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| Tonight we enter the Gulf of Aden. |
Yesterday morning as we were reminded of yet another time change to be effective at 11:30 am, our Captain Fleming announced that a boat would be coming to ship around 4:00 PM to drop off “security equipment” for our upcoming remaining three days through the Gulf of Aden.
Tom was determined to see this event occur as was I. Watching the clock throughout the day, we were pleased when the Captain’s voice sounded over the loudspeaker as he explained that the boat would be arriving soon and the ship would be slowed down accordingly.
It’s helpful for worried passengers to be alerted to such events. Captain Fleming has been conscientious about making such announcements in an effort to diminish fear and its resulting rumors. For us, we wanted to see this firsthand in order to take photos.
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| Our view at the bow of the ship as the “security boat: approached. |
Unsure which side of the ship the “security boat” would deliver the “security equipment” we headed for the bow of the ship where there is row of viewing windows to the bridge. If we watched the officers in the command area, we’d be able to see which direction they were looking through their binoculars.
Peering into the bridge, we had a clear view of the blue radar screens, noting three objects, one on the port side forward, and two on the starboard side forward. Wondering which would be the delivering boat, we waited patiently while Tom, using his trusty Swarovski binoculars kept a lookout.
Around 3:30 PM, we saw the delivery boat approaching our ship approaching dead ahead, to finally veer to the port side. We were on the move! We wanted to get as close as possible and yet not so close that we couldn’t get a good shot.
Each of us had a camera, old and new, in our hands. Much to my frustration and unbeknown to me, one of the settings on the new camera we had changed in error, preventing me from getting any good shots. Luckily, Tom had the old camera and was able to take the photos we’ve posted today.
As crew members hung onto the “security boat,” two uniformed soldiers got on board our ship, each carrying two large black cases as shown in the photos. Captain Fleming had referred to these black rectangular boxes as “security supplies.” Duh?
When asking an officer about the contents of these black boxes, it was obvious to us that his response was rehearsed, “Oh, those are night goggles, binoculars and such.” Why wouldn’t a large ship such as ours, Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas, keep night goggles on board along with all their other such equipment? Why were two soldiers dropped off? To use night goggles? Hardly.
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| The “security boat” as he approached our ship. |
We’re assuming that the ship staff, in an attempt to avoid fear and panic, have been instructed to report the contents of the black cases contained “security equipment.” We understand their reasons to lie to us and in essence, respect it.
After a hysterical time at dinner last night at a table for eight with non-stop laughing, we meandered back to our cabin, smiles on our faces from yet another enjoyable evening at a “shared” table. One couple was from Australia, another from England and a third from Florida, whom we’ve made plans to meet up with again tonight.
When we returned to our cabin around 10:30 pm, our room darkened as instructed, drapes tightly pulled, we settled into bed. Minutes after dosing off, I awakened to a sensation of a bright light filtering through the crack in the drapes.
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| As the boat took off, after unloading the two security personnel and the black boxes.
Awakening Tom, he bolted out of bed, running to the window to peek out. Seeing the light, he cautiously opened the balcony door only to discover that the cabin next to us had not followed security protocol by having their drapes wide open and lights turned on.
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What’s with people? It was a simple requirement, easy to follow, affecting the safety of everyone on board. It’s the same mentality of guests who become ill while cruising and don’t bother to stay in their cabins during the infectious period, infecting everything they touch resulting in the illness of many others.
This morning at 8:00 am, after our good night’s sleep, Captain Fleming’s voice once again blared on the loudspeakers, thanking us all for our cooperation, reporting a safe uneventful night.
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| After the boat departed, we found our way to an observation deck and shot this photo of the pool area, as it thinned out in the late afternoon. (This shot was taken after I figured out the incorrect setting on the new camera. Bear with us, as we learn to each use it properly). |
Hopefully, expectantly and most likely, we’ll hear such announcements each morning as we continue on our journey to Dubai, to arrive next Tuesday.
We’ll keep you updated as we continue on and on, and on.