A Day at Sea: Embracing Activities Aboard the Oosterdam
South America Cruise Diary (November 22, 2024)
November 22, 2024
After an eventful day exploring Manta, Ecuador, today's at-sea time was a welcoming break before our arrival in Peru. The day unfolded at a leisurely pace, yet it was enriched with a variety of engaging activities. Reflecting on today's entry in my South America Cruise Diary, here's a glimpse into the day's itinerary:
7:00 AM – Morning Stretch Class
The Oosterdam provides an extensive range of exercise machines, free weights, treadmills and bikes along with a room for fitness classes. Maintaining fitness is a priority for many cruise passengers, complementing the enjoyment of exquisite cuisine and global exploration. My day began with a revitalizing stretch session, setting a positive tone and preparing both body and mind for the adventures ahead.
8:30 AM – Breakfast in the Main Dining Room
On at-sea days, when there's no need to go ashore, we often opt for a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room on Deck 2, slowing enjoying a more exquisite meal in a sophisticated setting. During one such morning, we were seated next to a senior couple from New Hampshire. Engaging in light conversation over my waffle and coffee, they expressed strong opinions against Biden’s political policies, leading them to support Trump. Later, during a coloring class, I met a woman from California who quietly wondered aloud how she would cope with the next four years under the Trump administration. Such encounters show the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of passengers aboard a cruise ship.
10:00 AM – "The Atacama Desert" Talk
Participating in destination talks aboard cruise ships offers valuable insights into upcoming ports of call, enriching the travel experience. These presentations cover various aspects such as history, culture, and practical tips for exploration. This morning I attended an enlightening presentation on the Atacama Desert, renowned as one of the world's driest regions. This talk shed light on its extreme aridity, with some areas receiving virtually no rainfall, and its unique landscapes characterized by salt flats, geysers, and towering volcanoes.
11:00 AM – Port Talk on Trujillo
Following the enlightening presentation on the Atacama Desert, we attended a talk focusing on Trujillo, Peru—our next port of call. Trujillo, once the capital of Peru, is the third most popular city in Peru, a UNESCO site, and a cradle of the Perusian judicial system. The colonial and religious architecture and the archaeological sites along with the city's vibrant history and cultural significance make Trujillo a well anticipated destination for us eager to explore!
12:00 PM – Lunch at Lido’s Café
During our casual lunch at Lido Café, we were joined by a woman in her fifties from South Africa, traveling solo. She expressed a desire to travel with friends, but due to various circumstances, they were unavailable. Embracing the notion that "time is short," she chose to pursue her travel aspirations independently and discovered that solo travel wasn't lonely after all. Her perspective on life and travel was truly inspiring.
1:00 PM – Port Talk on Callao, Lima
Port Talks, delivered by the Cruise Director, provide essential information about upcoming destinations, including cruise terminal conditions, local highlights, and safety tips. Lima offers a wealth of activities, from exploring the historic city center to venturing into the Amazon Rainforest or visiting the Galápagos Islands. After considering various options, we chose the "Best of Lima" shore excursion to immerse ourselves in the city's rich culture and history.
3:30 PM – Colouring for Adults Class
After retiring, I've embraced several hobbies, with coloring being a favorite. While some friends hesitate, saying they're "not good at art," I've found that coloring is more therapeutic than artistic. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, enhances focus, and fosters creativity. Participating in a colouring class onboard allowed me to connect with individuals from around the world. We coloured and chatted, making it a delightful social activity. An unexpected thrill during today's session was spotting whales, adding excitement to our afternoon.
4:30 PM – Origami Class
Unlike colouring, which some may not consider a form of art, origami is undeniably an art—an intricate craft of folding paper to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures. I joined this class hoping to learn how to fold paper into charming creatures, something I could later share with my two granddaughters. To my delight, the origami class onboard was not only enjoyable but also a great social experience. It provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow passengers from Germany, Canada, and the USA while mastering the delicate art of paper folding.
5:30 PM – Dinner with Friends from Shanghai in the Dining Room
One day, while picking up food at the Lido Café, I overheard a couple speaking in the Shanghai dialect. It was a pleasant surprise to meet fellow Shanghainese while cruising across the vast Pacific Ocean. Delighted by the encounter, we invited them to join us for dinner in the Main Dining Room this evening. Through our conversation, we learned that, unlike us—naturalized Canadians with roots in Shanghai—they were Chinese citizens still living in the city. What amazed me most was that they didn’t speak a single word of English, yet this language barrier hadn’t stopped them from being avid travellers. Equipped with a palm-sized translator device, they navigated the world with confidence. Their philosophy was simple yet inspiring: “Life is short—live in the present.” I couldn’t agree more. We enjoyed a delightful evening together, sharing stories and laughter over exquisite cuisine, making our journey even more memorable.
7:00 PM – Musical Performance at the World Stage Theatre
After dinner, we attended a musical performance at the World Stage Theatre—a relaxing and enjoyable way to wind down after a full day of activities. Tomorrow would be another exciting day!