Day 10—Red Sea

This is the first of several days at sea.  It was interesting (last night) looking at the map and realizing that we were sort of at the center of a pie, with slices of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia all touching the tip of the Red Sea.  I guess everyone had to have access when Israel was created in the 1948.  The coast line of Israel is about 5 miles, and Jordan is about 10 miles, and the rest of the northern part of the Red Sea is flanked by Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

It seemed like we steamed down the sea at a good clip, but then almost stopped by the time we got to the Egyptian and Sudanese border.  We noticed on the map that we were only a few miles (well, under 100 at any rate) from Mecca. 

Lunch on the Red Sea.

We had an Emergency Drill (they won’t directly say “pirate”).  In the event a boat “approaches us too closely”, we will take evasive maneuvers, and discourage them from coming any closer.  Uh, okaaayyy.  So, we also have to keep the exterior lights low after dark, since they have people on watch through the night (the lower light helps them see well).  Apparently we are part of a convoy, but it isn’t clear how that works, since we’re all doing different speeds.  But, I guess if there is a threat, there are more of us?  I don’t know.  For what it is worth, pirates are NOT interested in us.  They have a small crew and must control the captured vessel, and all of the occupants.  That’s a challenge with 10-20 people on a cargo ship.  But 2200 passengers, and maybe 1000 crew?  That would be nigh impossible.  So, we think we’re pretty safe.  So too must Celebrity Cruise Lines, or they would not risk sending us through! Regardless, we had room service for lunch and enjoyed the view!

Sunset on the Red Sea.

After dinner tonight, they had a “Guess Who’s Smarter than the Ship’s Officer’s” Game Show.  Our progressive trivia team decided to take them on…and we won!  We all got a “Gold-colored Plated Medal” award for being the high score on the ship!  Quite the honor!!