Live From the Jade, Nov 13 to Dec 21, from Athens to Cape Town

[silkismom]

oooohhhhh Freddie--you made my day. What a sad lose.

[Ken the cruiser]

Tonight after our last dinner in Teppanyaki, we decided to pass on the production show, Palace of Lights, as we seen it before,

 

  
and walk around the promenade waiting for the Green Flash as the sun set into the horizon! Unfortunately, it was too cloudy along the horizon, but it made for a pretty sunset! 😁

  

 

 

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 35 - Dec 17 - Richard’s Bay, South Africa (ETA 11 am)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We have arrived at Richard’s Bay! If you look closely at the second to last picture, you’ll see the tour buses lined up next to where we’re going to dock. You may also notice the black smoke in the air. I believe that is dust from the many piles of coal just up wind from us. Hopefully, the winds will die down, but I’m not holding my breath! 😂

 

Just entering the bay.

 

 
View from the pier to the entrance of the bay.

 

 
Here’s a “less dusty” picture from a different angle off of our balcony? 😁

 

We’ll head out on our safari excursion in about 2 hours after we have lunch. Needless to say we’ll be eating indoors! 😂

 

Edited December 17, 2022 by Ken the cruiser

[Crazy planning mom]

Enjoy your safari!

[gizmo42]

Hi Ken

Thank you for a terrific trip report so far! It is fun learning about ports I've never considered before and a cruise line I've never sailed. Your photos are fantastic, especially the wildlife!! Enjoy the rest of the cruise.

Gail

[Ken the cruiser]

What a day! We started off the day with everyone having to do a face to face customs check-in with passports in hand up in the Spinnaker Lounge. But with over 1,800 passengers to process, it was very well organized and we were only an hour late getting on the tour bus which was about 85% full! 
 

 
Then our scheduled 1 1/2 hour ride turned into 2 hours each way.

 

There were a lot of these planted trees growing a long our route which they use to make paper after letting them grow for 7 years, much like we do in the southern US with planted pine trees.

 

 
Of course, they also grow sugar cane

 

 
and pineapples.

 

 
They also raise goats

 

 
and cows! I know, who knew! 😂

 
In this beautiful countryside.

 

 
After 2 hours, we arrived at our destination, the Hluhluwe Game Reserve! So for the next 2 hours we drove in an open air 4x4, with between 9-10 passengers per vehicle.

 
As we entered the gate, we ran into a couple of female warthogs.

 

 

 
with the male warthog not far away!

 

  
We had to all keep our eyes peeled for wildlife as they all roam free and fend for themselves, as there are no “feeding areas” like you would see if more controlled settings.

 

 

 
Some just pop up out of nowhere and then disappear if the driver stops and backs up so we can get a better picture, like this fellow did when we backed up. Luckily, I took this picture as we were driving by.

 

 
These zebras were up on the hillside quite a distance from the road.

 

 
Then sometimes there’s a lone elephant hanging out by themself.

  

 
or hiding behind a bush

 
or on a hillside!

 

 
But sometime they’re just taking a break before it’s time to munch on another branch from a tree! 😂

 

  
Then there are those that just want to mosey across the road to see what’s tasty to eat on the other side!

 

 
About half the way through, we stopped on top of a small plateau and just stretched our legs and enjoyed the view. 😁

 

 

 

 
Once we started back down the hill, we saw some more elephants down in the valley.

  

 
Then there was this lizard that was crossing the road and quickly disappeared into the brush!

 

 
Then we came upon this “white” rhino. As you can see she’s not white, but our guide said she has a wide mouth which distinguishes them from other rhinos. 

 
The reason I know it was a she, because she had a 8-9 month old calf hiding behind her.

 

 
Then we saw a bunch of water buffalos up on the hillside, with this one coming down to the water.

 

 
As we continued to head back to the entrance, we came across another rhino with her calf not far behind.

 

 
Then came the finale. We drove up near a bunch of bull elephants proving who is the strongest! fun times! 😂

  

 

 

 
In all, I took almost 300 pictures and we had a blast!! If you’re ever find yourself cruising to Richard’s Bay, we highly recommend booking this excursion!! 😁
 

One sad note to report, though. There was one 4x4 that broke down about half way through the tour and for reasons we don’t know why, they were left stranded there until after all of the other vehicles came back to the entrance. The only reason I know this is because our tour guide came on the bus and told us it will be about a 30 minute wait before we leave as the 10 that we’re stranded we’re on our bus, 1 of 3 buses from the Jade. Unfortunately, we got back to the ship after 9 pm when the Excursion Desk closed this evening. But I’ll bet those folks will be paying them a visit tomorrow. 
 

[preston]

4 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

What a day! We started off the day with everyone having to do a face to face customs check-in with passports in hand up in the Spinnaker Lounge. But with over 1,800 passengers to process, it was very well organized and we were only an hour late getting on the tour bus which was about 85% full! 
 

 
Then our scheduled 1 1/2 hour ride turned into 2 hours each way.

 

There were a lot of these planted trees growing a long our route which they use to make paper after letting them grow for 7 years, much like we do in the southern US with planted pine trees.

 

 
Of course, they also grow sugar cane

 

 
and pineapples.

 

 
They also raise goats

 

 
and cows! I know, who knew! 😂

 
In this beautiful countryside.

 

 
After 2 hours, we arrived at our destination, the Hluhluwe Game Reserve! So for the next 2 hours we drove in an open air 4x4, with between 9-10 passengers per vehicle.

 
As we entered the gate, we ran into a couple of female warthogs.

 

 

 
with the male warthog not far away!

 

  
We had to all keep our eyes peeled for wildlife as they all roam free and fend for themselves, as there are no “feeding areas” like you would see if more controlled settings.

 

 

 
Some just pop up out of nowhere and then disappear if the driver stops and backs up so we can get a better picture, like this fellow did when we backed up. Luckily, I took this picture as we were driving by.

 

 
These zebras were up on the hillside quite a distance from the road.

 

 
Then sometimes there’s a lone elephant hanging out by themself.

  

 
or hiding behind a bush

 
or on a hillside!

 

 
But sometime they’re just taking a break before it’s time to munch on another branch from a tree! 😂

 

  
Then there are those that just want to mosey across the road to see what’s tasty to eat on the other side!

 

 
About half the way through, we stopped on top of a small plateau and just stretched our legs and enjoyed the view. 😁

 

 

 

 
Once we started back down the hill, we saw some more elephants down in the valley.

  

 
Then there was this lizard that was crossing the road and quickly disappeared into the brush!

 

 
Then we came upon this “white” rhino. As you can see she’s not white, but our guide said she has a wide mouth which distinguishes them from other rhinos. 

 
The reason I know it was a she, because she had a 8-9 month old calf hiding behind her.

 

 
Then we saw a bunch of water buffalos up on the hillside, with this one coming down to the water.

 

 
As we continued to head back to the entrance, we came across another rhino with her calf not far behind.

 

 
Then came the finale. We drove up near a bunch of bull elephants proving who is the strongest! fun times! 😂

  

 

 

 
In all, I took almost 300 pictures and we had a blast!! If you’re ever find yourself cruising to Richard’s Bay, we highly recommend booking this excursion!! 😁
 

One sad note to report, though. There was one 4x4 that broke down about half way through the tour and for reasons we don’t know why, they were left stranded there until after all of the other vehicles came back to the entrance. The only reason I know this is because our tour guide came on the bus and told us it will be about a 30 minute wait before we leave as the 10 that we’re stranded we’re on our bus, 1 of 3 buses from the Jade. Unfortunately, we got back to the ship after 9 pm when the Excursion Desk closed this evening. But I’ll bet those folks will be paying them a visit tomorrow. 
 

 Can you use your cell phone camera to take pictures on your tour?

[Ken the cruiser]

3 hours ago, preston said:

 Can you use your cell phone camera to take pictures on your tour?

Yes. That’s what I used, an older SE iPhone. However, that’s all you can use your iPhone for on the tour.

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 36 - Dec 18 - Sea Day

 

There’s a little motion in the ocean this morning.

 

 

  We are heading to PortElizabeth, which is denoted on this map as Gqeberha.

 

  

 

 

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Today we had a lot of fun on the ship. First, we went to Dave’s last Port Talk which covered both Mossel Bay and Cape Town, with this time drawing his largest crowd. I asked Dave if he was going to do more talks on the next leg, but he said no as it’s a much shorter cruise length. But he did say later on when the Jade is scheduled to do the reverse itinerary from Cape Town back up to Dubai, he was pretty sure he was going to be allowed to give them on that 19-day (?) cruise.

 

 
Unfortunately, I didn’t take the crowd picture until after the lecture was done. But as you can see, his port talk was once again well received! 😁
  

 
While at lunch up at the buffet outside in the aft, we had a visitor that didn’t try to sample my food once. He (or she) was just sitting there taking it all in the whole time. 😂

 

 
Then after lunch it was off to our last progressive trivia where I’m proud to say we came in last! I know it’s the road less traveled, but we had fun and that’s the main thing! 😁

The team that won had 2 people from the US, 2 from Australia, and 2 from England, which is a good combination to have if you want to be in the running to win.

 
We then stuck around to first watch line dancing, which our SIL participated in, followed by a very enjoyable Speed Trivia Eliminator Game Show hosted by CD Richard! 

Now it’s time to watch once again for whales, dolphins or any other type of wildlife until we head to dinner in a few hours. From the port talk this morning, we might have a pretty good chance of seeing some once we get near Mossel Bay day after tomorrow!

 

Edited December 18, 2022 by Ken the cruiser

[PATRLR]

On 12/13/2022 at 12:41 AM, Ken the cruiser said:

What caught us by surprise is that the CruiseNext people we booked our 4 future bookings onboard with said our travel agent’s information would be on all 4 of our bookings. However, when we contacted our TA yesterday, 12 days after we booked them, to see if she had received them, she said no.

On 12/13/2022 at 9:08 AM, cruiseny4life said:

YESSS! This makes me so happy. I'm really, really glad you'll be able to actually show those snake oil salesmen their lies in person. I know you won't be karen'esque as you're far too polite for that, but deep inside, I'm a wee bit jealous you get to do this (not that it will do anything). Best of luck! 

I agree with @cruiseny4life here.  I think of them as similar to time share sales people which is really a shame that I feel I need to avoid any part of the staff on board a cruise.

 

On 12/15/2022 at 12:30 AM, Ken the cruiser said:

No, but I will start looking for it if the skies are clear at sunset on our next 2 (last) sea days!!

 

FWIW, I have pretty strong obsession with sunsets over the ocean and have seen and photographed hundreds of clear sky settings over water.  My parents had a home on a barrier island on Florida's gulf coast, and we've done plenty of cruising and island vacations.  I've never seen the green flash and I tell you, I've tried.

I never actually researched it, so, I was pleased to hear from the info you posted that it's rare to see it.

On 12/15/2022 at 5:02 AM, Ken the cruiser said:

So you’re saying the Green Flash is only seen when you’re on the Pacific Ocean? 

My understanding is it should be visible anywhere.  Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants if, after all these years I've been looking in the wrong place 😉  (people where my parents lived, Marco Island, claimed to have seen it which is what got me looking for it.)

[silkismom]

I've seen the green flash in Naples FL, several Caribbean islands, and at sea. Whenever I tell people about it--they say "how many drinks did you have" so happy to hear that it is a scientific fact. Haven't gotten a photo yet, 1 just a second too early.

[Ken the cruiser]

2 hours ago, PATRLR said:

 

FWIW, I have pretty strong obsession with sunsets over the ocean and have seen and photographed hundreds of clear sky settings over water.  My parents had a home on a barrier island on Florida's gulf coast, and we've done plenty of cruising and island vacations.  I've never seen the green flash and I tell you, I've tried.

I never actually researched it, so, I was pleased to hear from the info you posted that it's rare to see it.

My understanding is it should be visible anywhere.  Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants if, after all these years I've been looking in the wrong place 😉  (people where my parents lived, Marco Island, claimed to have seen it which is what got me looking for it.)

 

1 hour ago, silkismom said:

I've seen the green flash in Naples FL, several Caribbean islands, and at sea. Whenever I tell people about it--they say "how many drinks did you have" so happy to hear that it is a scientific fact. Haven't gotten a photo yet, 1 just a second too early.

I’ve pretty much given up looking for the green flash here in the Indian Ocean as there always seems to be clouds on the evening horizon. Even when there were no clouds in the sky at sunset up in the Arabian Sea, there was always a thick haze.

 

But, in April we’re going on a 30 day transpacific cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse from Sydney to Vancouver by way of Hawaii. So hopefully we’ll be luckily enough to see one of those elusive green flashes on that cruise! 😁

[Ken the cruiser]

Here’s the description of our safari excursion for tomorrow in Port Elizabeth. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see another wide variety of animals like we did yesterday! 😁
 

BTW I talked with a few of the people stranded on the 4x4 vehicle yesterday in the game reserve we visited. It seems most of the 9 passengers stranded went to the Excursion Desk today to file a formal complaint to get the cost of the excursion refunded. Unfortunately, they were told NCL HQ in Miami would have to approve their claim before any refunds would be issued.
 

They also said while they sat there for over 90 minutes, with what they believe to be a broken fuel pump, they saw some baboons off in distance along with some rhinos grazing on the hillside. When they asked their tour guide if he had a weapon in case some of the local wildlife got a little “hungry”, he said no. He also said there was no backup plan if one of the vehicles broke down on the tour, as was the case here, or if there was a severe medical emergency. They also weren’t allowed to stray too far from the vehicle as there were poisonous snakes in the grassy areas along the roadside as well. As one might imagine, they were not very happy.

 

 

  

 

[silkismom]

It's a horrid photo, but the one just before the green flash.

[Ken the cruiser]

3 minutes ago, silkismom said:

It's a horrid photo, but the one just before the green flash.

At least you saw it! 😁

[Ken the cruiser]

Tonight after our last dinner in La Cucina, we went to the theater to what the Christmas Show!

  

  
 

[preston]

14 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Yes. That’s what I used, an older SE iPhone. However, that’s all you can use your iPhone for on the tour.

Thank you for the answer 

[jolli]

Hello Ken from Australia! Your photos and information about the tours has been wonderful and very informative…thanks! Use wondering if you’ve met many people who’ve done private shore excursions in all your ports? Probably not many on this cruise….we have mostly private ones now since the travel industry has opened up more for 2023! I sincerely hope that the CD will have more talks on all our ports when we cruise in January 2023….it makes the cruise much more interesting for us all! Did he have a slide show too? 
on another note and I’m not sure if the question has been asked before….do you know if you’ve had many cases of Covid on board? Is there a quarantine period within your cabin for 5 days? I wouldn’t like that since this cruise is fairly port intensive and I don’t want to miss out on any port! Let me know please to annettejolliffeathotmaildotcom…..putting in the symbols of course! 
Cheers for now Annette …Keep on enjoying all your cruises of the future and looking forward to more reports! 

[AbeShrek]

I'm recalling an article in Scientific American some decades ago addressing the Green Flash mystery of being frequently observed by eyes but never captured on film - it has to do with saturating the red-sensitive portions of the photoreceptor cones in retina by prolonged staring into the sun as it nearly disappears beyond the horizon.  The light reaching the eyes at that point is strongly red due to refraction in the atmosphere, and the intensity drops quickly - and at some point when the photoreceptors come out of saturation the neural backlash creates a perception of green color.

 

Another possible mechanism is hinted at in Wikipedia  is frequency doubling in the retina from invisible incident solar light at near-infrared wavelengths of, say 1.06 microns, due interaction with the nonlinear response  of the retinal photoreceptors, resulting in wavelengths of 0.53 microns,  smack in the visible green band.  That invisible radiance penetrates through the atmosphere (if clear) and propagates through the eye to the retina but the photoreceptors are insensitive to it - but  will react if there's a frequency doubling effect locally producing green light.

[AbeShrek]

I'm recalling an article in Scientific American some decades ago addressing the Green Flash mystery of being frequently observed by eyes but never captured on film - its a biological phenomenon produced by prolonged staring into the sun as it nearly disappears beyond the horizon.  The light reaching the eyes is mostly red due to atmospheric refraction  and causes saturation and reduces sensitivity of red-sensitive segments of photoreceptor cones in the retina.  As the intensity drops quickly the desensitized red-receiver portions will produce a lower relative neural response receivers for other color , thus altering the neural color balance and  creating a perception of green color. This may be similar to the momentary blindness we experience when entering from a brightly-lit room into a dimly lit one - except that it has a bias for red color illumination.

 

Another possible mechanism hinted at in Wikipedia  is light frequency doubling that occurs in the retina from invisible incident solar radiance at near-infrared wavelengths of, say 1.06 microns, due interaction with the nonlinear response  of the retinal photoreceptors, resulting in wavelengths of 0.53 microns,  smack in the visible green band.  That invisible radiance penetrates through the atmosphere (if clear) and propagates through the eye to the retina but our photoreceptors are insensitive to it - however  they will react to a frequency-doubling effect locally converting it to green light. 

Edited December 19, 2022 by AbeShrek

[Ken the cruiser]

We just got back from our 5 hour tour to the Addo Elephant Park where we rode around in a large 4x4 with a capacity of 25 passengers. But first we had to take a 90 minute bus ride to get to the park, which was about 85% full with around 34 passengers.
 

But I have say this was a ride like no other we have ever experienced in the back of a tour bus. For about 35 of the miles, we maintained a firm grip on the handle screwed into the chairs in front of us. The roads were so bumpy and full of small pot holes and the bus had absolutely no shocks to absorb any of them, not to mention the driver was going at least 50-60 mph! A very memorable experience we do not want to relive anytime soon. But then again TIA! 😂

 

 

We passed by this village of at least 500+ little “homes”, like those in this picture, which had to be by far the poorest neighborhood we have ever seen.

 

 

They had a field of at least 30+ of these wind turbines that we past by.

 

 

Then we made it to the park where we switched to a 4x4 and began our “visual” safari hunt for wild animals! 😁

 

 
The white coverings in the distance were massive 1+ acre shade clothes covering a variety of citrus plants growing in the area!

 

 
A young female elephant maybe 40-50 years old! 
 

 
Water buffalo

 

 

 

 

 
Ostriches 

 

 

Antelope. I forgot their name, but they are the second largest in the world! 

 

Zebras

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Here are also some pictures our SIL took of some elephants on her 4x4 trek with her iPhone 14, which has a much better camera!

 

 

 
And then our 2 hours were up and it was time to get back on the bus for our ride back home. But I had to take a couple last pictures before we hopped back on the bus! 😁

 

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

The internet was nowhere to be found on the ship, but it’s back this morning. Yay! 😁

 

We set sail for Mossel Bay around 7:30 pm last night.

 

 

After eating our last dinner in the Alizar MDR, we wound up going to the 9 pm show to watch the amazing production show, Elements. We couldn’t take any pictures once the show started, but here’s what the stage looked like.

  

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We arrived at Mossel Bay around 7 am this morning, our last stop before Cape Town.

 

 

 

It’s also another tender port where we will be sharing it with the Regent Seven Seas Voyager.
  

 

 

This time, though, we have to take the tender to join our tour group on the pier without first meeting in the Stardust Theater. So with over 1,800 passengers wanting to go ashore, this should be an interesting adventure, even before we actually start our tour! 😂

 

Here’s the description of our safari tour today!

  

 

 

 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Ken the cruiser