Monday 23rd May - First Classes

So the plan was to get up early, have breakfast and then turn up for registration.

That didn’t work!  But we did manage to get in our first cuppa before heading downstairs to the craft room.  (We are on deck 9, the craft room is on deck 7).

It all went reasonably well, Rolando had been issuing tickets so that people didn’t queue, and the two classes were filled up within the hour.  We turned a few away, but there weren’t many.

Then it was upstairs to deck 12 and the Grill for breakfast.  Breakfast is a massive style buffet. There is just about everything you can think of (and a few things you wouldn’t), available.  Peter went for the full English including black pudding.  I kept it a little simpler, just marmalade on toast and a couple of little danish pastries.

The first class was at 11am so we were up there early to try and get everything ready.  Saga had provided the paint kits, Peter provided cardboard boards.  Water, wash brushes, notes and leaflets, all had to be set out.  We set the spaces up so that people were socially distanced and everyone, including Peter had to wear their masks for the whole session.  He was a little rusty, but he got through the first session without too much trouble.  All was well. 

Next a leisurely lunch, a short nap, a covid test, and then classes again at 3.30pm.  The class was a repeat of this morning, but we knew better what we were doing and Peter had found his groove. Whilst he was busy with the class I went to the “Explore Ashore” desk to find out about the tour excursions.  (We hadn’t had any info up until now).  

The lad on the desk was lovely.  He explained that Saga need escorts that have had first aid training, so that won’t be us then. He also explained that we can go on all the “inclusive” tours like any other passenger and at no extra cost.  I got a list of all the tours, both the inclusive and the ones with costs, so that I can work out what we want to do.

Back to the cabin (or stateroom as Saga calls them), for a break, coffee and shower before getting togged up for formal night.  I had thought we might not bother, but Terena say’s she’s going for it, so I made Peter put on his black suit and dicky bow, whilst I put on me posh frock.  Dinner in the grill, with Terena and Jerry again, then we went to watch the Flyrights – a Motown and Soul trio in the Playhouse. Everyone has to socially distance, so there was a seat between each couple, and we all had to wear masks, even whilst seated.  No drinks either.  Despite all that, it didn’t lessen the experience, and you’re not that long in a show anyway.

The Captain came on stage first and introduced the senior staff.  He’s been announcing the results of all the covid tests over the tannoy system for the last couple of days, but he did it on stage today. So far everyone has been clear apart from the one crew member from the Spa that tested positive yesterday.  Good going I think.  After the Captain came the Flyrights.  I wasn’t sure about them at first, but they got better as the show went on.  Peter thought they were very good.

And finally back to the cabin stateroom and tea on the balcony, listening to the waves.   We were both tired though, and the clocks are going forward so we lose an hour’s sleep, so time for bed. More classes, eating and covid tests tomorrow.