Evening on board a cruise liner is a magical time, especially when you have had a lazy day at sea. The whole ship comes alive as the sun sets over the yardarm, and there are choices to be made, yet again. Inside the ship glitters and glistens, and takes on a life of its own. Glass elevators transport guests to dining rooms and theatres. People gather in the atrium before deciding where to eat. There is music and entertainment to suit all tastes.
The evening may start with dinner in one of the restaurants, and if it is a special Formal night everyone will dress up for the occasion. I love to wander round the ship admiring the beautiful dresses of the ladies, and I enjoy seeing the little boys in their tiny tuxedos walking proudly beside their families. It’s a time for photographs and memories, and all over the ship there are photo opportunities, and a chance to have a special group portrait.
If you are on second sitting then your Cocktail party will be before you eat. There will be an opportunity to meet the Captain, and to sample canapés and cocktails before dinner. The officers are generally in evidence at these occasions and you may get to know other passengers as you sip your drinks. Dinner is always an occasion on board a ship. The service is superb, the food delicious, the desserts mouth-watering. Just relax and let your every need be taken care of. If your water glass is empty it will be filled without you even noticing it. Courses appear as if by magic, and conversation is good as people get to know each other, and discuss the day’s events or tomorrow’s new port. You may choose a speciality restaurant for an extra special occasion, or just for a change – delicious steaks, a French bistro meal, or maybe an oriental meal prepared by world class chefs.
After your gourmet meal it is time for a Broadway style show in the theatre – just a stroll away – no need to catch a taxi, your seat is waiting for you. Or maybe you want to catch a cabaret in one of the show lounges. There may be a comedy game to enjoy, or an acrobatic show, or a magician or illusionist to take your breath away. If you are on one of the Royal Caribbean megaships you can watch an ice skating show which will thrill and astound you.
But if you just want to relax there are plenty of bars around for a drink – and maybe there will be a pianist to entertain you. In the atrium there may be a quartet playing classical music, whilst elsewhere a singer will serenade you with your favourite tunes. Maybe you feel like trying your luck in the Casino?
But you might be lucky enough to be on one of the Princess ships which has ‘Movies Under the Stars. ’ Your lounger awaits you, a rug to put over your knees and popcorn brought to you before the movie starts. With the starry sky as a velvet ceiling, you can sit and watch a top movie as your ship sails silently towards your next port. This is the life!
And if you like to boogie the night away there is a disco which stays open until the last dancer turns in for the night. There may be an adult only comedy show, to entertain you into the early hours of the morning if you still have the energy. However, after a busy day you might just want to return to your stateroom and stand on your balcony watching the sea, dark and mysterious way below you.
But the ship never sleeps. Can you really still feel hungry? Well, that is no problem – the buffet restaurant may still be open, for a snack or a meal, or you can order from room service.
Your bed has been turned down, there is a chocolate on your pillow and your cabin steward may have made an animal out of your towel – an elephant or a monkey perhaps, to make you smile. All this sea air is making you tired, and that comfortable bed looks SO inviting.
And tomorrow? Well, tomorrow is another day, with another exciting port to explore.
The evening may start with dinner in one of the restaurants, and if it is a special Formal night everyone will dress up for the occasion. I love to wander round the ship admiring the beautiful dresses of the ladies, and I enjoy seeing the little boys in their tiny tuxedos walking proudly beside their families. It’s a time for photographs and memories, and all over the ship there are photo opportunities, and a chance to have a special group portrait.
If you are on second sitting then your Cocktail party will be before you eat. There will be an opportunity to meet the Captain, and to sample canapés and cocktails before dinner. The officers are generally in evidence at these occasions and you may get to know other passengers as you sip your drinks. Dinner is always an occasion on board a ship. The service is superb, the food delicious, the desserts mouth-watering. Just relax and let your every need be taken care of. If your water glass is empty it will be filled without you even noticing it. Courses appear as if by magic, and conversation is good as people get to know each other, and discuss the day’s events or tomorrow’s new port. You may choose a speciality restaurant for an extra special occasion, or just for a change – delicious steaks, a French bistro meal, or maybe an oriental meal prepared by world class chefs.
After your gourmet meal it is time for a Broadway style show in the theatre – just a stroll away – no need to catch a taxi, your seat is waiting for you. Or maybe you want to catch a cabaret in one of the show lounges. There may be a comedy game to enjoy, or an acrobatic show, or a magician or illusionist to take your breath away. If you are on one of the Royal Caribbean megaships you can watch an ice skating show which will thrill and astound you.
But if you just want to relax there are plenty of bars around for a drink – and maybe there will be a pianist to entertain you. In the atrium there may be a quartet playing classical music, whilst elsewhere a singer will serenade you with your favourite tunes. Maybe you feel like trying your luck in the Casino?
But you might be lucky enough to be on one of the Princess ships which has ‘Movies Under the Stars. ’ Your lounger awaits you, a rug to put over your knees and popcorn brought to you before the movie starts. With the starry sky as a velvet ceiling, you can sit and watch a top movie as your ship sails silently towards your next port. This is the life!
And if you like to boogie the night away there is a disco which stays open until the last dancer turns in for the night. There may be an adult only comedy show, to entertain you into the early hours of the morning if you still have the energy. However, after a busy day you might just want to return to your stateroom and stand on your balcony watching the sea, dark and mysterious way below you.
But the ship never sleeps. Can you really still feel hungry? Well, that is no problem – the buffet restaurant may still be open, for a snack or a meal, or you can order from room service.
Your bed has been turned down, there is a chocolate on your pillow and your cabin steward may have made an animal out of your towel – an elephant or a monkey perhaps, to make you smile. All this sea air is making you tired, and that comfortable bed looks SO inviting.
And tomorrow? Well, tomorrow is another day, with another exciting port to explore.