Heading for Dubai

Not quite at the Straits of Hormuz – currently off the coast of Oman.

A quiet day on board compared with the naval visits yesterday.

So it’s time to talk about fellow passengers.  Today we attended the Arcadia concert and Charlie (remember him, 92 and wheelchair bound) was in the front row.  Geoff, from our table is also a choir member – but Ashley is not – yet. 

Charlie, who lives alone in a 4-storey house near Clapham Common, worked all his life on the railway.  He lost his wife 14 years ago and had no children.  He attributes his ability to cruise to the NUR – who ‘always did right for their members’.  Looked after by Ron, his carer on board, who also volunteers for a homeless charity in London, Charlie has had his fair share of notoriety, including having his hair dyed pink in the spa!  He enjoys every minute of his life.  Both leave the ship at Dubai – Ron to attend an interview for a permanent post in the charity.  We wish them both well.

500 others disembark in Dubai; 500 new passengers join us.  Ship still in blackout.  Jane’s diplomatic incident resolved but still angry at pain it caused.