But I also awoke to dark skies and strong winds. I attempted a few laps around the top deck but it was really too much effort so I took to the ship’s staircases and hallways. Even with a smaller ship like this it doesn’t take long to rack up a mile or two. For instance, it’s 300 steps for me just to get coffee in the morning!

On the other hand, being a smaller ship it doesn’t have nearly as much entertainment options as the larger ones. This morning I could choose from Learning Bridge, Arts & Crafts, or an Introduction to the Ship’s Excursions.

During the day the comfy club chairs in the many bars on board become popular reading nooks and since we’re narrow enough light pours in from big picture windows on both sides of the ship which make it quite pleasant. Again I’m spoiled with my cabin as I have a sofa and chair in which to read in privacy if I choose.

They had to close the outside promenade on one side of the ship due to strong winds (see above!) so the evening jazzercise was held in our Happy Hour bar….

I’m not sure if it was my BC friends to whom I let it slip earlier that it was my birthday or the ship’s doing but at the end of our dinner a big train of servers singing “Happy Birthday” and carrying a cake made their way to our table. I was rather surprised and I must admit, pleased, at having a little celebration. I even had a birthday card on my bed at turndown.