We have a sea day, so I thought I’ll give you a snapshot on my life on board the Silver Whisper. Since today is Saint Patrick’s day, below is how they decorated the lunch buffet. Remember, we are off the coast of Japan.
Every evening we received a daily newsletter called the “Chronicles” that includes the next day’s weather, port information, after 6:00pm dress code and schedule. I look at it that night to plan my next day, usually setting priorities if there are conflicts. For this sea day my plan is:
- 10:00am, Lecture – Our Destination Lecturer is talking about our next two ports, Beppu and Kochi
- 11:00am, Lecture – Retired Computer Science PhD is talking about safeguarding yourself online; since we have satellite internet back he also gave some real time AI examples
- Lunch
- 2:00pm, Lecture – Astronomy PhD talking about the impact of the sky on historical peoples
- 3:00pm, Lecture – Retired doctor presenting about Tibet/China, Lamaism, Buddhism and Shintoism
- 4:45pm – Team Trivia
- 6:00pm – One of our headlining musicians is playing at one of the (many) bars
- Dinner
- 9:15pm – Another headlining act is performing on the main stage
- 10:15pm – St Patty-themed party at the lounge
As you can see, I like the lectures. If that’s not what you are into there are: Bridge Lessons and/or games, Arts and Crafts (mostly painting on this cruise), board games, table tennis, shuffleboard, fitness classes, dance class, casino events (today is blackjack) or staff musicians playing at the smaller venues.
In general, if you are bored it’s your own fault.
Speaking of Team Trivia, below are some of my favorites from this cruise. There are 15 questions daily and the Cruise Director asks the questions and hands out “prize points” (think: Monopoly Money) to the highest scoring teams.
- Q: What is the southern-most European country that does NOT have Mediterranean coast line?
- A: Portugal
- Q: What is the name for a female donkey?
- A: Jenny
- Q: From “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, what is Charlie’s surname?
- A: Bucket
- Q: What is the only product advertised by Elvis Presley?
- A: Southern Maid doughnuts
- Q: What is a ship’s “larboard”?
- A: Original name for “left”, changed to “port” in the 19th century to avoid confusion with “starboard”
You also get points for other daily events. At the end of each segment you can use your points to buy useless Silversea items like ball-point pens, t-shirts or what-not. The only way to gain enough points to get some of the more “expensive” items is to be onboard for several two-week segments – I’m aiming for the wine opening set next week.