Christmas Markets R322 Miscellany

[Felix2]

Two sea days now before we arrive at Southampton. I thought I would give a few thoughts to the life of the ship.

Entertainment

I don't know if we were late departing from Oslo due to Michael Ball arrangements but he was certainly popular. He gave three performances so everyone could see him. Tickets were delivered to cabins two days beforehand so you knew your allocated slot. Ours was at 3pm on Wednesday. Doors opened at 2.30 but fans were queuing well before that time. I couldn't believe the length of the queue.

I am not particularly a fan but the show was very professionally done and it was a pleasant way to pass an hour on a rocky ship. The poor chap had a really rough ride the previous day.

The rest of the shows during the week were so so. A comedian Mickey Zany not to our taste so passed on the second show.

Jane Curry an excellent singer with a bubbly personality. A chap who performed a Freddie Mercury tribute. Very good singing voice which would have been great if he stuck to singing but absolutely did not appreciate his ridiculous jokes.

The Headliners were okish.

There was an excellent pianist in the Crows Nest and a very good group of a girl two chaps and a drummer. Sorry that I have forgotten names. In short the shows were always well attended.

Now the cinema was a let down. The first three days the films shown had a violent content so didn't go. Saw the Life of Pi which was a strange choice as it is about a ship wreck. Very good but one poor lady had to leave as it worried her so much she felt ill.

Surely with a dedicated cinema it would be possible to keep running different films during the day. Marigold Hotel was also shown but I had seen it. A rather depressing film also about ageing stars in a home. Maggie Smith Pauline Collins and others.

Passengers

Now I can say that the ship DId NOT resemble a floating residential care home. I would estimate the average age was 60 plus but there was a fair amount of of younger age groups and some children who were well behaved. That is apart from two bored boys who were being chased around the Crows Nest by a grandmother late at night on one evening.

We met a couple who were in assisted living and they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Cruising should be for all and it was good to see those who have worked hard all their lives enjoying themselves.

Photographs

The photographers were not pushy and the prices were reasonable at £9.95. They made a fuss about their new soft Fuchs technique which would make us look 10years younger. Actually the women looked good but the men looked amusing as they looked pink and not at all natural.

Tipping

I don't think the daily charge is enough. We certainly gave more to our steward and waiter. I really don't think P @ o have got it right. In the news sheet the Captain mentions about auto tipping but to feel free to give via envelopes as well. This puts a guilt feeling on the part of the passenger. Perhaps put the daily charge to something more realistic and please nothing to the Headwaiter!

Dress Code

The most contentious issue isn't it? Well I am not a lover but my husband likes it. There needs to be rules and so I go along with it. One amusing story was that when we had been out for a meal in Copenhagen we arrived back mid evening. We ordered a cocktail from the bar and we sat reading. This was a casual evening as we were overnight here. I was dressed in a "nice" jumper with jeans ( Gerry Webber no less) and fur lined boots. A lady and her husband sat next to us. I was looked at as though I was some odd exhibit! She and her husband were dressed well and he wore jacket and tie which is ok for them if that is how they feel comfortable but I was comfortable as well.

I would prefer formal and smart casual with the emphasis on smart. There was the odd exception to the dress code but in the main 99 percent adhered to it.

We travelled back in a force 9 but we were in bed for most of it. Not pleasant though.

Dis embarcation was smooth and effortless. Opportunity was given several days beforehand to pre order a taxi. So glad I did as there was a very long queue waiting in line for one.

In all a lovely cruise which went smoothly. Memorable ports and in the main good weather.

Thank you for taking time to read my musings.

[Romig1]

Thanks for doing the reports Felix...though I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to realise that you're a lady - I guess the name put me off!

Most enjoyable reading about your cruise, which has also given me an insight into our next ship.

[Quizzical Bob]

Yes, thanks from me too.

[Felix2]

Thanks both of you. I have no doubts that you will enjoy the ship Romig.

I was reading a report about the moaners. I am happy to report that I didn't hear one moan. I think everyone was enjoying the ports. There was a lovely together feeling when we were given extended time in Oslo. People were walking on deck by the castle in a happy mood.

If people find things to moan about it is time they gave up cruising!