Day 13 – Sea Day: Rainbow, Steakhouse Drama, and Mysterious Thoughts 🌈🥩

The day began today at 6:20 AM with a slight scratch in my throat. Oh great! Hopefully, I’m not coming down with anything. After all, there’s still so much to experience on this world trip, and I really can’t afford a cold right now.

At around 7:00 AM, I was greeted on the outside deck with a very special sight: A rainbow on starboard and the sunrise on port! 🌈☀️ It couldn’t be a better start to a sea day. Afterwards, it was straight to early riser's coffee. This is how the day should start!

Pumpkins for Halloween have already been set up throughout the Theatrium. The preparations for tomorrow's spooky festival are therefore in full swing.

Breakfast followed at the East Restaurant at 8:00 AM. However, I noticed that quite a few guests on board were coughing and sneezing. Hopefully, my slight throat scratch stays just that.

Another realization of the morning: It seems it's about time for me to look for a plastic surgeon. I was actually asked if I’m still working! 🙈 I'm not sure whether to take that as a compliment or a reason to schedule an appointment with the surgeon. 🫣

At 9:00 AM, AIDA walks were on the agenda again. However, this time without me! I chose the role of the quiet observer. After some fresh sea air, it was time for a tea at the Sol-Bar.

However, the athletic restraint didn’t last long. At 10:15 AM, it was Viking Chess time. Unfortunately, my team didn’t do well at all: Two rounds, two losses – final score 2:0 for the opponents.

At 11:30 AM, the next sports challenge followed: Bocce. Again, sporting success didn’t seem to want to find me today. Apparently, this isn’t my day for precision sports. 😂

After so much physical exertion, I needed to refuel at the pool bar. At a tropical 32 degrees, it was also a wonderful spot to cool off.

After that, I treated myself to an hour of rest in the cabin before the next culinary event awaited at 1:30 PM: Best Burger! After such a sporty morning, one needs to regain some strength.

Then it was off to the Sol-Bar with an AIDA lemonade.

🎲 Bet Fever and Anticipation for the Evening

At 3:30 PM, “Bet Fever” with the hosts was on the agenda. Guests place bets on what the hosts supposedly cannot do. An entertaining format where it’s exciting to see if the guests’ assessments are actually correct.

Afterwards, I had a little refreshment at the Sol-Bar before I got ready for the evening in my cabin.

Because at 6:00 PM, the Buffalo Steakhouse was waiting – along with Sabrina and Verena.

🥩 Buffalo Steakhouse: Medium Rare or Medium Plus?

A small fun fact on the side, which isn’t quite so pleasant: By now, there are already 130 guests in quarantine due to various illnesses. 😱 That’s quite a significant number!

At the Buffalo Steakhouse, I ordered my steak as usual medium rare. Unfortunately, it came out considerably more cooked than I wanted. So, it went back to the kitchen.

When the new steak was served, the waiter with a smile said: “Here, medium plus.”

Wait a minute! At that point, all my alarm bells went off. Medium plus? That’s exactly what I didn’t order! So, I asked again. The waiter checked – and behold: The second steak was indeed perfect. Medium rare and definitely not medium plus. A little slip of the tongue that caused some confusion. 😉

However, I must say that the evening as a whole didn’t really take off. Therefore, I also decided to cancel the already planned Buffalo reservation for New Year’s Eve. Too bad, but if the overall package doesn’t convince, one must draw the consequences.

🧠 Mental Show: I Still Only Understand Train Station!

At 8:30 PM, the next program item awaited: Marc Gettmann with his second mental show.

And what can I say? I could probably watch these shows a hundred times and still wouldn’t come to any conclusion. How does he do it?! 😱

It’s fascinating, mind-boggling, and somehow also a little creepy. In any case, one is left with a lot of question marks.

At 9:30 PM, I was actually back in the cabin already. The steak, the wine, and the mental show had apparently taken quite a toll on me. 😂

At this point, perhaps a little explanation for everyone who knows me and is now wondering why I’m in bed so regularly early on this world trip.

Yes, I know: On a cruise ship, there are plenty of opportunities in the evening to turn night into day. Parties, bars, shows, and plenty of entertainment. But for me, this trip is actually about something different: experiencing!

126 days, countless impressions, new countries, special places, and many experiences. I want to consciously enjoy the journey and take as much of it with me as possible. For that, I also need enough sleep and energy. The next party is sure to come – and if not, that’s no disaster either. 😉

🎃 Outlook for Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Halloween awaits us! Additionally, the farewell of the cutlery stands is on the agenda. What exactly that entails will be revealed.