There's a cyclone forming ahead of us.

About 5:45 p.m. our time, while we were relaxing in a hot tub at the bow of the ship's ninth level, the captain announced that we are changing course to head due north and hug the east coast of south Africa rather than head northeast to our next destination, Mayotte in the Comoros Islands.

To our east, a tropical storm is forming that could turn into a hurricane, which is called a cyclone in the southern hemisphere. By hugging the coast, the captain hopes to avoid the worst weather. But he warned that 4-6 foot waves and 50 mph winds could be the ride ahead instead of the planned catamaran excursion from Mayotte. Not mentioned was that our Island of Lemurs tour in Nosy Be, Madagascar, also is in jeopardy.

Have no fear. We bought so much Dramamine heading into the cruise that I also bought stock in the company. And if I haven't turned blue-purple from high seas, I will be posting our previous adventures on safari and Cape Town before we reach Mahe, Seychelles, which I think will be our next port.

Cheers to all.

Rob and Bonnie