Sizzling Day Onboard

We can tell we're getting closer to the Equator as it's becoming hotter and more humid. Perhaps you didn't know this about the Earth's equator which divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres:

• It is the line of maximum insolation (most direct sunlight) and has the warmest year-round temperatures on Earth.
• The equator passes through 13 countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Sao Tome & Principe, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia and Kiribati.
• At the equator, the sun's rays are perpendicular (straight overhead) at noon on the two equinox days of the year (around March 21 and September 23).
• All points on the equator experience approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness every day throughout the year.
• The Coriolis effect (which causes winds and currents to curve) is not present at the equator.
• The equatorial region receives the most direct rays from the sun and has the hottest climate on Earth, leading to lush tropical rainforests.

With temperatures feeling like a scorching 105 °F (40.5 °C) today, the pool deck was practically deserted as most passengers opted to stay cool indoors. Instead of sunbathing, we were treated to an incredible talent show at 2:30PM featuring our very own crew members.

Little did we know that behind the scenes, we had a crew packed with talented singers, dancers, jugglers and bona fide rock stars! The one-hour show was simply amazing, with one act after another leaving us in awe of the astounding abilities of the hard-working folks who ensure our cruise runs smoothly.

The day also included a meeting with our small group that will be joining the upcoming African safari adventure. With only three weeks until we disembark in Dubai and embark on an overland journey returning in Mauritius, we received the low-down on our jam-packed 10 day schedule.

The first stop after leaving the ship will be Johannesburg, from where we'll fly to the renowned Kruger National Park. This will give us an incredible opportunity to Experience another corner of the world from the vantage point of one of Africa's most iconic game reserves. The excitement is building for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!