12th November- The waves are down but the wind is strong

The wind is blowing at around 50 knots this morning although the waves are down from their 45 feet down to about 25 feet but at least they opened the Garden Café for breakfast.

After a light fruity breakfast we went to the Theatre to see a presentation about disembarkation in New York. Noel was intrigued that you need a 30 minute presentation on this subject and went along just see what it was about. Bearing in mind that a four page leaflet fully detailing the “what’s and how’s” of disembarkation has already been put in the cabin they found it necessary to now have a 30 minute presentation on it, can’t people read anymore.

On the way back we met our ‘New Yorker’ we had met several times before and started talking about the cruise and he said that he did not enjoy the NCL approach at all and much preferred Princess Line ships and crew. We thought the crew were fine but I suppose that as this is my first experience I will bow to his greater knowledge.

The crew that we met were very friendly and very efficient, perhaps too efficient as, if you leave your table for another glass of water, everything is cleared away and the table is cleaned and so we had to take it in turns to shop for food. This does not happen in the main silver service dining rooms of course.

Our other gripe, perhaps there are too many already, is that smoking is allowed in cabins, on deck and also in the casino area and certain other areas as well and it does start to permeate the ship eventually. The people in the cabin next door smoke cigars and cigarettes quite often and initially, prior to the bad weather, would sit on their balcony and puff away with the smoke pouring in to our cabin and balcony and so on a few occasions we had to leave the balcony to escape and shut the door. Whilst typing this at midday this couple , well the wife actually is having a strong coughing fit which lasted two minutes, oh the joys of smoking. Shame really. We guess that in a couple of years this boat will smell of cigarette smoke no matter where you are.

At this time we are heading along the coast and close to Nantucket Island, New York’s expensive playground although we cannot see much but at least the sun is out and there is blue sky. Apparently later today we will get closer to the edge of Long Island for less rough water before entering the outskirts of the harbour around 0600 tomorrow.

After dinner we went to the show which was primarily the singers and dancers carrying out routines from around the world but when the show was over the Miss Cruise director came on and introduced a video shot around the ship at several events and basically showing people in their silly moments. Wonderful and then, you won’t believe it… One by one the personnel from various departments around the ship came on stage all singing a Norwegian Cruise Line song and suggesting the audience ie customers join in. No way Jose! So there were Chefs, waiters, house maids, Engineering Staff and even the Safety Officer as the Captain was no doubt getting pi**ed in his cabin or perhaps even driving the ship alongside Long Island. Jennifer tells me that this is not the norm on ships that she has been on however much of the audience did appreciate it, maybe it’s just us old foggies.