18.01 hrs
I awoke this morning to dull light grey, almost white skies, and a sea which would not grace any travel brochure! Nevertheless, the Pacific Ocean , off the Mexican coast which one cannot see, as I write, lives up to its name given by an early explorer, who too, experienced calm seas, and thus gave the name Pacific to the world’s largest ocean.
As the long-winded blog title explains, this is the second of three sea days as we progress gently north-westwards. Later in my blog, I will update what I have already written with more detail about this extraordinary journey from Southampton.
It would seem that the covid situation on board is becoming slightly serious, especially for those suddenly finding themselves confined to their cabins. If they weren’t before, I do see a real attempt by passengers to adhere to the established rules, and masks are being worn throughout the interior of the ship. All passengers were required, without exception to undergo a further Lateral Flow Test this morning. And yes, people have tested positive. Captain Thorhauge addressed the ship twice today reminding passengers and crew of the need to adhere strictly to the current covid-19 protocol. After testing, we were required to stay in our staterooms for two hours. As a further precaution, many of the hosted and other activities, including the choir have been suspended. So far, I have not encountered rumbles of discontent. The quizzes still take place and most of the other entertainment remains unaffected.
The plan for today was to add further to my steps total. And already, I am well above target, and my aim remains to complete the 1 million steps challenge before the end of May. The chances remain good!
I joined two ladies off our table for a most convivial lunch in the main restaurant, after which I took the opportunity to enjoy some deck walking. At 4.15, the most interesting and informative talk about L.S. Lowry was “repeated” in the Queen’s Room. Needless to say, vintage signed limited editions are available to buy on interest free credit. Back in the 1970s, I knew people who had invested in these prints, and I can only hope those prints have not faded over the years being hung and thus exposed to continuous daylight. I ruined an LNWR handbill of the Buxton to Ashbourne railway having it as part of my interior decor, its original purple colour suddenly fading to light brown! Lesson learned; all my ephemera collection can be viewed in albums and files “where the sun don’t shine.” Mother had the right idea about art, if she liked it and could afford it, she would buy it to enjoy. I would like a Lowry print in my collection, and would expect that those on offer today to be unfaded, and protected by museum glass, which increasingly, I am having my prints and paintings framed in. This is very important.
I continued my walking after the talk and right now, I am enjoying a cup of peppermint tea and savoury biscuits. Time to explore the highest decks and maybe catch a decent sunset. These days at sea continue to be wonderful.
The sunset was dead ahead and thus only really visible through the forward panoramic windows of the Commodore Club on Deck 10. The trouble is, being almost 8pm, short trousers are not really welcome in the bars, particularly when those wearing them only wishes to photograph the setting sun and not buy a drink! As we venture further north, I should have numerous sunset views from my cabin.
There was a fine choice of fare on the dinner menu tonight, chateaubriand steak, goose, and other delights more synonymous with a formal Gala Night. Had the chefs been misled by management? The possibility was debated over dinner at which I chose goose as a main course.
It would seem that the open areas at the aft of decks 9 and 10 had been given over for a staff party. Sadly, this area is usually deserted late at night, when in normal circumstances, there would be music and dancing under the stars. I understand there to be 1,300 passengers travelling to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver before flying home. A handful are staying on for Alaska, and I assume a new contingent of passengers will embark at Vancouver for the first of a series of 10 day Alaska cruises.
After looking in on a magic show in the Royal Court Theatre, I continued walking on the Promenade and the upper decks before catching Shane and Cameron’s show, now in the not very air-conditioned Garden Lounge. Then, it was time to hit the hay. I enjoyed my usual punctuated sleep, with nonsensical dreams!
Many thanks for reading, David, 12.53 the next afternoon in the Lido, where an early lunch made up for missing breakfast.
David's Cruise 