Hello from the Pacific Ocean. It is sunny and the seas are slightly rough, there is a swell that sometimes causes us to stagger down the passageways. We are cruising at about 20 knots on a southwest heading bound for the Marquesas Islands. We will arrive there next Tuesday, so with six sea days ahead, most of us are beginning to find our onboard routines.

Already we are meeting many interesting passengers. Today at lunch we joined a couple from Catalina. As with others, when they found out we live in Florida they wanted to talk about hurricanes and how we live with the “continuing” threat. I guess our state’s PR department needs to go to work to assure the rest of the world that we haven’t all “blown away”! Lunch in the Compass Rose Dining room is so leisurely. We really enjoy the wonderful food and service. You start to feel pretty pampered in no time flat.

The shipboard schedule today is filled with many activities. I just came from a lecture by Laura Brand who works with Jean-Michel Cousteau in educating the public through the Ocean Futures Society. She had some amazing video of sharks in the Rangiroa atoll. She also offered to join us on special scuba and snorkeling expedition when we reach French Polynesia.

This afternoon’s schedule also includes Duplicate Bridge, Ballroom Dance Classes, Arts and Crafts, a Slot seminar (I wondering if there are different techniques in pulling the lever???), Bocce bowling, Step Class, Wine Tasting (don’t try both of those at the same time), Afternoon Tea, Trivia, Pilates, Computer Class and a Stretch and Relax session. I think you have to relax after you finish all of the above.

Tonight the staff has scheduled a very interesting activity. At the sound of the ship’s bells we are to grab a glass and open the door of our suite, walk out and meet our new neighbors. Wine and cheese will be served by the ship’s staff. Sounds like a great way to break the ice and meet our new friends next door. I’ll let you know how that works, it should be fun.

We are planning on meeting our LCT friends for dinner. LCT(luxurycruisetalk.com) is a message board I’ve been visiting for the last two years. Finally I’ve had a chance to actually meet people who have become friends as we shared conversation and information about cruising. Last night we met after the lifeboat muster and enjoyed a drink together. Already I can tell we will enjoy more drinks and meals in the coming days.

Well, my computer time clock is ticking away so I’ll sign off for now. These sea days are so busy, I think I’ll take a nap!