DAY 13 Jan 25 - Sea Day Pacific Ocean

I was awake by 5 o'clock and up having a coffee by 5.30. Far too early even for me but was probably the result of a nap yesterday afternoon. It was coolish this morning with the temperature in the low 70s I would imagine. Funny that as we are still so near the equator. The only people around were the Lido restaurant 'boys' setting up the continental buffet table with their usual military precision. My friend Usman (pronounced Houseman) pours out up to 700 glasses of juice at this time. Tomato, cranberry, pineapple, apple, grate-fruit and then of course finally the freshly squeezed orange juice, all there awaiting the throngs arriving for their breakfast.

At a quarter to seven we had an amazing sunrise with a few photographic enthusiasts on deck peering eagerly through their camera lenses trying to catch this magic moment. I unfortunately had left mine in the cabin. When I did return a little later I did so laden with the usual offerings for Maria.

No dressing up for me last night as it was what they call a smart casual night. However it was table mate Mary Ann's birthday yesterday and at the end of dinner a huge birthday cake, with a few symbolic candles displayed, was presented to her. Then about 20 of the Indonesian waiter staff plus head waiter appeared and rendered in perfect harmony their national 'happy birthday' song. The cake was delicious and was offered to everyone and anyone who would like some.

Last night's show was performed by a young American comedian/magician and although quite cleverly done it became a bit wearisome after an hour or so. We did mange to keep our eyes open but it meant we were not back 'home' until after 11 o'clock. Very late by our standards.

We're always pleased to read comments or e-mails from you our international blog readers. Obviously there are many people dipping into the journey's journal who are not 'official' followers. Thanks for the comments received from them and others plus the e-mails from a few friends that haven't signed up.

I do pass on anything that is intended for a crew member I might know. In fact cabin steward Deden told me to tell Jenny (from down under) that his wife gave birth to a boy a few days ago. He will not be able to see his little son until next August when his contact is up. His bark has a new vigour about it now!

On the question raised in the blog comments about the fitting out of the 22 new cabins, I have the impression this is all going to plan. I can report that occasionally we do hear some drilling or similar construction sounds reminding us that the ship is still a work in progress.

The const-ruction workers live in the ten or so cabins lying adjacent to the new cabins, ones that were taken out of commission once the work was confirmed. The port side ones lie just aft and below us with their balconies displayed in the photograph.

In conversation with Beverage Manager Roger I was pleased to hear that the ship would be stocking up with Chilean wine once we reached that vast and elongated country in a weeks time. He also anticipated having some Chilean wine tasting sessions too. So far I have found the red wines from the (superior) 12 bottle package I have purchases as being a little disappointing. They have all been Californian so far. Maria has done a little better with the Italian bottled Pinot Grigio verses the initial bottle consumed which was again a slightly disappointing Californian one. As it happens the Italian vintage comes from a cheaper ship's package than the Californian grape variety.

This morning Maria felt her knee was strong enough for her to venture onto the wrap around promenade deck and walk for an hour, a distance of about three miles. Her new trainers were just the deal and she reported them to be extremely com-fortable.

I'm sorry to say I did not join her but took a nap instead.

While walking she observed two fishing boats determined to cut cross our bow but at the last moment thinking better off it and going astern of us. That's enough excitement for one day!

Table conversation is now about forthcoming tours. Who has booked what and with whom?

I have this morning given details of our full day, lunch included, private tour of Puerto Montt (Chile) to table mates Keith and Margaret. Gerry (Geraldine) and Gary are also interested in seeing what we have booked as they are beginning to have some doubts about the more expensive trips booked with the ship. Fortunately for them there is a good cancellation policy offered by HAL.

We suggested that they come to our suite early this evening for drinks (we've still got our alcohol mountain to get through!) and a run through our privately arranged tours. Maybe we can repeat this with others from the table.

During the day we passed a few tankers and general freighters as we continue to head south toward our next port of call in Peru. We are travelling not that far off the South American coast, about 25 miles off the coast according to the Captain. Land lights were quite visible this morning before first light. At 10 am approximately we passed from Equador to Peru waters.

This evening Gary and Gerry joined us for drinks in the cabin and we looked at up-an-coming ports of call. They decided that on a few of the ones that we had privately arranged they would like to join us. Tomorrow I will write the appropriate e-mails.