June 12, 2024
Ship Update #3 ?
These are the rudders on the ship. They are on the ship aft (backend), behind the propellers and they are responsible for the ship steering. The rudder stock we are awaiting are 2 custom made solid shaft, weighing 2 Tons each, and they fit inside the rudders and are connected via large bolts, in the 2 holes seen here. This retrofit is what's holding us up from leaving dry dock and sailing. This afternoon, we were told our best case of completing dry dock is 6/20 with a strong likelihood of sailing by 6/25. We were given tons of options, but basically have to amuse ourselves till 6/20 most likely 6/24. So, I am flying tomorrow afternoon from Gran Canary to Lisbon and then on to Hamburg, Germany to meet up and stay with my friend Tom Powl. We were supposed to catch up on the original itinerary and have at least a week together and we were both disappointed when that changed. So now we are seizing the opportunity to do it!
This visit to Singapore we explored more of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) complex , starting with the Lotus or the ArtScience Museum. MBS developed, owns and operates the Museum, which is unique for a gaming corporation. They developed the whole area around their iconic hotel and casino to control the look and amenities offered, to make this a special destination and major landmark within Singapore .
Every 3 months the CREW Officers rotate for much needed breaks. The support staff contract for typically 6 to 8 months. Singapore is a big rotation port for us, since flights from here are plentiful and visas are easy to procure for the CREW. Logistics are much more complicated in the smaller ports. Our last sea day heading into Singapore they held an after dinner party, on the aft deck for both CREW and Residents to mingle and say our farewells for now.
Shopping is huge in Manila - there are sooo many malls! Probably because it is so stinky hot! The air condition draws you in, plus the malls have everything - giant Hyper supermarkets, movies, entertainment venues, sport complexes, spas & medical services, tons of restaurants and every retailer you can imagine. SH Mall of Asia is the 5th largest Mall in the World! I went here 2 different days, first with the ladies- Anna Sherrie & Sarah. Then back the next day with Terri, mainly because I was now familiar with the layout, and could move faster and get what I needed quickly.