We had no internet available all day due to the ship being in a satellite coverage dead zone, so getting updates on the virus situation was impossible. Even the TV news stations weren’t available.

However, the Viking Daily had a Noon meeting for all passengers to receive an update on the voyage.

Temperature: 28C/82F

Wind/Weather: Sunny & clear. Light airs

Sunrise/Sunset: 06:11/18:27

Clox: Back 1/2 hr (Z+5)

Meals

Today’s special meals:

• World Cafe (07:00 to 10:00) – Pancake Bar
• World Cafe (12:00 to 14:00) – St Patrick’s Special
• Aquavit Terrace (18:00 to 20:30) – King Prawn Biryani

Activities

Today’s activities included:

• 09:30 Baggo, mandatory practice session for red team
• 10:00 Baggo
• 10:00 Lecture – Finland’s Struggle, presented by Col Coutts-Britton
• 11:00 Lecture – Exploring precious cargo from the East – Prof Conte-Helm
• 12:00 Meeting – World Cruise itinerary update
• 12:30 Daily Trivia
• 14:00 Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle
• 15:00 Photography workshop – editing photos on iPhone
• 17:15 Lecture – Nautical Sayings & Expressions, Robin Petch
• 21:00 St Patrick’s Day Party

Fairly quiet day with no internet, so couldn’t read the news or update the blog. Attended the 10:00 lecture, which discussed the Finland & Russia war, known as the Winter War, as it started in Nov 1939 and lasted for 3.5 months.

We all trooped into the Theatre at Noon, for the latest update to the itinerary. However, they did mention that Viking Corporate are meeting daily. At present, the plan was to depart Muscat and head to the canal and eventually London by mid April. The Captain also detailed his precautions for transiting a high risk area.

At 14:00, we headed up to Explorers’ for the final Cruise Critic meet & greet. Had a couple of dozen attendees attend, with the ship staff providing snacks and drinks.

After dinner, we headed to the Atrium for the St Patrick’s Party where the Beven and his team entertained continuously for almost 2 continuous hours. Some great music and signing. With the limited number of passengers remaining onboard, the Atrium was a great location.