Today, Sunday 6th March, is the last (I think) of the warmer days, as we steam northwest towards New York, which strangely, is not the capital of the State of New York; Albany is. Unusually, I joined Jo for breakfast; she had an urge for freshly made pancakes in the Britannia Restaurant. She then joined me for the church service which marked the First Sunday in Lent. This was led superbly by Captain Ashmi, whose prayers for world peace, and subsequent talk was poignant, heartfelt and sincere. He spoke also of the world wide effects of the pandemic.
Tomorrow could still be pleasant, although the Captain did warn of another weather system to contend with. Jo and I booked to join a “small party” tour of Manhattan which meets in the Royal Court Theatre at 8 am. (9 am Caribbean time) on Tuesday 8th March. It’s still going to feel early. Nevertheless, I do look forward to reacquainting myself with the sights of Manhattan and adding further photographs to the album. The rest of Day 2 was spent seeking the last of the warm sun and deck-walking.
In the evening, we opted for an early dinner in the section of the Kings Court set aside for fine Italian cuisine. This would then enable us to attend the early showing in the Royal Court Theatre of Broadway Rocks, a spectacular song and dance production by the Royal Court Singers and Dancers, backed magnificently by the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra. We then had around forty minutes to take our seats for an intimate jazz session in the Chart Room featuring Doug Cameron who we have enjoyed at two previous shows. We had to dress up for the evening, my white tuxedo making me look like the ice cream man! Jo, on the other hand looked fit to be presented to royalty. And in fact, the formal attire for that evening had the desired effect of creating a wonderfully civilised ambiance. We joined cruise friends Lorraine, Trevor and Jennie at seats which included a very broad windowsill. 30 minutes before the start of the jazz, there were no other seats to be had; we were lucky to find somewhere to sit.
Outside, it was still warm enough for a stroll on the Promenade Deck. I had a very small plate of pasta before going to bed at around midnight. This became 11. o’clock as we moved into an earlier time zone….actually it didn’t! I retarded my watch 24 hrs early and got all mixed up in the morning. It’s rather good that we get the extra hour when we really need it, when we do have to be up early for tours and immigration purposes. Nobody can sleep in tomorrow.
If I understand it correctly, the Pilot comes on board at around 04.15 hrs. We pass under the Verrazano Narrows Suspension Bridge around 06.00 hrs, passing the Statue of Liberty half an hour later.
I wasn’t expecting Day 3 of the three sea days to offer such lovely warm weather. It is windy on deck, but still warm enough (just) for shorts and polo shirt. I even indulged in a spot of sunbathing before a late lunch. But, as the day progresses (15.32 hrs) the sun is now obscured by threatening rain clouds, and few people are still occupying the deck chairs and sun loungers.
The seas were turbulent but picturesque as the sun made several generous encores as the day wore on.
For a second time, we agreed on dining early enough to catch the first show at 8.00 pm. Ex Drifters singer Roy G Hemmings and his two glamorous singers performed a further selection of 60s and 70s classics. Another fabulous night, just like the first gig. The atmosphere however didn’t quite match that joyous first night, probably because many (485 passengers) were disembarking early the following day.
Before 9 o’clock, we were both preparing for an early start, and a seven hour shore experience in Manhattan.
Many thanks for reading, David 06.38 hrs having passed under the Verrazano Narrows Suspension Bridge at 06.05 hrs….see Blog 752!
David's Cruise 