At Sea, North of Hispaniola

On the morning of the 3rd the wind was still high enough to keep most of the upper decks (running track included) closed, so no running on deck again.

After breakfast in the Windjammer we headed to the Doctor’s Panel, where Wilson Cruz (Doctor Culber), Robert Picardo (Emergency Medical Hologram) and Gates McFadden (Dr Crusher) spoke about their roles. They all discussed the trials of star trek medical props and ‘blinkies’ not blinking, as well as arguments with directors over whether its ok to abandon patients as soon as the Captain arrives to advance the plot. Gates McFadden had a great story about the odd experience of a surgeon speaking to her as though she were a real-life medical colleague whilst he prepared her for emergency surgery.

By the time the panel finished the ship was approaching its first port call, and we headed straight from the panel to the meeting point for our first shore excursion. The marina at Punta Cana is a calm stretch of water protected by sturdy harbour walls, it is however very small meaning Explorer had to anchor off the shore. This placed the vessel in the Mona passage, a straight which connects the Caribbean sea to the ocean so we were continuously buffeted by Atlantic waves, only slightly diminished by the scant shelter afforded by Cape Engano to the north.

We had hurried to the meeting point for our shore excursion, but found ourselves waiting whilst the crew decided if it was safe to go ashore, looking through the portholes the sea seemed calm, but the tenders were bobbing like little yellow corks betraying extent of its motion. Some of the assembled guests were allowing their agitation to show and Chase Masterson, celebrity host of one of the day’s excursions, took to the stage in an attempt to smooth things over deploying her self-deprecating sense of humour. We used the extra time to grab a snack, before finally we were led down to the gang plank to board the tender.Read more