Afternoon and sailing out of Salalah
Looking out of the port.
Some more dust.
Evening onboard
The Captain included an apology for the morning’s shambles with the taxis in his 6 pm update. Our ship was the first of three Carnival group ships to be calling at the port in the coming days. All of the ships were on their way out through the Suez Canal. Our experiences were passed to the other ships who are now reviewing whether to call or not.
The port authorities had been informed and had apologised and were reviewing how to manage the taxis in future.
We were reminded that the security protocols practiced the night before would be in operation later in the evening as Oceana would still be sailing through areas of pirate activity.
At dinner in the Ligurian restaurant I started with the Greek salad then had liver for my main and ice cream to finish.
After sitting through a quiz in the Sports Bar we went to see Dean Standsby.
The ship was running without any lights showing from the cabins and when we checked the speed, Oceana was running at 19.3 knots.
From the Cruise Log
Wednesday 27 March Salalah, Oman
Temperature 32°C
Wind Southerly Force 3
Weather Partially Cloudy, DryHaving only visited the port of Salalah once before and a first time for all of the Bridge team a thorough team brief was carried out with many what-if scenarios played over to ensure a safe arrival in every eventuality.
The weather conditions were very favourable and sea state was calm meaning that the arrival was made very easy.
SBB was rung at 07:55 with all pre-arrival checks made shortly after. The Pilot boarded at 08:15 and offered local information to the information we already gathered.
Proceeding in to the harbor Oceana passed the large container terminal on her starboard side with several container ships already docked. Reaching the basin at the foot of the assigned berth Oceana commenced a quick turn to port, lined up with the berth and using all four thrusters, Captain Camby guided the ship nicely alongside.
After a hot day in port the 12-4 watch commenced the preparations for departure by carrying out steering gear checks, stability calculations, radar performance tests, etc.
The engines were up and running at 17:14 with all Officers in their assigned position for departure. Final clearances were made before Captain made the call to let go all lines.
With the last line let go at 17:27 confirming us underway, Captain Camby thrust Oceana off the berth, came astern on the engines and brought the ship back out into the main harbour waterway. Once the vessel was turned to point out of the port the engines were pushed ahead and Oceana proceeded back out into the Arabian Sea which is part of the Indian Ocean.