FIRST FULL SEA DAY

First classes on the first sea day of any cruise are always guaranteed to be somewhat chaotic, and today was no exception.

We are limited to 30 people in a group – one in the morning starting at 9.30, the other in the afternoon at 3pm. All the gear is stored in a locker at the opposite end of the ship to the Amalfi Restaurant, where the classes are held, so the first job is to transfer it all – via trolley and suitcase – and then set things up; place plastic sheets on the tables to protect them, put out boards, paper, printed notes, wash brushes and cartons of water etc. out on the tables.

At the end of the morning session, we have to pack it all away (they serve lunch in the Amalfi) and return it all to the locker, and then repeat it all again in the afternoon. Afternoons never seem quite so hectic (and there’s less pressure from the restaurant staff), as there’s a little more time, but it is all quite labour-intensive.

Needless to say; both classes were busy, and slightly chaotic, and a few folks had to be turned away once all the spaces had been filled, but the results were encouraging and everyone seemed to enjoy the activities. The only mildly logistical issue – particularly with the morning session – is that a lot of folks arrive long before us, and they get there earlier and earlier each day to secure themselves a seat. Hey ho.

The weather so far has been amazing; the sea is flat and it has been very warm – quite surprising for Norway. It is summer, though, and at even though the sun sets, it remains light throughout the night.