Sea Day – January 19

Regent model??

My absolute favourite day on a cruise (other than perhaps meeting an Indian family at the Taj Mahal) is a sea day. We’re still not sleeping in, but anytime I wake up without an alarm is a sleep in to me. I realize this morning (actually at about 3:30 this morning) that we went a little crazy with asking for extra pillows, we ended up with 8…not necessary. After lazing around a bit we decide to check out the lecture on Thursday’s port Sabang, Malaysia. These port talks typically describe the port and the excursions available. Sabang apparently is a rarely visited place by tourists and cruise ships.

lobster for dinner

During the talk it is made abundantly clear that this is not a touristic port and that the facilities and will be basic at best – there are no certified guides, the guides will be students, teachers, retirees or housewives. There are no taxis and transportation is either private car or becak (tuk-tuk) – fine as we rarely venture out on our own when a tour is available. There is no mention of how ‘basic’ the toilet facilities will be which speaks volumes – I know how to deal with this!!

caviar appetizer

We get in a quick breakfast before another talk about the history of Malaysia and Indonesia. This is very welcome as although we’ve visited here before, I really have no clue about this area of the world.

Before dinner we go to the captain’s welcome reception for a drink and some snacks, where many of the staff introduce themselves.

Dinner is in the main dining room as it was last night. We decide against the evening show as for some reason it seems like we’ve had a hard day!

laundry day!!