Easter Sunday, Day 85 - Apr 1 - Cruising the Indian Ocean

We wake to a beautiful, sunny day with white caps on a deep blue ocean to celebrate this beautiful Resurrection Day! This is the third time we have spent Easter in this part of the world!

In 2009 we were in Ngorangora Crater at Carter Lodge in Tanzania on a week long private safari. In 2015 we were at the Oberoi Mauritius on our way to Kruger National Park, South Africa for our second self drive safari and now we are crossing the Indian Ocean between Reunion and South Africa heading to Richard’s Bay for a special World Cruise Safari Event at Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve. This is a good pattern....before our first trip to Africa we were told once you visit Africa, it will be in your blood and you will want to return. That is so true! We are truly blest to be able to return not just once but now twice

We are up early for breakfast. It is a Sunday so there is the usual caviar spread in the Compass Rose and then the 9AM church service. Since it is Easter Sunday the Easter Choir preforms a special Easter arrangement. About 15 men and women passengers with great voices do a fabulous job. Jamie does a wonderful Easter service to the packed theater.

We then have our regular sea day program. Terry Bishop does Part II of his lecture on “The Death of a Nation - Zulu Wars” and Michael Scott talks about “Durban and Its Wild Side”. He includes Tala Game Reserve where we will be going on a ship’s safari tour. Dick enjoys both.

Sarah helps the card group finish up their sailing ship card and gives out information on the Easter Bonnet Parade we will take part in at 5:45PM. Most of the group have made a hat to show off.

The Compass Rose has French onion soup on the menu again along with sour cherry crumble with ice cream so we both go there for lunch. The Captain tells us the swells are about eight feet and should stay about the same for the rest of the day. The ship is moving some, but it isn’t  bad....as long as you stay put!

Julie holds her next to last card class of this segment where we make a nice memory card for this segment. Carolyn also finally gets the blog caught up through the 31st.

At 5:30PM we go to the theater to meet Sarah, Jamie and the rest of the ladies for the Easter Bonnet Parade. There are 9 of us who have hats and Jamie leads us, bunny hop style. up to and across the stage then Sarah introduces us and tell a little about each of our hats. They are all made with stuff that was available to us aboard the ship...florist ribbon, pipe cleaners, origami and tissue paper, bathroom towels, glue and tape. One lady made her hat and the rest of us used one we had. There is a pre-dinner show at 6PM and everyone is encouraged to come early for the parade. There is a good crowd and we all have a good time acting a little silly.
George modeling the Easter Bonnet

 Jack wants in on the fun.

 Showtime!

At 6PM Clive and a very talented passenger, singer Jean Marie, do a wonderful program. Jean Marie has a gorgeous voice and is an absolute delight to listen to. She and Clive regularly entertain the late night group at the Navigator piano bar.

As a wonderful ending to a wonderful day we go to prime 7 for a great dinner. Dick has lamb chops and Carolyn has prime rib


Happy Easter everyone.