Tuesday update

It was a mixed bag of weather Monday.  Grey skies, some showers with a rare sun break.  I times one of the sunny periods for lunch, having it outside on the rear deck. I also managed to walk 6 Kms.  It wasn't too cold and after a couple of laps I started to warm up.  The sea become moderate around mid day with some large swells.  It is dark grey and quite ominous...typical North Atlantic seas.

We altered our course in the morning and are now on the circle routed heading north east.

There was the commodore's welcome cocktail party last night.  Drinks were flowing and I bumped into several other guests I have met on board.  Then the first formal dinner of the trip. There were just five of us for a table for eight.  Meals have been quite good though it would be nice if the food came warmer.

The ship continued to roll overnight.  As I opened the curtains this morning we are in fog.  No fog horn is sounding though, I'm not sure why not.  Temperature is 7 degrees but it seems warmer. Must be the direction of the wind that is helping.

It feels like it is sunny behind the fog. If we can burn it off it could be a nice day.

Unfortunately we will set the clocks forward another hour at noon today. Talking to a person two days ago that has been sailing on ships for years.  I can't remember the ship but he said that on this particular ship years ago, the would set the clocks forward 20 minutes three times a day. At least we aren't on that program!

Just had a very interesting experience.  I was reading in the forward bar around 1030 waiting to go to the lecture at 11.  The ship was moving quite a bit and then it started to shake/vibrate every couple minutes as if it was pitching forward and hitting the water.  It wasn't severe and I just thought normal Atlantic seas.  Just after 11 the commodore came on the PA to say that he has stopped the propulsion systems to deal with an urgent issue.  This means the ship was slowing to a stop , which is causing the swells to hit the ship on the stern and therefore causing the vibrations.  He said while uncomfortable, it is not unsafe.

So we were effectively drifting in moderate seas! The vibrations didn't last more than 30 mins and by the time I looked outside it sure seemed we were moving. The TV in my room said we were doing 8 knots and increasing speed. At noon we were told the issue had been fixed and back on our way doing 19 knots and have a smoother ride! Nothing like a little excitement!

A couple of photos of the grand lobby.  It's a very nice ship.