A PACKED ENTERTAINMENTS PROGRAMME

This morning, I held my penultimate classes, while this afternoon has been quite an entertainments whirl…

There has been so much in the daily programme for people to do and see that it must have been hard for passengers to choose, never mind try to fit them all.

For starters, Ian, the photographer, held his all-day photo quiz. He posted 27 photographs in random locations throughout Deck 8, each one taken in one of the 27 ports that we’ve visited throughout the cruise. The competition was very simple; all folks had to do was match the photo up the port; anyone getting all 27 would win the photos. The catch being… they weren’t that easy – in fact, some were downright tough. The good thing is that it’s encouraged people to get up and walk about with their printed lists of locations, hunting for the pictures, swap notes with fellow passengers and strike off where they think they are on their sheet. It was a fun activity that got everyone involved.

As well as Ian’s quiz, there have been performances from the Ukelele players, the choir and the drama club. We went to watch the ukelele players in Scotts Bar, which was enjoyable, and subtly enhanced by the presence of the bass player and drummer from the Marco Polo Orchestra. Their Elvis Presley encore was accompanied by Cruise Director Mitch (who has a terrific singing voice, and a broad range of vocal impressions), who appeared dressed as Elvis himself.

From here, we made our way to the Show Lounge, where we were treated to a series of comedy sketches performed by the passengers who had been attending the drama sessions. From Blackadder to The Importance of Being Earnest, and several unique, self-penned and improvised sketches, it proved to be a thoroughly entertaining afternoon.

The day of passenger-fueled entertainment didn’t stop there, though; in the evening, we were treated to the ‘Passenger and Crew Talent Showcase’. As expected, it was standing room only in the Show Lounge; there were singers and dancers, musicians and a monologue, all rounded off with an impressive BMX-Bike-Dancing (yep… you read that correctly) finale, from one of the young lads in Housekeeping.

The sea has been smooth all day, with a deep but gentle swell that has been noticeable some times and not at others. The captain has warned us of a change in conditions from about lunchtime tomorrow, when swells of up to 5 or 6 metres are predicted (not good…). I’m hoping they don’t disrupt my final classes, or the exhibition planned for tomorrow afternoon.

One last time change tonight… Tomorrow, we’ll be back in line with the UK.