Well it is an expression that I have for the feeling I/we get when cruising on a British cruise ship as opposed to an American cruise ship. Both are experiences that Fellette and I enjoy. We have been on a variety of ships in our lives. From Oriana in 1970 to Amsterdam in 2008. The duration of the cruises have varied between three and 111 days. The nationalities have varied from Greek, British, German, Swiss, Russian, Norwegian, Italian and American. All have their charms, and good, and not so good features.
On the whole, I think that we have enjoyed our times on the British ships the most. This may be because of the people that we have met on those various ships. We have met some lovely people while travelling on ships, mostly British and American. And we also have a very close association with an Aussie couple that we met on a British ship. In reflection it appears that we meet and associate with people who are similar in make-up to ourselves, same ethnic background, speak English, good conversationalists, and just plain good folks!
We are looking forward to this trip because it is our first British ship since 2004. We have very fond memories of P & O ships. Our very first cruise was in 1970 on a P & O cruise to Hawaii from Vancouver. Our two oldest children, my mom and dad, sister and husband and two kids, my brother and his new bride plus some family friends were also on board. It was wonderful.
The 'British way' is somewhat more formal than American ships, and Fellette and I rather enjoy that because at home we do not have much of a chance to 'dress for dinner' etc. We thoroughly enjoy getting gussied up, going to dinner and chatting for a few hours then wander off to the theatre, show, dance or whatever.
It is certainly not for everybody, but for a few weeks this January we are certainly looking forward to all that goes with 'travelling, British style'.
There is also something very, very special about boarding a large cruise ship in Southampton, with it leaving on a world cruise that will take over 100 days, to exotic ports even if we can only enjoy it for 22 days this time. When the captain blows the ships horn just as they cast off, my spine tingles! Thank you Lord!
Oriana in 1970, Jeanette left, Craig right, my much younger wife, my Mom and Dad and the rest of the family there as well.
Adonia in 2004, with good friends, including Judy and Ian [front] who we are travelling with this time as well. Everybody at the table we met for the first time on Oriana [II] in 1999.
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