Day 2 – The dreaded Bay
We all woke up about 7.30 and made breakfast just before the
dining room closed at 9.30. The Conservatory and Al Frescos are staying closed
totally for the first 48 hours so it’s room service or the main dining rooms
for the present. I must say that the crew are doing absolutely everything they
can to stem the outbreak from the last cruise. You cannot even pick up anything
in the shops but have to ask. There are no bar menus unless you ask and before
new people sit at the restaurant tables, the chair backs etc are wiped down. Salt
and pepper is in sachets, no toothpicks and butter is in wrapped packets.
The Bay has certainly lived up to its reputation so far.
Yesterday was probably the worst I had even known it and we all spent much of the
afternoon in the cabin lying down. Not because any of us were sick, but because it was exhausting walking about. I had
my normal first-day lethargy anyway.
We all went to the travelling alone meet in the morning – there
were a goodly number there. Unfortunately I managed to sit next to one of the
serial moaners!! I was then hoping to be
off playing shuffleboard but the upper decks are closed. So that was followed
by a couple of cruise forum meets as well. After that we ran a few errands -I
needed to set up a book signing for one thing – then we went in to lunch. Before that there was an announcement from
the captain (Ashley Cook) that we would have to miss Oporto due to the severe
weather. It was not entirely unexpected as I know it is a very difficult port
to get into. So – an extra sea day to relax – but since our speed has slowed to
14 knots not very relaxing. We’ll have to see what today holds in store.
Day 3
Last night was very bumpy – gusts of force 12 we were told
this am, but we all slept very well. We went in to the Peninsular restaurant for breakfast at 9am and only had
to queue briefly before getting a table. The Conservatory was supposed to be
open tonight for an Indian dinner, but will be remaining closed until further
notice – which does give rise to a suspicion that someone is ill again, or not
as the case might be. As usual shipboard rumours run rife!! After breakfast and the Travelling Alone
meet, two of us went up to Deck 12. I needed to re-book a manicure as
yesterday, although not seasick, I felt I might be that high up on the ship, so
cancelled. Then we actually managed to sit out by the Crystal Pool for a while.
The sun was coming out between clouds and it is noticeably warmer. After lunch
two of us went to watch the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which was showing in the
Theatre Royal – I thought it brilliant. I didn’t do too well in the Individual
quiz though.
Our cabin steward is excellent and nothing is too much
trouble. We arrived to find three of everything – body cream, shower caps etc,
and even have a box of tissues each. In fact the service generally has been
extremely high and it has been lovely to be greeted by name by so many of the
waiters etc.
The seas do seem to be calming down – someone has obviously
been out and filled in some of the potholes! The majority of the passengers are
very friendly and there is a wider age range than I expected – from about 20
upwards. After pre-dinner drinks in Andersons we went into dinner to
find one of our missing persons had turned up. We have a table for 8 in the centre of the Peninsular
Restaurant. Food has IMO been excellent with, to my mind, large portions and as
usual our waiters seem determined to send us home as cargo!
Day 4
Today – the cruise has truly begun. Calm seas, blue skies –
proper cruising weather. The decks are all open so I managed shuffleboard both
morning and afternoon, although not doing very well. I need to get my arm back
in training! Tonight is our first formal and the Captain’s welcome aboard party
so we will have to be very organised in getting ready. Lunch was excellent
again. The Peninsular Restaurant was full so we headed for the Oriental where
meals are half an hour later. It is likely the Conservatory may be open
tomorrow. There are signs of the very high level of precautions easing slightly
– crosswords were available to be picked up – not handed out, and there was a
dish of sugar and wrapped butter pats on the breakfast table – small signs but
encouraging.
Whilst waiting to play shuffleboard a pod of
whales swam east off our stern, with many spouts marking their passage. We are
just about to turn east towards Gib and the weather is so much better – mid to
high 60s and dry.
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