(Updated). Friday March 11. Pulau Saronde

Today our ship is moored off Pulau Saronde – one of the thousands of islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It is very like Green island off NQ, with beautiful white beaches, blue and green waters, snorkeling, coral, coconut palms. We went onshore and saw the Captain (and us) receive the third welcome dance of the voyage. We began to wonder if the captain did any driving! There seem to be plenty of other duties to keep him busy.

I continue to be amazed at the amount of handling involved in these visits – as on the previous cruises too. Staff take over umbrellas, drinks and other comforts for guests. I guess it all has to be packed up at the end of the visit.

Transfers have been made by RHIBs, or zodiacs. They are unsheltered, and there is a very precise protocol for getting us on and off. We are directed where to sit, when to stand, etc etc.

Hopefully pics below.

 Lovely colours of the water around Pulau Saronde

And a close-up of Le Soleal in the bay.