Atlantic Crossing - Part Eight

As we departed The Murano dining room we entered the Celebrity Lounge. This was the anteroom to all of the specialty dinning rooms and was the most formal bar on board. It was mostly a lounge with soft seating and subdued lighting creating dark nooks and crannies and often supports the best jazz viewing on the ship. Tonight, as we passed through, there was a trio playing, headed by the music director responsible for all music programs on board. He was the bass player and he was seated, on a stool, sporting an electric upright. He was supported by a drummer and a young lady who couldn't have been more than 25 years old, on piano and vocal. They played the classics and all of them were great.

I snuggle up to Miss Mel, arm around her waist and before you could say Jack Robinson we were scuffling 'round the dance floor to the music. While the place was fairly busy, the patrons were in their seats watching the band. Seems we were alone on the dance floor. All eyes were upon us. I was doing not too bad until the ship rolled, I listed, knocked into Mel and everything went sideways as we slid toward the tables. Without missing a beat, I regained my balance, bowed to the crowd, and with numerous "Thank you's, thank you's," scooped up Mel and, arm-in-arm, scooted out the open door. I don't think any one suspected a thing.

We found our way forward to the Silhouette Theatre. The crowd was gathering and all were taking their seats awaiting the arrival of Le Capitain. We were handed a flute of champagne upon arrival. It was a full house and I do believe the theatre holds about 1,000. The captain and his officers enter the stage. Big round of applause. The captain takes the mike and introduces his seconds. All Greek, including himself. After each introduction --- Head of Engineering, First Officer, Second Officer, Officer of the Night's Watch etc.,etc., --- he would pause a moment then quietly say, "Greek."

He then got to the last officer introduced. I think he was in charge of the treasury or some such thing and following the customary pause he almost whispers, "Not Greek." Seems the Greeks are very comfortable on the water. He then said, "Let us raise a glass in a toast to our voyage and, the good Lord willing, to finding land in under a week"! We drink.

The captain was a very good public speaker. Lots of laughs with the pregnant pauses in all the right places. He was also a very accomplished officer for only being in his 40s. And in command of Celebrities flag ship, no less! He told us he had begun his naval career at a very young age and worked his way to the top. Not all with Celebrity, of course, other than the last 10 years or so.

Mel had had it for the day and so, bidding adieu, headed off to the cabin. I decided I should likely release a wee dram o' the creature from the confines of its flask. And maybe a gar, top deck under the moon-lit skies. Yeah that's the ticket. But it seemed by this time, with the storm raging all around my head, I had forgotten about the one raging out side the boat. Deck 15. Midships.

Hmmmm. Kinda quiet up here tonight. Not many people around. The elevator door opened and the wind almost bowls me over before even stepping out to the deck. I hold on to my hat. Son of a Bitch she's a howling like I ain't never felt. Deck 15 not such a good idea. I recall that someone said there is a smoking area, somewhat out of the elements, on the 12th deck, starboard side, midships. I fight my way back into the elevator before it was "Man Overboard" and I am sucked out to sea.

The 12th deck was not all that much better. I guess outside is outside in a storm like this. But it was partially enclosed with the full height glass to the ocean and deck 14 above. And there were other diehards there looking for the same breath of fresh air. At least here you couldn't get blown overboard. Lighting a match was the biggest issue. Someone from the gallery produces a butane torch. Now that's arriving prepared. The whiskey is as good as ever. The gar 'bout the same and now I was making friends. Crazy people but friends just the same.

I have never felt such a warm strong wind in my life. I was sippin' the whiskey, smokin' the gar, chatting with the comers and goers and all the while you just could not ignore the environment around. Absolutely chaotic in both audio and visual. All the deck chairs aboard were tied down with rope or bungies or they would have been gone. Swept out to oblivion to feed the fish.

The good news was I didn't need an ashtray. The ash never formed. Didn't stand a chance. In fact, it appeared like the gar was being fanned with a bellows the entire smoke. No worries 'bout the gar going out. I hang in the vortex for about 30 minutes then make my way home. Day Two ends about 2:30 a.m. with my Scottish Kit strewn all over the room, the door wide open, the wind continuing to howl and me snuggled in to Mel with a mighty grin from ear to ear.