Around the Ship

Our cruise on the Seabourn Quest began on March 23.  We are now about three and a half weeks into the journey, presently sailing through the Red Sea, a 2250 inlet of the Indian Ocean separating Africa and Asia. We did not see any pirates during the past few days, but then the ship was well protected and the word was out, so to speak.

We have never cruised on a ship quite this small before.  We have presently 360 passengers (maximum of 450) and 340 crew on board.  Compared to other ships we have been on, it is a relatively short walk from the front of the ship where our suite is to the back of the ship where all the restaurants and bars are, about 200 metres or so. On the other hand, on our first day in the dining room we were greeted by name by the restaurant staff.  This was quite a shock.  We discovered that the entire wait staff is required to know everyone’s name within about 48 hours.  Very impressive!  This, and the extremely friendly staff, makes this a very “homey” ship where you feel instantly comfortable.  This is one of the major reasons why this is one of the most highly rated cruising ships on the oceans.

We have had a lot of fun on our cruise so far.  On sea days we have two art classes, one at 11 AM and the other at 3:30 PM.  The guest who have attended have been amazing, kind and very talented.

 

Watercolour class in action

 There has been some excellent entertainment, fantastic, though very hot, weather, friendly guests that we have gotten to know well, and some great theme evenings.  Shortly after we left Singapore, we had a fun night of 50’s and 60’s music and dancing under the starlight on the pool deck.  The dancing improved through the evening as the drinks flowed.

Enjoying life on deck

On another night, while in Mumbai, we had a Bollywood night.  A group of dancers and actors came on board and provided us with a typical “Bollywood” experience of dance and corny acting (quite funny actually) out by the pool. It was enhanced by the fact that most guests were dressed for the occasion in outfits as Indian as we could muster.

Gail in Punjabi dress

 

Bollywood show

We also had an Arabian dancing group, while in Oman, come on board and entertain us with dance and music. Of particular interest was a very nimble young lady and a male dancer who had the ability to spin around continuously for five minutes or more, and did not seem to get dizzy.  Even the professional  dancers on board our ship were amazed that, when he finished, he walked off perfectly straight. A whirling dervish perhaps?

Young dancer

Whirling dervish

Last night we had our own Arabian Night with guests dressing up in Arabian dress and gathering on the pool deck.  There we were entertained by the on-board  singers and dancers, had some appetizers and drinks and then went into the Colonnade restaurant for a typical Arabian dinner.  The courses were quite interesting, and very tasty.  Afterwards, we went back out onto the pool deck for dessert under the stars. We had a great time, even though we both wore dresses.

Arabian knight and his princess

At dinner

On the pool deck

Food presentation

The "Sultan" at rest