Back onboard Oceana
We picked up a taxi as it left there at the market and travel the short distance back to the ship.
In the terminal building I managed about five minutes of Internet connection before we went back on board the ship. This time I was being asked to give an email address and then to confirm a receipt message in order to stay connected.
After our hectic day it was time for a drink (alcohol of course) and we headed for the nearest open bar. While we enjoyed our drinks we added up how much the day had cost our companions in local currency. We were amazed that our half of the cost came to only £25 (plus a round of drinks of course).
It was definitely time to put our feet up and do some reading and perhaps a little extra sleep before getting ready for dinner.
Our evening started once again with a gin and tonic in our cabin while we changed before joining our friends for dinner. I started with a Caprese salad, then a steak followed by bread-and-butter pudding.
Beats 45 show
We were early for the Beats 45 show in Starlights. Their show was excellent.
From the Cruise Log
Saturday 23 March Abu Dhabi, UAE
Temperature 35°C
Wind South-Easterly Force 7
Weather Mostly Cloudy, DryAfter an uneventful and fairly slow passage from Dubai, Oceana commenced the preparations for her arrival to Abu Dhabi.
Captain and Deputy Captain arrived on the Bridge at 04:30 to join the 4-8 watch. After briefing the team of the pending arrival with the manoeuvring plan the team settled into their roles.
Oceana proceeded into the narrow channel marked out by red and green lateral buoys. Maintaining a speed of around 14 knots Oceana continued down the channel carrying out the final checks. Pilot boarded at 06:13 just off the breakwater by Pilot boat on the starboard side. Captain Camby, as navigator, brought the ship round to starboard before bringing her alongside port side to the quay.
First line ashore was at 06:44 signifying the end of our passage and all 18 lines made fast by 07:04. Gangways were rigged shortly after allowing our Guests to wander off to explore the capital of UAE.
After a lovely hot day in Abu Dhabi the 8-12 watch commenced the preparations for departure. All Crew and Guests were on board by the 21:30 time given with the Bridge team having the ship ready to set sail shortly after. SBB was rung at 21 :42, red manning declared at 21:44 and the lines let go at 21 :47.
Thrusting off the berth slightly, DC Kasper Janson commenced the passage to Muscat. After a safe distance from the quay the DC switched the controls into the centreline, pushed ahead on the engines and continued out of the harbour. The Pilot disembarked just at the breakwater and then the shell door secured for sea. The Deputy Captain then followed the buoyed channel all the way back out into the Arabian Gulf.