Sea Day 4 cruising Milford, Doubtful and Dusky

We woke at 6am, the seas were very slight and the day was dawning beautifully.   We were a bit naughty and skipped the shower, so we could get up on deck early - just like everyone else.  

The starboard side was very popular outside but we went over to the port side where it was sheltered from the wind.  Tucked as far forward as you can go on Deck 12 were William and Neil (Wilneil from Cruise Critics) so we joined them.  

The only way to describe the day is simply stunning!!!   Not a cloud in the sky.  Watching the Sunrise was spectacular, with only a few small wispy clouds up high.   It was all so breathe taking.   Pete took heaps of photos which tell the story.

Once we were right in to Milford, I was starting to feel a little hungry.   With the Buffet handy we went in there, but it was very busy so Pete suggested we try the MDR.    Level 6 was just about deserted with only a few tables at the rear by the windows occupied.   We got a seat with a view and were joined by Pam and Merv.  So we had a very enjoyable breakfast with a view.

The Captain turned the ship, and ended up having the do a full rotation and a half, due to some kayakers crossing the Sound.    We were in for a special treat, the Captain decided he could take the ship into the Sterling Falls and wash the front of the ship.   Passengers were invited to go to Deck 7 to watch (and get wet), so Pete and Merv rushed off.    Unfortunately the Kayakers got in the way, so he could not get any closer.   Still Pete got some more wonderful shots. 

On the way back to the cabin we met Colin, who was in Cova having a coffee with Patty, so we stopped with them for coffee, and I had a citrus mint tea.  Am quite enjoying my new habit of the herbal tea.

We are due at the next Sound - Doubtful at 11.30, so we thought we would find a spot in the Hemisphere Lounge early.   There were still plenty of people up there.

Sometime later they announced due to the rough weather we were delayed arriving by 1 hour, new time of 12.30 pm.

Once we got into Doubtful Sound and it was nice and calm we decided it was a good time for lunch.    The Buffet was really busy so Pete suggested we go to the MDR instead.   It was lovely and quiet - just like at breakfast.    It our first lunch in the MDR and the menu was very appealing, and I had my courses from the Vegetarian Menu.  The food as with every other meal was delicious.    At one stage there were 6 table waiters and 3 wine waiters lined up waiting for passengers - that’s how quiet it was!!!!  Best spot for lunch as the views out the large picture windows were great and it very peaceful.

After lunch and once we were back out in the Tasman Sea we sat in Cova Café reading, as it is on Deck 6, so much lower down and less movement.   There was a lot of movement in the Hemisphere Lounge and after a while I found it quite uncomfortable.   I wasn’t feeling seasick but for some reason I found the movement unpleasant.    The rolling motion in the Cova was fine.

When we arrived in Dusky Sound we went back to the cabin for some quiet time.  Pete used the laptop while I watched some TV and cap napped.   For some reason I was feeling a bit shattered?   The Naturalist who was doing the commentary came over the PA system from time to time (no where near as good as the commentary on the Diamond) and at one point we managed to see a small pod of blue nosed dolphins.   I managed to get up in time to see them out our window.   Pete raced up to the Promenade - the next deck up but was too late to take photos.

I am very happy with our Oceanview cabin.   It is more than adequate, and it is nice having the window and I am not missing the balcony at all.   Being on our own it is better to ‘hang out’ in the Cova or another spot and then you get to chat to people as they pass.

One thing we have found the Captain and Officers are very visible around the ship.   You can just about set your watch by the Captain’s coffee stops in the Cova.   All the Officers and Cruise Staff are very approachable, and even the crew can be eager to stop and chat when they are not busy.

Tonight’s Show is Richard Rubin - ship Pianist, Comedian and a past star of “Beauty and the Geek”.   He was very good, and funny - kept poking fun at the Jews (as he is one!).    Worthwhile seeing.

In the Grand Dining Room we were seated at our ’usual’ table for tow, with Jimmy & Alvin, which is fine but it would be better to be sitting with others really.   Our wine waiters is great - I Made Saskara.   He is good at recommending wines - but the wine by the glass selection is rather limited.   The special on tonight was ‘Surf & Turf’ which was very nice, and I decided to try chocolate for the first time by having Chocolate Meringues with Brandy - sensational.

After dinner we joined Jo and Graham at the back of the Buffet to watch the sunset from inside - it was too cold on deck where they had been sitting.   When we arrived Jo was having a deep conversation with a couple who were at their wits end with their obnoxious child - Luke whom we had seen a couple of times being in meltdown mode.  Poor Dad was so embarrassed and the Mum frazzled.    As we were now in Foveaux Strait the winds had died down and the seas had calmed.    Sunset was 9.43pm, so it was light until about 10.30pm.   The skies were fantastic.  Jo took some great shots on her camera.

We stayed up as late as possible - not actually that late so we would have a nice sleep in on New Years Eve, so we would stay awake until Midnight!!!  Curtains closed.