My Summer on Cruise Ships
Giving history lectures while sailing around the Atlantic
Greetings Gold and Silver Level Templar Knights! Since July, I’ve been on three cruises giving history lectures to passengers. This was something new for me. Never done it before. In fact, I’d never been on a cruise in my life. So the whole experience was new. Did I enjoy it? Like the sea - it had its ups and downs.
My 2024 Cruise Ship Odyssey - part one
In July, I left the port of Liverpool - home to The Beatles and a couple of well-known global soccer clubs - and sailed off in the direction of the Azores. These are Portuguese owned islands in the middle of the Atlantic. This first cruise was billed as a tour of the volcanic delights of the Azores.
Cruise terminal areas are not exactly conducive to a romantic idea of sailing. It’s all a bit semi-industrial, lots of metal fences, queues for customs, loading and unloading. Plus you get to size up your fellow passengers, which can be a mixed experience. Then what strikes you is the sheer size of the vessel you’re about to board. Mine was actually a medium-sized ship but still pretty huge.
As you board, the realisation hits you that there is no going back. This thing is surrounded by water and you’ve committed to a fortnight on board. Then there are the crew - remorselessly polite and lots of them. Hundreds of people from all over the world. The next thing that hits you is the decor. My ship was clearly designed by somebody whose tastes are marooned in the 1980s.
Setting sail is awesome
When the ship casts off, it’s an awesome moment. With surprising ease, it moves away from the dockside and you watch the port steadily recede into the distance. At some point, your 5G mobile phone reception becomes less reliable and you need to go and investigate the on-board Wi-fi - which in my case was charged at $160 or £120 for the duration. Quite a steep charge. Cruises are very good at layering on costs but if you’re careful, you can escape a scary final statement at the end. The Wi-fi was OK for Zoom calls but rubbish for any video streaming. Of course you can get back on to 5G when you arrive in different locations but make sure your contract allows for coverage in these countries.
When you get to your cabin, I advise unpacking very quickly. You need to settle in and make it your own. Fill those wardrobes and drawers, toiletries in the bathroom, and get the nicknacks on the table. Remember that on board, if you don’t leave the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door, your room will be made up two, even three times a day. That’s fine if you want it repeatedly tidied. And while on the ship, get into a routine of regular handwashing with soap. It sounds a bit OCD but viruses do the rounds and soap is their enemy.
Dress up and enjoy the formal events!
The second night on board will be the formal event where you meet the captain and senior crew. On my ship, that meant them appearing on stage in the main theatre and making speeches. This is when you are expected to go full black tie. Now, some people really object to these formal dress events and won’t go. But that seems a bit churlish. It's all part of the tradition of being at sea and it would be a shame to see it go. So, get your glad rags out and tart yourself up.
Part two of My Cruise Ship Odyssey tomorrow!
