I always was lucky! Instead of the anticipated and possibly dreaded freezing crossing with little or no chance of enjoying the open decks, Storm Eunice forced a southerly, and thus warmer route to New York, where, right now, temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius prevail, hopefully until our first stop there, and maybe when we call again on the way home.
Apart from Jo, I know absolutely nobody from previous voyages, apart from maybe a few staff. But this is turning out to be the most wonderfully relaxed voyage. We will soon be half-way to New York. Less tempestuous seas reflect the bright sunshine off the ripples and white froth which stretch as far as the eye can see. “Big Eunice” is battering Britain as the storm progresses towards Europe. I am in my favourite Carinthia Lounge as a lone guitarist finger-picks Elton John’s Your Song. This really is The Life! The wind has nowhere near dropped, but I was able to get in three laps of the Boat/Promenade Deck this morning, during which I also attended the covid testing centre, once again set up in the Queen’s Room. Early in the afternoon, I caught up with Jo in the Carinthia Lounge where I had been earlier today. We stayed on Deck 7 for a light lunch in the King’s Court eatery. I had some kind of Asian stir-fried dish with rice. Unusually for me, I enjoyed some chocolate/vanilla ice cream from a machine. Then, I took little to be persuaded to play Bingo in the Golden Lion pub on Deck 2, adjacent to the Britannia Restaurant. Actually, I won, but so did two others, the prize fund of $80.00 being split three ways. No rebooking another cruise then!
For a second time, the main show in the Royal Court Theatre, Rhythm of the Night, had to be switched to later in the voyage, the movement of the ship still being too lively for rehearsals to be safe. The replacement entertainer, Jeff Stevenson filled in with another very funny show with much new and topical material. This followed yet another fine dinner in the Britannia Restaurant. My main course was lamb, followed by a dessert of fresh fruit and allegedly diabetic ice cream. Jo and I adjourned to the Golden Lion “pub” on Deck 2. For some reason, after more music, this time from folk duo Cameron and Shane, I felt the urge for a snack in an open section of The King’s Court eatery. With the clocks going back a further hour, I did feel justified getting a “small something-to-eat” and a decaff coffee on Deck 7. For those desirous of further sustenance, an impressive selection of hot food, snacks and desserts is available until 12.30 the following morning. Quite unintentionally, I got to meet Jeff Stevenson and in an unexpected conversation, among other things, derived a fascinating insight into that particular aspect of show-business.
I then retired for the night, anticipating soaking up the sun on my sheltered balcony as I had done earlier in the day.
Many thanks for reading, David 09.00hrs the next day, Saturday 19th February.
David's Cruise 