We sailed away from Freemantle/Perth with a longing to return once more to the Great Southern Land of Australia, but with great anticipation toward our next destination.
Africa is nick-named the “Mother Continent”, since it is he oldest inhabited continent on earth and is home to 54 countries, more than any other continent on earth.
The time was filled with lazy days, punctuated with wonderful food and service, new found friends, great entertainment, special events, cruise surprises and glorious relaxation and gaining four hours by setting the clock back every couple of days.
The entertainment included a tribute to Franki Valli and the Four Seasons which brought me back to the night I first saw them perform on Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1963. Oh, “What a Night!”
Princess aimed to please with a variety of novel Enrichment Presentations including a series of informative events from Grant Harrold, the Royal Butler to King Charles. Grant also conducted special sessions on social graces, proper decorum at tea, including proper napkin placement and use, as well as, the polite way to stir your hot beverage.
The cruisers, including myself, especially enjoyed presentations by Leo Rossi the former rock ‘n’ roll tour manager, who’s worked with such legendary bands as The Who, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, ELO, Billy Idol, and most notably Fleetwood Mac. Over several days Leo regaled us with exclusive stories and photos from Rossi’s life on the road as he was living out his own rock ‘n’ roll fantasy.
The next day, Day 39, brought 8 to 10 feet seas, the most active yet, but still comfortable. It certainly did not curtail any of the ship’s activities.
The afternoon wine tasting event was delightful and included special pairings of 5 chosen wines and canapés .
It featured carefully selected vintages with delectable complimentary bites. Basically, it was a cultured and informative event to allow afternoon intoxication, as I said. . .delightful!
Early that evening came a surprise, the Captain elected to inform us via special notice, the slight possibility of encountering Space Debris from two decommissioned satellites.
At least it wasn’t the Houthis this time! It turned out to be no problem at all and we sailed on with no problem.
I believe it was on Day 40 that I got an anxious feeling that the trip was going to end before I was ready to leave it. We have settled into the cruising routine and really enjoying it. Only 57 days to go!
We continued to enjoy the ship and were delighted with the daily pool towel whimsy of the Deck Staff at the Lido Pool:
On Day 42, we arrived at Mauritius at 7:am. We prepared for our excursion in the 82º, sunny conditions.
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean about (1,100 nautical miles) off the southeastern coast of East Africa, east of Madagascar. It includes the main island (also called Mauritius),and three other islands. Along with nearby Réunion, they are part of the Mascarene Islands.
The main island of Mauritius (population 1.3 million) spans 790 sq. mi which is smaller than the smallest state of the US, Rhode Island (1200 sq. miles). Port Louis with 150,000 is the capital and largest city.
As we disembarked, we were greeted by local performers who lifted our spirits as we began our tour with a scenic drive through Port Louis, past sugarcane fields en route to one of the island’s most popular destination, Sugar World.
This former sugar factory turned museum gives the history 0f the island island and details the process of sugar manufacturing.
The weather was magnificent as the temperature climbed and the allowed for a wonderful tour of the nearby Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. Encompassing 92 acres and first established in 1767 it is the oldest Botanical Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Exiting the Gardens ,we drove up steep narrow streets with densely packed housing to reach the Citadel.
La Citadel or Fort Adelaide offered wonderful views of the city, harbor and dormant volcanos.
On the way back to the ship we fought traffic to view government buildings, houses of worship and other points of interest. Finally on our way back to the ship we encountered a welcome sight. . . Super Mario!!
Back on board, we departed Mauritius and began our next leg of the trip encompassing 5.5 sea days and 2,300 nautical miles until we reached Cape Town, South Africa.
We settled into the Sea Day routine and in addition to the usual enjoyment of the ship’s amenities, I took advantage of an iphoto class that was led by one our cruise mates, Dennis Baker. His background as a gifted teacher and a professional photographer were evident as he helped us all understand the power and nuances of the incredible mobile device we that we hold in our hands. Thank you Dennis.
As Princess often does, they included a special show with gifted entertainers such as Dan Middleditch. Many of us have seen “Elvis” shows before, but few can match Dan’s high energy performance.
As we made our way in the Indian Ocean in what seemed like an endless empty sea, I pulled up a Marine Traffic App. Here it’s plain to see that with over 50,000 to 60,000 merchant vessels and ocean going passenger ships, you are not alone . . . amazing!
Filling our days with Enrichment Lectures, Bobamala research and relaxation, I continued to trade Equity Options. As we traveled westward, it was becoming easier to trade since I no longer had to get up in the middle of the night for the Stock Market open at Eastern Standard Time.
After we rounded Madagascar, the sea picked up to the heaviest yet at about 12 to 15′. Some noticed the enhanced movement, others took it in stride. As Spike Milligan, comedian and writer said, “The best cure for Sea Sickness is to sit under a tree.”
The Production Staff, with their talented dancers and incomparable band, displayed their talents with an evening of “Latin Rhythms” displaying high energy and provocative dancing.
We arrived at Cape Town on Day 48 where it was 66º and overcast. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and international shopping. It’s famous for its towering mountains, magnificent beaches, award winning wineries and impressive sea life including Great White Sharks, Whales, Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins.
Table Mountain is synonymous with Cape Town and is one of the most iconic mountains on earth.
We met Nabil, our tour guide, who would escort us via Motorcoach for the 3 hour jaunt with 80 of our closest friends to the Aquila Game Reserve, home to the Big Five .
This Reserve is ideal for those who want to see African wildlife without venturing too far from Cape Town. Once there, we enjoyed a buffet and time to relax and enjoy the grounds before embarking on our game drive.
Our Guide “IQoQodo” drove and led us on our 1.5 hr game drive with David, Pattie, Don and Gail.
We travelled the dusty roads and riverbeds experiencing some bone crushing moments which brought back memories of a similar excursion in Sanbona last year. It didn’t take long for encounters with all types of animals.
Our search for giraffes, rhinos, zebras, lions, hippos, elan and elephants were met with resounding success.
So with a feeling of accomplishment after a long, dusty, but beautiful day, we said thanked Aquila for an unforgettable experience.
The Island Princess spent the night at the Dock in the center of Cape Town, just adjacent to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. The V & A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination.
It boasts over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, jewelry, leather goods and audio visual equipment.
Restaurants, museums, boat trips, helicopter rides and all types of activities can be enjoyed. We spent a few days here last year at the nearby Table Bay Hotel and loved it.
We strolled for a couple of hours around the waterfront enjoying the weather, the sights and the shops.
And just like that, it was time to return to the ship and enjoy cocktails and dinner before heading off to our next port of call on the west coast of Africa . . . Namibia.
We’ll see you soon at our next ports of Walvis Bay, Namibia, Mindelo in Cabo Verde, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife in Lanzarote and Agadir, Morocco.
Fair winds and following seas,
Captain Bob
After getting our share of rain on our golf cart outing we sampled another restaurant and were convinced that Green Turtle Club was the place to be. The staff was friendly and efficient and the food excellent. I just started a “Conch Burger Tour” and the contenders will have a tough time measuring up to the one at Turtle Cay.
I outfitted the dinghy with the outboard and we taxied over to the dinghy dock at the marina. 
We climbed back into the dinghy and explored the Eastern Harbor hurricane hole. Apparently, many boats are left here for the season. We toured both harbors by dinghy and were impressed by the tranquility and also by three visiting green turtles feeding just off our port beam. We enjoyed a dinner on board and a quiet evening with no wave slap.
It is pedestrian friendly in the Marina district, but you’ll need a cab for other destinations, like the grocery or ferry dock. No need to wave a cab down just call them on VHF channel 06 and they will be there pronto. Drivers were courteous and friendly with almost UBER vehicles
We treated ourselves to lunch at Wally’s, a wonderful restaurant just across the street from the Marina. This is probably the finest the finest Conch Burger served anywhere. Tasty, tender, lightly battered and served on a fresh Bahamian bun with fresh garnish… it was magnificent! 
Robin was now fueled for shopping and she poked into every shop within reasonable walking distance. Like the food the items they were very good, but not cheap.
We walked to Rental Wheels, LTD and picked up a not too ancient Buick Lucerne. It had a myriad of dents and dings so that the metal skin had the texture of a raisin and bad shocks to boot, but you know me… I don’t complain.
We drove the 25 miles to Little Harbor over a wide well-paved highway , but the last two miles or so were on a washboard dirt road. Emerging from the forested roadway we saw the lovely, small, but fully protected anchorage and drove the final approach on the sandy path just a few yards from the water’s edge.
An art colony was established here in the 1950s and a gallery featuring life size marine bronzes and jewelry is open every day. After I engaged in some intense browsing, Robin nixed the purchase of a bronze hammerhead for $17,500 that caught my eye. Too bad, it would have really pissed off the Home Owners Association when I put it in my front yard.
We then made our way to 
Albury’s Ferry runs a convenient, dependable service to many of the neighboring Cays. We thought it a great idea to hop the ferry for the 20 minute trip to Hopetown on Elbow Cay. Hopetown was founded in 1785 by Loyalists escaping the American Revolution. It is one of the most picturesque settlements in the Bahamas unmistakable with its candy striped lighthouse.
Hopetown would be complete without a visit to the Lighthouse. We took a water taxi across the harbor and then traveled a narrow curving path leading to a large working boatyard which led to another path along the waterfront and yet another up to the Lighthouse. There were many nice folks along the way giving us directions cheerfully and without hesitation; none of them accurate, but you know me….
After an exciting ride, we reentered the Sea of Abaco and headed WSW to Treasure Cay which is on Great Abaco Island. We called yesterday and reserved a slip at the 
Yes, it was a special night at the “Tipsy Seagull” and it’s usually a sellout. The on-site bar/restaurant was packed with locals and tourists alike. A local band was playing dance music and young and old were bopping around, while enjoying fresh baked pizza to order and their favorite beverage. The service was friendly and amazingly fast considering we were on island time. After having our fill and then dancing to familiar tunes, we called it a night.
National Geographic has rated this 3 plus mile crescent shaped beach one of the ten best in the world. Like many of you, I have seen more than a few beaches, but the crystalline water, cool, powder- like sand and lack of crowds make this one spectacular. Truly magnificent. We didn’t want to leave.
Saying goodbye to Treasure Cay with a promise to return, we cast off the dock lines and headed for Great Guana only 10 miles across the Sea of Abaco. We arrived at 1130 and picked up a mooring at Guana Cay Harbor, a vibrant, happy place on any Sunday. Now, it’s time to get the dinghy off the deck and give her the power of the outboard engine we carry along to make the trip ashore.
The main street was a sea of people in mid-revelrie and golf carts galore snaking their way through the crowd. Apparently, the masses were headed either to or from Nipper’s or Grabber’s, another hot spot. Along the way, we were warned about the scant possibility of scoring a drink at the crowded bar.
Through the well-marked path we found Nipper’s on the Beach side of the island. We heard the voice of Robin Thick and the beat of “Blurred Lines” before we glimpsed the throng at the wildly popular spot. As promised, the lines at the bar were three deep, but I managed to find one tucked away where I only waited ten minutes for a couple of Maragitas.
After a restful night we set off again to make landfall ih the Northern Cays. One that we had read about in cruising guides for its pristine beauty, sand bars and tidal pools is Double Breasted Cays. The entry to the anchorage was serpentine but worth the idyllic setting. We spend the late afternoon with a swim to the sand bar and some peaceful rest in the protection of the low lying barrier islands. We had some visitors from “Let It Be” a 42 foot Catamaran. Frank and Mary Grace were cordial, we had much in common and plan to meet up with us in Annapolis at the Boat Show in October. 
Making our way toward Green Turtle Cay we had two overnight stops, one at Allans-Pensacola Cay and another at Powell Cay. As we traveled south the appearance of the water increased in clarity and beauty and we were again treated to near perfect weather with 5 to 12 knots of wind, sunny skies and 1 to 2 foot seas. The leg to Powell Cay which is the across the Sound from Coopers Town on Little Abaco Island was the best yet.
Green Turtle Cay has a population of about 450 and a variety of anchorages and marinas. We chose the 
