At Sea

January 16

Well, today was an interesting day - not quite like any I have had.

Up at my usual 9:15 but not for trivia.  Last night at dinner I had been invited to a funeral.   Actually, the correct term is " Service for the Committal of Ashes to the Deep".  One of the gentlemen from the dinner table used to cruise frequently with his mother.  She passed away recently and he wanted to scatter her ashes at sea.

He had talked with Cunard before the voyage and was told the arrangements could be made onboard.  He had contacted Janice, the Social Hostess, and she had arranged everything.  Janice escorted us to the rear of deck 3 which had been closed off.  Two of the ship's officers (Deputy Captain and Security Office) met us at the stern.  There was a table covered with a Union Jack and a beautiful floral arrangement on it.  In the base of the arrangement were the ashes.  The Deputy Captain led the service which was very beautiful.

After the service the nine of us in attendance went to the Cafe Carinthia for coffee/tea and a nice talk.  Although a somber occasion it was a very nice morning.

The Captain's noon announcement had some astounding news.  Last night we had 70 knot winds (which, if I calculated correctly, is just over 80 mph) and 10 meter swells.  Because of this we slowed down considerably and there will be more bad weather tonight (though not as bad) so we will not be arriving in New York until noon on Sunday.  We will overnight in NYC and leave Monday at 6:30 pm.  Consequently, our arrival in Fort Lauderdale will not be until Thursday (instead of Wednesday) - I get an extra night onboard!

I have no idea what will happen with my flight home.  Not sure if Delta will charge me for a second ticket, whether the Cunard Care insurance will help cover any extra costs, or what will happen.  I'm just excited to have an extra day onboard (especially after missing half a day with our late embarkation time).

After all the interesting events of the morning I decided to try something else different.  I had lunch in the Cafe Carinthia.  I chose the Laugen Croissant Sandwich which was quite tasty.

Stayed in the Cafe Carinthia after lunch because that is where Needlework/Knitting group is held.  Today we had 13 present.  We were able to listen to the "Singers at Sea" who performed in the Grand Lobby which is just down the staircase from where we meet.

Into the pub for Wipeout trivia.  We had 15 out of 20 correct but wiped out with the final question - In which classic would you find Lady Deadlock?

Up to the Lido for my afternoon ice cream and to do some reading.

Returned to my stateroom to find a letter from the Hotel Manager explaining the changes due to the rescheduled itinerary.  Cunard will pay for a phone call to make new travel arrangements but I am going to wait until we get to New York and use my cell phone.

Just after six an announcement was made that the show tonight, Palladium Nights, would be postponed until tomorrow night.  The variety show scheduled for tomorrow night and the comedian Rhondell Sheridan and the violinists, Elektra, will perform tonight.  Evidently the weather issues tonight will be more like last night's than previously thought.  I did hear people complaining they could not sleep last night because of the weather.  I heard my balcony furniture shifting slightly but I had no problems sleeping.

Tonight is another formal night.  There is a World Club (Cunard's loyalty program) cocktail party tonight.  Those who know me know that chit chat with total strangers is not my strong suit so instead I went to the "Early Evening Brainteaser" trivia.  Only three of us and we came in third or fourth.

We were finished by 8:10 so I went on to the cocktail party although all the free drinks were gone.  As I was leaving I stopped to talk with a couple who had been in the same room at the stadium last week.  Then I talked with Maggie and JT (from last year's World Voyage) and we walked down to the dining room together.

Dinner with Hugh, Michael, Ian (although I found out tonight he spells it the more Celtic way starting with an "E"), and Linda.  It was Beef Wellington/Baked Alaska night but there is no "Parade of Chefs" in Britannia Club (unless it happened before I arrived).

The five of us then went to the Midships Bar and had a couple of drinks (one for me) and a good time talking.  A very congenial group of people (I have been so lucky getting great table mates two years in a row).

Picked up my orange juice and returned to my stateroom at the witching hour of midnight.

We gain another hour of sleep tonight.

Smooth sailing until next time!

Singers at Sea