Steps 5,312

If contemplating a sunshine cruise, I’m not sure that I would suggest one between Zeebrugge, Belgium and Olden in Norway. 

Today, the skies are grey, with an occasional light drizzle.  Celcius temperatures are around 10° lower on the North Sea than in London.  There is no shortage of hikers traipsing or occasionally jogging around the Boat Deck.  I joined Richard and Diane in the Carinthia Lounge for a coffee and a light snack at lunchtime, before having something a little more substantial in the Kings Court, after a strange lecture on little known murder investigations.  Did I get this right, serial killers make up just 1% of U.K. murderers?  That’s nice to know!

Despite a decent sleep last night, I’m having difficulty staying awake this afternoon.

I succumbed to Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room.

Somewhat early the following morning! (07.30hrs having been awake for around two hours if not more!)

Yesterday evening was the first of the now traditional Gala Nights, when from 6 pm onwards, one is expected to be dressed in formal attire, i.e. dinner suits etc for the blokes, ball gowns and the like for the women.  Gala evenings are now themed, something I believe was introduced in 2023, although dressing formally for the evening dates back to the 1920s.  When I started cruising in 1988, the general rule was that all sea days required formal attire in the evenings, and for the gentlemen, jacket and tie on non-formal occasions.  I seem to remember even less formality on the first and final evening of any voyage or cruise.  The themed nights of today are taken seriously by enough to make them work, especially at the beginning of the evening.  Much to the chagrin of the traditionalists, jackets and ties are no longer mandatory for the dining room in the evening on non-Gala nights. Collared  shirts and smart trousers are. No ripped jeans, shorts or t-shirts then!   Nevertheless, many do make an effort for dinner, and a slight touch of class prevails. Last night’s Gala Evening was themed Black and White, creating an ambience of great elegance.  I watched a bit of my favourite show Rhythm of the Night before joining friends in the Carinthia Lounge where Amethyst were entertaining once again.

So, today, having slept little, I shall make the most I can of the magnificent scenery which I never imagined I would revisit. 

Many thanks for reading, David, 08.01 hrs 7/8/26 in his room, up much earlier than I planned.