Friday 19th April - Do I do anything other than dance and eat?

Sometimes the sea days blend into each other so much that it is hard to remember the events. One only remembers the enjoyment.

At the cha cha lesson I ended up dancing with Roger most of the time. Occasionally I was able to palm him off on Frances, but she found the steps too difficult and sat out, as did three other solo ladies. I was therefore stuck with Roger, pulling him through the steps and lifting his arm when I needed to go under it. Then at the end he turned to me and said ‘So remember, you do X and Y and Z’!!! 

The three graces (J&J and I) met up in the afternoon so they could verify what I have been telling them about current Cunard policy. In future Cunard cruises for single travellers will be out of our reach, as we have to pay on the full scale rate. Only couples can access the special deals. I had been given figures for a 17-day cruise starting on 15 May on this ship, whereby a single traveller would pay about £3,500 for the room while a couple would pay £1,100 each (£2,200 for the room). Even Frances was down checking prices and deciding she could no longer afford a cruise at this rate. I am gradually stirring unrest among the populace. J&J’s dinner companions discussed it in the evening and were horrified, even though it does not affect them. They thought we should go to the press. (I have already posted on online sites and sent emails to a couple of places and a letter to the company. If I have anything to do with it, this policy will change.)

Frances and I kept Frank amused at dinner. He even came along to watch us in the early dancing session. Very few people came to the late session. Some had planned early nights ready for Rome and some were watching the crew’s show. At one point I was the only lady there with the six dance hosts. I offered to leave so they could go back, but they said they had to be there in case others came along. I had a couple of Viennese waltzes with Rock and managed much better, but there is one step he does that trips me up every time. He says I am rushing to get to the next step. I think I’d like him to actually show me that step. Jorge did a bit of Argentine Tango with me. I would love to learn more of that! More people turned up for the last half hour.

Jenny and I sat in the Lido for nearly an hour, chatting when we should have been sleeping!