Goin’ Cruising #4
Day Two – At Sea
Day Two was a sea day, perfect for those seeking rest and relaxation. The ship continued north into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; with calm waters between the mainland and the reef it was smooth sailing.
Following breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant, we went for an early morning stroll along Deck 7.
We played Team Trivia in the Dome, Jeopardy in the Marquee Theatre and Name That Tune at the Promenade Bar. Despite our competitive natures and best efforts, we weren’t winners but we did have fun.
After a buffet lunch at the Plantation Restaurant we walked again, this time around Deck 14 where the sun lounges and expansive ocean views beckoned.
June marks the start of whale watching season along the southern Queensland coast, as Humpback Whales arrive after their annual migration from Antarctica. We scanned the ocean and eventually our persistence was rewarded. We saw whales in the distance, breaching and splashing as if they knew we were watching.
Our sea day ended as it had begun in the Waterfront Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious three course meal with entertainment provided by our handsome waiter Antonio. His repertoire of magic tricks would intrigue us all week long.
Walking, Whales and Magicians could have been an alternative title for this post – I am intrigued by a magic producing waiter! This cruise is looking and sounding just my cup of tea 🙂
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He had a wonderful set of card tricks and we were treated to one each night. I think you would enjoy this type of holiday, CC.
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Looks so inviting. What a wonderful vacation. We love watching the ocean and the whales are a real bonus. Eager to hear more.
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We knew there would be whales out there but actually seeing them was amazing.
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They are magnificent creatures! Congratulations on the whale sightings.
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Sounds like a marvelous day, strolling around the deck, seeing whales and playing games. What a relaxing and fun time. 🙂
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We are the best trivia team in the world never to win a prize. Three times we tied for first and we lost in the tie break every time. We really wanted those cake and coffee vouchers too. 🙂
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Mike and I watch Jeopardy every night while eating dinner and we are so bad at trivia! I admire people that know so many facts. If you keep at it, I’m sure you will win eventually, and get to savor that cake and coffee. 🙂
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We used to part of a team that played every Thursday night and we won quite often. The prizes were usually alcohol related because it was held at a pub!
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Alcohol-related prizes! That sounds like fun. 😉
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You have had tons of whale pictures this year! Pretty soon they are going to come up and give you high five because they saw you somewhere else, and recognize you! 🙂 Keep your hand up ready! 🙂
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That would be so cool. 🙂 These whales were a fair way off but we could still see them easily.
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Hi Five! 🙂
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How wonderful to see the whales.
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We knew they would be there. It was just a matter of spotting them at the right time. Lucky Mr ET has excellent eyesight.
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A wonderful way to relax. I love watching magic tricks…..and whales of course. 🙂
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Me too!
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Sounds so incredibly relaxing. Whale watching, strolling on deck, playing games and watching big blue skies sounds so enticing. Not to mention those handsome multi-talented waiters! 🙂
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Antonio was definitely our favourite!
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who doesn’t like a good tale about the three W’s?
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Especially the winning part. We came so close so many times.
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That sounds like a perfect day. How great to see the whales – I remember how excited we were to catch a glimpse of a couple when were were off the coast of San Diego in February this year.
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It really is a privilege to share a few hours with whales, isn’t it. They were a fair way off but close enough to see without binoculars and we saw several groups.
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When we were on the whale watching boat, it was amazing the hush that fell on everyone as we waited with baited breath to see if the whale would surface again.
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We were told, on the boat in Hawaii, to count to 30.
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Carol, despite having once gone on a whale-watching excursion near the Canary Islands, I haven’t had the fortune of seeing any. I think that delayed gratification will make a future sighting that much more special for me. 🙂
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You will have to keep trying Tricia, because it’s so amazing when you do see them. Here the whale watching cruises offer a second free cruise if you don’t see any the first time. Did you see this whale watching post from Hawaii at the start of this year? https://theeternaltraveller.wordpress.com/2016/02/13/watching-whales/
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Waw, whale watching! That sounds like a fantastic experience! Thanks for the lovely tour!
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It was a beautiful way to start our cruise.
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