Sailing again - Oriana

Today I have been packing ready to join the beautiful Oriana again for her Christmas and New Year cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean. This will be the first time I have cruised over the holiday, but I have done three Christmas Market cruises to Scandinavia before so have an idea what the ships will look like.

Unfortunately there is Norovirus on board Oriana on her current cruise so embarkation will be delayed while the ship is deep cleaned - a necessary precaution, but means no priority lunches for anyone.

I will keep a blog as usual but probably, given the cost of internet on board, post retrospectively as on my Caribbean voyage.

Merry Christmas to anyone reading this. Back soon.....

Homeward Bound

It was a bumpy night as the Captain had warned us in his departure speech from Ponta Delgada, but the seas have calmed down a lot today and the sun came out in earnest by 10am. I played shuffleboard this am and pm, then popped my head into the Chocoholics Buffet which was in the Conservatory.

 

In between it was quite hot enough to sunbathe, although the water in the pool is splashing out over onto the decks. I have been surprised that, however much the ship was rocking and rolling at various points in the cruise, all pools and Jacuzzis have remained open. Just two more days to go, although some people have washed all their clothes and some have even packed!!

At around 6pm, the Captain came over the tannoy to say that in about half an hour we would be passing Azura on her way to the Caribbean. I dashed back to my cabin to get my camera and then up on the forward observation deck to watch. 

The Captain and First Officer put out the Golden Cockerel on the bridge wing (it belongs to Oriana as the fastest ship in the fleet) and sounded our horns as we passed – nothing back at all from Azura though – miserable lot! Won a little in the casino and then went to dinner. I have had the offer of two other tables to change to but our waiters and wine waiter are so lovely I will stick with it till the end. By the time I went to bed the ship was moving quite a bit at the moment, which was making my knees ache. We are running ahead of a big storm coming in so the Captain asked us to think of the people joining Oriana on Wednesday as they may have to sail out into the brunt of it.

Day 20 – Bay of Biscay

We are now just entering the BoB. It has been raining overnight so no shuffleboard or quoits this am. Although it isn’t cold (18C), it is damp outside and the ship is pitching with the occasional roll, so most people are inside (wind force 6). The shop has a 50% off all clothes sale, so that is very busy, otherwise pax are sitting in bars or in the cinema which is showing the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel today. I have packed one holdall but will leave everything else until tomorrow afternoon. It seems as if I have been on board for ever in some ways, and ending all too soon in others. Think I will have lunch in the MDR today as it will not be easy carrying a tray up top. In fact at breakfast there was a steward coming round with a trolley to serve teas and coffees at the table. It’s now looking very different outside from a week ago when we were in Barbados! Even so, all the pools are still open – it must be like being in a washing machine. The noon announcement is just on the tannoy – we have 662 miles left to sail to Southampton.

Day 21

The crossing was not bad as we are well ahead of the big storm. The sun has come out again so I was able to play shuffleboard in the morning and afternoon, although if it had been wet we were all going to meet for coffee in the Conservatory. I packed on and off all day and put my cases out just before going in to dinner. I really dslike the final day as I feel as if I am in limbo. I can't just relax and enjoy it as there is packing and final errands to do like returning library books and picking up photos.

All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. I love Oriana and am really loking forward to being back on board at Christmas. The Caribbean I must say is not my favourite part of the world becuase I enjoy architecture and history and for me there didn't seem to be enough to see, but I also love birds and wildlife and in that it excelled. Will I go back?  Yes - if the right deal comes along at the right time. I would like to see the Eastern islands like Aruba and Curacao.

Final stop - the Azores

We were not due to arrive until lunchtime and the weather was cloudy and cool so I went to the Travelling Alone meet and then wandered round the shops etc. before going up to the observation deck to watch our arrival. It was very windy but slowly San Miguel – the largest island in the Azores – appeared through the mist.

 

We were originally due to call here on the way to the Caribbean, when we would have had a full day, but as it was we only had the afternoon and early evening. I had booked a half day excursion with the intention of exploring on my own in the afternoon, but of course the tours were rescheduled for the afternoon. Sadly the low cloud meant that our views of the Fire Lake and Mountain were totally obscured, but we had a walk around Ribeira Grande which was a very interesting little town, ending up at a shop that sold local liqueurs – with free samples!

We then drove to a pineapple plantation – in actual fact more like a Ppneapple nursery, as they were growing in glasshouses – more pineapple liqueur!

As we returned through Ponta Delgada, it looked a very nice town, although friends who walked ashore on their own said they were constantly accosted for money, which put them off somewhat.

We were due to leave at 7 but, with 2 pilots on board, were delayed half an hour for some reason. It was the most beautiful sunset though so I stayed on deck until we sailed. 

 

Oriana - A run of sea days

We are back crossing the Atlantic - this time heading east. t has been a very lazy day. I still woke early so got up at 7.30 and had breakfast in the Conservatory and then found a steamer chair on the prom deck and lazed in the sun for a couple of hours. Because there were a couple of very short showers and a lovely breeze, it was very comfortable out on deck, unlike the previous week. I then went in to browse the sales tables and have lunch in the Peninsular Restaurant. The clocks are going back an hour at lunchtimes so all too soon it was 2.45 and I had missed the afternoon shuffleboard!  I decided to go back to my cabin and have a nap before going to the individual quiz – 16/20. Then it was time to get ready for the formal evening and the Peninsular Party. So – a lovely lazy day, although the sea has been a little bumpy today. It is forecast to be a little worse tonight but then not too bad to the Azores. 

 

Day 15 at sea

There is a little movement in the ship today and after a lovely sunny start – a few clouds have put paid to quoits and shuffleboard. I did the individual theme quiz (fashion) but lost on the tiebreak. I was later commiserated with as a man had seen the winner consulting with her husband but if it is that important for her to win then good luck to her.

Window cleaning on prom deck

The rest of the day has been extremely lazy. I was able to eat lunch outside, in a sheltered area around the Riviera Pool, then just reading etc until the Individual quiz at 5.30 – only 15 right today! It is casual tonight so will start to get ready soon.

Day 16 – at sea

It has been a lovely day. After the rain and choppy seas of yesterday, today has been blue skies and hot sun again, although there has been a strong (warm) wind across the open decks. I played shuffleboard this morning, but didn’t get far, then had lunch and went to watch the Oriana Regatta. Three men had made boats from salvaged materials around the ship.

 

I am not sure which one won though as I then went to play shuffleboard again this afternoon – and WON! I was partnered up with John and the whole final was very close indeed. It went to a tiebreak where each of us had one push. It was still a draw after the two men played, then the other woman got a 7 so it was all down to the final shot – mine! No pressure then !!  I managed an 8!

It is our penultimate formal night tonight so am in the cabin getting ready. The sun is just setting over our stern. It can stay like this till we get home please.

 Day 17 at sea

It is Friday 12 October and today was the Oriana Uncovered event, or rather The 175 Factor as it called this year. I was signing books on a table in the Deck 5 Atrium as part of this. It is quite amazing what some people expect you to know though! Still – a goodly number sold and some nice chats with other passengers. I managed to get the captain, purser and PSM to sign my personal copy of the book. The weather so far today has been cloudy and cool – well 72 degrees, which sure feels cool after the last week – so lots of people were indoors. Fortunately the sun is now coming out so I will probably go to shuffleboard this pm.  After shuffleboard I sunbathed on the stern deck for a couple of hours before going into the individual quiz. Then it was time to get ready for dinner (Smart). Three of us went to the Headliners show which was excellent – then bed.

October 8 - Barbados

We arrived at 6am so I was not up to see the sail in, but we appear to be in what is also a container dock,  although there is room for 6 cruise ships here.

 

I hadn’t booked a tour as I was being met by Cecil Ince, Chairman of Foster & Ince, the Port Agents in Barbados for all cruise ships. Cecil met me on the quayside at 9.30 and we walked to the terminal to discuss plans for the day. He then took me to his beautiful silver Bentley and we drove to their head office to meet his son Martin. We sat in the boardroom with coffee, surrounded by the plaques cruise ships had given them, and discussed their work and what they offer to shipping. After half an hour I was very priviliged to be given a tour of Bridgetown in the Bentley. It was very interesting driving through the city and seeing the old and new, where development was taking place etc.

 

We went to the Garrison, now a UNESCO world heritage site and then back to the ship since Martin had suggested I try one of their tours and the only afternoon one was the Huntes Gardens and Orchid World – the latter owned by FICS. I enjoyed the tour very much, especially seeing the interior of Barbados, which in places looked very English!

 

We got back to the ship at 4.30 - time for me to grab a toasted sandwich and head up for the sailaway. After watching from just above the bridge wing, I joined the Great British Sailaway at the stern. Once again the skies were stunning as the sun set.

 

Then there was just time to wash and change, go the jewellery event with free champagne and then to the Theatre Royal to watch Bill Tidy. I had planned to go to the Farewell to the Caribbean Deck Party but due to the somewhat bouncy seas we are experiencing, it was moved to the Pacific Lounge and when I popped my head in, was empty so decided to go the bed. Am really looking forward to a lie in tomorrow and the next four days at sea!

Sunday 7 October - St Lucia

I rose at 6.30am so I could watch us sail into St Lucia. The sea was dead calm and there were tiny splashes of white in the sails of yachts in the distance. We entered the harbour and swung 180 degrees to berth close to the airport. It is currently 80 degrees and forecast to reach 90 degrees later.  Phew! I am booked on the Aerial Tram excursion with optional walk through the rainforest after. 

 

Today I have had one of the most magical moments ever! We’ll start with the first.  The tour up to the Sky Rides was through lush countryside awash with fruit – coconut palms, guava, mango and papaya trees, Golden apple and sour orange. At the base we boarded open gondolas holding 8 people and a naturalist guide.

 

We had been pre-warned to wear closed in shoes and I chose trousers and a short-sleeved top as I had lathered myself in Deet. The forest is home to boa constrictors, tarantulas, many birds including parrots and hummingbirds and lots more. We were told the hummingbird favourite colour is red and orange like the flowers on the hibiscus trees. On the way up – just over a mile in length – the tram ran at mid height so we could look at the forest floor, the creeks and trails. At the top it turned round and came back at tree top height and this was when a hummingbird spotted my top which just happened to be green with red and yellow flowers. It was amazing as it hovered about 2 feet in front of me, obviously trying to decide if I was edible. All I could focus on was this tiny vision of blues and greens. So that was my magic moment of the cruise so far and no – I didn’t get a photo as when I moved my hands it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Spot the hummingbird - I did manage to photograph one here.

It was very hot and humid and the aircon in the cabin was heaven. I went to the forward observation deck for sailaway. The Captain sounded the whistle as we neared 5.30 – to remind people after yesterday to get back he said. There was a rum and karaoke bar in the duty free complex and lots of people were still there at 5.20! 

 

Still everyone was back just on time (including our lost souls from yesterday who arrived in St Lucia this am) and we sailed on time to a beautiful sunset and warm evening. However, on the port side, over the mountains a tropical storm provided some free fireworks and entertainment in the form of thunder and spectacular lightning so I missed the Pitons as they were shrouded in cloud.

 

Saturday 6 October – St Maarten

By the time I woke and got up at 6am, we were berthed alongside. As I went up on deck, the air temp was already in the high 20s and by 8.30am was 30C. We have been the only ship in the Caribbean ports so far but on the horizon, Carnival Victory was sailing in and has berthed alongside us.

 

I got ready for my tour – Island sights and semi-submersible, and was on the dockside at 8am, only to be told I had misread the Horizon and was an hour too early!  I wandered up to the town but everything was still shut and it was so hot I returned to the ship and drank another pint of juice and water! So – off to try again! It was a good tour and worth the money. We drove right round the island, both Dutch and French parts, stopping off at a couple of spectacular view points for photos.

 

Then at Grand Case we boarded our boat. On the way out to the reef we saw Booby birds diving for fish. As we neared, we all filed down into the lower part of the hull and sat in twos with long windows on both sides as we reached the reef. There were shoals of coloured fish, turtles, star fish, beautiful pink translucent jellyfish and everywhere waving fronds of different corals.  A diver went down and held fish food to attract more fish close to us. It was magical.

 

Back on dry land we drove to Marigot (passing three chameleons sitting on a wall)  – the French capital where a Saturday market was in full swing – all manner of local fruits, sugar cane, coconut smoothies etc. as well as clothing.

 

Then back to the port where I pottered round a few of the jewellery shops, but left before temptation got the better of me. By then it was extremely hot and quite humid so lazed on deck the rest of the afternoon. Every single shady corner of the ship was packed while the open decks were empty! We sailed from St Maarten at 4.30, whereas before it had been 5.30. This is why we think we are 4 pax short tonight.  Several announcements were made and the captain waited 20 mins, before I watched the Passenger Services Manager hand their passports to the port agents and we left!  I can only imagine how they are going to feel to see Oriana in the distance. The best time of the day is around 5.30 as first sitting pax head in to change, the sun is setting and the temperature is perfect. There were flying fish near the bow and islands all around us.  

 

Friday 4 October Tortola

We arrived at dawn and once again were the only ship in port. I was on a tour to see the main sights – The Best of Tortola. I boarded the usual Caribbean style bus – open sided, very high steps and bench seats. 

 

We first drove through the town as the children were going to school. Everyone of them looked very smart in their uniforms and most said hello very politely as we waited at one of the three traffic lights on the island. You do NOT want to do this tour if you do not like heights. We drove up what seemed like 1 in 3 roads and round hairpin bends to Great Mountain for stunning views of all the surrounding islands, as well as the ship.

 

Next stop was Cane Garden Bay. Here we were able to walk along the beach, paddle or just sit and absorb the warmth and scenery. There were artists’ workshops and the usual souvenirs as well.  Then up and down some more hair-raising roads, past Carrot Bay etc to the famous Pusser’s Landing and another rum punch!  We had an hour here which I felt was ample. It is very touristy with expensive shops and not a great deal to see or do besides admire the floating real estate! 



Cane Garden Bay

We then drove along the coast road back to Road Town, past the mangroves which are being planted to help stop coastal erosion, especially during hurricanes. Some of us got off the bus at the big market before wandering back to the ship.

Pusser's Landing

The day was a lot less humid than Antigua and there was a welcome breeze.  Tortola appeared to be a more affluent isalnd than Antigua to me. I spent the afternoon dozing in the shade on deck. Sailaway was delightful in the late afternoon sun, and those of us on the Observation deck spotted a turtle swimming close to the ship, as pelicans dived for the fish we disturbed! 

Day 10 - Landfall

Thursday 3 October Antigua

We arrived to a heavy rain shower but it soon cleared. It was wonderful to see the huge Frigate birds circling the ship and nicking food from the terns as pelicans skimmed over the water in the harbour.

I had chosen the Highlights of Antigua and Lobster Lunch tour. We walked along the boardwalk past the excursion catamarans and boarded a very smart minibus with aircon (Yeh!) and toured most of the island, including Block House Ruins, Shirley Heights and stopped for views over Falmouth and English harbours, before going to Nelsons Dockyard for our lunch.




Falmouth & English Harbours

There had been a few showers as we toured and at Nelsons Dockyard we could hear thunder rumbling in the distance but after a brief light shower we had sunshine the rest of the day. The lunch was buffet style – green salad, mango or guava dressing, Caribbean style rice, banana fritters and steamed veggies with Rum Punch (151% proof!).

It was fascinating seeing the real island life in the interior with its rich fruit plantations – guava, mango, banana (called fig here) etc. After lunch we went to Turner Beach where we had about one and a half hours to swim, sunbathe etc.

By now the sun was out in ernest and it was the perfect Caribbean beach – white sand, blue sea, palm trees, umbrellas, etc. I was particularly interested in the wildlife, especially the birds such as Wilson's Plover. In the sand were small holes and now and again a small crab peeped out! Inland we also saw geckos and mongooses. We got back to the dock at 4.30 and I stayed on deck for the sailaway.

The sun was setting and the town looking beautiful bathed in the golden light as pelicans dived in our wash for the fish we disturbed. We are now sailing for Tortola.

Day 9 - en route to Antigua

Day 9 – en route to Antigua  3 October 2012

8am and it was 29 degrees!  Our world is blue – ocean blue, sky blue and turquoise wake, each intensified by contrasting white of fluffy clouds and foam from the wash.

 

I have seen just one ship during our crossing, and that was several days ago.  On the 360 degree horizon there is just water with Oriana at the centre. Today I saw our first sea bird since Madeira – a flash of white against the blue of the sky. Comparatively few people experience transatlantic passages and I feel privileged to be one of them – they are truly different from normal cruising, which will resume tomorrow when we reach Antigua. There was a dramatic storm last night. I woke around 4am to a rattling sound. Although I am in an inside cabin, the left hand side is superstructure out onto open deck and the rain was so torrential it was beating against it. I heard the thunder and switched on the bridgecam on my cabin TV to see great flashes of lightning. I couldn’t resist getting up and peeping out of my cabin door through the glass door next to my cabin that leads out onto the Terrace Deck to watch. It certainly cleared the air this morning, although everyone woke to a new problem. One of the engines had shot out black soot all over the aft decks which had to be cleared and cleaned.

The Peninsular lunch was at noon. There were not that many people there, nor at the Ligurian and Baltic one which was yesterday.  I was on a table for 8 with the Accommodation Services Manager, who was very entertaining, as was everyone on the table. I now feel overly stuffed and too hot and have returned to my cabin to rest and cool down. It is our last formal night tonight until we start our return journey on Tuesday.

Days 7 - 8 Mid Atlantic

Day 7-  mid Atlantic

I guess these reports are starting to sound boring for anyone who has yet to cruise or doesn’t like sea days! We are three days into our crossing with two more to go to reach Antigua and at the noon announcement were halfway across, steaming at around 19 knots with the ship on track pilot (Auto pilot). Everyone is settling into shipboard routine. At breakfast this morning, which I took outside as usual (fresh mango and pineapple,) it was already 76 degrees.

 

At noon it was into the higher 80s. I haven’t done much today aside from the travelling alone meeting, as I had a book signing at 10am. This went very well and I have another to do on the way home again. I then just lazed in the shade of the prom deck with my book in between watching the flying fish leap in our bow wash.

 

These hot leisurely days are bliss after the stressful days at work of late.  The invitations have come for the Caribbean lunch which is in 2 days’ time.  I was interested to hear from another pax that there will not a video of this cruise. I don’t usually buy them so hadn’t noticed, but apparently it is because only 4 photographers are on board and there need to be 5 for a video?? Not sure how true that is though.   

Day 8 Mid Atlantic

It has been very hot today, and although the sun came out in the middle of the day, the afternoon has been hot and sultry until now. I am sitting in the shade of the promenade deck as I type this. I have been reading most of the day since the book I brought with me I have found gripping. It is called The Help and in fact the film is showing tonight on the ship. It is about civil rights in Mississippi in the early 1960s. A great read. It is semi formal tonight…sorry Smart! ..so I will be off for my fourth shower of the day!  I have to say it has been very hot – I get up shower, have breakfast, play shuffleboard, shower, read, have lunch, shower….. so much for conserving water on board. I guess the ship is having to make large quantities as we go. The Captain wandered round the decks chatting this morning. There have been three weddings on board so far so I guess he has been very busy. There have been a good few steamer chair hoggers today!

Because of my spa appointment and then shuffleboard it was 11am before I reached the decks, and by then every chair on the prom. deck was either occupied or had a book and towel occupant!  It was 4pm before I got a free one!  On the other hand it you are happy with the normal sunbeds there are plenty around and also the reclining chairs that I like, both teak and white plastic. One more sea day to go until Antigua. I guess it’s going to get hotter yet!

Day 5 at sea en route to Antigua

Now we are into proper cruising weather! The day dawned sunny and clear. By an hour later the sea was the deepest blue I have ever seen and the sky just a few shades lighter with puffs of cotton wool along the horizon. After breakfast outdoors I sat out for a while before heading up to the sun deck to play in the shuffleboard tournament. Uhmm – all I can say is we lost in the first round! Still – plenty more days to play yet. Then I pottered round the ship, set up two book signings over the course of the cruise and after a salad lunch have been sitting on the prom deck, firstly to catch the sun, but latterly in the shade as it was too hot! I am now sitting typing this on the teak tables aft on the prom deck. The new stern deck round the Terrace Pool is lovely with slightly higher sun beds and a bar but you need to get a spot early in the day. It should also be nice in the evenings when we get to the Caribbean .

 

Another lovely dinner, preceded by cabin canapés and the Peninsular Club half bottle of Lanson Champagne! Then went to listen to the classical guitarist in the Crows Nest before stepping out onto the stern deck for some air before bed. It is the most beautiful evening out – calm seas, a gently rippling wake visible in the moonlight and warm balmy air. Although I have done several northern-route crossings, it completely escaped my mind that we would similarly gain an hour a day on the way to the Caribbean – doh! Still, all this fresh air and heat has made me sleepy for bed.  More tomorrow I hope. 

PS: - another slight but welcome change is that at dinner we not only get butter pats but a small dish of olive tapenade or hummus etc. It is delicious on the bread rolls!

 

Day 6 at sea

The day dawned a bit cloudy with occasional showers, so after breakfast on deck I decided to go to the church service. Then, a lazy time reading in the sun before a late lunch and the shuffleboard competition. I must be getting better since I made the semi-finals before being knocked out.

 

Tonight is smart so I am sipping my Peninsular Champagne from last evening as I get ready in the cabin.

Day 4 Funchal, Madeira

We arrived around 8.30 to heavy cloud but it soon cleared to hot sun with white clouds, although, being the green and verdant island it is, there were a few spots of rain during the day. Already in port were Saga Ruby and Grand Mistral (a Spanish cruise ship).

 

I caught the free shuttle into the main town and explored for about three hours. I was debating whether to get the two cable cars up to the Botanic Gardens but it was 29 euros with entrance as well, so settled on the Hop on Hop off bus tour at 12 Euros. This was great value and as well as touring around Funchal it also took us high up into the mountains and round the coastline to a fishing village. I got back about 3pm and grabbed a bite to eat on the stern deck outside of the Conservatory.  The two other ships sailed first so we had great views as they passed Oriana. Then Saga Ruby stopped in the water outside the harbour and lowered two tenders. Goodness knows why! One circled round from the port side, steamed back and then they were raised! Curiouser and curiouser! We now face the five sea days, although the Captain says that Hurricane Nadine has now subsided somewhat so hopefully she won’t affect us. As we left Madeira, we sailed close along the coast for an hour or so so I saw the places the HoHo bus had taken me earlier from the sea this time. As we sailed there was a beautiful rainbow from the land across the water!

It is a casual night tonight and 60s/70s, I sat in Andersons for a pre-dinner cocktail and was surprised to be offered a plate of canapés. I have experienced this on Cunard but never before on P&O.  There were only three of us at dinner until a fourth turned up at around 9pm, having fallen asleep in her cabin! Our waiters are very friendly and give excellent service. We are usually through dinner by 10pm so plenty of time to get good seats for the shows – last night we all went to the Headliners. Our wine waiter is also very good and always there to top our glasses up as necessary. A good wine waiter is worth a good deal!

Day two and three of my Caribbean Cruise

We are enroute to Madeira. As the Portuguese dockers are on strike. P&O have swapped round Ponta Delgada and Madeira so we will have a full day in Funchal. It’s been very lazy day but that is normal for me on the first full day. Last night was quite bumpy and we were asked to secure any loose items in the cabin. Unfortunatley – having availed myself of the buy 5 – get 1 free 2l bottles of water, there was nowhere really to put them except inside an empty drawer, but then that kept opening and shutting.

This morning was better than the forecast, but Oriana is still pitching with the occasional roll. We are speeding at 22 knots and are three quarters of the way through the BoB. Although very windy, it isn’t cold if you choose the right spot. It’s Smart tonight with the Captain’s Welcome party tomorrow, when the weather is supposed to have improved a lot.

I popped into the Conservatory for some sandwiches at teatime as I had skipped lunch, then sat out for a little before returning to my cabin to get ready for dinner. The dining room is still quite empty but it may be that the weather is keeping some in their cabins.  After dinner three of us went to see the Johnson Brothers in the Theatre Royal. One disadvantage of these new cabins is that they are right over the Pacific Lounge and the noise is carrying up through, but it shouldn’t go on much longer.

The semi formal night (sorry – smart), was very well observed, most people wearing what would have been semi-formal under the old terminology. There is also a distinct lack of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. I appreciate many people need them, but it is so nice not be run down every few moments!

Day 3

En route to Madeira still and the weather has improved dramatically. There are still occasional light showers but the sun is very hot and the seas calmer.  Got up around 8.30 and headed to the Conservatory for breakfast. At the solo coffee morning a few different people turned up and there were around 21 people there. I decided to play in the shuffleboard tournament – the first time I have played in nearly 30 years! My partner and I won the first match but lost the next. Still we should get better as we go on. After a delicious light lunch of dressed crab in its shell and salad I have been sitting on the prom deck up till now but was getting too hot.   It is the Captain’s welcome party tonight so will sort myself out later.

It was a very enjoyable Welcome Party. As I was getting ready there was a knock at the door and a steward with canapés which was lovely. Everyone in the Oriental Restaurant was in the Pacific Lounge for the Party, the Peninsular Restaurant people were in the Crow’s Nest. We were welcomed in by the Deputy Captain, but the Captain joined us all later for his speech – mostly about Hurricane Nadine !!! I chatted to the Front of House Manager who was pleased to see me so she could organise a book signing in a few days time. Then to the Gala Dinner – game terrine, lobster and maple walnut ice cream for me. I want to be up early for the sail into Funchal so have decided on an early night. After Funchal we have five sea days so can relax again then.

Home again

Just back from a lovely 22 night cruise to the Caribbean on Oriana. Since I had no free internet access I'll be posting my blog retrospectively so here is the first instalment:-
Oriana – Caribbean Transatlantic 25 September – 17 October 2012

I arrived at the Mayflower Terminal at just past 11am and was sipping champagne in the Oriental Restaurant by 11.40. Apparently boarding starts now at 11am. The Peninsular lunch was excellent with plentiful wine, champagne and orange juice and free newspapers. The age range includes lots of younger people from 20s upwards by the look of them.

So – my single cabin! Well, it’s nearly perfect – if only they would get a woman’s opinion before completing the design though! There is plenty of storage – so much that even I (with my four bags!) cannot fill it! – A 3 ft hanging robe with top shelf, four deep wide drawers with cupboard with shelves over, four wide shallow drawers beside the dresser, a shallow drawer over the knee hole and eight narrow shallow drawers either side of the 4 foot bed. The bathroom has two corner cupboards and shelves under the basin. There are two hooks on the back of the door and twin bedside lamps. The fridge is over the dresser drawers and a flat-screen TV on top. There is plenty of room for my 2 large cases to fit under the bed. Straight out of my cabin door and turn left and I am on the deck by the Terrace Pool and Sunset Bar (where a sailaway party is in full swing!)

The downside? – the wardrobe rail is so low my evening dresses trail on the floor by about a foot and the lighting in the bathroom is so dim I thought there must be another light I hadn’t switched on – but sadly no! WiFi in the cabin was good, but no mobile phone signal.

 

Captain Pembridge has warned of increasing movement through the ship for the next two days. There is also a strike in Ponta Delgada so we are calling at Madeira first instead. This means every call throughout the cruise will be a day later than originally scheduled and we only get half a day in the Azores and a full day now in Madeira.

I am in the Oriental Restaurant on a table for 8 in the middle. Unfortunately it is an oblong shape so we will have to move round to talk to one another, although there were only four of us tonight – all singles and good company, one who had never cruised before. I wandered round the ship for a little after dinner. Oriana is rocking a little now but just enough to lull one to sleep.

Book launch

Yesterday Andrew and I were very pleased to be able to launch our new book on Oriana & Aurora at the new Sea City museum in Southampton. The city was busy with the Boat Show opening that day, as well as three cruise ships in port - Azura, Celebrity Eclipse and Oriana.

Our first customers were Richard and Anthony from Boston, USA, who had flown over to join Oriana on her cruise to the Canaries. As ship enthusiasts, they wanted to sail on a traditional cruise ship while there are still a few around! They will be taking the first copy of the book on board the ship!

And when Oriana returns, I will be lucky enough to be joining her on her voyage to the Caribbean. 

Talking of my cruises- since my post about booking a cruise on Ocean Countess, CMV have sold her and are replacing her with Discovery. I suppose I was both disappointed and pleased at the same time. Disappointed not be sailing on the original Cunard Countess but pleased to be trying the original Island Princess. We will just have to wait and see what her winter refit brings though !