Grand Africa Cruise Trip Day 92/96 - Sea Day - Wasting Time in the Med
It wasn't a pleasant start to this sea day as we learned that out of the two medical emergencies last evening, unfortunately, one guest did pass away. We don't know any details, and frankly, it's none of our business. It is certainly unfortunate, but unfortunately, things happen on these trips with many people of a certain age. This is the third cruise we have been on where a guest or a crew member passed away. In the other incident, the woman who collapsed in the Observation Bar was medically evacuated to Gibraltar along with her husband and son who were traveling with her. He posted online that she had a stroke and had been moved to a Spanish hospital for more evaluation. We hope the best for her.
We are sailing slowly in the Alboran Sea, the western portion of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered to the west by the Strait of Gibraltar, to the north by Spain, and to the south by Morocco and Algeria.
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| Our basic position and route as we sail toward Melilla, Spanish Morocco |
This area is a busy shipping channel and we saw cargo ships all day.
It was a sea day so Baggo bags were flying. Entertainment Manager, Rhys, dialed up the competition today, lengthening the distance. it was tough to keep bags on the boards.
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| The Captain came and cheered on the contestants |
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| Arlona made it to a semi-final qualifier round but fell a little short |
We did well in trivia today despite missing three questions. We moved up to third going into the final day on Thursday. Our misses:
- Do birds pass gas?
- We assumed that they must - it turns out that their digestive system is so fast that they do not pass gas or burp for that matter
- What year was the United Nations formed?
- We guessed 1947 - we were a little late as it formed on October 24, 1945
- Who invented scissors?
- We guessed Fisker - Leonardo da Vinci is widely credited although some sources reference similar tools from centuries earlier
We nailed today's bonus - name all six original weapons in the game Clue - 20 points each. They were: wrench, rope, lead pipe, candlestick, revolver, and dagger.
Arlona worked on painting today. She opted to paint the African Daisies we saw in Casablanca.
Seabourn hosted a nice lunch for the 100 or so of us on the Grand Africa 90-day journey. Every table was hosted by an officer, entertainer, or crew member who helped make this an amazing voyage.
Arlona attended the port talk for tomorrow's port, Melilla, Spanish Morocco while I competed in the final putting tournament of the cruise. While I struggled with the second hole, as did everyone, I needed a two on the first and third holes for a two-stroke victory. It's always good to go out on a win.
We enjoyed cocktails at the Observation Bar before attending the Grand Africa farewell in The Grand Salon. The officers greeted all of us, making everyone feel special for taking this journey. Chelsey and the band performed.
The Seabourn Six, along with Nick and Rhys provided additional vocals.
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| Nick and the captain made comments |
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| The Seabourn Six singers, plus Nick and Rhys performed |
Nick presented an original poem.
90-day cruise Poem
Through Morocco’s vibrant, sun-drenched streets,
To South Africa’s shores, where the wild world meets,
We sailed, we danced, we explored with cheer,
On Seabourn Sojourn, for ninety days clear.
From Namibia’s dunes, so endless and bright,
To Zanzibar’s beaches kissed by the moonlight,
Seychelles' lush islands, a paradise grand,
Ghana's rich history upon the soft sand.
We roamed through The Gambia, so warm and alive,
In Senegal, where cultures thrive,
Cape Verde's shores with their windswept grace,
Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire, a welcoming embrace.
Angola’s beauty, Mozambique's shore,
Madagascar’s treasures, and Sao Tome's more.
Safaris, overland trips, oh, what a sight,
Each day unfolding, a new delight.
Wine tastings, toasts with the local crew,
Embracing the flavors, as friendships grew.
From Mandy Muden’s humor to Christina’s voice,
The Barricade Boys’ harmonies, we did rejoice.
Charl Du Plessis Trio, their music alive,
Corlea’s songs made our spirits thrive.
Andrew Johnson, Zelda, Robin Binkes, and Joey too,
Shared wisdom and stories, perspectives anew.
Conversations deep, knowledge to seek,
Their voices a bridge that helped us to speak.
The staff, as our anchors, so true and kind,
From Captain Hamish’s farewell, to Captain Karras we now find.
All of the teams smiles, genuine and true
Doing all they can to take care of you.
They’ve sailed this journey with heart and care,
Making each moment feel beyond compare.
540 trivia questions+ with Julius Caesar making a fuss,
I guess the question was a little bit suss.
Thousands of breadsticks, Sailaways on deck
Ethan’s dazzling performance,
Harry’s hair cut close to the neck
Chocolates upon pillows, a touch of grace,
Seabourn's spirit, we’ll never replace.
Baggo champs and arts and crafts on display
Galley market joy and caviar along the way.
From 2024 we welcomed the new year,
With Santa, King Neptune, and festive cheer.
This voyage, this life, what memories we’ve made
A 90-day tale, that was certainly A grade.
So here’s to the laughter, the places we’ve been,
To the Sojourn’s crew what a dream team.
For each day is a treasure, a story to tell,
As we move on together, at the end of this grand journey's spell.
On behalf of us all, the Captain and crew
Safe travels, till next time, we bid you adieu.
He also showed a video summarizing our experience.
It was a fitting wrap-up of our experience. They also took a group photo but they haven't emailed it to us as promised. I expect it will arrive soon.
We listened to music in The Club before grabbing g dinner. We caught a sunset on the way.
We intended to go to the show featuring the tri, Gravity, but we both felt exhausted and called it a night.
We'll tour Spanish Morocco tomorrow, the last port of this journey.
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