Carping

We met a S. African woman on board who is recovering from the mysterious virus affecting many of the
passengers. She'd been in the ship's hospital, required oxygen, and had seen the doctor a few times. All she wanted to do was go home. Her husband felt the same way. He said he'd swim home if he could.

She went on to tell us they'd come on the cruise on a whim. There's a water shortage in Cape Town - a serious shortage. Water has been turned off in neighbourhoods that overuse. This woman told us she and her husband were totally stressed by having to limit their usage. On the ship, they can bathe all they wish without feeling guilty. Because this cruise left from Cape Town, they made the brilliant decision to join it. but most of the cabins were sold out, so they bought an expensive suite - one with a butler.

She began complaining. First, it was about the ports...which were in S. Africa for the first six days. The couple wouldn't get off the ship because the ports were places they'd avoid as they drove around their own country. Sort of like us, avoiding the Port of Long Beach or San Pedro. But, duh....we thought. You knew that when you signed on.

"The butler is really annoying," she said. "He's always there hanging around." What?? I thought.
"And the food isn't very good and the ship, well....nobody really likes it," she said. "Other Oceania ships are better."

The conversation made me realize how tough this business is. People are carping about everything you can think of. Today another woman told me she was "so tired of eating lobster." No kidding - she actually said that. And she added that with all the ports, you had to do soooo much planning. You can't please all the people, but most (not on the ship) would agree this is a fine ship with world class food and service. Makes you wonder.

Richard enjoying tea, which is served every day from 4 to 5 with delicate finger sandwiches and delicious pastries. A string quartet plays (I hear people saying the musicians aren't good enough, the sandwiches aren't cut properly, the sweets are too big or too little or too tempting). The room is too hot or too cold. Gawd.