Royal Clipper
A Sailing Diary
Life on Board
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|
Capt.
Nemo Lounge |
As I learned, sleep came easy on
Royal Clipper, but time on board wasn't as "sleepy" as I'd
expected. While the daily activities sheet was just
that--a single sheet with few organized activities--there was plenty
to do, including the compulsory lifeboat drill that first morning. Afterward, Captain Sergiy introduced his staff, Cruise
Director Monja offered port information, and the Dive Team outlined upcoming scuba diving
expeditions while the Sports Team handed
out snorkel gear.
Daytime
Those who want to start the day
with a workout can take advantage of the gym with its treadmills,
cycles, and free weights. Follow that up with a relaxing session in
the steam room or, better yet, a massage in the spa. Set into a corner of the gym/spa
is Captain Nemo
Lounge, a tranquil spot
for reading or watching for underwater marine life through the
submarine-style portholes.
Tip for tall passengers: You may
find it difficult to run on the treadmills due to the low
ceiling.
For the most part, as soon as Royal
Clipper anchors or docks, nearly everyone scatters for town, the
beach, or to participate in water sports, either on an excursion or
from the retractable marina located on the ship's stern. In addition
to snorkel gear, other complimentary water equipment, such as sunfish sailing, banana boat
rides, water-skiing, and windsurfing, is available. More leisurely
pursuits include lounging on Sun Deck near one of the three small
"splash" pools or reading in the shade. The ship's library
has plenty of books in several languages.
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Climbing
to the crow's nest |
Depending on the itinerary and
arrival times at the ports of call, daytime activities also included
mast climbing--passengers can don a harness and climb the rigging to
the crow's nest on the main mast--an engine room tour with the
Chief Engineer, and the Captain's Story Time, informal sessions when
the captain demonstrates sailing maneuvers and shares entertaining
sea tales.
It was during one such story time
that I learned why ships are referred to as she. Captain
Sergiy explained that sailors consider their vessels comforting,
much like their wives and sweethearts. Then it dawned on me... I
slept like a baby in a cradle being rocked by its mother. It might
be just a legend, but it worked for me.
Interestingly, while there is no
Bingo or casino gaming, a few traditional cruise ship
activities, such as napkin folding, fruit carving,
and cocktail mixing demonstrations, appeared on our schedules.
If nothing else seemed appealing, the
Sun Deck had more to watch than sunbathers. Crew members were busy
amid the chaise lounges each day tending to lines and mending sails.
Most were happy to demonstrate their tasks.
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|
Crabs--ready
to race |
After Dark
Passengers expecting lavish entertainment were probably sorely
disappointed. Although there were entertaining ways to pass the
evenings, with the exception of music by the ship's pianist (in,
where else, the Piano Bar), the fun was largely participatory and
took place outside at the Tropical Bar... dancing to a steel band
while anchored off Grenada, crab races with a bit of betting on the
side, a Sloop Shop fashion show featuring passenger models, a wacky
international version of Name That Tune, and a Talent Night starring
crewmembers and passengers. A duo played popular music nightly for
dancing on deck.
For those who were tired from
diving or exploring the ports, every cabin has a television with DVD
player and movies can be borrowed from the Sloop Shop.
No matter what time it took place,
the most compelling daily on board activity was the unfurling of the
sails.
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The
Royal Clipper Experience
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