No dancing last night, as weather became worse, with gale force winds and rough seas. Quiz went well but still a couple of points of the lead.
Captain now sounds like a headmaster, as he tells us of his decisions not to take us nearer to the glaciers and to close off the outside decks.
Went to the buffet for lunch but as no outside dining, it was full. Found some seats on a table of four, with one seat occupied by an elderly gentleman. Asked if we could join him and he grunted his bad tempered agreement.
Lynne tried to engage him in conversation but he was not very responsive and she asked if he spoke English. He said that he “had a little” but was German – why was I not surprised?
I kicked her under the table, to tell her that she was flogging a dead horse – ein toten Pferd.
I had noticed, on my flyby through the buffet, that they had chips and suddenly had an urge for a chip butty. I left my seat and went to collect my ingredients. When I returned, I was surprised that Lynne was speaking Spanish to our German neighbour and he was now quite enthusiastic. Turns out that he has a house in Majorca and was quite fluent. He was an experienced cruiser but definitely grumpy and not impressed by the Headmaster and the facilities on the cruise – mainly concerning the “wellness center”, with its steam room – no cold water to cool down, massages – incompetent masseuses, sauna – no snow to roll in.
Lynne tried to change the subject and asked if he was travelling alone. He replied that his wife had a prime seat in the Commodore Lounge, at the front of the ship, where there were fantastic views of the fjords. She had not come to lunch, as she did not want to lose her place.
I was going to ask if she was unable to find a towel but this time, Lynne kicked me under the table.
Left the fjord and came out into the rough seas and high seas of the Pacific. Headmaster advised those who took sea sickness medication to take it now. He also scolded passengers who were ignoring the barriers and going out on the open deck.
Must agree with him, as 90 knot gusts and 20m waves can be a bit dangerous.