second World War and the occupation by the Japanese, and how we then became embroiled in another battle with Chinese communist insurgents.
More walking in the afternoon, then it’s indoors for a relaxed shower, no rush, then dress for the gala evening. A light dinner of fresh raw tuna with a salad of green leaves. Before heading to the captains party. The opportunity to get a few Free drinks. Which seemed to go on for ever. Chatting to people, talking to friends, and generally having copious amount to drink. Then to bed, to read and get ready for another hectic day.
7th February Friday
Up and out for my 45 minute walk. Find that l need to press on to keep the weight off. And my trousers are still tight. It’s a fasting day, so hardly anything for breakfast.
Ti Chi for 45 minutes. It really is relaxing, and it loosens up every part of your body.
Tsunami waves, a talk on how they are formed, where they are found, and how they can protect against them
Up to the library to lookup ideas for our imminent visit to Phuket, followed by an apple for lunch. That’s one between us.
Pam Ayres a question and answer session that went in her past and how she became a poet. Initially she wrote songs and sang at folk clubs. But it was on a talent show the brought her fame.
General Lord Dannatt, another question and answer session. An on-site into procurement of arms, and why most items are well over budget, plus what is being done to help invalid servicemen once they get home. Then questions regarding the poppy installation in the tower and how they had to reinstate a pottery in Staffordshire after the original artist lost fingers in a kiln accident whilst making the initial six hundred poppies. Otherwise they would have met the deadline.
Walking and a little sunbathing. Not a lot, as the sun is fierce and not forgiving towards the unprepared. You have to cover any bare flesh in factor 50 suntan lotion. You see the effects on some of the passengers who lay out in it all day. Most end up in the health clinic, not to be seen for a week.
Into the Kings Court buffet for dinner. The fast went to pot for me. They had my favourite, lamb chops. So l had three with vegetables. Judith made me feel good, she explained that l had only gone over my allotted calories for the day by 500 calories. Double my daily allowance.
Into the theatres. Supposedly a world class juggler from Japan. We were not expecting anything out of the normal. But he was truly extraordinary. But then again, he was still a juggler.
Then back to the cabin to watch a movie we had missed, about the author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Tolkien. Truly magnificent, well worth watching, but very sad.
8 February Saturday.
Up very early, couldn’t sleep, or should l say , that l awoke early. We had put the clocks forward again, which always throws us. Walked for 45 minutes, then breakfast with Judith. Virgin Bloody Mary for Judith, whilst l have a banana and blueberry smoothie, followed by porridge with yoghurt and prunes. Then l spoil myself with fresh waffles, maple syrup and crispy bacon. But it’s not a fast day and you need treats in your life.
Ti Chi to loosen myself up and then it’s wall to wall lectures. With the odd meal, Giant prawns cooked in garlic butter and a few thick cut chips.
I do love my food, the different tastes, bloody gorgeous.
Checked my email. Six ships are now in quarantine, three Carnival, 1 Princess, 1 Holland and America (the H&A had picked up 800 guests from Hong Kong only eight days ago) and a P&O.
Another cruise liner that had left Sydney, dropped 80 Chinese passengers off in Cairns, as Singapore had told them that they wouldn’t be able to dock if they had any Chinese on board. Two weeks confined to your cabin. Not good. Let’s hope it all calms itself down and the virus gets controlled. Although nearly 800 have died and 20k are infected.
Back to the lectures. Talks ranged from coral reefs and their inhabitants as well as the first white Rajah of Sarawak, Borneo, Sir James Brooke who worked for the EIC before setting up for himself, using his fathers inheritance. Others included an insight into Asian food and customs. Whilst the final talk was on Cyclones, Typhoons and Hurricanes. All are the same thing, just a different name depending on its location. How they are formed and categorised, plus how due to global warming they are becoming more frequent and more violent. In fact they are often achieving wind speeds of well over 150 mph, and each 1 degree increase in water temperature can increase the wind speed by 30mph.
At four, once the sun had become less fierce, walked a little more. Then we settled down in a lounger, read, had a nice cup of Earl Gray and a cookie. We wasted away a very pleasant hour before heading down to shower and change for another gala evening. More lobster, shrimp and scallops for dinner.
After dinner another movie, The Farewell. Chinese comedy. Should be interesting. And if we are still awake, a cabaret in the theatre, with Roy G Hemmings formally of the Drifters.
Tomorrow we are tended off the ship in Phuket. So Judith with have a lie in till ten. After which, once the madness has subsided we will go ashore.
Just been told by the captain that we will no longer be visiting Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam. Instead we will be heading directly to Singapore, although we will still arrive on the same day as planned. In other words , he will drag his feet on getting there. One would have thought he could have arrived a day earlier. C’est La Vie.
Sunday 9 February
Up early, did the laundry, walked , after which we had breakfast.
Captain comes online with an update on the CoronaVirus and what effect it will have on the world cruise.
We are heading into Malaya to refuel and take on supplies, but neither crew or guest will be allowed off the ship. Afterwards we head directly to Fremantle. Arriving there on the 18th Feb.
People who were getting off in Hong Kong and altered their arrangements to Singapore have now been advised that they can stay on board till Fremantle free of charge. Or if necessary they can disembark in Port Kelang in Malaysia.
Presumably, after Fremantle we will head up the west coast of Australia to Darwin, and recommence that section of the world cruise. But it’s still up in the air at present. We should have been expecting to hit Darwin on 26 February. So that gives us 6 or 7 days to do that journey. I wonder where they may be able to stop during that time. There are not many natural ports on the East coast.
Into Ti Chi , fortunately in the ballroom. There are now nearly fifty of us turning up on sea days to take the class. We are now progressing from the standard 18 moves to the travelling Ti Chi. Very technical. But very relaxing, plus it warms up all your joints and muscles. Making you flexible, without putting tension on any area. It looks slow, and you could imagine that it would help your cardiovascular state. Yet you would be surprised how much you sweat during the programme.
We haven’t taken on any new speakers or artists, so those stranded on board are doing odd lectures and concerts. The days of four or five lectures a day is reduced to one or two at most. This forces us to spend more time on the loungers, reading, relaxing, talking and of course, speculating on the outcome of our world cruise.
We also spend far more time eating, or should l say grazing, plus imbibing. What a hardship.
The General did take another lecture, this time on why only a short while after winning the First World War, we were not able to push back Germany in France in the second WW, even though we had more troops on the ground. Seems that the will of the people and parliament was a-posed to rearmament , and we were spread thinly policing around the commonwealth and in Israel. And our technology was well behind that of Germany.
Then another movie followed by a concert. Then it’s bedtime. By which time the guilt of over eating kicks in and we decide on a fast tomorrow. You have to pay for your extravagant and enjoyable sins. Especially as we have another hour to contend with.
Monday 10 February
Up early and out on the deck, only to find that it’s throwing it down. Doesn’t last long before the sun comes up and illuminates the sky red. After 45 minutes, pop in to have breakfast with Judith. This doesn’t take long, it’s a fast day, in more ways than one. So we only have a small yoghurt pot with strawberries, followed by a small pot of mango and granola and a coffee. Walk with Judith after which we head for Ti Chi. This is interrupted by the captain with an update. We are heading into Port Klang to refuel and restock. Guests have been told that they can get off, but not return to the ship. Guests who are injured, for which there are many with broken bones, (dancing accidents) will be shipped to the hospitals in Malaysia, but again not allowed back on board.
Once this is done, we are to set sail to Fremantle, Australia.
First and only lecture today is on myths and legends of the sea, which is quite amusing. Keeps us occupied until lunch. A shared apple , as it’s a fast. Then a short walk before heading into the Planetarium. Watched “Dynamic Earth” which explores the inner workings of the earth. Visualised and enhanced by satellite imagery. Brilliant.Narrated by Liam Neeson.
Then the deck once again. This time to relax, take in the sun and work my way through another book. Takes so much longer to read when on the deck, soaking up the sun. Eyes seem to get quite heavy and l tend to need to read the same paragraph four our five times. Eventually nodding off for five or ten minutes. Ashamed at my lack of resilience, l jump up and head for Kings Court and get us a cup of tea. The cool air conditioning soon brings me back into reality. I return, drink my earl gray and the process starts all over again.
Before we know it, it’s time to get ready for dinner. We walk some more, after which we shower and head into dinner. A glorious seared tuna salad. It’s difficult to choose from all that is available, but it’s a fast and the tuna is gorgeous. Retire to the lounge and read until it’s time to head into the theatre for the evening show. A singer and backing group, taking us back to the sixties and seventies. Motown at its best.
Walk around the deck in a leisurely manner, just for a change. Enjoying the warm air and the brilliant evening sky in all its amazing glory.
Everything was slightly up in the air this morning. Judith asked me to stay in bed till eight, to give her some undisturbed sleep. Which l did with good heart. We had retired to bed rather later than normal the night before.It was midnight. And we had watched “once upon a time in Hollywood “, really strange film, weird and not deserving any of the awards it received. Although the performances from Brad Pitt and Leonardo de Cipriano were amazing. The evening was balmy, so we walked around the deck under the stars enjoying the piece and tranquillity, but more importantly the ability to stroll late at night in the dry warmth.
Of course in the morning, laying awake from 6am my mood was not so generous. Although l did keep it to my self for a change. But my mood did take a dip when l found the new i watch l had bought on the ship struggled to keep a charge for 24 hours without requiring a charge. Not good. Then when l tried to get onto the internet, all my remaining 100 minutes had suddenly and inexplicably disappeared. The final nail in the coffin was finding out as we arrived at 9am for our Ti Chi, was that we had missed the lesson. It emerged that we should have put the clocks on an hour prior to retiring last night. Which also meant we had to race to the other end of the ship to catch the lecture. The Atmosphere for the day was certainty not joyous.
Fortunately the talk on sea creatures; turtles and birds was interesting and informative. Yet slightly marred by the massive decline due to habitat and climate change and the accidental killing by fishermen. Turtles need to come up for air, which they can’t do if they are snared in a 50 mile long net.
The second talk was about the Tower of London from General Lord Dannatt.
Returned my i watch and received a refund without any quibbles.
By which time it was another excuse to eat. Decided to try the fish and chips in the Golden Lion pub, along with a beer and glass of wine. Delicious. Although £8 for a pint of beer is a bit rich. Can’t imagine the size of bill some of the other inhabitants of the pub must rack up. Most whom seem never to travel more than a few steps away from the bar, their favourite haunt. Yet many have £1000's as on board credit.
An afternoon lecture on Malaysia during the Second World War and the occupation by the Japanese, and how we then became embroiled in another battle with Chinese communist insurgents.
More walking in the afternoon, then it’s indoors for a relaxed shower, no rush, then dress for the gala evening. A light dinner of fresh raw tuna with a salad of green leaves. Before heading to the captains party. The opportunity to get a few Free drinks. Which seemed to go on for ever. Chatting to people, talking to friends, and generally having copious amount to drink. Then to bed, to read and get ready for another hectic day.
7th February Friday
Up and out for my 45 minute walk. Find that l need to press on to keep the weight off. And my trousers are still tight. It’s a fasting day, so hardly anything for breakfast.
Ti Chi for 45 minutes. It really is relaxing, and it loosens up every part of your body.
Tsunami waves, a talk on how they are formed, where they are found, and how they can protect against them
Up to the library to lookup ideas for our imminent visit to Phuket, followed by an apple for lunch. That’s one between us.
Pam Ayres a question and answer session that went in her past and how she became a poet. Initially she wrote songs and sang at folk clubs. But it was on a talent show the brought her fame.
General Lord Dannatt, another question and answer session. An on-site into procurement of arms, and why most items are well over budget, plus what is being done to help invalid servicemen once they get home. Then questions regarding the poppy installation in the tower and how they had to reinstate a pottery in Staffordshire after the original artist lost fingers in a kiln accident whilst making the initial six hundred poppies. Otherwise they would have met the deadline.
Walking and a little sunbathing. Not a lot, as the sun is fierce and not forgiving towards the unprepared. You have to cover any bare flesh in factor 50 suntan lotion. You see the effects on some of the passengers who lay out in it all day. Most end up in the health clinic, not to be seen for a week.
Into the Kings Court buffet for dinner. The fast went to pot for me. They had my favourite, lamb chops. So l had three with vegetables. Judith made me feel good, she explained that l had only gone over my allotted calories for the day by 500 calories. Double my daily allowance.
Into the theatres. Supposedly a world class juggler from Japan. We were not expecting anything out of the normal. But he was truly extraordinary. But then again, he was still a juggler.
Then back to the cabin to watch a movie we had missed, about the author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Tolkien. Truly magnificent, well worth watching, but very sad.
8 February Saturday.
Up very early, couldn’t sleep, or should l say , that l awoke early. We had put the clocks forward again, which always throws us. Walked for 45 minutes, then breakfast with Judith. Virgin Bloody Mary for Judith, whilst l have a banana and blueberry smoothie, followed by porridge with yoghurt and prunes. Then l spoil myself with fresh waffles, maple syrup and crispy bacon. But it’s not a fast day and you need treats in your life.
Ti Chi to loosen myself up and then it’s wall to wall lectures. With the odd meal, Giant prawns cooked in garlic butter and a few thick cut chips.
I do love my food, the different tastes, bloody gorgeous.
Checked my email. Six ships are now in quarantine, three Carnival, 1 Princess, 1 Holland and America (the H&A had picked up 800 guests from Hong Kong only eight days ago) and a P&O.
Another cruise liner that had left Sydney, dropped 80 Chinese passengers off in Cairns, as Singapore had told them that they wouldn’t be able to dock if they had any Chinese on board. Two weeks confined to your cabin. Not good. Let’s hope it all calms itself down and the virus gets controlled. Although nearly 800 have died and 20k are infected.
Back to the lectures. Talks ranged from coral reefs and their inhabitants as well as the first white Rajah of Sarawak, Borneo, Sir James Brooke who worked for the EIC before setting up for himself, using his fathers inheritance. Others included an insight into Asian food and customs. Whilst the final talk was on Cyclones, Typhoons and Hurricanes. All are the same thing, just a different name depending on its location. How they are formed and categorised, plus how due to global warming they are becoming more frequent and more violent. In fact they are often achieving wind speeds of well over 150 mph, and each 1 degree increase in water temperature can increase the wind speed by 30mph.
At four, once the sun had become less fierce, walked a little more. Then we settled down in a lounger, read, had a nice cup of Earl Gray and a cookie. We wasted away a very pleasant hour before heading down to shower and change for another gala evening. More lobster, shrimp and scallops for dinner.
After dinner another movie, The Farewell. Chinese comedy. Should be interesting. And if we are still awake, a cabaret in the theatre, with Roy G Hemmings formally of the Drifters.
Tomorrow we are tended off the ship in Phuket. So Judith with have a lie in till ten. After which, once the madness has subsided we will go ashore.
Just been told by the captain that we will no longer be visiting Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam. Instead we will be heading directly to Singapore, although we will still arrive on the same day as planned. In other words , he will drag his feet on getting there. One would have thought he could have arrived a day earlier. C’est La Vie.
Sunday 9 February
Up early, did the laundry, walked , after which we had breakfast.
Captain comes online with an update on the CoronaVirus and what effect it will have on the world cruise.
We are heading into Malaya to refuel and take on supplies, but neither crew or guest will be allowed off the ship. Afterwards we head directly to Fremantle. Arriving there on the 18th Feb.
People who were getting off in Hong Kong and altered their arrangements to Singapore have now been advised that they can stay on board till Fremantle free of charge. Or if necessary they can disembark in Port Kelang in Malaysia.
Presumably, after Fremantle we will head up the west coast of Australia to Darwin, and recommence that section of the world cruise. But it’s still up in the air at present. We should have been expecting to hit Darwin on 26 February. So that gives us 6 or 7 days to do that journey. I wonder where they may be able to stop during that time. There are not many natural ports on the East coast.
Into Ti Chi , fortunately in the ballroom. There are now nearly fifty of us turning up on sea days to take the class. We are now progressing from the standard 18 moves to the travelling Ti Chi. Very technical. But very relaxing, plus it warms up all your joints and muscles. Making you flexible, without putting tension on any area. It looks slow, and you could imagine that it would help your cardiovascular state. Yet you would be surprised how much you sweat during the programme.
We haven’t taken on any new speakers or artists, so those stranded on board are doing odd lectures and concerts. The days of four or five lectures a day is reduced to one or two at most. This forces us to spend more time on the loungers, reading, relaxing, talking and of course, speculating on the outcome of our world cruise.
We also spend far more time eating, or should l say grazing, plus imbibing. What a hardship.
The General did take another lecture, this time on why only a short while after winning the First World War, we were not able to push back Germany in France in the second WW, even though we had more troops on the ground. Seems that the will of the people and parliament was a-posed to rearmament , and we were spread thinly policing around the commonwealth and in Israel. And our technology was well behind that of Germany.
Then another movie followed by a concert. Then it’s bedtime. By which time the guilt of over eating kicks in and we decide on a fast tomorrow. You have to pay for your extravagant and enjoyable sins. Especially as we have another hour to contend with.
Monday 10 February
Up early and out on the deck, only to find that it’s throwing it down. Doesn’t last long before the sun comes up and illuminates the sky red. After 45 minutes, pop in to have breakfast with Judith. This doesn’t take long, it’s a fast day, in more ways than one. So we only have a small yoghurt pot with strawberries, followed by a small pot of mango and granola and a coffee. Walk with Judith after which we head for Ti Chi. This is interrupted by the captain with an update. We are heading into Port Klang to refuel and restock. Guests have been told that they can get off, but not return to the ship. Guests who are injured, for which there are many with broken bones, (dancing accidents) will be shipped to the hospitals in Malaysia, but again not allowed back on board.
Once this is done, we are to set sail to Fremantle, Australia.
First and only lecture today is on myths and legends of the sea, which is quite amusing. Keeps us occupied until lunch. A shared apple , as it’s a fast. Then a short walk before heading into the Planetarium. Watched “Dynamic Earth” which explores the inner workings of the earth. Visualised and enhanced by satellite imagery. Brilliant.Narrated by Liam Neeson.
Then the deck once again. This time to relax, take in the sun and work my way through another book. Takes so much longer to read when on the deck, soaking up the sun. Eyes seem to get quite heavy and l tend to need to read the same paragraph four our five times. Eventually nodding off for five or ten minutes. Ashamed at my lack of resilience, l jump up and head for Kings Court and get us a cup of tea. The cool air conditioning soon brings me back into reality. I return, drink my earl gray and the process starts all over again.
Before we know it, it’s time to get ready for dinner. We walk some more, after which we shower and head into dinner. A glorious seared tuna salad. It’s difficult to choose from all that is available, but it’s a fast and the tuna is gorgeous. Retire to the lounge and read until it’s time to head into the theatre for the evening show. A singer and backing group, taking us back to the sixties and seventies. Motown at its best.
Walk around the deck in a leisurely manner, just for a change. Enjoying the warm air and the brilliant evening sky in all its amazing glory.
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