Like a good boy, I was awake and getting up before 06.00hrs….yes really! I hate getting up early! There was plenty of time for what Cunard recommends as a “hearty breakfast” before meeting Jo and assembling in the Royal Court for today’s all-day shore excursion. For a second time, we would be tendered into port from the ship. However, this was deemed unsafe by our Captain and watching the tenders which had been launched being thrown around in the swell, I was thankful the tender-call was abandoned even ‘though I had gone to bed and then got up early. My travel insurance covers “failures to call.” I shall express my deep disappointment when submitting my claim…I am heartbroken that we did not call at Puerto Montt and that I didn’t get to Petrohue Falls and Esmeralda Lake. This would have been wonderful!)
This is worrying, I have had little contact from my revered friends and family back home, and reports of the rapid spread of Corona Virus around the world has me pondering the wisdom of my being on a cruise ship, even a Cunard cruise ship, anchored aimlessly off the Chilean coast. At the moment, this is all very nice. Food in all parts of the vessel seems limitless except for strawberries, and oranges. Pink grapefruit occasionally make a guest appearance in the Lido buffet. Those privileged guests in the “Mixed Grills” ie Queens and Princess Grills suites have no such inconvenience…yet!
I am sitting with Jo, at her favourite spot (when it is hot and sunny) at a table outside on Deck 10. She is “yakking” to various family members on her phone, giving me ample opportunity to write my travel blog. Although the skies are grey, it is dry and far less cold than it was further south. Puerto Montt appeared to be an attractive destination. It seems we shall soon be on our way to the next port of call, San Antonio, with plenty of extra time in hand. There is, now, a hint of precipitation as modest droplets of water land on me from the heavens.
11.30 hrs. About an hour ago, the ornithologists among us (not me included) gathered on the open area forward on deck 9 in front of the gym in what was a vain attempt to spot a Pincoya Storm-Petrel, only named and described scientifically in 2013. I joined said crowd at 11.15; we all adjourned to the forward end of the Promenade Deck for further disappointment!
I shall post this now, and write later today.
Thanks for reading, David. 11.38, 27th Feb.
David's Cruise 