Day 14 Sunday 31 March: the Red Sea
The sea was no longer calm but Oceana was still rattling long at 19+ knots. The ship had to make it to the mooring at the entry of the Suez Canal before 11 pm. The ship had to be there to make the passage through the canal in the next day on time.
He we are at 6 am looking out from the balcony.
After breakfast we walked 2 miles around the Promenade Deck.
My series of our talks continued with one about Sheree Daines and included an interesting section on the Impressionists.
We tried to order more slimline tonic for the cabin. But just like the bars the stock was running out and we had to have full fat tonic! The ship would be fully stocked again once we had docked at Valletta in the next few days.
At 12:30 pm the mist around the ship cleared and we could see other ships around as for the first time.
Inside the ship it was impossible to find anywhere to sit. The cooler weather had driven everyone inside for the day.
Afternoon and evening on the Red Sea
Lunch was in Cafe Jardin. The salad I picked up from the buffet was fine but the steak Panini was distinctly lacking in steak as a filling.
We watched movies in the cabin. In the late afternoon we watched the oil installations that were along the Egyptian side of the Red Sea.
On the shore we could see gas flares at oil installations and hills covered with windmills.
We went for an early evening meal and then had an even earlier night for sleep ready for the transit through the Suez Canal.
From the Cruise Log
Sunday 31 March – At Sea
Noon Position 26°49.3’N 034°37.9’E
Temperature 19°C
Wind Westerly Force 6
Weather Overcast, DryHeading northwards Oceana continued towards Suez. With the late arrival planned to the anchorage the 8-12 watch commenced the pre-arrival checks. As Oceana reached the approaches to the anchorage it was confirmed we would be number 1 in the convoy the next morning. With number 9 anchorage our designated spot Oceana made her way through the many vessels waiting for the passage of the canal the next day.