Saturday, Day 77 - Mar 24 - Cruising the Indian Ocean

Another stellar day cruising the Indian Ocean, a blue, sunny sky and a calm, deep, blue sea. We are now in the Southern Hemisphere having crossed the Equator late last night.

Today is another regular sea day routine, lectures on: “The India Trilogy, Part II, The Indian Mutiny,” by Terry at 10AM; “Charles Darwin and the Origin of the Species” at 11AM  and “Portuguese Explorers find the Spice Islands,” by Don Walsh at 3:15PM.  There are the two card classes. In Sarah’s we make another Easter Card and in Julie’s we make a paper folding card that is really neat.

At noon the Captain tells us we are cruising at a average speed of 19.3 knots so we are still speeding along with no pirates sighted! The seas are calm with a light breeze and there is 15.000 feet of ocean below us. We are a little over one degree south of the Equator.

If you are into casino action there are three tournaments this afternoon: Slots, Blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em. We are not so we spend the rest of the day reading, working on the blog and playing computer games.`

Since we crossed the Equator last night, we have another Crossing Ceremony at 5:45PM. This time Jamie has come up with a sunset cocktail theme party to turn Pollywogs into Shellbacks. This time there are a number of passenger Pollywogs. Some have to kiss the fish others a balloon jellyfish...no pardon this time. Unfortunately some chose poorly!

 Balloon Jellyfish for some

 Smelly fish for others

Two nights ago, we ordered another tempura dinner. So we go to dinner with great anticipation since the first time was so outstanding. We have a bowl of cream of garlic soup which is wonderful then the great tempura! Yummmmy!

Back to the room, we sit on the balcony for awhile. It is wonderful with the Big Dipper low on the horizon, the moon waxing in a clear sky while sailing on a calm sea!