MSC Melody Cruise

My Trip 2010 Part 8

Tenerife to Walvis Bay

Due to the storm once we left Tenerife we were informed that we would not be stopping at Mindelo but proceeding straight to Walvis Bay, Nambia.

Each and every passenger received 100 euro credit to our on board account. Shopped & shopped & shopped.

3847 nautical miles.

Departed Tenerife at 9.00pm on the 6^th December 2010 and spent the next 10 days at sea – arrived in Walvis Bay on the morning of the 16^th December 2010.

Needless to say so much happened in those 10 days – compliments to the entertainment crew that kept everybody occupied with various activities.

Spent a lot of our days exploring the MSC Melody from top to bottom - well almost.

Now that we coming up to the Equator the weather improved and it become lazy hazy days in the sun – I remember a few days into this period there was much excitement amongst the passengers – life out at sea – a pod of Pilot Wales were frolicking  alongside the ship. Oh, and hundreds of flying fish flashing in and out of the waves along the ship.

We got into a routine of meeting breakfast at 930am – then either lay in the sun or did the rounds of the duty free shops – or just lay around reading – playing cards, until lunchtime, then did the same routine as the morning until afternoon tea. As we were in the tropics the pool water was at its warmest, so spent the afternoon swimming. Then some of us either had an afternoon nap or spent time out on the pool deck reading.

The morning of the Equator crossing (11^th December 2010 at 11.30am) there was much
excitement – as I had never crossed the Equator before – not really knowing what to expect - I pulled out of the festivities and decided to pay photographer. Do I regret doing so – I think not – although I would have received a certificate for my participation. Please see below and you be the judge – maybe I am a party pooper – but I am not one to be in the limelight – you will always find me in the background somewhere.

Sure was not going to get myself covered in tomatoes – flower – egg – and cocoa powder. As you will see the pool went from blue to brown.

In the evening we were once again entertained with a tropical party – must everybody took part – lots of dancing on the pool deck and then a show put on by the entertainment crew – great fun was had by all – including having a few cocktails and a photographic opportunity with the Captain.

Sunday the 12 December 2010 1790 nautical miles to Walvis Bay. Min temperature 12 – Max temperature 18 – wait for it sea temperature 31.

Now for the home stretch Walvis Bay in 4 days. Looking forward to seeing land again.