Day 7 began as a leisurely day, but it ended with a hint of excitement. We were once again sailing in the North Pacific Ocean, making our way to our final port of call in Victoria, British Columbia. The Anthem of the Sea was playing softly, creating a pleasant ambiance. While it was tolerable—and almost fun—it also hinted at the challenging conditions that awaited us.

Onboard Learning

In the morning, we attended an intriguing program on basic oceanography led by Dr. James Engman. Dr. Engman had previously presented two other programs during the cruise, and each time, we gained valuable insights into the marine world.

Later in the afternoon, Mark delivered his final seminar on the Klondike Gold Rush titled Jeff Smith’s Parlor: A Gold Rush Story. It was a fitting conclusion to a series that brought history to life aboard the ship.

Solarium Serenity Turns Stormy

After Mark’s presentation, we headed to the Solarium, the glass-domed, adults-only area at the front of the ship. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the view of the sea. However, it was here that we first noticed the onset of rough waters. The ocean had become choppier compared to the morning, and at times, the spray from the ship hitting the waves seemed to reach us on deck 14.

Dinner with a View—of the Waves

The sea provided an awe-inspiring spectacle during dinner in the Main Dining Room on deck three. As we gazed out the windows, the waves appeared enormous, occasionally breaking over the top of the deck three windows.

Evening Adventure: Swaying and a Helicopter Evacuation

Walking during the evening was an experience like no other. The ship swayed so violently that we were bouncing off walls and each other. An emergency evacuation by helicopter required the ship to slow down, which intensified the bouncing effect. It was an exhilarating yet challenging experience.

Back in our cabin for our second-to-last night, the motion of the ocean continues to rock us to sleep. We hope to wake up in calmer waters in the morning as we prepare for an early afternoon arrival in Victoria.