Valparaíso to the Equator

After departing Valparaíso, we began making our way north. We have had quiet leisurely days at sea. Each of us have done our own activities. Bill and I have done some walking together on the jogging track, and I did a couple of Spin Classes and a Virtual Ride in San Francisco and Marin. Here are some of my activities as recorded by my Strava App.

• 

• 

• 

Meanwhile, Bill has pursued other activities. On Sunday he took a glass blowing class and made a vase that we will use at home, I am sure, to display his many roses and other flowers.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Yesterday, Bill spent time (almost all day) in the stateroom watching movies from the free Video on Demand library, while I found things to do outside the stateroom.

Along the route, I have tried to take a morning sun picture each day. Here are our varying rising suns.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Today, at 9:45, the Captain began giving us his regular morning update, then paused, and said, “In 1 minute 30 seconds, we will cross the Equator.” He than began the countdown. Bill and I happened to be up on Deck 15, outside, picking up his completed glass vase. We went to the side of the ship and took these pictures, just as the Captain counted down to zero.

• 

• 

After crossing, he continued his morning briefing and advised us that in the middle of the night, we completed the stop in Manta, Ecuador, to take on additional medical supplies and to disembark a couple, who, because the husband was experiencing cardiac issues, were flown directly to the United States for treatment.

We both have enjoyed relaxing in the Persian Gardens, with heated relaxation loungers, aroma therapy and steam rooms, as well as, the sauna in the men’s locker room. During the day, we make a basecamp in the, adults only, Solarium, with its inside pool and two hot tubs. In the evenings, we begin with cocktails in the Sky Lounge, high up on deck 14, with stunning 270 degree views off the ship’s bow and then choose one of the ship’s multiple dinning options.

This afternoon, we will celebrate our crossing the Equator with other guests, the officers and crew as we have the “Crossing the Line” ceremony, complete with King Neptune’s court, pollywogs and shellbacks. Since Bill and I have crossed before, we are shellbacks. Stay tuned!