Colombo, Sri Lanka to Dubai, UAE

Today was the opposite of yesterday, with still fresh wind and seas in the morning, but as the day progressed and we approached the Straits of Hermuz, the wind abated and the seas flattened out. Early this morning we learned our arrival Dubai is delayed by the manoeuvring last night, but by late afternoon the winds were light and the passage much more comfortable.

Temperature: High 31C/88F, Low 27C/81F, Humidity 78%

Wind/Weather: SE’ly winds, overcast

Sunrise/Sunset: 06:04/19:37

Clox: Z+4 (back an hour last evening)

Distance to Noon: 391 miles

Navigation

Last evening Sea Princess made a bold alteration of course to 080G to avoid the tropical cyclone. In the early hours of this morning, over a number of hours Sea Princess very slowly altered course back to the NW, once the storm centre had passed clear. The SE’ly winds of 20-25 kts early this morning, provided the classic following seas, as the ship’s speed was increased to 20 kts. Sea Princess entered the traffic separation scheme in the early evening, continuing along the coast of Iran. Sea Princess will pass through the Straits of Hormuz, entering the Persian Gulf in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Activities

Shortly after 09:00, the Captain provided a detailed explanation for the manoeuvres he took last evening. While we missed the worst of the cyclone, it has added many miles to the voyage and even at full speed, we are unable to make the 07:00 arrival in Dubai. He expects to pick the pilot up about 09:00 and be secured alongside by 10:00. He further advised the Shore-Ex Manager was currently working on amended tour times and will advise when completed.

I had another quiet day still suffering from the flu and chest infection, so spent most of the day in the cabin. The biggest disappointment was missing the Steakhouse Dinner with our friend Dean, the Captain, Staff Captain and Security Officer. With me being contagious I couldn’t take the chance of dinning with senior officers and spreading my germs. However, I did manage to convince Judi to go and enjoy a nice steak.

As another day closes, we bid you farewell, till tomorrow and hope for fair skies and following seas.