We are at sea today on our way to Sydney – arrival on Thursday morning. Since there is a lull in the shore side activity, I thought I might catch you all up on some of the shipboard activities.

First, however, I hope the new graphic helps to pinpoint us on the map. I have added the cruise itinerary map as a permanent fixture on the top of the page. OK, now on to the meat of this post...

Our daily routine is pretty simple – up around 8:00 and off to breakfast. Then usually an enrichment lecture at about 10:00, followed by either another lecture or a bridge lesson. The enrichment speakers are high-level individuals with some impressive credentials. The topics range from world affairs to the history and prognosis for the South Pacific. 

Then there is lunch followed by either bridge for a couple of hours (getting a few points as well), perhaps a cooking class/demo, or just reading and enjoying the sea. Of course there is Team Trivia every sea day afternoon – and we have done reasonably well. By about 5:00 one of us usually wants to nap for an hour or so before getting ready for dinner (I won’t give up her secret and tell you which one of us it is…).

Dinner is usually preceded by a cocktail in the bar or a cocktail party. After dinner there is usually a live show in the theater. A nightcap and beddy-bye. All in all, a nasty job, but someone’s got to do it.

Actually, one of the most delightful things about an all-inclusive cruise is that you don’t have to whip out your room key-card every time you want a coke or coffee or an adult beverage. Makes it nice when you are talking with someone at the bar or one of the public areas and want to stand for a round of drinks (soft or otherwise).

The service is outstanding. Every time you turn around there is someone asking if you want a drink, or holding your chair, or offering to carry your plate, or hold the door, etc. Knowing that gratuities are part of the cruise price doesn't seem to matter to the staff and crew.

A word about the entertainment. There is a resident company of six singer/dancers – three men and three women. They are not just “singers,” but are all classically trained and we have been treated to concerts ranging from operatic arias to the Beatles. One pair (one man and one woman) are actually an Italian tenor and an Italian soprano, both of whom have operatic backgrounds. Absolutely enchanting. The other four are not slouches either. In addition we have had classical pianists, a classical flutist, and several “pop” singers.

Because the ship is small (350 passengers at capacity – currently about 250), the theatre is much more intimate and the entertainers, as well as the senior staff, are very visible around the ship. We have also been able to have dinner with the ship’s Hotel Director, the Destination Cruise Consultant (the one who knows the ins and outs of all the ports), the Captain, the Cruise Director, Senior engineer, Chief Housekeeper, and other senior staff and crew. In addition, we have met some lovely people – common interests and backgrounds – and often find ourselves having dinner with several of them on the spur of the moment.

The food and wine are outstanding. Lots of dinner choices and, as I mentioned in an earlier post, several restaurant choices. We were not expecting such variety and quality in either, but again with small ships, there is more opportunity for the Chef to be creative within a budget. We have been able to bring some local delicacies on board at several port stops and have local foods for lunch or dinner.

In fact, we like this ship and cruise line so much that we are already beginning to talk about next year! There are a few minor inconveniences in the layout of the suite, but these are so minor compared to the overall quality of all the services and amenities on board that they do not detract from the overall experience.

More coming on our exciting time upcoming in Sydney... Stay tuned.