Today was a total washout. The weather turned to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The much-anticipated chance to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef did not happen. We docked in Cairns, Australia right at 8:00 am, but before we could go ashore, we were informed that because of the bad weather, the excursions to the Great Barrier Reef were cancelled. We were bummed, to say the least.
However, Viking, true to form, was ready with Plan B. All those holding tickets for the reef were invited to visit the Cairns Aquarium and to be transported there and back by bus. It was a good educational experience, and probably we saw many more tropical fish than we would have snorkeling on the reef. In addition, we learned some amazing facts: fish moving from fresh water to salt water can change sex, which is part of how some reproduce. And we were given the inside story of how the rise in ocean temperature leads to the whitening of some coral beds.(The photo was taken from one of the exhibits.)
After another delicious lunch at Mamsen's, we decided to redeem the day with a swim in the main pool which, amazingly, we had to ourselves. A nice swim, a chance to read by the pool while watching the rain pelt the glass roof, were somehow appropriate.
Tonight, the Viking Orion is en route to Townsville, Australia, where hopefully the weather will be better. More to come...
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