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Still Cruising the Coral Sea, December 23


Almost at the end of three sea days - has been VERY relaxing, the only busy thing on the ship this morning was the Christmas Market in the atrium from 11-11.45.   There isn’t much in the way of things to buy on the ship but the jewellery boutique and clothing store as well as the spa people did set up shop and gave a small discount on already discounted items!  We wrote decorative cards for the tree and received a raffle ticket for that.  Eggnog, mulled wine and mimosas were served and then Santa arrived via one of the glass elevators to much amusement. One of the resident pianists, Ed Kelly, played piano and we sang carols with the crew.  It’s beginning to sound a bit like Christmas………🎼🎹🎺🎷

Not much to talk about during the afternoon, we expected to see some of the reef around 4.30 but only if the sun was shining.  Well, by then it was cloudy, overcast and looking like rain!   Very nice though, with small quays or islands along the way.  

Dinner in Prime with Marnie and Bob - they’ve been on since Istanbul and are going through to Auckland.  We shared a table in Dubai at the special dinner and will keep in touch. 

At 6 pm we were invited to a Seven Seas Society concert ( for top tier guests, over a certain number of nights cruised) - an exclusive classical Christmas concert.  The pianist is the resident pianist with the orchestra, is from the Ukraine and has performed for us before.  He played some amazing music by composers from across the world.  At the end one of the dancers came on stage as the sugar plum fairy and danced some beautiful ballet.  

After dinner we (three of us) went to the show and it was nothing short of fantastic.  Set in Paris at Moulin Rouge the dancers were amazing.  Probably the best group of dancers/singers I’ve ever seen on a ship!  Excellent Can-Can!!!!!

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