Cruising

So some first impressions of life on the Seabourn Quest, as we have now been on-board for almost 48 hours. The ship is lovely, much bigger than I expected, particularly in width. There is a sense of spaciousness and despite it being almost full with 450 passengers. There is always somewhere to relax out of the crowd. It is immaculately maintained, and spotlessly clean. What is really special is the service. It has all the best aspects of American positivity with a personal touch. It is difficult to sit anywhere without being asked if you require a drink. In this Marion has learnt that all drinks that are strawberry coloured contain alcohol. It is 11 am and because I am sat outside I have just been offered a gin and tonic.

Everything is brilliantly organised, in a very discreet sort of way. It is very difficult to be bored aboard as there is something going on all the time. Yesterday afternoon I attended a lecture on plate tectonics and continental drift to explain why Antarctica is geographically where it is. The lectured distilled a complex subject into an understandable talk. We have been introduced to the 19 specialists of the expedition crew; there are some frighteningly bright people with a huge degree of specialist expertise. Everybody says that we will be in awe of the Antarctic when we reach there in a few days time.

The food is excellent, there is as much or as little as you want. We have eaten twice in the formal restaurant, where the food was of very good restaurant standard with superb service. Last night we were on a hosted table so it was the opportunity to meet some of our fellow cruisers, suffice it to say that the Sheppard’s were some of the last to leave. Before that we had a party in our corridor where everybody came out of their suites to drink champagne and eat canapés. Another simple idea but great way to meet other people. We followed a quick change for dinner with a drink in the Observation bar; this is at the front top of the ship at the ship and has panoramic views over the ocean. With a piano tinkling away it is the ideal pace to sip a pre-dinner cocktail.

Now the surprising news, Marion is on marijuana. We met a charming couple from California who have given her some marijuana patches to try for her arthritis. Seems to be giving some pain release.

This morning the weather is beautiful and we are making the most of it on deck relaxing. There is a quiz session later and I am visiting the bridge this afternoon. More from the blog later.

PS. Captain has just told us that it may be too windy to land in the Falklands and that the Drake Passage could be bumpy!