On Board Observances #2

The Azamara Pursuit staff are top shelf, as is the attentive service we receive "Another gimlet Sir?" Initial cynicism is swiftly extinguished, and you can see why people choose to cruise.  From the person polishing the handrails with a toothbrush through to the effusive Captain, staff are invariably cheerful and welcoming.  I don't know how we will cope with the real world.  To quote Kim the cruise experience for 700 passengers is "very well orchestrated."

Excursions commence with a general muster each morning in the Cabaret Room.  The excursions officer welcomes guests and runs through the required arrangements before announcing specific tour departures.  It is at that point that the usual misfits suddenly race up and crowd about the announcer demanding their itinerary grievances be immediately attended to.  "Some people", Chris remarks, "always gumming up the works".  Descending the stairs I overhear an American women state "Some people". Her companion agrees "Some people, must be from New York."

Passengers come from a variety of nations with Americans to the fore followed by Aussies, Brits and a sprinkling of Europeans, Kiwis and Asians.  Baby Boomers represent about 85% of the guest list and the cruise orientation matches that demography.  The piped music in the various lounges is however quite anachronistic and better reflects the Rat Pack fifties rather than the rebellious Swinging Sixties.  Live music is provided by the Pursuit Band and the Select Singers (ick!!) and The Riviera Sounds who taught me how to "One, two Cha, cha cha!."

Upon your return from an excursion or a city visit, cruise staff are positioned to assist your return to the vessel.  Cold towels are provided for your refreshment and sorbets (with liquor options) or fruit juices welcome you before re-embarking.  Security is rigid and our departure and return is recorded ~ they don't want to lose anyone.  On board, I find it disturbing that so many seemingly intelligent adults want to bake themselves every day.  How dark a tan do you want?  It's obvious the Slip Slop Slap campaign wasn't adopted in other countries.

Many passengers are quite ancient and I doubt they could explore unaided, even if accompanied by walking stocks.  The daily newsletter advises prospective excursionists (sic) of the walking conditions and that sometimes people have to walk up to half a kilometer.  They won't achieve the recommended target of 10,000 steps that way!  And what is it with the backpacks sporting multiple bottles of water?  Are they auditioning for the role of domestics on the next Tour de France?

Returning from our trek into beautiful Paros, I remarked "Quite a few passengers are wearing hearing aids."  "What?" replied Kim cupping her ear.  She's a funny girl.