November 1 - At Sea

Overnight the ship proceeded with a southwesterly course into the South China Sea which is a marginal part of the Pacific Ocean.  It encompasses an area from the Karimata and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan.  The area's importance largely results from one third of the world's shipping sailing through its waters and that it is believed to hold huge oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed.  We did see many oil rigs this morning from a distance. A bit of trivia!!

A busy day as the telecast for the Melbourne Cup began at 8am!  (We are 4 hours behind until tomorrow morning). After breakfast we secured some deck chairs on deck 16 but for the first couple of hours there were intermittent showers so some of us went for cover.  It was great on the big screen, just like being in Melbourne only warmer!  Neither of us had a win in the sweep though.  I reckon if there'd been an SP bookie on board he would have made a fortune! 

Not sure who'll make the cocktails when we get back but it is very nice to have a couple at happy hour, 3-4pm on sea days!!! Margaret & Richard are characters and great company.  

Lots of entertainment around the ship tonight, after dinner we sat in the cafe & enjoyed some classical music then a very bright 5 minute routine by the dance troupe.  It was a tribute to Princess and the dancers were dressed as waiters, chefs, cabin attendants, etc, very Disney like.  

Another medical emergency late this afternoon - an announcement asking for a blood donor for an urgent transfusion.  Never a dull moment!

After dinner I went to the show and saw Chantelle Delaney perform.  She is an International singer, songwriter and guitarist and hails from Melbourne. Actually she was really good, sang some beautiful songs including Hallelujah & Tennessee Waltz!