21. A few more updates

The India Visa Question rumbles on and inevitably crops up at every dinner time conversation. But anyway, the Indian Immigration officials have been on board since Dubai and those wishing to go ashore in India are being "processed". I'm pleased to report that all our papers were in order and we have our landing card in our possession ready for going ashore in Cochin. Princess, for their part, have issued a letter from their legal department trying to ally passengers concerns and complaints, but in my humble opinion it is just waffle and a statement of facts that we already knew.

The first stage of the trivia league ended in Dubai and our team ended a creditable 10th place out of the 50 teams involved. No prizes, but it's always a fun social event.

We had the required captains cocktail party last evening, an event not to be missed if only for the free drinks....which we are convinced are short measures anyway. 

During our stop in Dubai, two gentlemen passengers went out and bought the full Arab Sheikh gear...long white robes, sandals, red and white head covering....the lot. Given that they both have dark beards, they look the real deal and caused much amusement amongst crew and guests alike when they wore their outfits at the last formal night!

Wildlife sightings are unfortunately few and far between although we often see large shoals of flying fish skimming across the water. We did watch one gannet like bird, obvious miles from the nearest land, hunting the flying fish, swooping and diving into the sea in an attempt to catch some lunch.

More to follow once we have had our day ashore on Saturday.

PS..as you can see from the picture, our travelling companions Gilbert and Mouse have been tucking in.