Day 13 – at sea bound for Oslo

 

Day 13 – at sea bound for Oslo

We observed a significant change in the “vibe” on board with the change in passengers.  As a wild guess, the passenger consist might now be 50% north American, 25% non-Dutch (European, south American, Australian, etc) and 25% Dutch.  During the previous week, wild guess is that at least 50% of the passengers were Dutch.  We learned that the cruise line offers very good deals to local people who are available last minute to join a cruise.  There were also several groups of Dutch people aboard: associations, corporate, etc.  The dominant language was now English while before we most frequently heard Dutch being spoken.  The prevalence of people who are overweight (or even obese) is markedly higher, as is the presence of folks with disabilities.  Casual conversations (hello, how is your day, what are you planning, etc.) are more likely.  There is a general feeling of more casualness and less focus.  (Perhaps I am leaning on stereotypes?)  While drinking is still very common, it seems less “ubiquitous”.  The ship was a very pleasant place in the previous week and remains so – but with some differences.

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