Around The World Without Flying: Sailing Towards Shanghai

Today we are sailing in the South China Sea about 30 nautical miles from the coast of China, heading toward Shanghai. As it is a day at sea, I thought you may like to know more about shipboard life.

There are a multitude of activities to do all day. Unless I have a shore excursion early in the morning, I always have breakfast at 8 am in the dining room. It is a great way to meet people in a very civilised setting. As we arrive, we are assigned to a table and offered a wide choice of breakfast food by our waiters. Whilst we eat our cereal, fruit and hot breakfast, the people around the table discuss all manner of things, including of course the travels we have been on. Usually your breakfast companions are from at least three different countries. Then there are lectures, seminars (usually promoting some of the goods and services on the ship), sporting and craft activities (even fencing!), dancing classes, gatherings of people with common interests, a huge variety of board games and so forth. You should hear the hoots of laughter around the Mah Jong tables! (Not sure if I have spelt that correctly.)

There also are various places to buy gourmet coffees and other drinks, chocolate indulgences and so forth. The smorgasbord centre also is open day and night, so it is very easy to put on extra weight, though many avoid that by working out in the gym, swimming and pounding around the boardwalk. However, there are very few out there right now, as it is drizzling, windy and cold.

The many areas that offer food and drinks also often have musicians playing. The other day I was intrigued by a guitarist who was playing an instrument he designed and had made in Germany. He had a very musical voice and the music he played, much of which he composed himself, sounded really great. Wherever you go, there also are works of art, including sculptures, as well as an abundance of lovely flowers.

Dinner in the dining room also is a treat. I sit at the Captain’s table but have never seen him there, as I go to the early 6 pm sitting. After that, I generally go to the evening concert, then read for a short time in bed. We have been treated to some superb performances. Many others, however, dance the night away, and in fact the opportunity to dance in a real ballroom with a good band and great hosts is one of the main reasons they cruise.

Is it any wonder many of my fellow passengers have cruised at least ten times already?