Cruise Diary: The Cellar Master’s Groupies

Dutch TV host and adventure seeker Charlotte Squarcy is on board for segment of Amsterdam’s Grand World Voyage, and she is chronicling her journey. Enjoy!

I am happy to report that wine tasting has reached new heights of entertainment. Ingo hosted our group in the lovely back room of the Pinnacle Grill and was very entertaining. Apparently, he has quite a following among those who started the trip in Florida and by now they are all quite festive together.

He combined a lovely setting with fine wines and accompaniments, along with tales of famous vintners’ struggles and successes — in three or four languages no less, it had us in stitches (gee!). Was it the wine causing the merriment? Maybe. Anyway, he has a winning formula and I’m sure this is a popular choice.

Ingo.

Besides enjoying the fruits of the cellar, this is obviously a good way for solo travelers to get together with an affinity group; a feature of these longer trips that I am recognizing. Might I add that it is actually a little unnerving for someone used to the anonymity of a big city to have so many staff members know me by name so quickly in the journey. It takes some getting used to – being made to feel so special.

The beautiful full moon after the event.

In the Middle of the Deep, Blue Sea
I have to give a shout out to those keeping me in touch with you all, out here, far from landfall. Jacqueline and Gustav at the Explorations Cafe on board are bombarded by many guests who just cannot bear to be out of touch with civilization. Actually, for those on the full round of the Grand World Voyage, or even my 32-day segment, it can be a concern, and I have to give them credit for their patience; technology can only do so much. In fact, I think what does get through is amazing in itself!

Meanwhile, to sharpen my skills I spend an hour a day at computer lessons with Chris, who has been really helpful. Sadly though, the lecture series on Captain Cook, Easter Island, and etc. conflicts with David teaching bridge, so I regret that I will not be able to learn the game. I hope that’s the only goal I set for the cruise that falls by the wayside.

In future entries I promise to include a trip through all the food and beverage venues that I am forcing myself to take (tee-hee!) on your behalf and with the help of Bart and Willy. I’ll also include a look at the artistry of Eddy and Calista, a husband and wife team with 15 years of experience designing flowers for HAL and the Queen herself!!!

Now I need a good night’s sleep because Rapa Nui is off our bow at daybreak. I think I will be forgoing technology for a few days to digest that I went below the 60-degree latitude line, was denied Cape Horn and now am following in Thor Heyerdahl’s wake toward Rapa Nui. Many aboard feel the same wonderment as me that we can be so lucky as to have this experience. Aloha!