It’s like you are in a baby’s cradle, being slowly rocked back and forth, back and forth. You go to sleep quickly, but walking down the hall to breakfast can be a bit of a challenge.
We had a bit of a kerfuffle in the Faroe Islands. Our captain and the Harbormaster got into it big time. We lost. We had to move our ship an hour up the coast. Those taking island tours got off the ship at the first stop and were picked up 20 miles up the coast. Needless to say our Captain wasn’t happy. It added about an hour to our trip from Faroe to Iceland. My understanding that folks from the Cruise head office got involved but they were unable to move the Harbormaster. Our Captain was muttering something about there not being enough water to dock the ship where the Harbormaster wanted but the officials on the island didn’t seem to care.
Today we are sailing about 800 miles from Faroe to Iceland. Its known as “at sea.” It gives one a chance to explore the ship. There are six restaurants, many bars, library, spa, health club, a night club and a large theater that holds about 900 people. We found an elevator nearby that saves us walking the length of the ship when we want to move up or down the eight stories.
For those that cruise, understand that this is not a large ship. It holds only about 950 passengers, not the 4 or 5 thousand on many of the ships. There are 500 staff on board. This means we get tremendous service. Maybe a tad too much.
You take one sip of water, they are there to refill. Stop to look at some artwork, you are asked if you need help (no just looking). Waiting for the elevator, you are asked if you need directions. (No, leave me alone.) When we had the debacle with the Harbormaster, there were announcements every five minutes telling us there was no news yet. But considering that the average age of those on board is 80, perhaps a little extra isn’t too bad.
Being here with so many seniors, it’s a great object lesson. As we age we have to remember that just because we are older doesn’t mean we can simply ignore the rest of the world. It takes a bit longer to do things, that means we should anticipate what we need to do (get a plate before we pick up the main course, have the card ready when we enter or leave the ship, move a bit out of the aisle in the bus when we are taking off our coat, puzzle over what drink to order before the waiter asks.)
Don’t get me wrong. I have the greatest respect for those with a little grey on top. After all, I’m one of them. I will say, however, being here does make me want to stand straighter, walk a bit quicker, think ahead about what’s going on, and thank the good Lord for good health.
But then, there is a lot of single malt whisky on board. It does tend to keep one happy.
More to come from the parking folks in Iceland.
JVH
