While getting up this morning the Captain made a broadcast all over the ship, including the cabins to deliver the news thar no one wanted to hear. Owing the level of gale force winds we had been experiencing and a forecast suggesting it was to continue, our scheduled stop in Amsterdam has been cancelled. The Captain explained that the 30mph winds were well outside the operational safety limits that P&O allow. So, on the grounds of safety alternative arrangements had to be made. Given the amount of wind experienced in the last 24 hours and with it set to continue, Aurora is en route off the coast of Norfolk to provide some protection from the wind to ensure as much as the Captain can, a peaceful night on board. We will then arrive in Belgium at 3pm tomorrow afternoon which will now be an overnight stay and a full day as planned on the 28th. The ships crew are already making alternative plans with Amsterdam tours refunded and evening tour options already available to book. Whilst it is always a disappointment when a port is cancelled, the captains explanation was full and frank and I’m always impressed with how quickly they turn things around when needed.
Before heading for lunch I enjoyed a chat with a gentleman called Neil in the coffee shop who was taking a break from his family and enjoying a coffee. He is another person who has cruised with a number of cruise lines and for whatever reason still feels the safest with P&O. With my costa cooler done it was time for lunch again, where I sat with the Bristol couple I had sat with previously and also spoke to during the trip in Copenhagen. Risotto cakes, the minced beef curry was the selections today, as was the ice cream, although it is always a challenge to tolerate the coffee flavour. I was delighted to be stopped by a gentleman called Martin who stopped me at the door to enquire whether I was the Steve who blogged. It is always nice to hear from people who spend the time to read my ramblings.
This afternoons entertainment was the crew pantomime of Robinson Cruise-O. I knew from previous experience that these sorts of events are extremely busy indeed. I arrived at about five to two, and within ten minutes the theatre went from ten or so people to being around half full. As predicted, with five minutes to go there was only an odd seat free with standing room only quickly becoming the only option. The performance was really good and fun was had by all. The funniest parts tended to be where lines were forgotten. It was nice to enjoy some old fashion slapstick comedy and people of all ages enjoying themselves. The pantomime dame was undoubtably the star of the show and carried out the role so well.
After some time in the casino it was time for yet another meal on board. A delightful table with at least two tables I had dined with previously. The menu had lots to offer once again. I began with beef fritters, followed by the tomato soup again the sirloin steak and the trusty selection of ice cream. It was then back to the Curzon theatre for tonight’s performance from the headliners theatre company. I have seen the show many a time, but Destination Dance is one of my favourites. It takes you on a journey through different dances of age and culture, and as always it finishes with a finale from the lion king and then an Irish dance segment including the tune lord of the dance. The audience reaction was quite rightly significant. Another great show.
To finish off the evening it is back to the cinema for me to enjoy the film Churchill.
Tomorrow we dock in the afternoon for our now overnight stop in Belgium, so i will make the next entry a double to round things off the day afternoon tomorrow. Until then!
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