January 26 At Sea

Very early in the morning there was a public announcement from the Captain that there was going to be an emergency evacuation of a passenger who was stricken ill and needed immediate surgery. Cruisers whose staterooms where immediately below where the helicopter was going to hover were required to leave and assembled at the Horizon Court (a buffet venue) and everyone else were told to stay away from the open deck topside. This is a safety procedure in case the helicopter accidentally crash in the evacuation operation.

Shortly a rescue helicopter came from shore, hovered over the ship, lifted the ailing cruiser in a stretcher and flew her to the nearest hospital on land. Although all cruise ships have medical facilities on board, they are not equip to conduct surgical operations. It is reassuring to know that in medical emergencies they know what they can and cannot do and always know when to call for outside assistance when needed.

After that little unplanned excitement, the rest of the day was spent celebrating Australia Day at sea.

The land-based rescue helicopter which came immediately to evacuate the ailing passenger

It was Australia Day!

Poolside barbie, Australian style

My photos did not do justice to the food made available poolside for the special day.

This musical trio was doing its best to liven up the poolside party

Cake eating contest! I was on the other side of the pool preoccupied with eating to bother getting close for a good shot LOL.

Aftermath of the cake eating contest. None of the contestants finished their cake within the specified time but the one who ate the most won.