Oh dear, I have to write something interesting today for my dear few who follow this drivel that I write!
It was a vey relaxed crowd at breakfast today, not sure if Burn's Night was too much or they are just a bunch of lazy people.
We four had breakfast around 8:00 and chatted too long then headed for various spots, Fellette to swim, me to the gym, Jim and Gail to walk. My trip to the gym was not successful inasmuch there is no one there that can offer me help in doing arm-muscle strengthening exercises. I have to join a class.
So, back to the cabin and look up on the internet and Presto-Magico, all done. I figure if I get in the habit the next month it will become part of my daily routine at home. Methinks I am going to proceed with shoulder replacements as most other body parts are working at least to 65% capacity. About as well as can be expected for an 84 year old carcass.
Today I am going to offer my comments on the Cruise Line and ship we are sailing on...
The Cruise Line is Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. A Scandinavian line using four similar small ships, 750-1350 passengers, ours has 750, catering to elderly British Passengers. At least that is the way I see it.
This ship was built in the 1970's, has been cut in half, lengthened and 'upgraded' several times. The ship is lovely and very well maintained, the service is excellent. A very happy crew of many Pilipinos, Indonesians and other SE Asian countries.
The Captain is Finnish and the other officers are from the UK or Europe. Our room stewardess is also Pilipino as most others are. Our room is spotless and the restaurant staff are professional.
So what is the problem Doug. The problem is that we, [the Royal we] have had so may other wonderful voyages on such lovely ships, often in suites, that we are spoiled rotten.
In the 1970s things were different and this ship was likely state of the art. But this is 2020. 95% of the passengers have sailed with Fred Olsen before. The price of this cruise, per day, is somewhat less than other more upscale lines today. That fact alone is a big factor in the repeat passengers, I think!
Also, the age thing. Elderly people feel comfortable in familiar circumstances. One can become very attached to the sedentary life aboard a comfy old cruise ship, familiar British food and lots of it. Modest priced drinks and lots of them as well.
There is fixed seating in the restaurants aboard, except in a small buffet area, fixed seating is almost a thing of the past nowadays. However, elderly people like predictable circumstances and the same seat at the same table with the same waiter certainly fills the predictability bill nicely.
Maybe some day when we too may become elderly and we will just fit nicely into the Fred Olsen category, but not for a while.
Maybe some day when we too may become elderly and we will just fit nicely into the Fred Olsen category, but not for a while.
These are observations, not complaints remember. We four are adventurers and have spent more than 550 days at sea together so I feel reasonably comfortable in my statements. Fellette, Gail and Jim will no doubt have somewhat different views than I do.
However... We Four are in full agreement that we are having a great time aboard 'Budicca'!
Singapore tomorrow!
Singapore tomorrow!
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