we have signed on for an 11 day cruise of the northern capitals
the costa pacifica is a sister ship to the ill-fated concordia
lightning (or at least coastal reefs) unlikely to strike twice
yesterday evening we underwent queues, checks, photos, inspections
finally got on board and settled into our comfortable deck 7 room
with all passengers on board we are run through a compulsory drill
tiresome stuff in lines of 5 on the deck with repeat announcements
this is a european cruise so at least 7 languages run through
an opportunity to observe our fellow passengers and assess them
result - couples - average age 60 - average nationality - german
no surprises there really but not much in common - this is good
the first dinner and we are seated with the other 2 aussies on board
there are 1088 germans on board, 8 brits, 3 aussies and 1 kiwi
in-between every other european nation is well represented
we are impressed with the dinner and service so a good start
an initial investigation of this huge vessel and a cocktail
taken in the classical room with an andre rieu lookalike (ahem)
then a relatively early night and looking forward to a day off
today we are sailing - it's a near 2 day trip to stockholm
the buffet breakfast well taken despite the numbers involved
outside the sea is calm and the sky is clear - smooth sailing
fears of a cold and boisterous baltic sea dispelled on the upper deck
there is much on offer on this recently constructed ship
the mandatory pool and spa topside and a waterslide
more pools, cafe and spas under glass 1 level down
a casino, theatre, bars galore, gymnasium, games rooms
duty free shops, boutiques and even a faux market
my favourite room - a well stocked library and quiet-space
the decor is definitely modern italian-bling but it works
no expense spared on fittings or furniture and clean as
there is always someone, somewhere cleaning something
the centre atrium runs the 11 floors bottom to top
3 glass-sided lifts providing a view of the scale involved
the theme of this vessel is music - symbols of violins everywhere
on-board is the only ship-based recording studio in the world apparantly
enticing those looking for an opportunity to express their talent - pass
the crew is multi-national with a strong south east asia content
suggesting low pay rates and many families being supported
the obvious training being do not speak unless spoken to
even in shops the assistants hang back - a relief really
there are friendly nods and smiles so it's not all us and them
but observing some passengers attitudes would counter that
lunch is taken a-la-carte in the new york, new york restuarant
sharing a table with a dutch couple - she lovely, he impatient
quite a comical scene as he asks, pleads, demands a glass of wine
we learn about life in country holland and other cruise ship stories
then it's time for a spa and swim in the (covered) upper deck
very relaxing - the day slips by very nicely and ditto dinner
compare notes with our australian friends over another fine meal
it's a beautiful evening so we head to the top deck
a still night, warm, sea in every direction
the sky with the odd cloud or vapour trail
heading to sweden - pinch me please
italian ship = italian film
life is beautiful...
