Day 96.

An unusual event today was the Anti Piracy Drill”. This is because from today until 25th April we shall be passing through the Gulf of Aden and Bab el Mandeb. All passengers with ocean view and balcony accommodation were required to assemble in corridors outside their cabins. Passengers with inside windowless cabins were ok to stay in their stateroom. A litany of instructions were broadcast over the ship’s entire P.A. system. These were also printed out with a copy for every passenger. Reassuring is the fact that Queen Mary 2 will be protected by an International Task Force assigned to protect merchant shipping from attacks. Only essential ship’s exterior lighting will be provided outside. Passengers with outside stateroom will be requested to keep all curtains closed during the hours of darkness. The drill appeared to be most satisfactory; I visited the Spa in the faint hope of easing the pain in my knee, soon after the drill was complete. I booked a massage and this enabled a healing of sorts. This occurred after lunch at 3pm. The massage and the application of muscle loosening medication seemed almost to do the trick. The sea resembled a mill pond once again, and winds were light. I enjoyed the well over 50 minutes of reflexology, and certainly, my knee is less troublesome. There is not too much to write about at the moment. It’s time for some sleep. Very best wishes, David.