March 8, 2020 - Sunday

Azamara Quest Cape Town to Athens 

Cruise Day 18 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Pictures to follow with better internet

Shortly after I started my walk at 5:30 this morning we started passing ships at anchor waiting to enter the port. We proceeded past them at a very slow speed in the dark. The pilot would join us soon. 

As I finished my second mile the sun started to come up and the pilot boat approached us. In the dim light I could see that we were headed toward the container port quite a distance from the passenger port. Since we cannot get off the ship anyhow this will not be a hardship. 

After breakfast with the sun shining and the temperature building, we could see the landmarks near the pier we docked at the  previous times we visited Colombo. They were very far away. 

Another stellar lecture by our astronomer (sorry about that) was followed with a question and answer session with the officer and senior women aboard. This was to honor Women’s Day. It was a very interesting session. My big take away was how satisfied they were with the equality onboard. Compensation is determined by formula and is equal for men and women at any given level. They have advancement paths and know that if they do the job, they will earn the same as their male counterparts.

The featured lunch at the Patio on the Deck was German cuisine. There were 4 kinds of sausage, smoked pork ribs, smoked short ribs red cabbage, sour kraut, several German beers and, of course, pretzels. All of this and am Oompah band. It was a great time. 

It is 2:00 now and everyone is apprehensive. Captain Magnus has not delivered his noon navigation report. The rumor blazing it's way through the ship is that India has closed all ports to cruise ships. That would be an enormous disappointment as we have 4 days scheduled in India. Of course that also raises the question of where else will ports be closed. Will we become the ghost ship circling at sea?

Time will tell. We are making the most of it in the meantime. This is all out of our control. Maybe I should have another beer. 

I am pleasantly surprised at how I have been able to update this blog by holding back on pictures. I hope to be able to add them soon, but that will take a good shore side connection. If we can’t dock I may not be able to add them until we get home. 

I will keep you updated. At least we are healthy and enjoying life. We still feel blessed despite the disappointments.