“Dance like nobody’s watching, Sing like nobody’s listening”…………

And that is just what this guy did! On my recent Viking river cruise we met the most wonderful bunch of Chinese/Americans, twelve of them. They were absolutely delightful and just proved my theory that it doesn’t matter what ship you are on, big or small, old or new, it’s the people who you meet on the cruise who make it.

Over the years I have met some wonderful fellow cruisers. People from all corners of the world all of whom made each cruise special for me. Because river ships only carry up to 190 passengers you get to know almost everyone during your cruise and bond with them more so than on the bigger ocean going ships where you might only see people once.

Anyway, back to my recent cruise – who ever said that river cruisers go to bed early didn’t have a clue what they were on about. You may only have very limited entertainment on these small ships, not a Broadway Show in sight, but let me tell you, river cruisers love to party as much as the next man! A little tip for you, many of the river cruise ships moor up during the winter months and the companies don’t leave alcohol on board during that time so they do their best to ensure it is all drunk before the end of the last cruise – by the passengers of course, so they are extra generous on the last couple of cruises!

We had great entertainment. Karaoke, sing-a-longs, local entertainers coming on board to perform, quizzes, all sorts and of course, plenty of laughter, dancing and drinking even though we had to be up and on our starting blocks early each morning for the shore excursions.

Anyway, back to my story, I am turning into Ronnie Corbett for those of you who remember him! On the last night of the cruise all the Chinese/American wives were absent, we assumed packing in their cabins, however, ‘the boys’ were out on the town! We knew they were partial to a bit of Whiskey as we had caught them sneaking back to their cabins the previous evening with a bottle or two but they were keeping well away from the cabins tonight what with all the packing going on and were downing their whiskey in the bar and were more than happy to join in and dance with all the available young ladies. This guy threw himself into it body and soul, it has to be said, although for one of his mates it all proved to be too much, bless him. I have to say that a wonderful night was had by all and just confirmed my love of river cruising. It is so friendly, passengers and staff alike.

Look out for my river cruise ‘Top of the Pops’ coming soon!