The first of several days at sea as we head south to the Suez Canal and then Egypt. A quiet coffee in the buffet started my day, I think many people took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in.

My morning’s exercise was indoors again: each length of the ship takes 3 minutes to walk, so I’ve been doing a full lap, going down a deck, another lap, down a deck, etc, etc, then up 5 flights of stairs, then breakfast. At 9am I hurried off to try Complete Beginners Bridge. As did 60 or so other people. I sat at a random table and soon we were attempting to play cards; just the basic card game, no bidding yet. Unfortunately my partner was a bit tetchy, she had already taken offense when others asked where she was from so when I told her she was The Dummy (I was The Winner of The Bid so her’s was the dummy hand) she got up and walked out!!! Luckily that was near the end of our hour and an Intermediate player sat down and finished our last hand.

Next was a lecture in the theatre on the Suez Canal, which we will enter tomorrow evening. Quite interesting to learn about its history. For millennia ancients have talked about the need for such a canal but it was Napoleon Bonaparte who not only envisioned it but commissioned engineers to make it happen. It didn’t actually get started until well after his death. It took 10 years to construct and opened in 1869.

The lecturer will be hosting more talks tomorrow on Egypt, perhaps she’s the historian for the voyage? Cruise lines do that, give people free cruises for hosting games such as Bridge or give talks on sea days. This one was very well attended however there were so many passengers coughing and hacking – I’m glad I kept my mask on from the Bridge session!

A quick lunch at the buffet as soon as it opened to avoid the crowds then I isolated in my cabin, for the afternoon, lounging on my sofa with my book and my balcony door open for its warm breeze. I did another circuit of the decks before having afternoon tea, then met up with my friends for dinner.

Tonight was Gala night so most of us dressed up, some people in full gowns and tuxedos! No pics I’m afraid…maybe from next week’s fancy night.