Observing from a BIG boat

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

Hi guys,

Has anyone had the oportunity to do some observing from a cruise ship? We are travelling from Sydney to New Zealand later in February and I was thinking of taking my binoculars with me (11x70s) to hopefully get in a bit of stargazing from one of the decks. Will the lights on the ship make the whole exercise a waste of time? Or can I expect to get reasonably dark skies half way across?

I'd like to take my 8 inch with me, but my wife to be may not think it appropriate!

Let you know when I get back what the skies were like...

[Muddy Diver]

One of One

Having spent much time at sea I can confirm VERY Dark skies indeed. I cant tell you what the lights will be like onboard but if you can get forward of the bridge there will be no party lights there just small mast head lights. The alternative is to get to the upper decks away from the main companion ways which should also be much darker.
I think you'll be fine with binoculars but the telescope would only work in the calmest of seas and then only if you fit a dedicated gyroscope stability unit to it. My advice is not to take your 8" aboard. Howver, you could always have it shipped TNT so you have something to do during those clear NZ nights! (Dont tell your wife it was my idea).

Good luck and enjoy your trip. Let me know how you get on.