Today was going to be an odd day, as weren’t docking anywhere, however there would be lots to see throughout the day. Between 9AM-10AM we were sailing through the Dusky Sounds, at 11AM-12AM we would go through the Doubtful Sound and around 4PM we would sail into Milford Sound. 

What’s a Sound?

First of all I googled what a Sound is for you guys as I couldn’t remember the exact definition myself, forgive me! Therefore this is what Google said:

A sound is wider than a fjord, and it is described as a large sea/ocean inlet. A sound lies parallel to the coastline, and it commonly separates a coastline from an island. A sound can be formed when a glacier recedes in a valley it carves out from a coastline. The sea can also invade a glacier valley and create a sound. More commonly, a sound is a result of the sea’s invasion on a river valley to form an extended inlet characterized by sloping valley hillsides which sink to current sea level and deeper under water. In some regions especially in Northern Europe, a sound is used interchangeably with a strait.

Thanks to my source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/bay-bight-fjord-and-sound-similarities-and-differences-between-these-coastal-landforms.html

Dusky Sound

Honestly we didn’t really know what to expect but we had set our alarm nice and early so we could find ourselves a good photo spot. Or so we thought.. 

It was a bit stormy outside, a lot of rain and wind which had as consequence that the upper decks were closed. We tested our luck running around the ship however eventually we had the genius eureka-moment to simply go back to our room and stand on our balcony. Picture a pretty funny sight as it was kind of chilly so we both wore our bathrobes over our clothes while gazing at the gorgeous sounds from the comfort of our balcony chairs. As it was so rainy it was a very particular gloomy sight on the sounds which definitely had its charm. It was however quite difficult to take a good picture of it. 

Doubtful Sound

We enjoyed a quick breakfast by the pool in the solarium when we saw the weather was only getting worse. So for our second sounds we headed back to our balcony, I mean the sounds are still absolutely beautiful and sailing through them simply takes your breath away. Yet I guess with blue skies and sunshine this must be even better! 

But for now we made peace with this gloomy view. Still cool right?

Milford Sound

So after that, we had all the time to simply relax and enjoy these last few days of all the delights the Ovation of the Seas had to offer us. At 4PM we came to the absolute highlight of the day, not knowing why before hand, but simply based on everyone’s ‘oh Milford sound is gorgeous’ reactions this should be good. Milford Sound isn’t a real passage so the captain showed us its best skills as we made two or three 360° turns in this bay. This was so cool as the weather finally cleared up a bit, turning inside such a small bay was amazing. I have a picture of someone surfing on the Flowrider with this view of Milford Sound, how cool is that?! 

Conclusion

I would say try to pick a postcard-weather day and this will definitely be one wonderful experience as these sounds truly are stunning creatures of nature! Even in this gloomy weather we loved sailing through it. If you ever have the chance, take a boat tour or a cruise 😉 and I guarantee, you will not regret it!