April 8

Tuesday, April 8 Not Croatia

We were scheduled for Split, Croatia and really looking forward to this ancient town described as pedestrian friendly. The anticipation was even greater when we saw the daily program and realized that an additional three hours ashore had been added to the original schedule.

Alas, it was not to be as we awoke to an announcement from the bridge (we keep our cabin radio tuned to announcements which are only broadcast to few public places or cabins if you wish*). It was our captain announcing that we were anchored off Split (and not very far off) but because of the 45 knot winds and heavy seas they would not launch the tenders and all tours and trips ashore were cancelled. At last, I thought, a day with nothing planned. Wrong. Within an hour a schedule was put out ----lectures, classes and the like.

Having coffee in the Lido deck I spied one of the ship's tenders coming from shore to the Amsterdam. It was bouncing, bucking and pounding and after a short while began tacking to try and get to the ship. As it got closer we could see that it wasn't making much headway and was in fact being swept toward the stern. A ferry about the size of the Nantucket boats was coming out of the harbor and appeared to be standing by ----to block the wind or for rescue purposes we couldn't determine. Eventually, the tender was carried beyond the side of the Amsterdam so everyone rushed to the stern.

I think the Amsterdam was swung around a bit to allow the tender to make it's way back up the port side where it was finally attached to the lines from the davits. One poor seaman was on the tiny little platform at the bow of the tender trying to fasten the line ---with no life line that I could see. Finally the lines were secured, the tender hauled up and the weary crew and a new batch of entertainers wobbled onto the deck of the Amsterdam. Anyone who complained about the Captain's decision not to launch the tenders had a very vivid picture of what a smart decision it was.

As soon as the tender was secured we headed out to sea and off to Malta. Since we gained almost a half day we'll be traveling at 15 knots, pretty slow for this ship.

Our noon position today 43.8 N, 16.?E, gale winds from the east south east, rough seas, water and sea temperature 59F, water depth 300 feet.

I keep forgetting to mention the device the ship has on board in the case of a pirate attack but the news of a day or do reminded me.

When we were in the South China Sea and areas around there at the stern and on one side of the ship was positioned a LRAD. Hopefully, a picture will appear in the next blog.
According to the seasoned world travelers, the device emits sounds or sound waves that are so horrible they repel pirates. Also out on the decks at night were fire hoses ready to be used. Onboard security was increased while we were in the areas frequented by pirates.


Tomorrow another sea day, then Malta, a tiny speck of rocky land south of Sicily given to knights who were displaced from somewhere. The knights then became known as the Knights of Malta. The Maltese Falcon also came from Malta but was hunted to extinction. (you can see I didn’t pay much attention to the lecture). More tomorrow.