Robin Tompkins's Blog: Rob the Writer - Posts Tagged "c-s-lewis"
Cruising Caspian’s Seas (not a spelling mistake)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
So, I have been following an entertaining thread in one of my Goodreads groups. Someone asked, “Just for fun, if you could visit one setting of a Sci-Fi or Fantasy book for a day, which would you choose and why?”
There were some great suggestions, like the Shire, Wall, to visit the fair every nine years, Rivendell, Arrakis, San Francisco in the Star Trek universe and a lot more, that if I’m honest, I didn’t get and had to Google.
This reminded me of the FAQs I answered when I first set up my Goodreads author page…
Q: If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?
A: Robin Tompkins That’s a tricky question. Most of the fictional places I engage with, tend to be great to read about but probably not the best places to actually visit. It’s a bit obvious of me but I would perhaps say Narnia? Not White Witch era Narnia though. Perhaps they are running Dawn Treader cruises now? Nice, comfy, all-inclusive ones, with a good buffet and a nice bar? I’d probably do that.
Which got me thinking about what that cruise would be like exactly…
Join us on our latest island-hopping cruise,
In the Footsteps of the Dawn Treader
Cruising on either MS Cair Paravel or MS Queen Lucy, identical sister ships recently refurbished to the highest standards. Facilities include: two pools, sauna, spa, gym and fitness centre. Five restaurants, eight bars, movie theatre, planetarium and enclosed observation deck.
Itinerary:
Depart Cair Paravel docks on an early morning sailing into the Great Eastern Ocean.
The Lone Islands
Plenty of time to visit the bustling local markets and get a bite to eat at one of the many fine restaurants, or, if you prefer, the street food scene here is a lively one.
Optional Tour
Guided excursion to the Ducal Palace (former Governor’s residence) and a chance to hear about the darker side of the island’s history, with a visit to the Museum of Slavery. Entrance to both included.
Dragon Island
A small but lovely island with an interesting past. Simply relax on the beach or at one of the many cool beach bars. Local speciality is a cocktail made with fermented palm sap called a “Hot Dragon,” (two shots) or a “Warm Dragon,” (one shot).
Optional Tour
Locally guided tour to the Dragon’s Cave. Marvel at the life size animatronic dragon and see the actual dragon bones in the small museum. The museum shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs, they have dragon themed gifts to suit all budgets, from key rings and fridge magnets to gigantic and wonderfully cuddly plushies!
Deathwater Island
An unremarkable looking little island with quite the secret. Purchase one of the sweet little key ring sized teddy bears from the gift shop at the docks and follow our experienced guide up to “The Pool.” Please, Please, stay behind the line and listen to your guide at all times, it’s for your own safety. Watch, as the local custodian takes your teddies for a dip in the pool and returns them to you, now made from solid gold!
Duffer’s Island
The friendly locals will make you very welcome. There is plenty to see and do here and the restaurants are superb. However, you might want to be aware of this comment that we snipped from “Trip Advisor.”
“The Dufflepuds could not have been more welcoming. Lovely restaurant, decorated in the island style with curios everywhere and a great ambience. The food is to die for but don’t make my mistake, you have to remember the local’s mode of locomotion here people… Don’t order the soup, don’t order the soup or any, and I mean any, hot beverage… oh yes, and no red wine either, don’t go there, trust me.”
Optional Tour
Guided visit to the Magician’s Palace and two hour “introduction to simple spell casting” lesson with a registered second year apprentice magician.
The Dark Island
Unfortunately, due to new international maritime guidelines and certain well publicised incidents that you may be aware of, we no longer take parties ashore here. It is still a spectacular and mysterious site as we sail by though.
The Island of the Star
There is a wealth of information available at the visitor centre here and in the “Sleeping Lords” Museum. Star spotters though need to be cautious, as Ramandu and his lovely daughter understandably, do not like people turning up unannounced at their gates. There are however, a number of lovely items that they have been gracious enough to trap a little starlight in, available in the gift shop. These range from earrings and necklaces, through to tiny bottles of starlight and snow globes. Proceeds from the sale of these items benefit local charities.
Merpeople Fiesta
At the edge of the “Sweet Seas” we anchor up. Your ship will hold a spectacular gala party with fireworks and dancing. It’s Merpeople themed, and costumes are available in our onboard shop. For that authentic touch, why not barter with the actual Merpeople who will swim out to the ship in the afternoon? They love to trade for their hand made trinkets, sustainably made from coral and shells.
Only the Brave
If you are brave enough, the ship’s launch can take a small party out onto the Lily Sea to get a better look at the Reepicheep memorial and the Great Wave. The really intrepid can take out a two-man kayak with one of our expert guides and get even closer. Please note that the line of lion headed buoys marks the international Aslan Line and your guide cannot take you beyond that point in line with maritime law. Please be aware that places are limited on this excursion, it’s first come first served, so register early.
A Fond Farewell?
For those on the Short Package, we sadly must say farewell. You will portal back via picture/wardrobe to your original joining point. *
The party is not over yet for those clients who opted for the Full Package. Your ship will now return to Narnia Cair Paravel Docks via a limited stop reverse of the outward route. There will be more days at sea but that is all the more time to enjoy the wonderful facilities and “me time” available on your lavishly appointed cruise ship.
Here be Sea Serpents
You may have noticed on your maps an area near Deathwater Island marked “Here be Sea Serpents.” The reverse route will take in this enigmatic ocean area and if you are lucky and we usually are (management cannot guarantee sightings) you will be able to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. For your own safety, we recommend viewing from the enclosed observation deck, where our resident serpent expert will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
Cair Paravel and Sadly we Must Say Goodbye
Upon docking at our final destination, we include a tour of the castle and a farewell luncheon in the main hall. After which we say goodbye as you portal home via picture/wardrobe to your original joining point, * your mind brimming with happy memories. See you next year?
*Please note some clients may need to change at the “Wood Between the Worlds” interchange before travelling on to your original joining point. Royal Narnia Lines representatives will be on hand to safely guide you through the process.
__________________________________________________________________
What do you think? Who wants to come with me?
PS: For any Narnia super fans who have stumbled upon this, it is not meant to knock or mock the series in any way, I love the work of C S Lewis too, it’s all just in fun OK?
So, I have been following an entertaining thread in one of my Goodreads groups. Someone asked, “Just for fun, if you could visit one setting of a Sci-Fi or Fantasy book for a day, which would you choose and why?”
There were some great suggestions, like the Shire, Wall, to visit the fair every nine years, Rivendell, Arrakis, San Francisco in the Star Trek universe and a lot more, that if I’m honest, I didn’t get and had to Google.
This reminded me of the FAQs I answered when I first set up my Goodreads author page…
Q: If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?
A: Robin Tompkins That’s a tricky question. Most of the fictional places I engage with, tend to be great to read about but probably not the best places to actually visit. It’s a bit obvious of me but I would perhaps say Narnia? Not White Witch era Narnia though. Perhaps they are running Dawn Treader cruises now? Nice, comfy, all-inclusive ones, with a good buffet and a nice bar? I’d probably do that.
Which got me thinking about what that cruise would be like exactly…
Join us on our latest island-hopping cruise,
In the Footsteps of the Dawn Treader
Cruising on either MS Cair Paravel or MS Queen Lucy, identical sister ships recently refurbished to the highest standards. Facilities include: two pools, sauna, spa, gym and fitness centre. Five restaurants, eight bars, movie theatre, planetarium and enclosed observation deck.
Itinerary:
Depart Cair Paravel docks on an early morning sailing into the Great Eastern Ocean.
The Lone Islands
Plenty of time to visit the bustling local markets and get a bite to eat at one of the many fine restaurants, or, if you prefer, the street food scene here is a lively one.
Optional Tour
Guided excursion to the Ducal Palace (former Governor’s residence) and a chance to hear about the darker side of the island’s history, with a visit to the Museum of Slavery. Entrance to both included.
Dragon Island
A small but lovely island with an interesting past. Simply relax on the beach or at one of the many cool beach bars. Local speciality is a cocktail made with fermented palm sap called a “Hot Dragon,” (two shots) or a “Warm Dragon,” (one shot).
Optional Tour
Locally guided tour to the Dragon’s Cave. Marvel at the life size animatronic dragon and see the actual dragon bones in the small museum. The museum shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs, they have dragon themed gifts to suit all budgets, from key rings and fridge magnets to gigantic and wonderfully cuddly plushies!
Deathwater Island
An unremarkable looking little island with quite the secret. Purchase one of the sweet little key ring sized teddy bears from the gift shop at the docks and follow our experienced guide up to “The Pool.” Please, Please, stay behind the line and listen to your guide at all times, it’s for your own safety. Watch, as the local custodian takes your teddies for a dip in the pool and returns them to you, now made from solid gold!
Duffer’s Island
The friendly locals will make you very welcome. There is plenty to see and do here and the restaurants are superb. However, you might want to be aware of this comment that we snipped from “Trip Advisor.”
“The Dufflepuds could not have been more welcoming. Lovely restaurant, decorated in the island style with curios everywhere and a great ambience. The food is to die for but don’t make my mistake, you have to remember the local’s mode of locomotion here people… Don’t order the soup, don’t order the soup or any, and I mean any, hot beverage… oh yes, and no red wine either, don’t go there, trust me.”
Optional Tour
Guided visit to the Magician’s Palace and two hour “introduction to simple spell casting” lesson with a registered second year apprentice magician.
The Dark Island
Unfortunately, due to new international maritime guidelines and certain well publicised incidents that you may be aware of, we no longer take parties ashore here. It is still a spectacular and mysterious site as we sail by though.
The Island of the Star
There is a wealth of information available at the visitor centre here and in the “Sleeping Lords” Museum. Star spotters though need to be cautious, as Ramandu and his lovely daughter understandably, do not like people turning up unannounced at their gates. There are however, a number of lovely items that they have been gracious enough to trap a little starlight in, available in the gift shop. These range from earrings and necklaces, through to tiny bottles of starlight and snow globes. Proceeds from the sale of these items benefit local charities.
Merpeople Fiesta
At the edge of the “Sweet Seas” we anchor up. Your ship will hold a spectacular gala party with fireworks and dancing. It’s Merpeople themed, and costumes are available in our onboard shop. For that authentic touch, why not barter with the actual Merpeople who will swim out to the ship in the afternoon? They love to trade for their hand made trinkets, sustainably made from coral and shells.
Only the Brave
If you are brave enough, the ship’s launch can take a small party out onto the Lily Sea to get a better look at the Reepicheep memorial and the Great Wave. The really intrepid can take out a two-man kayak with one of our expert guides and get even closer. Please note that the line of lion headed buoys marks the international Aslan Line and your guide cannot take you beyond that point in line with maritime law. Please be aware that places are limited on this excursion, it’s first come first served, so register early.
A Fond Farewell?
For those on the Short Package, we sadly must say farewell. You will portal back via picture/wardrobe to your original joining point. *
The party is not over yet for those clients who opted for the Full Package. Your ship will now return to Narnia Cair Paravel Docks via a limited stop reverse of the outward route. There will be more days at sea but that is all the more time to enjoy the wonderful facilities and “me time” available on your lavishly appointed cruise ship.
Here be Sea Serpents
You may have noticed on your maps an area near Deathwater Island marked “Here be Sea Serpents.” The reverse route will take in this enigmatic ocean area and if you are lucky and we usually are (management cannot guarantee sightings) you will be able to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. For your own safety, we recommend viewing from the enclosed observation deck, where our resident serpent expert will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
Cair Paravel and Sadly we Must Say Goodbye
Upon docking at our final destination, we include a tour of the castle and a farewell luncheon in the main hall. After which we say goodbye as you portal home via picture/wardrobe to your original joining point, * your mind brimming with happy memories. See you next year?
*Please note some clients may need to change at the “Wood Between the Worlds” interchange before travelling on to your original joining point. Royal Narnia Lines representatives will be on hand to safely guide you through the process.
__________________________________________________________________
What do you think? Who wants to come with me?
PS: For any Narnia super fans who have stumbled upon this, it is not meant to knock or mock the series in any way, I love the work of C S Lewis too, it’s all just in fun OK?
