David - the NZ officers need to cut the same deal as the Au officers. They boarded in Christchurch!

Lazy day yesterday with improving sea conditions. Seas were down to Beaufort 6 and winds down to Beaufort 8. Still no pool bar or pool grill - way too windy for that. Things seem calmer still this morning.

We lost at trivia to the Pacifics, aided by the very knowledgeable golf pro onboard. Hmmm .. we should not have let him get away. We did, though, gain the executive chef for Name that Tune. We scored second place with his assistance. He's also quite a good singer. Herb crusted lamb was the featured main course last night. We were half expecting the helicopter to touch down in time for Ngaire to enjoy a double rack, with dover sole on the side.

On a brighter note, the cruise director has run out of prize point chits. We now have an arbitrage opportunity. He's offering a 10% premium if we turn in chits - today only. Our prize point count steadily risen, standing at 42. I'll negotiate for him to round up to 47.

The Venetian Society party enjoyed a strong turnout. One couple has 535 nights with Silversea. Quite impressive, considering Silversea is in its 15th year of operation.
Horse races and a cocktail demonstration are on offer today. We land tomorrow in Hobart .. and I am ready to have a day in port.

Tennis fever is growing. Andy Roddick won the warm-up match in Brisbane, but Davedenko (? sp) knocked off both Federer and Nadal. Kim Clijsters beat Justine Henin, who is sitting out the Sydney contest to conserve her strength for Melbourne and the Aussie Open. June reports there was an upset winner in the ladies' match at Auckland - not familiar with the winner, but hope to see her in Melbourne. Can't wait to see the matches in person. Hopefully, Federer will draw the evening session on Wednesday. Brian has yet to see Federer play live.

Cheers, Anne