Exploring on the Explorer. Lautoka, Fiji to Broome, Australia

[highplanesdrifters]

For the Explorer lovers.

A little video to tuck in your back pocket for a rainy day.

 

 

 

[jpalbny]

4 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

After our little excursion to Cape York, Silversea arranged a cocktail party on the grill deck with free drinks for everyone. 🤣  More significantly we got to finally meet @Port Power and @FauxNom. What a delight!  We are the richer for it.

 

How fun! We have cruised with FauxNom before (also on Explorer). Pass along our regards!

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, jpalbny said:

How fun! We have cruised with FauxNom before (also on Explorer). Pass along our regards!

 

Agreed!!  Nice FUN and postings, details, pictures, videos, etc.  Keep it coming. 

 

How is the food on this Silversea ship?  From Fletcher's Middle East sailing, he was fairly blunt that the food quality was not up to the highest levels.  He also seemed to indicate that many of the staff were kind of new and not up at the highest levels.  How do you evaluate the SS food and staff for this sailing?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[highplanesdrifters]

7 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

How is the food on this Silversea ship?

We had Chef Pia for the first leg so our food was outstanding!  Service impeccable.   Aside from the usual Euro American fancy fare there was often a spicy ethnic dish or two .  She treated us to a Sharma lunch and of course her signature sausage German lunch. The crowning glory was her schnitzel in all its crispy wonderfulness.   We now have Chef Subhash. While not Chef Pia, he does a very good job. We are missing all the spicy Asian dishes, but I did have one the best Lobster dishes the other day. Slow poached, moist and tender. Very hard to do.  Mmmmm, yum.  On both legs we've had 'Invictus' lunches.  A massive cold seafood spread.  Delish.

 

A little food porn below.  Perhaps I'll pick up my game in that area.

 

The famous Shnitzel 

 Some double chocolate raspberry thing.

Clams and scallops

Don't remember, but isn't it pretty?

 

Breakfast and lunch are buffet.  The usual breakfast items can be ordered. While not large there is always more than enough.   Lunch always has a pasta of the day, carving station, sushi, salad bar, cheese, soup, and the usual suspects.  At the Grill outside there is a fish of the day and sometimes specials.  Service has gotten a little slower now that we have a full ship and lots of newbies. But nothing terribly bad.  We are not big fans of Hot Rocks.  I will say that I wish they would pick up their vegetable game. I know, shocking! Dishes are pretty heavy on the animal protein. I've been trying to order double veges. Doesn't always work. Instead of one asparagus spear, I get two. 🤣

 

 

 

 

Ice cream sundae station.

[highplanesdrifters]

11 hours ago, jpalbny said:

 

How fun! We have cruised with FauxNom before (also on Explorer). Pass along our regards!

Will do! And we will send you a toast!

[TLCOhio]

21 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

We had Chef Pia for the first leg so our food was outstanding!  Service impeccable.   Aside from the usual Euro American fancy fare there was often a spicy ethnic dish or two .  She treated us to a Sharma lunch and of course her signature sausage German lunch. The crowning glory was her schnitzel in all its crispy wonderfulness.   We now have Chef Subhash. While not Chef Pia, he does a very good job. We are missing all the spicy Asian dishes, but I did have one the best Lobster dishes the other day. Slow poached, moist and tender. Very hard to do.  Mmmmm, yum.  On both legs we've had 'Invictus' lunches.  A massive cold seafood spread.  Delish.

A little food porn below.  Perhaps I'll pick up my game in that area.

 

Triple WOW!!!  Great details, reporting and visuals.  Wonderful to hear.  It is now dinner time here in the Midwest and you are making me very, very hungry.  Can't wait to dine this evening.  All looks and sounds excellent.  Very good posting and highly responsive.  Keep having fun and such joy. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

[Stumblefoot]

30 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Perhaps I'll pick up my game in that area.

The crowd would be very appreciative if you did.

 

Speaking of which, how was the raspberry thing?  I've always lost weight during a SS cruise because thankfully, their desserts aren't very good and never worth the calories.  But, that raspberry thing would definitely get me if it was good.

[highplanesdrifters]

2 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

The crowd would be very appreciative if you did.

 

Speaking of which, how was the raspberry thing?  I've always lost weight during a SS cruise because thankfully, their desserts aren't very good and never worth the calories.  But, that raspberry thing would definitely get me if it was good.

The raspberry thing was pretty decent.  I agree that in general the dessert game at SS is usually not the best. Unfortunately they are killing us on this trip, especially at lunch.  Food porn coming up!

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT.....Who knows???

 

Our poor expedition leader Christy must be ripping her hair out. Mornington Island today is iffy. Not sure if the locals are going to let us on.  Groote (next leg) canceled us.  

Stay tuned.  Natives are getting restless and I don't mean the Aboriginal ones.

[highplanesdrifters]

Food porn.for @Stumblefoot and update.

 

Well......there is a Zodiac team headed to scout things out and have a chat with the locals.  But we are 2 1/2 miles from shore and there are 25 + knot winds. Update in 30 minutes???

 

Yes this is a simple breakfast. Ohhhhhh, the luxury of having someone bring it to me is priceless. 

[Daveywavey70]

6 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Food porn.for @Stumblefoot and update.

 

Well......there is a Zodiac team headed to scout things out and have a chat with the locals.  But we are 2 1/2 miles from shore and there are 25 + knot winds. Update in 30 minutes???

 

Yes this is a simple breakfast. Ohhhhhh, the luxury of having someone bring it to me is priceless. 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, Daveywavey70 said:

 

Bacon is one of my weaknesses.   Room service breakfast helps curtail the inhalation.  But maybe a BLT for lunch! With egg and avacado, a BLEAT. How can I be hungry?

[highplanesdrifters]

Mornington Island, Australia 

 

Yes we did make it ashore. A desolate flat place with 1,200 human inhabitants.   It was a long 4+ mile, 30 minute commute. A wild and wet ride in rough seas, winds 27 Knots. On another ship folks would pay $499 for a RIB ride like this. We got the thrill included. 😃This stop has been on the books from early days so I was a bit confused when expedition team was so excited about being able to put this together at the last minute. The Explorer is the first expedition ship to visit this place.  They seemed pleased we were there, but I'm not sure they knew what to do with us.  There was a lottery for a 4x4 trip around the island with locals. The Mayor was one of the drivers. Some thought it great fun and an expedition adventure. Others weren't happy with their cramped vehicles and constantly getting stuck. The rest of us got a short "nature" hike on a road and or a stop at the Aboriginal Art Center. 

 

I'm glad we went. It gave us a real sense of life in remote Northern Australia.  Not every stop needs to be an instagramable moment. 

 

See that dot in the distance? It's the Explorer.

 

 

 Our instructions upon exiting the zodiac - immediately proceed away from it as crocodiles frequent the area. The locals were very serious about this. Right O Matey, will do!

Not unlike the Explorer, Alcohol is a major problem.  Seriously though, the authorities tried to ban it but Home Brew became a worse problem.

 

The locals were lovely and hobbled together a Welcome to Country. Some children were allowed a half day off to see the circus in town. The Mornington Island dancers opened the Opera House and have danced for the Queen. A lot if audience participation.  Good fun. Who knew I'd be twerking with the Mayor's mother.

 

 

 

We even came across the semi wild horse herd.

 

The Art Center

The Airport - I was surprised it was this big.

 

We were told that sunsets in this area would be spectacular.  They were correct.

 

 

Maybe not haute cuisine, but special request hot bubbly pizza for dinner. Happy Campers slept well.

 

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by highplanesdrifters
Cruisr Critic has crappy software

[drron29]

A long time ago we spent a week on Mornington Island at a fishing lodge which sadly is no more. One of the few places in the world I could catch fish.

[highplanesdrifters]

49 minutes ago, drron29 said:

A long time ago we spent a week on Mornington Island at a fishing lodge which sadly is no more. One of the few places in the world I could catch fish.

Tell us more!  What were you fishing for?  Did they make a big deal out of the crocs then?  Sea day today. Saw a few turtles and sea snakes. Have to admit I'm glad I was on a ship when we saw the snakes. 

[FauxNom]

Thanks @jpalbny! It's been fun getting back on the Explorer.

 

I'm really enjoying your commentary @highplanesdrifters--especially now that we know each other! I'm also having fun playing trivia with @Port Power and her son. We actually won today, no thanks to me 😉

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, FauxNom said:

Thanks @jpalbny! It's been fun getting back on the Explorer.

 

I'm really enjoying your commentary @highplanesdrifters--especially now that we know each other! I'm also having fun playing trivia with @Port Power and her son. We actually won today, no thanks to me 😉

Ahhh ....you got your Aussie ringers. Go get em!

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT

 

Gugari Rip, Hole in the Wall

Australia 

 

In between Guluwuru and Raragala Island,  the Gugari Rip is also know as The Hole in the Wall. A  notorious narrow passage in the Wessell Islands. Slabs of rock  remain from when the two islands ripped in half to create this natural beauty, a passage through the channel.

 

Strong currents from the Coral and Arafura Seas meet here as water from the Pacific and Indian Oceans flow in opposing directions over the relatively shallow continental shelf. The wind and tide are often at cross purposes, often called the washing machine effect.

 

We will attempt zodiac rides.

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[TLCOhio]

4 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Tell us more!  What were you fishing for?  Did they make a big deal out of the crocs then?  Sea day today. Saw a few turtles and sea snakes. Have to admit I'm glad I was on a ship when we saw the snakes. 

 

Snakes!!!  Crocs??  Sounds very risky and with some danger?  Great added details, pix's, etc.  Keep it coming.

 

But, when you said: "Not every stop needs to be an instagramable moment.", my bias leans the other way.  I love those great sites and sights that make for excellent "eye candy".  Super loving your food porn.  When does your cruise end and what are the next major port/excursion stops upcoming?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[drron29]

5 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Tell us more!  What were you fishing for?  Did they make a big deal out of the crocs then?  Sea day today. Saw a few turtles and sea snakes. Have to admit I'm glad I was on a ship when we saw the snakes. 

The first fish I caught there was a 40Kg Giant trevally. The guide told me to release it as they were only good for cat food.

The last fish I caught had the guide fooled. Pulling the fish in he said I have no idea what you have on the line as I have never seen a fish fight that way but it must be a good size. It was a 30Kg Spanish mackerel/wahoo. When I landed it it turned out the line was twisted around the tail so I was pulling it in backwards. As the guide said that is the first time I have seen anyone lasso a fish.

 

In between many good eating fish such as coral trout, groper and red emperor.

But the best day was the day I needed a rest from fishing so went with one of the staff in a tinny up a small creek. Plenty of crocs but we were after mud crabs. Now in Queensland the regulations are that you are only allowed to keep male crabs of at least 15 cm/inches across.

So we had 5 baited pots. Dropped them about 100 metres apart. After dropping the last one we went back to the first and pulled it in. Took just 30 minutes from setting the first pot to pulling up the last and we had 27 male crabs all over 25 cm across. Boy was dinner a feast that night - plain boiled with garlic butter, chilli crab and crab in black bean sauce. for just 10 people.

Edited May 19, 2023 by drron29

[highplanesdrifters]

7 hours ago, drron29 said:

As the guide said that is the first time I have seen anyone lasso a fish.

Way to go cowboy. Love that story!

Maybe Mornington has tourism potential.  They were very keen to find a way to get things going there. Asked us a lot of questions about what we liked and wanted to do. Perhaps they need to bring you back as a consultant!

 

7 hours ago, drron29 said:

we had 27 male crabs all over 25 cm across. Boy was dinner a feast that night - plain boiled with garlic butter, chilli crab and crab in black bean sauce. for just 10 people.

Now that's an excursion I would have liked.😃

[highplanesdrifters]

8 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

But, when you said: "Not every stop needs to be an instagramable moment.", my bias leans the other way.  I love those great sites and sights that make for excellent "eye candy".  Super loving your food porn.  When does your cruise end and what are the next major port/excursion stops upcoming?

This leg of the trip has had a quite few misses, due to weather, crocs, and ports not letting us in. We've gotten to the point where we are just happy to do something. There are still covid fears amongst many of the Aboriginal tribes, especially where cruise ships are concerned.  Hence the cancels.  

We are still having a fantastic time although not as power packed and instagramable as the PNG leg.  Last night we anchored ourselves on the veranda, watched sunset switch to the Milky Way and shooting stars.

We put a dent in the Blue Turtle Gin.  Maybe best that I don't Instagram that. 🤣   I can assure you it was sheer perfection.

 

Off to a Zodiac thriller ride in the Hole in the wall.  MTC

[highplanesdrifters]

Not the most exciting critter. He,

Was there all day swinging that pendulum.  Hoping for more sea snakes and turtles  today.

 

 

 

[mysty]

@highplanesdrifters your visit to Mornington Island made the news!

 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/first-cruise-arrives-mornington-island-qld/102367132?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

[highplanesdrifters]

8 hours ago, mysty said:

@highplanesdrifters your visit to Mornington Island made the news!

 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/first-cruise-arrives-mornington-island-qld/102367132?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

We've been trying to loose the paparazzi since Cairns. Tough with the famous @Port Power and @FauxNom on board. 🤣

 

Seriously, nice to get some positive press.  Thanks for sharing the link.😃