I did enjoy myself last night, with back-to-back music, punctuated by that nice risotto in the Lido. My intended early night failed to materialise yet again; as ever, I felt compelled to complete the day’s blog, and I finally put the lights out at 01.30hrs. This time, I took seasickness medication to not only stave off the initial signs of “mal-de- mer” but also ensure a good sleep. The north Atlantic was rough last night, as if my bed had been attached to a fairground ride! I did eventually get off to a good “kip” and awoke suitably refreshed, and only just in time for the church service, with special dated hymn sheet.
But, today is one of those nondescript periods on a colourless Atlantic Ocean and a reminder that days of breakfast on the warm open decks must be by now, a thing of the past. Jo joined me, unexpectedly, for the service. She felt that she “ought to go today!” We parted company after post church breakfast, and noon today finds me on Deck 1 penning this epistle.
The sea is less tempestuous now, but the mist from the ocean restricts what there is to see out there. I suspect only the hardy are out walking the deck; maybe I shall join them.
Tonight is the penultimate Gala night where formal attire is the mandated dress code. A red bow tie makes its debut with my white tuxedo, which shall make its final appearance.
I think almost all of us are now ready to go home now, but I am in two minds. While on board, I am, by default as is everybody else, “self isolating” from this ghastly coronavirus pandemic, and I don’t need to do anything differently apart from wash my hands obsessively and maintain personal hygiene; that was always the case on board ship.
My only slight regret is that because our port of call in the Azores was cancelled, we were re-routed via a shorter northern track where warm weather is a rarity even during the summer. There may be one final decent day as we pass over the path of the Gulf Stream. That has been a pleasant surprise on previous winter transatlantic crossings.
I can’t put it off any longer, I need to make a headway on the packing! Thanks, as always, for reading, David : 12.51 hrs Sunday 22nd March 2020.
David's Cruise 