Day 10: Epiphany 2.

Today sees the Second Sunday of the “Discover South America” voyage. Even in Bermuda, yesterday, there was a strong hint of coolness in the air, particularly in the morning. Much earlier in the cruise, there was a hint of good weather to come, but it seems that cool systems from the North American Continent were still wielding their chilling influence for far too long now.

But today, at sea, although windy, and the seas only slightly less lively than previously, the air, at long last is warm and extremely pleasant.

For the first time, I attended the Christian Fellowship which occurs almost daily at 9 o’clock in an aft section of the Commodore Club on Deck 10. Rarely am I comfortable in such gatherings, and disappointingly, so far, this is no exception.

I made my own way to the second of the interdinominational services in the Royal Court Theatre. Today is the second Sunday of Epiphany. Ably led (entertainingly) by the Deputy Captain, the “congregation” was the one of dreams as far as the “ailing” Church of England is concerned. The New Testament reading was replaced by an inappropriately amusing “prayer for tourists” delivered by the Captain’s secretary. This was very well received by the “God-fearing” attendees, but I (being a miserable git) was unimpressed. The pianist was excellent…at playing the piano! One of my favourite hymns, “Abide with Me,” was accompanied by something which resembled Liberace adapting the hymn’s melody to something in the style of the opening chords to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1! I just could not keep a straight face.

Kate Adie made her final appearance after the Royal Court had morphed from place of reverent worship to a lecture theatre. She was interviewed by our Entertainments Manager whose over confident stage technique came across as a little contrived. The former BBC War Correspondent acquitted herself with intimidating authority and professionalism. The session ended with questions from the floor, all of them well thought out and relevant. One questioner enquired why presenters frequently interrupt the interviewee before being given opportunity to communicate fully his or her reply. Kate Adie defended this criticism by stating that those being interviewed would deliberately evade the answer with irrelevant response. So, the publicly funded “Beeb” is always right? Sorry Kate, but said Beeb is as far away from perfection as I am!

I stayed in the lecture theatre for the final presentation of the morning which centred around the world’s reaction to the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013. The uncomfortable fact that decades after she was unceremoniously dispatched from the Tory Party, Thatcherism thrives in many countries across the world….”did I get that right?” All of a sudden, I wasn’t cruising aimlessly around on one of the “Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World,” my head was now full of a “cocktail of extreme Christianity and unpalatable politics.”

Janet and Josephine caught up with me for lunch in the Britannia Restaurant.

I would relax this afternoon, writing today’s blog, and, up-dating my shore excursion schedule for the next almost ten weeks. I have chosen to apply for a place on the overland excursion to Iguassu Falls, a three night, four day luxury tour to one of the world’s greatest waterfalls. This trip has been fully subscribed for some time; I am therefore on a “wait list.”

Heavy seas have prevented M.V. Queen Victoria from being able to maintain its initial schedule; eventual arrival in Bermuda turned out to be 24 hours late, and a brave attempt at arriving at Port Canaveral on time was thwarted by further difficult conditions; we were fortunate to be able to dock in Bermuda, although my water-borne shore excursion was cancelled with no notice. All excursions at Port Canaveral have been called off. A shuttle bus to the Space Centre is now the only option. I shall stick around near the cruise terminal after U.S. Immigration procedures. I shall avail myself of the local complimentary shuttle and enjoy lunch off the ship.

Now, it’s time to prepare for dinner. Evenings are an agreeable routine of prepare for dinner, walk to the aft end of the ship where the extensive two tier Britannia Restaurant whose decor is said to be inspired by that on the Orient Express, looks out to sea on three sides. However, our table, No. 371 is situated far from any views of the ocean. Sometimes alone, sometimes with company, I finish the evening in The Royal Court Theatre, loosely styled on a Frank Matcham variety hall. The similarity to Buxton Opera House is uncanny.

More news tomorrow. Thanks for reading,

David.