Day 56 – Sail the Coral Sea

Beautiful weather greeted us when Tim and I opened the curtains on another sea day. We started the morning with a lecture by Suzanne Rieger, “Thursday Island: Treasures of Culture, Heritage, Island Charms.” Thursday Island is a tiny island in the Torres Strait that we will be visiting tomorrow, and I am enjoying the lectures we’ve had on this interesting destination.

Thursday Island, Treasures of Culture, Heritage, and Island Charms

Since we had missed breakfast, we stopped by the Living Room Bar for a croissant. This tided us over until lunchtime, which featured a Pan Asian special event.

Back in our stateroom, I was surprised when I looked out the window and saw that we were quite close to land. We are sailing along the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea, a spectacular body of water known for its crystalline clarity.

This afternoon was a good time for laundry, and I caught up on a few lectures on Viking TV while waiting for the washer and dryer to finish.

The skies clouded over later in the day, and we encountered a few dramatic squalls. The weather seems to change frequently in this part of the world.

The Weather Changed Rapidly Today

Tim and I decided to return to The Chef’s Table tonight for Asian Panorama, one of our favorite menus. It was described this way:

A five-course menu inspired by the ingredients and unusual tastes of this vast continent.

The Menu for Asian Panorama, With Descriptions of the Five Courses Pictured Below

Amuse Bouche, First Course, Granita, Main Course, and Dessert

Two of my favorite Head Waiters run Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table in the evenings. John Paul and Carlito are so warm and friendly, and Carlito took very good care of us tonight. When we arrived, we saw our two friends Jacquee and Larry and requested that we sit next to them. That involved moving a table so we wouldn’t have to shout at each other. Carlito, of course, was so accommodating in rearranging the dining room for us.

Carlito and John Paul

Dinner was delicious, and the conversation flowed nonstop all evening. It was such a treat for Tim and me. I may have photographed the food, but I totally forgot to get a photo of the four of us.

Not only did Tim and I venture beyond the World Café tonight, but I even went to the evening show. Guest Entertainer Daniel Thompson presented his tribute show, “Johnny Cash – The Man in Black.” I have a strange fondness for country music, and I loved the performance.

Daniel Thompson Presents "Johnny Cash - The Man in Black"