23rd August 2014

Today is Sue’s birthday. Like me, she has successfully navigated the course of life through both calm and stormy seas, and has now docked peacefully in the harbour of six decades! Thirty-eight years ago, she acquired the latest in biological GPS systems to guide and accompany her on this remarkable journey, helping her to reach this significant milestone. Today, we celebrate beneath clear blue skies, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and are being attentively waited on by the excellent crew of the MV Oriana.

It’s a lazy day. We woke around 8 am, and Sue opened the cards and a few presents that we had packed in our suitcases. After breakfast on Deck 7, we returned to the cabin and discovered a card and a bowl of confectionery on the table, from none other than the Captain himself, properly autographed. We did wonder if he had ventured down to the stowage class personally, or if it was the Health and Safety Officer deputising for him again. Nevertheless, it was a lovely gesture and much appreciated.

During the morning, we attended a lecture on comets, followed by a port presentation on Bergen. Afterwards, Sue found a quiet spot to read her book, while I rushed off to a lecture on WW2 propaganda. However, by the time I arrived at the theatre at the far end of the ship, it was already full, with only standing room available. I returned to the cabin, changed, and then headed to the gym to battle the flab. Sue and I met again for lunch, choosing to dine in the Peninsula Restaurant. Three courses later, I had undone all the good work of the previous hour.

The afternoon was spent at the rear of the ship, reading our books. However, it got so hot that I retreated below decks to the Anderson Lounge, while Sue continued to soak up the sun. We met again later to change for the black-tie dinner.

Before the meal, the entertainment featured a talent show by the ship’s crew, which was hugely entertaining, particularly the rather bizarre final act that defied description but had tears rolling down my cheeks. When we eventually sat down to dine, our fellow tablemates had provided champagne and cards for Sue. She was more than a little surprised at how they knew, but accepted that some things just have to remain a mystery.

The final show of the evening was a song and dance performance celebrating all the acts and musicals that have graced the London Palladium. As always, it was brilliantly done. Afterwards, we took a stroll around Deck 7 to catch some fresh air, and as we leaned on the guard rail, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ kept running through my mind. We marvelled at the still bright sky to the north of us and the total darkness to the south.

Tomorrow, we visit Åndalsnes.