Skywalk

The day begins well. The activity list includes a supervised walk around the outside of the Pacific Lounge on the skywalk, which the crew normally uses to wash the windows. Meeting time is 11:30 am. Safety equipment will be provided. 

I make a note to be there. But as I read further, I become suspicious. Join the Captain and the Cruise Director for some fishing from the stern? 

Wear only slippers when entering the restaurants to protect the newly washed carpets?  Ha, ha. Check the date. 

We spend the day reading, doing the wash, and walking laps around the promenade deck. Indeed, the Captain and Cruise Director are seen fishing. Fun was had by all. 

Late in the afternoon, the Captain announced an itinerary change, noting that we are to take it seriously. 

Instead of anchoring outside Esperance on Thursday (day after tomorrow) as planned, we will cruise on to Albany for our land excursion. The seas are running high. Tendering from the ship will be much easier in Albany, with its protected harbor, than in Esperance, which lies exposed to the open ocean. Albany lies about 200 km west of Esperance. But we have enough time to reach it and enjoy a full day’s outing. 

This plan is generally well accepted. We have been cautioned from the beginning that sea travel must adapt to the conditions. Even in our modern times, weather plays a major role.