The Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel M/V TARAGO had all the luxuries of a 5-star cruise, including a gym and a basketball court. Ping-pong, too.

Journal by Colin McAuliffe, photo by Neil Dana

I must admit, at first, the idea of taking a boat from Australia to Singapore did not sound fun. I had imagined a dirty, diesel-fume, sinking barge full of swarthy sailors, tiny beds that I would be seasick in, and disgusting food. Well, none of the above were true.

As soon as I saw the boat I knew that this trip would be interesting. Huge and orange, it was resting at the pier. Our cars lined up; we drove into the immaculately clean holding deck. We were greeted with smiles and handshakes from the Fillipino and Norwegian crew.

Since then, this trip has been great. Amazing food, beautiful cabins, a topside pool and lounge chairs, late-night karaoke with the crew, a reading library, a movie library, what else could I ask for? This was a serious treat, and to tell the truth I am sad to leave the boat; however, the promise of Asia, that unexplored continent (for me at least), keeps me moving.

Logbook for May 21st, Day 203
Start: Indian Ocean
Time: N/A
S: N/A
E: N/A
Finish Indian Ocean
Time: N/A
S: N/A
E: N/A
Mileage: 000
Notes: Still sailing…weather is getting hotter…

(N.O.)

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