Whiling Away the Time at Sea

Day 47, Grand Asia 2017

Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 – At Sea

Exotic ports and exciting adventures draw many people to cruising. When most of us look for a cruise, we start with the itinerary. Where does it go, and what will we do when we get there?

If your sailing area is small, you might be in a port nearly every day, as the ship moves from port to port overnight. In most cases, you seldom spend every day in a port. You have sea days while the ship travels to more distant locales.

Holland America’s Grand Asia voyage this year included 40 sea days, and so far we have added two more to the list as we missed port calls in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Nha Trang, Vietnam, due to adverse weather.

Lest we become bored, the daily schedule is full of activities.

After several weeks of long port days (sometimes with overnight stays) separated by single sea days, we are in the second of three consecutive sea days between Darwin and Cairns, Australia. Everyone is enjoying some downtime, I think.

The watercolor classes in morning and afternoon are full, and Jack is teaching us how to draw facial features and how to paint palm trees.

A group of women and at least one man meet midmorning in the Explorers Lounge to sit and knit (and crochet, sew and needlepoint). The morning bridge class and afternoon bridge games are popular.

Our warm and sunny weather has many cruisers lounging around the pools. Those who booked veranda cabins may be enjoying their own private balconies. Many readers find comfortable chairs and recliners inside and out. You might hear a few soft snores coming from some.

Microsoft sponsors a computer lab on the Amsterdam, and digital host Emily teaches classes on Windows 10, Outlook, OneDrive, photo apps and Windows security. Some passengers work diligently to finish the 500-piece and larger jigsaw puzzles on large tables in the library.

Spencer of America’s Test Kitchen has shown us how to make black bean burgers and how to buy and use olive oil for Mediterranean dishes. Our guest speaker series continues with lectures on trade in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asian cultures and the differences between east and west.

Team trivia, bingo and walk-a-mile on the promenade remain popular. There’s little excuse for saying you have nothing to do.