Charleston, USA to Curacao, NA

Today we returned to the tropics and the expected heat and humidity, but in addition, we are back to the almost continuous rocking and rolling resulting from the strong trade winds. Today we headed through the Bahamas, followed by the Windward Passage, before entering the Caribbean Sea enroute to Curacao. Yet another quiet sea day aboard Sea Princess, culminating with another poor dinner.

Temperature: High 30C/86F, Low 27C/81F

Wind/Weather: SE’ly trade winds at 25 to 30 kts. Fine and clear.

Sunrise/Sunset: 06:25/19:33

Clox: Z-4 (no change)

Navigation

In the early hours of the morning Sea Princess altered to a SSW’ly heading for a track through some of the smaller islands of the Bahamas, towards the entrance to the Windward Passage, which is off the Eastern tip of Cuba. On clearing the Windward Passage and entering the Caribbean, Sea Princess altered to SE’ly courses towards Curacao, at a speed of about 17 kts.

Activities

My day started shortly before 06:00, completing 12 laps or 4 miles of the Promenade Deck, before returning to the cabin and working on photographs and blog posts while Judi slept. At breakfast this morning, all 6 at the table joined in Sydney, although 1 couple disembarked in Southampton and re-joined in New York. Even after 70 days, it still amazes me that we meet new people, who have been aboard for the same number of days.

Yet again this ship is experiencing challenges with the air conditioning, or more precisely the lack thereof. On return to the cabin from breakfast, we found no fan running and the temperature climbing rapidly, and our table mates Bruce & Viv have had no aircon for 2 days with their cabin currently receiving air at 27C. Next on the schedule was Zumba at 09:45, which in the unusually toasty Vista Lounge, was most definitely a good workout.

At Noon, I anticipated having to make a decision on whether to attend the next lecture in the series from David Pilbrough or the Cruise Critic lunch in the dining room. On reviewing the schedule in Princess Patter, the other chap had a lecture at 11:00, but nothing from David, so off we went to the lunch. Sitting with another couple from Sydney, who we had not met before, we enjoyed the lunch and conversation about our various travels.

As usual, the afternoon schedule had nothing of interest, so I got back to work on writing the Charleston tour blog post and Judi lay down to relax her back. At 18:00, we headed down to the Wheelhouse Bar to listen to the peaceful ramblings of Krzysztof on the grand piano, while Judi enjoyed the champagne from our recent breakfast. Dinner was well attended with a full table, but unfortunately the main galley did not match the performance of the Steakhouse last night. While the meals are visually spectacular, get again my main course contained cold vegetables and almost raw potatoes. At least the filet of sole was well cooked and served at least warm. It appears more effort is placed on the presentation, than serving hot food that is properly cooked. Personally, my preference would be food cooked perfectly, served hot, but literally thrown onto a plate.

The post dinner show was a brand new performance from the excellent Welsh comedy vocalist Diane Cousins. Having thoroughly enjoyed her previous show this one also did not disappoint.

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