Not-so-adventures on the High Seas

Welcome to day 1 of the vacation (actually Day 1.5 if you’d like to get technical, but travel days really shouldn’t count).

Christine and I are out on the high seas today, making our way out from Dover, England out to Copenhagen, Denmark. So far the sailing has been relatively smooth. Let’s hope it continues that way so that Christine’s supposed seasickness doesn’t kick in.

First, let me say how uneventful the flight over was. And I guess there is a reason why I don’t like flying domestic airlines internationally – United possibly has the most uncomfortable seats in international economy that I have ever experienced. After contorting my body for nearly 2 ½ hours, I finally was able to get a little bit of rest. I cannot say the same for Christine, and she had the advantage of taking an Atavan (unlike Harry’s preferred Zanax). One would think that United would design seats that would be at least somewhat comfortable so that their passengers wouldn’t be awake the whole 10+ hour flight harassing the flight attendants.

The ship, the Norwegian Jewel, is actually quite nice. The proportion of passengers is about 45% North American, 30% British, and 25% all others (mostly Europeans). This includes the largest group of people from Malta I have ever heard of – a total of 197, seemingly the entire population of Malta (if you’re wondering why I know this, it was because it was part of the assistant cruise director’s schtick last night going through number of passengers by country of origin). A good portion of people are from what I refer to as the W2 crowd – walkers and wheelchairs, but what can one expect from a cruise to the Baltics.

But today started rather uneventfully – a breakfast of an egg white omelette with turkey sausage in the main dining room; exercise on the elliptical trainer in the gym while watching the passing ocean; and a dip in the Turkish-style bath getting “massaged by 1000 bubbles”. All in all, just an average cruise day, although I do miss walking Juneau…

That’s it for my first post. I’ll post some pics when I get a change. Now, what to have for lunch…

- Joe

Comments

Tammy said…
Hmmmmmmmm... Sounds so wonderful!! And yes, United SUCKS for international flights. You don't want to know how uncomfortable it was to fly 14 hours to Sydney with them. Never again!! We also had a TON of older people on the 4 day cruise we did in January. I think that is just the nature of cruising.... Have a great time today!!
August 12, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Anonymous said…
Next time, mix your Atavan into some wine and you're sure to sleep - works with the Xanax! :)(I'm only kidding - really, I am). Glad your trip is off to a pretty good start so far!
August 12, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Unknown said…
C-130 jump seats are comfortable. They don't take up much room, though they need to be on the inside hull of the plane, so... Maybe the cheapseats are better than having to swing in the middle of the plane... It would be quite the adventure, though, don't you think?
August 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
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