After a restless night, I got up at 8.30 and had a light breakfast. The ship is moving quite a bit now and the sick bags are out! I went to order my Christmas cake and sort times for the Artemis book signing and find the cyber study – which has moved between the last cruise and this one. Then it was time for the travelling alone meet. There were quite a few of us. We were all debating the likelihood of us reaching Egypt – not good the way the riots are escalating! The rest of the day was very lazy as I still felt very tired. I had thought it was a formal night – so showered, made up, selected the best jewellery, put on one of my formal outfits and left the cabin only to see other people looking somewhat casual – whoops! Re-read the Horizon and I had confused where it said Smart as the dress code and was advertising the shops for tomorrow night’s Dress to Impress! I hastened back to the cabin to change.
I then went to the Casino – where I won £6, only to lose the lot, so headed for Tiffany’s for a cocktail. There I was joined by Stuart from our table and we chatted until it was time for dinner. Jenny was missing as she was being taken to MPW so there were just the 7 of us. After dinner I went to watch the dancing but since there was no-one to dance with me, I then left and headed for bed. In my cabin was a message from the Deupty Cruise Directo, Richard about sorting the book signing. I hadn’t realised Richard was on board – so that is yet another Artemis face. Put all my watches and clocks on an hour.
Wednesday 23 November – at sea
Woke early and watched the sun rise on the Bridgecam, then got up about 8.30 and had breakfast with Avril in Café Jardin.This is much more civilised than the buffet bunfight and pretty much undiscovered - they serve a mean eggs benedict too. I then looked at the watch sale before going to the Travelling Alone meet again, Richard found me there and we arranged for the signing to be in the middle of the second set of sea days. Left to go and order my duty free and then sit on the promenade deck as the sun was so warm and the sky cloudless. Had lunch in the MDR again before heading up to the sun deck. Sunbathed and read until 3.30 when I had to go collect my gin. I was just typing up my daily report on Cruise Connections when the Captain came over the tannoy with the not unexpected news that Egypt was cancelled and we would be going to Malta and Kusadasi instead. Very happy with Malta – not so much with Kusadasi! Spotted how nice it was still outside so went out onto Prom. deck and sat out and chatted for about half an hour before preparing for tonight's formal night.
Went to the casino for half an hour where I won £10, then to the Welcome Aboard party. This was not one of the best as it was on three decks in the atrium. The captain made a brief speech and introductions and then hastily left. Drinks were sparse too. After dinner, four of us – Caroline, Jenny myself and Jane went to the ball. Managed one waltz.
Thursday 24 November – at sea.
Woke to a stunning morning just before sunrise. Got up and went on deck to watch. Then had a quick breakfast of fruit and croissants before sitting up on Deck 12. Went to the travelling alone meet before browsing the new tours – booked for Lisbon – then going out on deck again to read. Then out onto the prom deck to sunbathe properly and read. It is truly a beautiful day – not a cloud in the sky, warm sun although the wind is chilly. A school of dolphins travelled towards us, cutting in front of the bow and off again into the blue ocean. The sight always brings me to tears although I couldn’t say why – maybe the sheer joy in their leaps and bounds. Have come in now as it is 5pm and a semi formal night – Smart as it is now called.
We hit first landfall tomorrow - Cadiz
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