Location: Mediterranean Sea.
Summary: A calm sea day filled with good food, rough weather, new friends, football, and a much better standard of entertainment than yesterday.
At Sea on the MSC Lirica
Today, the MSC Lirica began saileing across the Mediterranean Sea towards Genoa in Italy.
Morning on the Mediterranean
I woke around 07:00 but stayed in bed until about 08:00, then got up, showered, and headed to one of the buffets for breakfast.
I found a table reserved for disabled passengers and left my notebook there while I collected food. Balancing a tray in one hand and a walking stick in the other is difficult enough; doing it half-blind while navigating through people who behave as though breakfast is a competitive sport is something else entirely. I managed to return to my table without being knocked over, but I couldn’t find a drink anywhere. Tomorrow I’ll try to find a restaurant with table service.
After breakfast, I went to the coffee bar for two coffees, then headed to reception to request the daily programme in English. I’d received Spanish and German versions in my room, but not English. The receptionist sorted it quickly, and I made my way to the theatre for the mandatory safety briefing. We were shown how to put on a life jacket and then taken to the door leading to the deck, where we were told it was too rough to go outside. Our lifeboat was pointed out through the window instead.
Football and Lunch Companions
Passing through the Lord Nelson bar afterwards, I noticed yesterday’s Leicester vs Arsenal match playing on the TV. The bar wasn’t open yet, but the chairs were comfortable, so I sat and watched the second half. Arsenal looked set to cruise to victory. When the match finished, I typed up some notes before heading to lunch in the La Bussola restaurant.
I was seated with a lovely couple from South Africa, Louise and her husband, Jo. I had mussels in crispy breadcrumbs, pork in garlic sauce with rice, and apple crumble with ice cream, all washed down with a pint. We chatted about travel and discovered our homes in Florida had once been very close together.
Rough Seas & Future Dreams
After lunch, the weather worsened. I got another pint and watched the waves rise and fall outside the window. The larger ones crashed against the ship, sending spray high into the air. Walking around grew more difficult, and the outdoor decks were closed because of the wind. Beautiful to watch, but not something I’d want to walk through.
The future cruise desk was open, so I asked about world cruises. Unfortunately, the ships on those routes have only double cabins, and the single supplement is outrageous. Unless I find a spectacular deal or a spectacular woman to share a cabin with, I won’t be circling the globe anytime soon
Later, I went to the theatre for an Italian Gala of piano and singing. It was excellent, a welcome improvement after last night’s entertainment.
Dinner & New Friends
At 18:00, I stopped at a bar for a Piña Colada to take with me to dinner. My Spanish companions joined me at the table, and as we waited for our meals, I noticed six people from Los Alcázares sitting at the next table: John, Adam, Darren, Rob, Kaz and Jayne. They hadn’t been at dinner yesterday, so I hadn’t realised they were there. They invited me to join them, but I was happy with my new Spanish friends. We chatted in a mix of English and Spanish, enjoying each other’s company.
For dinner, I had an escargot parcel, orange duck, and a rice pudding dessert.
After dinner, I went to the Lord Nelson bar for a pint. John spotted me and invited me to join him, Adam, Darren and Rob at another table. I moved over, and we spent the evening drinking, talking and laughing until around 23:00, when they headed to the casino. I followed them to the bar there, but left at midnight, leaving them deep in their gambling adventures.
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