Cruising

Cruising has rhythm. Its big beat is the boat's arrival and departure from port. We often wake to the change of boat speed and direction as we head into port, or to the rumble of the bow thrusters as we press into the dock. Comforting, interesting noises that remind us that we are afloat and moving.

And setting (metaphorical) sail is a buzz...people gather at the railing, the bridge sounds a horn that would wake the dead, or produce some, and we are away, poking the bow gingerly through ports made long ago for much, much smaller boats.

The shore trips, the aperitivo listening to piano in the lounge, the long dinners and shows also bring a pattern to our day. We are confronted with new menus daily, with five or six courses. it is a challenge we have risen to.

And we have our own beats too, flopping on the bed after a shore visit, afternoon prosecco in the jacuzzi, checking out another part of this floating city.

And then there's the gala events. We all frock up and hang around the captain at the cocktail party. Wildly uncool. And loving it.