What is nice after a port like Luanda is that we have three days at sea to decompress and recharge before we head into the potential fray all again. We were told that we were not the only ones involved in the potential fleecing, the officials attempted to fleece our captain. Although we docked at 7am, we did not get cleared until almost 9 am. Rather than the 3 or 4 officials this port sent 20 clearance officers and they had to check everything from the Bridge to the engine room. What were they looking for, well any deficiencies, and low and behold they found a few drops of oil on the floor in the engine room (the area was in the process of being cleaned and the workers just hadn’t gotten to these few drops), the official told the captain about it and said that this deficiency would cost $3,000 USD. Our captain responded with, no it will not and further told the official that he would have to notify the head office in Seattle of this development and that perhaps Head Office should reconsider visiting this port in the future (next year for example) as the welcome was not impressive where everyone was looking for some kind of kickback (aka, a little for me). When these 20 clearing officials said that they needed to return this afternoon to process more paperwork, it was realized that they were just looking for another meal (they all enjoyed a breakfast feast in the dining room once the ship was finally cleared). Let’s just say, they did not return for this meal and there was no $3,000 deficiency money paid. Good on you captain for not following into the money trap.
So we are on our third sea day with that port well behind us, we have enjoyed more seminars and ports talks as well as some beautiful sunsets and rainbows. A few major highlights included a wonderful Pinnacle dinner with Joanne, Guest Services Manager and Mitch, the Events Coordinator both wonderful caring people, two and a half hours just flew by. Thank you Joanne and Mitch and of course, Rod, the wine sommelier, for the excellent wine suggestion from the Napa Valley.
Now today was a big day, huge if you are a Mariner or traveller, although this mark was 14 miles off our normal route, our Captain Smit had us going through the spot on the earth where not only we cross the Equator but we simultaneously cross the Prime Meridian, so at one point our ship was in all four quadrants of North, South, East and West, 0.00 North, 0.00 South, 0.00 East and 0.00 West. Crossing at this exact spot makes everyone on board an Emerald Shellback - a covenanted title only few can attest to. Yes, we all received certificates reflecting this. What a beautiful rare day…
A few pics of this day and momentous crossing, hope you enjoy…
Quote of the day, “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intend on arrival.” - Lao Tzu
Our Mix Piano star, Clara Vee, on the Big Stage after a petition drive. Great Show.
Our Emerald Crossing
Nothing but sea, but here is the spot, called, Null Island - but no island here.
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