Westysclan World Cruise 2023

After leaving Dubai we had a pleasant day sailing back through the Gulf of Oman before we again entered the Indian Ocean. Just as it had given us 2 bumpy days on the way in, it gave us another 2 even bumpier days on the way to the Gulf of Aden. Even though the ship’s stabilisers worked well, we had to slow down for safety.

Once in the Gulf of Aden we again had smooth sailing, but adverse currents and the ongoing generator issue prevented us reaching top speeds. It came as no surprise when the captain announced a change in schedule. As Petra was clearly a highlight of this section of the trip we would be adjusting our speed to arrive at the 7am scheduled time, but a day later! We would then make up the day by missing Mykonos and stopping in Messina, Sicily instead. Of course there was a lot of disgruntled passengers on the ship, but fortunately for Mark and I we had booked our Petra tour through the ship and we have been to Mykonos before but not Sicily – so win/win for us.

Our sea day routine continues much as before. In the gym on the treadmill between 7am and 8am to try and work off some of the oh so tempting food and drink that has been consumed. This is followed by breakfast and a shower before our regular activities of going to the destination talks and then off to bridge lessons. We have our regular fellow learner Bridge partners – William and Monica from Sydney. The other night we helped them celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary.

At 12pm we have a light lunch before heading off to dancing lessons at 1pm. I think our Bridge playing progress might be marginally better than our dancing progress!

We try to vary our afternoons depending on what activities are on offer. Sometimes it is Trivia, sometimes more exercise, sometimes meeting up with William and Monica and Steve, our Bridge teacher, for a drink and a bit more Bridge tuition. But mostly it is time for some fresh air by and in the pool as we decide which of the numerous dinner and entertainment options we feel like that night.