Fish vendors are commonly seen in Busan's food markets. Sun Ye/China Daily

So visiting the ancient towers, modern museums and seaside has to be crammed into a few hours, which is not quite enough, especially in the season of the cherry blooms. White and pink blossoms line the streets of both cities in spring. No other landmark can trump the beautiful sight.

Dama dames: China's secret weapon

Tea gone wild

When the ship sets sail again in the evening, it's time for live shows. Costa Atlantica has magic shows, puppet shows and laser shows that translate really well, despite the language barrier.

But there is also a tribute show that features nostalgic Western pop music, and the dama aren't going to miss out on that either.

Many have no idea the tuxedoed man flinging his microphone, pledging "Let me entertain you", is a Robin Williams impersonator. Even if they recognize the same singer doing Michael Jackson's Bad, the song means nothing to them.

But they do enjoy it. The middle-aged woman sitting next to me records a minute of the rendition of Queen's We Are the Champions, takes pictures of the outrageous dresses and at one point lets out a whoop of excitement when a singer belts out a loud, high note.

In the morning, some rise early for the origami class. They make paper roses, tulips and crowns. A Ms Wang from Shanghai offers to teach me (I am looking over her shoulder) how to make a radiating sun. It takes half an hour.

"I want you to have it," she says softly when it is finished. "It's fun."

One thing is for sure: Cruising with dama proves relaxing and fun, now that I've had my noodles, La Dolce Vita pictures and learned how to fashion my scarf to keep the wind off my hair.