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At
sea—an afternoon on the Pool Deck
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Days at Sea
All days at sea aren't identical, but they do have a lot
in common. Most ships schedule activities, port talks, lectures,
games, and fitness programs on a non-stop basis. This is the time to
personalize your cruise experience—you
can participate in any or all the activities scheduled or do nothing
more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book
poolside.
No doubt you noticed that the shops
and casino were closed when you boarded your ship. Local regulations
preclude them from opening while in port; however, once at sea, all
the ship's facilities are available during set hours.
Again, let your daily schedule be
your guide. I like to have a highlighter to mark the events I don't
want to miss. Examples of some activities to choose from are:
- Exercise & fitness classes
- Spa and salon services
- Casino gaming &
"tournaments"
- Bingo
- Lectures—for
instance: port & shopping, health & fitness, lifestyle,
language classes
- Bridge lessons
& tournaments
- Pool games &
ping-pong or shuffleboard contests
- Art auctions
- Dance classes
- Horseracing (a
shipboard classic)
- Wine tasting
- Meetings—for
instance: service clubs & Friends of Bill W
In addition, the
library and card room are available for quiet pursuits, as are many
of the ship's lounges.
The swimming pool
is one of the most popular spots on board during sunny sea days.
Towels are provided, but please don't "save" deck chairs
unless you are occupying them! A lively band plays poolside and the
pool bar is a great spot to meet and greet new acquaintances. Even
if you aren't a sun worshipper, you can enjoy the festivities from a
shaded chair.
Breakfast and lunch
during sea days are casual and often adhere to open-seating in the
dining room (meaning you can go at any time during specified hours).
Shorts are acceptable, but no bathing suits, please! If you don't
want to change from swimming pool attire, toss on a cover-up and
head for the lido buffet. Some ships feature a grill near the pool
and sunbathers can grab a quick bite without sacrificing any tanning
time.
Sea days,
particularly if they are the second and next-to-the last days of the
cruise, are usually capped by formal evenings. During the first
formal night, the Captain hosts a reception for all passengers. Upon
arrival, you are greeted by the ship's Social Hostess, who
introduces you to the Master of the Vessel (another photo
opportunity). Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres are usually
served and the Captain takes the stage to introduce his officers and
staff.
Ship photographers
will set their equipment up in a variety of locations before and
after dinner to snap formal portraits and they will also make the
rounds in the dining room to take informal shots of couples and
groups.
Then, Bon Appetit!
You're off to a formal dinner, followed by an elaborate production
show in the main theatre. Afterwards, one lounge might offer
karaoke, another may feature a pianist, and yet another swings into
disco mode until the week hours of the morning. There's a lot to
keep you busy if you choose. Or you may simply want to take a
romantic stroll in the moonlight on the promenade deck before
retiring to rest up for a day in port.
What to expect:
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