Day 10 and 11 - Two more days at sea, including a visit to the bridge!

So, we had a weekend at sea with no land in sight both Saturday and Sunday.

And again, we pretty much have a schedule worked out that we're happy with for sea days. Breakfast, internet time, an hour long workout in the gym, lunch, trivia and/or nap time, laundry, dinner, evening show, etc.

But, we had an interesting diversion today!

They don't advertise the fact that you can request a tour of the bridge. And even when you make a request, it is met with "it may not be possible". And if it is possible, and they receive too many requests they institute a lottery system. 

But we made a request anyhow, and yesterday afternoon there was an envelope slipped under our door that contained an official invitation to tour the bridge. They ask you not to tell other passengers about your good fortune! However, you are welcome to take photographs, but not video.

There were 15 of us on the tour. We were met by one of the 3rd officers who was a woman from Philippines, and two security officers.

View from the side of the bridge.

View looking back.

Lots of high tech navigation equipment!

The girl was really informative, and we were able to ask lots of questions. We were up there almost an hour!

There is no big steering wheel!

Everything is all electronic, and steering is done by tiny joysticks not much bigger than a video game.

The 1st officer.

The captain was not on the bridge at this time.

Notice the watch officer on the left. Despite all of the electronics and sensors, they still have humans keeping an eye on what's out front. Often, they are just keeping their eyes open for sea life since many areas of this cruise are in protected waters where they have different procedures, including the type of fuel they use.

It was really interesting and I'm glad we made the effort. We can also make a request to see the engineering and engine room. We'll do that tomorrow, and keep our fingers crossed.

I thought we would show you what the lunchtime buffet is like...

The table area of the buffet section.

Fruit.

Sandwiches.

Cold cuts and grilled vegetables.

Salad fixings.

Corn chips, salsa, and guacamole.

Spinach pie.

More salad stuff.

Roast turkey breast and veggies.

Cold cuts, and cheeses.

Desserts.

There was also breads, soups, and various casseroles as well as sections specifically designated as gluten free, sugar free, and vegetarian. You will not starve at the buffet. But, we met one couple who refuse to eat at the buffet because "that's where all the germs are". I told them we like to live on the edge!

So, we've had two days at sea, and Monday morning at 7:00am we arrive at Reykjavik, Iceland. We have been to Iceland before, but it was in October 2012. We're meeting up with a local Icelandic lady who has been reading this blog since our visit there in 2012!

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