At Play on a Sea Day
It takes four sea days to cross the Pacific Ocean from Robinson Crusoe Island to Easter Island. You might wonder what's there to do while the ship travels from Point A to Point B. Plenty!
We are on our way to Rapa Nui (Easter Island). After a full day of exploration, we left Robinson Crusoe Island on Tuesday, February 18th, at around 6:00 PM. We won't see land again until we arrive in Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui, if everything goes as planned, at around 8:00 AM on Sunday, February 22nd. “Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” I count on my fingers. “Four sea days.”
When we first signed up to go on the World Cruise last June—it was a very late decision; we got one of the last available staterooms—we noticed strings of sea days among all those enticing ports of call. But since we’ve never experienced more than two days at sea in a row, we couldn't quite imagine what this would be like. Now, we are learning firsthand.
As we look through Passages, the Mariner’s daily newsletter and schedule of activities, we see that our options are nearly endless. We must make choices, as there are often two conflicting activities. Should we go to the bridge lesson or attend the presentation by a wine specialist who recently boarded the ship? Should we participate in a lecture on Pacific Explorers or join the traditional crafts meeting? These are tough choices, for sure.
Sherpa and I decided to attend the Chile Wine History and Terremoto Experience. Sherpa is interested in wine; I am not. Still, I thought the history of wine might be intriguing. We were both glad we attended. Sherpa enjoyed exploring everything about wine, and I happily tried a new drink, the Terremoto.
There seemed to be mixed reactions to the drink—"too sweet” or “not wine”—some audience members claimed, but I adored it. Perhaps because I don’t typically drink wine, I had no expectations. So when I tasted this sweet concoction, I was pleasantly surprised. It also had a pineapple-like taste, one of my favorite flavors.
Terremoto is the Spanish word for earthquake, so perhaps this drink is meant to provide a jolt while enjoying it. Made with a generic sweet white wine (1/2 cup), sparkling wine (1/2 cup), pineapple ice cream (3 scoops), and a splash of grenadine, the drink is quite sweet but would serve as a delightful summer dessert for adults.
Next on the agenda for a large gathering of cruising gamers are THE GAMES. These events are offered several times each sea day and are featured in Passages with catchy titles such as "Ring Toss — Throw your way to points with the Entertainment Team," “Officer’s Challenge — Dutch Shuffleboard," “Gather Together Games — Join Cruise Host Jamie for some lunchtime fun," “Golf Tournament on the Links," and "Bocce — Test your skills." Though Sherpa and I have yet to toss a ring or throw a ball, we know that these activities are immensely popular.
There is always a loud, enthusiastic group that enjoys the friendly competitions several times a day. Their excitement is commendable — plus they can earn “points.” One can collect points throughout the cruise and exchange them for goodies such as Regent-branded keychains, golf towels, caps, and T-shirts. It’s a cruise thing, I think. Or IYKYK!
We try to attend one or two lectures every sea day. Sherpa enjoys almost any history topic, and although I avoid those that focus specifically on war and/or conflict, I can still find plenty of options. Today, we attended "Pacific Explorers" by Terry Bishop, a perennial favorite lecturer and entertainer usually aboard one of the Regent ships. Terry always delivers an informative and entertaining presentation, and today, he discussed Magellan and his attempt to circumnavigate the world.
Of course, the part I found most relevant, as a chronicler myself, was the bit about Antonio Pigafetta, the “blogger” aboard Magellan’s ship, the Victoria. Magellan never returned to Spain or Portugal—he met his end in the Philippines—but fictitious stories (lies) made their way home through Magellan’s fellow sailors, who thought nothing of libeling him to make themselves look good. Enter Antonio, who kept meticulous records in his journal, which he published upon his return to Venice. The thrilling story of the first successful circumnavigation of the world became an instant bestseller, or so says Bishop, and soon the world learned the true story of Magellan. He quickly went from traitor status to hero.
Now you understand the importance of the world’s writers, especially those who strive to document the truth! The written word serves as a powerful tool.
Finally, on today’s agenda is Native Crafts with Cultural Ambassador June Teruya. I attended June’s wonderful class while Sherpa caught up on some work-related reading. June taught a lei-making class attended by about 100 cruisers. In an easy-to-follow and highly rewarding class, June first led us in a traditional dance blessing accompanied by a chant. (Loosely translated: “I celebrate life today. I am strong. I am healthy. Watch out for me.”) Then we were given supplies—shells and hand-painted nuts—and June demonstrated how to make eye-catching leis.
It was a fantastic experience. Later, at dinner, dozens of men and women proudly wore the leis they had made. A lovely touch!
If you’ve been following the Bo and Sherpa Chronicles, I need not tell you that Sherpa has an impressive collection of regional craft beers he’s been stockpiling for sea day enjoyment. We have so many beer bottles lining the counter in our stateroom that we’re sometimes awakened in the middle of the night when the sea swells cause the bottles to clink against each other. Music for beer lovers? Never fear; we have enough sea days coming up in the near future, and with Sherpa enjoying one beer a day, we’ll have that collection gone by the time we reach French Polynesia!
Today’s Destination Beer, which Sherpa enjoyed as we departed Robinson Crusoe Island, was La Chona Cerveza, an artisanal brew from Puerto Aysen. It is named in honor of the nomadic Indigenous people who lived in the region on their canoes. (Sherpa purchased this when we visited the local restaurant on our Coyhaique Valley excursion. Puerto Chacobuco port of call.)
Sherpa’s take: Though the bottle’s label reads “Scottish Ale,” it’s actually a Belgian-style ale. (The Belgian flag flies on the label alongside the Chilean flag.) It features light citrus hops with a pleasant flavor. Citrus notes linger on the palate. Full-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel, softly carbonated. 7/10
One of my favorite evening activities is checking out the World Cruise Cake. It sits center stage in the atrium near two dining rooms, Compass Rose and Prime 7. Occasionally, a new figure joins the cake to commemorate a new port of call or event. Recent additions include penguins, seals, and whales from our time in Antarctica, along with a llama and a hat representing our visit to western Chile. (Though, in my opinion, there should also be a wine glass for the Valparaíso region!)
Tomorrow, there’s another day at sea as we continue our journey westward.
I think I would greatly enjoy a Terremoto myself - seems like a wonderful, full day at sea!! Your lei was beautiful. Thankful for your words as always