Day 51: Torres Strait

- February 26, 2023

We exited the Great Barrier Reef areas and passed through the Torres Strait between Australia and New Guinea on our way to Darwin

In the morning we still had the great colors in the water that we have seen as we past slowly through the Great Barrier Reef.

As we moved through the morning, the Captain came on the loudspeakers to give an update on our travels and mentioned that we would see Hammond Rock as we were going through Torres Strait. So everyone was out on the decks to see this as most of us had never heard of it.

Hammond Rock

So after we saw it, did a little search. Seems like from a maritime/mapping perspective Hammond Rock and Torres Strait are synonymous. Also from a geological view, it is very interesting (north end of the Reef and tjhe rock was described as looking like a mushroom under the water and will eventually break off)

We had a lot of clouds/rain come in and out during the day

Toni, along with her regular craft class, tried watercolor class today as Rob continued going to the WWII in the Pacific talks.

Unfortunately we had another MedEvac today

You can see how the Captain had turned the ship north earlier that I assume was to match the wind to make it easier for the helicopter and crew. Then we were back heading west.

Before we knew it, it was dinner time.

Toni was adventurous and had a Pea soup for her appetizer

Toni and Rob battled over who had the bigger piece of meat. Toni with a big and thick Pork Chop and Rob with a Lamb Shank. Toni won on meat, Rob on bone

I guess since we had a light breakfast and missed lunch, we had room for dessert. Toni with cheesecake and Rob with basically ice cream on a brownie with chocolate sauce (they had a fancier name)

Afterwards, we headed to the theater for a show. It was also our Cruise Director's, Cole, goodbye. Cole had been with us from the beginning of the cruise and on the ship for awhile before. He is from New Zealand and would be getting off in Darwin to start his vacation. When we were in Tauranga, New Zealand, his home area, his brother, mom, and Grandfather (with his fiancé). The timing of Cole's exit was so his replacement, Andi, who was on the Coral Princess could transfer over when we were in Cairns and they could have a couple days of overlap. And more importantly, Cole could get off in Darwin and be back home for his grandfather's wedding next Saturday.