Oriana - Days 7-8 - Korcula

Day 7 – at sea

It was a disappointing grey and cloudy day so lazed around for much of it! At the 6pm daily report from the captain, he implied that the weather forecast for tomorrow might mean no tendering at Korcula!  It was a formal night and the Peninsular Party so showered, washed hair and dressed for it. I chatted to the Front of House Manager at the party, whom I knew from a couple of cruises back. Also spoke with the captain and asked him whether he had the Oriana & Aurora book – he said to show it to him when we had coffee.

Day 8 – Korcula

I got up around 6.45 to watch us sail up to Korcola in Croatia. Despite the captain’s veiled warnings that it would be very windy (and therefore we may not be able to tender), it was OK, although grey and misty. I had breakfast and got tender ticket no 7 as I was not on any tour and planned to explore on my own. It was not long to wait before we were called and I walked down to Deck 3 to the tender pontoons. After a short run ashore, I walked up to the old walls and into the old city.

Korcula is much like a miniature Dubrovnik, with marble flagstones, many towers and Venetian style architecture. Outside the ancient town walls, the town is still very attractive with a waterfront and tiny pebbly beach.

 By now the sun was out and it was bright and warm so after an hour or so I found a small bar/cafe and had a lovely cold beer for 2 euros. Then visited a museum of icons, three or four churches, wandered up and down the narrow streets and took lots of photos. There were dozens of jewellery shops Alghero selling coral and turquoise as in Alghero in Sardinia. Finally around 1pm I caught the tender back to the ship and had a quick lunch on deck in the sun.

I then changed and sat on the sun deck all afternoon. We sailed at 3.15pm for Venice so it will be a very early start for me tomorrow as I want to be on deck for the sail in.

Oriana - Day 6 - Palermo & Cefalu

Day 6 – Palermo

We arrived at Palermo about 9am  to rain but it was 10am or so before the three gangways were rigged and we could go ashore. I was on a tour to Cefalu as i had been told Palermo was a bit tatty.

It was an hour’s drive through the dilapidated but interesting city before we reached beautiful Cefalu. This was a lovely medieval city. The cathedral has stunning Byzantine mosaics of Christ Pantocrater. After a tour around the Cathedral we walked to the medieval wash house and then had an hour free time. I headed down to see the harbour and buy a gelato – pistachio and hazelnut! Then wandered up and down the narrow side streets. By now the sun had come out and it was very hot indeed – I regretted wearing crop jeans!

 

At 3pm it was time to walk back to the coach which had to park outside the old city. Then the drive back. Back on board I was gasping for a drink but my card wouldn’t work so I trekked back down to reception for a new one! Then there was an announcement about a surprise Italian coastguard inspection which required a full crew muster and lifeboat to be lowered so – no drink, but the opportunity to take some more photos for the  book. At 6pm all the ships in the harbour sounded their whistles as a salute to the nine people killed a couple of weeks ago when a container ship crashed into a control tower at Genoa. After we finally sailed I showered and dressed for casual night and finally got my drink! After dinner went to the Kenny Rodgers Tribute Act.

Oriana - Day 5 - at sea

Day 5 – at sea – Tuesday

It was cloudy again but not too cold so I sat on the stern deck for a while where it was sheltered. Still no word from the Loyalty Manager so went to see them again as the lunch was today – first told to come back as she was setting up the computer, then found queues all morning. Finally told to go to table 54! Got ready for the lunch to find myself on an unhosted table of 6. Sat and dozed most of the afternoon on the stern decks in the hazy sun. Came in to go to the Individual Quiz – 15/20. Casual tonight so went to cabin to shower and change. Went to casino then had drinks in Andersons before dinner of barramundi. Went to bed as have to be up for landfall tomorrow!

Oriana - Days 3 and 4 - at sea

Day 3 – at sea (Sunday)

Woke early! The day looks bright on the webcam out so got up at 7.45. Had a light breakfast of fruit and croissant in Conservatory before finding a steamer chair on the promenade deck. It was the most beautiful day – cloudless blue sky and warm sun.

Only the wind still had a bite to it. I sent the whole day outdoors. As I was sitting on the prom deck I noticed the captain wandering round so introduced myself. He said it was nice to finally meet after all the emails etc. At 10.30 I headed up to play shuffleboard but was knocked out in the first round. Lunch was a smoked salmon salad on deck before sitting on sun deck reading and then shuffleboard again - just. I thought it was at 2.30 but heard the sound of pucks being hit, and checked and it was at 2pm so rushed up still in my sun dress. This time I made the final before being knocked out. It is our first formal tonight and the Captain’s Welcome Party so went to my cabin to wash my salty hair and shower. Then had a cocktail of the day in Andersons before wandering up to the Crowsnest for the party. Had two champagnes and chatted to two Electro/Tech engineers! Dinner was jolly. Had game terrine, grapefruit sorbet, lobster and maple & walnut ice cream - Yum. When I returned to my cabin I found a lovely towel water lily and two – yes two – invitations to the Caribbean lunch – same day, same time – two different tables!

Day 4 – at sea – (Monday)

The clocks went forward an hour last night so woke at 7.30. The sun is just rising on the webcam. We were supposed to enter the straits of Gibraltar about 9.30 so I got dressed and had breakfast. Next was a visit to the loyalty manager to sort out why I had two invitations. Said she would let me know which one to go to. Spent most of the morning watching out for and photographing dolphins and pilot whales. There was a strong wind and it was more cloudy but after lunch in the Peninsular Restaurant, I sat out on Promenade deck until the Individual quiz at 5.30. The got changed for semi-formal evening. Went to casino and won £10 – then a drink in Andersons before dinner. After dinner, three of us went to see the magician  who was very good – then bed.

Oriana - Day 2 - at sea

Day 2 – at sea (Saturday)

It was a very bumpy night, just as the captain had warned. I had breakfast in Al Frescos, whcih although a more limited choice, is much more civiised than the buffet! Then popped along to the Travelling Alone meet - a few familiar faces there.  On my way back down I met up with the Front of House Manager to arrange a book signing at the Oriana Uncovered event on 25 May. Otherwise it was a very lazy day. My tickets arrived for the shore excursions I had pre-booked. At 12 I made my way to Tiffanys where we had arranged a Cruise Forum meet but only one person was there. Later I had a phone call from one of the others asking where I had been! I asked the same question! Apparently he was there but missed us. We later met up at the quiz in Tiffanys. The afternoon was spent pottering and dozing in cabin as my usual first day lethargy hit. After the Indiviual Quiz at 5.30 I went back to the cabin to change for dinner to discover a lovely bowl of fruit had been delivered.Got changed, went to casino (lost £10) and had a drink in Andersons before going in to dinner. On the way I spotted silver charms of Oriana in the jewellery shop – hooray! Bought one – only £25 here too rather than the £49 on Azura!!  As I went to my table I was headed off by a waiter saying the head waiter wanted to speak with me. They had found me a new table - No 28 instead - which I found much more comfortable –  four solo travellers.  Still on our 48 hour Norovirus quarantine so no condiments yet! I didn't bother with any shows as I was still tired - maybe tomorrow!  

 

Back on the lovely Oriana - Day 1

Oriana - Day 1 - Southampton

May 10 I boarded the lovely Oriana again, for a cruise to the central Mediterrean. In particular I wanted to re-visit Venice and Dubrovnik since it is almost 10 years since I was there last. It was a very easy drive down, although not leaving until 9am (my fault for keep dithering) and an accident on the big roundabout on the M271 junction with Fawley Road delayed me so didn’t arrive until 12.00 and had to queue to drop my car off. However I went straight to check-in and then joined a queue for security. Just as I joined it they opened the crew/visitor security area so went through that way. Then it was straight on board and into Oriental Restaurant for the Caribbean upwards lunch – it was a delicious buffet with champagne. Afterwards I went for a wander and bumped into the Commercial Officer whom I first met on Artemis, then sat on prom deck until the cabin was ready – D198 – one of the two singles at the stern beside Terrace Deck, the same cabin I had for the Caribbean cruise. In fact it was lovely to see so many familiar faces among the crew - like being home!

My cases were late arriving so I had only unpacked the holdall before muster drill was held – which included a pep talk for all passenegers to be scrupulous about hygiene re norovirus. Like HAL and Cunard, Oriana had a 48 hour quarantine with all food being served to you and no condiments on the tables. I loved the Captain’s comment that this was not a cruise but a leisurely/civilised voyage of discovery. Once Muster was over I returned to the cabin to complete unpacking. The bunkering barge only arrived at midday so we were very late leaving. Tugs were standing by ready to help as it was very windy again. As I began to get ready for second sitting dinner, we still had not left Southampton as refuelling – finally left around 8pm when I was drinking a cocktail in Andersons.

I was not too happy with my dinner table. It was a table for 8 in the Peninsular Restaurant by the window which was lovely, but I wasn't so keen on being with a family of four  (lovely people) as I prefer all solo travellers. I asked the Maitre D' if I could change. My watch stopped so I thought it was only 9.30 when in fact it was nearer 10 so after dinner I went to casino and won enough to keep going for half an hour leaving with what I started with. 

And so...

That has brought my blog up to date. Our next book is nearly completed and I am packing for Oriana later this week. As always, I will keep a daily journal and post here retrospectively. The ship is sailing to the central Mediterranean and for once, aside from a book signing on board, I don't have to worry too much about taking lots of photos of the ship, although I do want to video her - she is one of the few I have sailed on that I haven't done yet.

So - watch this space for my next blog. In fact the next few weeks are going to be something of ship heaven. When I return from Oriana, I have a two-night welcome cruise on the new Royal Princess followed by a day visit on board her. Then the following Saturday - a visit to Crystal Symphony. I will of course write down all my impresions of both ships in due course.

Discovery - Day 8

In the event, both were correct. We berthed at midnight. If you could manage your own luggage you were free to disembark (having previously arranged to do so with the tours office), or you could stay on board, sleep, have breakfast and debark the usual way from 7.30am – called deck by deck. We decided on the latter.

So – would I travel Discovery again – I can only say maybe. She does visit interesting small ports and that is what might sway my decision. That and if it was cheap and not too long in duration as I really didn’t sleep well in the narrow bed. The weather can’t be helped but neither of us found the passengers very sociable and if we had been travelling solo would have been very lonely. It may be that was because a very high number were first-time cruisers.

 

 

Discovery Day 7

Day 7 – Cobh

Next morning we switched on the bridge cam (our deadlights have been closed over our portholes for days now) to see us still moored in Cobh!  It was great that Peter (Thailand Two) was giving us weather updates via text as we had no information on board other than announcements. We finally left at 8.30am due in Avonmouth at midnight so luggage to be out before midnight. Once again, full information wasn’t prepared before the tannoy announcements which left passengers confused as to what they should do. We asked at Reception when we would disembark and were told Friday am. Someone else put the same question just after us, to a different person at reception and was told as soon as we dock you will be disembarked – at 1.30am ?? This put elderly people in a total panic as to how to get a taxi at that time, or let relatives know.

 

So, we had our second sea day and a bumpy one it was too, although the sun made another rare appearance and Discovery was amazingly stable.  Although when I sat in the stern lounge I could see the horizon go from above the ceiling to below the deck, at no point did it feel that uncomfortable.

A new programme of activities was arranged – but the printed version didn’t reach us until midday, despite asking at reception twice.

I fully accept the weather was beyond anyone’s control and we had to stay in Cobh. It was how that was handled I wasn’t so happy with. I was supposed to be at work Friday so needed to tell people. I also had other urgent things I needed to deal with so I asked if, in the event, I could have free internet access or just purchase half an hour (the minimum purchase was 2 hours) – No. The suggestion was that I went ashore to find free wifi – in that weather??

 

Discvovery Day 6

Day 6 Cobh.

Caryll had been before but went to Cork and this was my first visit here. Since we hope to be back here in August on Nautica, we decided to explore Cobh rather than get the train into Cork. In view of the weather it was a good decision as there is a lot to do in Cobh indoors.

We arrived around midnight so we got up at 7.30am and had our usual breakfast in the main dining room. I had taken to having a sausage (very nice), piece of  bacon (also good) and then either mushrooms (which I love) or grilled tomatoes – you couldn’t have both since they were served on alternate days!

The weather was back to our norm of gale-force winds and torrential rain. We walked along the seafront to the Titanic Experience which was open. This was quite moving – we were there just two days after the 101 anniversary of the sinking and to stand at the jetty where her final passengers embarked the tenders to take them to Titanic moored out in the harbour,was sobering to say the least.

 

Cobh is also the port where the bodies and survivors of the Lusitania were brought and this is covered well in the Heritage Centre in the old station. The Titanic and Lusitania memorial are within a few yards of each other on the main promenade. We walked up to the cathedral and since a service was just starting, stayed for half an hour. When I opened the door to come down, I was nearly blown off my feet. The wind had become much worse and I was seriously worried about getting back down the exposed hill. We both made it safely and hit the shops. At one of the craft shops there was a fascinating demo of glass cutting – Waterford Crystal style. We also went to the small local museum housed in a redundant church just above the berth. Caryll stayed ashore to find WiFi and headed back to the ship to pack as we were disembarking the next day – we thought!

Both of us having pretty much completed packing, an announcement came over the tannoy again – not the captain. There was no way Discovery could sail tonight in the high winds so we would stay in Cobh and they would assess the situation at 1am. Passengers were free to go ashore until that time. Great I thought – a night in an Irish pub, great music and a pint of Guinness!! I stood and looked down the gangway – the wind was lashing the ship, waves were flooding the pontoon we were moored against, rain was horizontal – nothing was worth facing that! In fact one lady was blown over on the quayside and injured her wrist.

 

However – having made that statement – nothing was said about what to do next – should we unpack? When were we likely to get home? It was probably a good hour before another announcement was made – we should keep our luggage and put it out at midday on Thursday. We went in to dinner and then watched a little of the “Eurovision” show, in between watching the wild weather outside. Decided to go to bed and see what the morning would bring.

Discovery Day 5

Day 5 – at sea

They do say - be very careful what you wish for as you may get it!  Our one regret on this short cruise had been no sea days – in the end we had two! This is when we found out some of the shortcomings of Discovery! The library was impressive for a small ship BUT only opened from 9-10 and from 4-5. We had thought that was because we were in port, but it was just the same today. Ok, another query we put to the Cruise Director – Richard Sykes a day or so ago, was - were the ever any events for solo travellers as there hadn’t been any so far. His answer was of course we have them – coffee meets, lunches etc. – but we haven’t any sea days to put them on. Great we thought – we now have a sea day – zilch! The weather was too poor to sit out on deck – in any event there were only white plastic sun beds (too low for me) or folding teak garden-style chairs (hard and no arms) – so no quoits or shuffleboard.

Discovery has an impressive number of pubic venues for her size – but not the matching entertainment staff to have two things going on at the same time.

Anyway – we allowed ourselves a lie in until 8.50am and just made breakfast. I wandered into the library – the first time I had managed to find it open – probably because it was staffed by entertainment officers. So we tried a few of the games – beanbag bowls, Jakkalo etc. Caryll went off to a recital.  While I watched fruit carving on Lido deck. It was a gala evening with a special menu. We were given one free glass of champagne to toast the cruise. There was the traditional Baked Alaska parade – with sparklers - and delicious chocolate truffles on a tray at the exit to the dining room. The show was Joseph, which was excellent, after which we went to bed. Our arrival time at Cobh was confirmed as midnight.  

Discovery Day 4

Day 4 was Tobermory – another tender port. Today was the highlight of the cruise for me – a trip to Iona. We set the alarm for 7am, had breakfast and we ready waiting in the Carousel Lounge by 8.45am. As it turned out the day was beautiful – bright clear blue sky and sun! It was an all-day tour so we were supplied with a packed lunch – a sandwich, a breaded chicken breast, apple, banana, yoghurt (and spoon), poppy seed cake and bottle of water. We mustered in the Carousel Lounge and waited while two medical evacuations took precedence – one by tender, one by lifeboat.

 

The drive to the ferry at Ffionfort was two hours with a brief toilet stop at Craigmure while the guide collected our ferry tickets. The scenery of Mull was stunning. We saw seals, herons, highland cattle, hares, red deer and buzzards.

We drove through the Great Glen, still in its winter colours of gold and red, broken by salmon rivers and granite outcrops, green with lichen and moss. The lochs were like glass as we drove along the single track roads that cross the island. The ferry took about 10 minutes to cross the short stretch of water to Iona.

 

At the landing was a small beach worthy of the Caribbean with white shell sand and turquoise water. It was then a short walk uphill to the famous Abbey.

 

We had two hours there to do as we wished before meeting at the ferry at 2.45 to return. Once again – a beautiful island awash with peace and tranquillity – all you could here were birds singing. I have to say Discovery passengers were very well trained and no one was late or lost throughout the cruise, at least on our tours. We retraced our morning journey back to pretty Tobermory, its brightly coloured houses lining the harbour, and tendered back – thankfully a much better experience than yesterday except the tide had risen so the platform had had to be raised to the extent that each tread on the gangway steps slanted downwards alarmingly!

Back on board, fed and watered – metaphorically speaking, the captain came over the tannoy - never a good sign! In this instance it was the man himself as well – usually it was someone speaking on his behalf. Now we found out why when he ended his statement that due to bad weather forecast we would be missing Douglas and heading at full speed to Cobh to get there tomorrow evening and spend the night alongside – he ended with the memorable words – your comfort is more important than safety! OK, we knew what he meant but it was fortunate Caryll and I were in the cabin as we dissolved into fits of laughter. After a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner itself we watched the Abba show and went to bed.

Discovery - Day 3

Day 3

The next day was Tobermory – or was it??  Due to the weather reports our captain, who was experienced in these waters (ex Hebridean Princess no less) decided to swap round Oban and Tobermory visiting Oban on Day 3, then sailing halfway to Tobermory and finding a sheltered anchorage overnight. It made little difference to anyone on board so all were happy (aside from the few who had made plans to meet people ashore of course).

The ship had handled last night’s seas very well, in fact she is proving an exceptionally steady ship – especially for her size. Up at 7.30 for an 8am breakfast and then to see what the weather was like on deck – wet – very wet! Oban was a tender port so, clutching our tender tickets we waited briefly before being called. It was the standard tender operation. However, being an old ship, we reverted back to walking down a stepped gangway to a suspended tendering platform. Not a good idea for those with mobility issues.

Once ashore, Oban looked a lovely little town. We explored ashore all morning, despite the drenching rain although after about an hour, it actually stopped and the sun came out. In a small café for lunch I had the most delicious thick cheese sandwiches!

 

Then it was time to board our coach for Inverary Castle. We drove through lovely scenery with highland cattle grazing, lochs, ruined castles and snow-sprinkled mountains. The castle was a typical Scottish gothic style mansion with beautiful gardens. This was the ancestral seat of the head of the Campbell clan and still home to the Duke of Argyle. After a tour of the castle, time to wander the grounds, shop and buy an ice-cream we boarded the coach to drive to Inverary village. After some more free time, we headed back. I was struck by how like Nova Scotia the scenery looked – but I guess that’s why they named it in the first place!

Back at Oban, we boarded the tender to Discovery. The wind had risen and the seas were noticeably choppier. The junior officer at the tender landing – a Prince Harry lookalike – warned us to hold on tight. In fact the ride back was not too bad – until we neared the ship. Remember that suspended platform we had to get onto to walk up the steps?  The boat was bobbing about on the wild water, slamming into the platform which in turn was swaying about on its cables and hitting the side of the ship. I can safely say this was the first time I can remember being really scared on a cruise. At one point I truly feared for the safety of the boatman, clinging to the outside of the tender to grab the ropes – I thought his legs might be crushed. One by one we stood at the exit and waited for the right moment to be pushed off! And we had elderly people on board, with sticks etc! Apparently the captain had stopped anyone going ashore from 4pm (last tender should have been 6pm)!

We finally had a full table at dinner but it was not one of our best. Went to the show afterwards mainly because there was nothing else to do – no one seemed to be very social.

Discovery - Day 2

Day 2 - Dublin

I had a good night, although woken by cramp and the narrow bed didn’t help. We got up at 8am and went to the dining room for breakfast. Like Fred Olsen – you were seated by waiters, chose food from the buffet or bar with porridge, omelettes etc but tea, coffee and juice was served to you. It was same selection as the Lido Buffet but more comfortable. As we were not arriving in Dublin till midday, Caryll went off to a port talk and I went over the ship with my video camera. The weather was mild and the Irish Sea calm. We arrived at Dublin to a thick “Irish Mist” – pouring rain to you and me! It was a foretaste of what was to come. Because of the tidal range at Avonmouth we left at 8pm so arrived at Dublin at midday leaving at 4pm (Back on board 3.30pm). This was my opportunity to watch the captain (Brian Larcombe) take us into port from the Sun Deck overlooking the bridge wing.

As time was short Caryll and I opted for the DUWK tour so we had a quick lunch in the Lido and changed into cold/wet weather gear and set off. . Unfortunately for us European Finance Ministers were meeting in Dublin that day and there was a big demonstration going on so our route was altered to avoid the traffic congestion. I was still impressed with what I saw – beautiful Georgian terraces, the Dail, Halfpenny Bridge, etc. Our driver/guide was excellent, making us roar like Vikings at unsuspecting pedestrians! At the Grand Canal Basin we donned life jackets and entered the water for a quick sail round the basin. Then back to the ship driving alongside the Liffey.

Once dry we went to sample afternoon tea which was only served in the buffet. OK, it was teatime, but afternoon tea ???  There was a choice of one (that is one filling) sandwich, one open sandwich and a wrap, two different cakes, one biscuit and scones. We didn’t bother again. There were however several different herbal teas, and coffee from the station. Then to the cabin for a quick snooze before getting ready for the first formal night. The dress code was well adhered to. Had cocktail in Discovery Lounge before attending the Captain’s Welcome Party where we were offered one glass of champagne (later topped up) and one canapé! Unusually the Cruise Director introduced the crew rather than the captain. Nicely – the glass of champagne was to toast the ship.

Two more turned up at dinner. Not very impressed with the bony fish, but we had starter, soup, salad, sorbet, main, dessert and coffee – the coffee is excellent! Caryll and I then went to the show which was Russian song and dance – which I enjoyed. Bed at 11.30. There was a warning that it would be a bumpy crossing to Scotland and the cabin deadlights were closed!

 

Discovering Discovery - April 2013

Still doing a bit of catching up here - although not quite so much now!  So -

A six-night cruise to try out Cruise & Maritime Voyages ship - Discovery - ex Island Princess and one of the two original "Love Boats" used in the 1970s TV series. What sold this to me - and my friend Caryll ? The ports, all of which were new to me, the chance to sail from Avonmouth and the price - cheap!! - Yes, I know you get what you pay for but it's only six-nights...we thought!!

 

Friday 12 April 2013

We set off abut 12.15, despite our 4.30pn check-in time! The M5 had heavy traffic but we still made good time and it didn’t matter arriving early. The directions were not brilliant – head for airport NOT docks! - and we had to turn round once, which was frustrating because we could see the ship! Eventually I drove up to Avonmouth Terminal and offloaded the luggage which was taken by porters, I then drove to the self-parking I had pre-booked and Caryll and I walked the short distance back. We were able to go straight to check-in and were waved on board, without going through any security checks. Walked up the gangway and were taken to our cabin by a stewardess. One and a half hours from home to cabin and our luggage was already there before us! That is efficient!

 

We had booked a guarantee inside cabin but were upgraded to an outside twin on Coral Deck with portholes. We had twin beds in an L-configuration. I found the foam mattresses really comfortable, but the beds were only 2’6” wide! .The only storage was three 18” wardrobes and four small drawers.

 

There was also a very old wall cupboard, which should have had a safe in – but it had been removed as apparently the combination wasn’t working. This was never replaced despite several complaints from us.

The bathroom had a tiled shower with removable and adjustable shower head, large basin with mixer tap, two corner cabinets and central shelf. The toilet was a fully water-flushing one like at home. We each got a small bottle of hair/body wash and a similar small bottle of hand/body cream, plastic shower cap and tiny bar of soap in the cabin.  If I sailed CMV again I would pack shower gel – it hadn’t occurred to me on this occasion. The toiletries were however freely replenished. The bathmat on the floor was nicely folded into a little boat every day!

After freshening up, we set off for a cuppa and to explore the ship. She is very attractive and for her age (42), smart. I like the furnishings. She is spacious, deceptively large with two show lounges plus a separate theatre/cinema.If anything, her layout reminded me very much of Artemis. On the main passenger deck – deck 6 – there was the Carousel Show Lounge with bar at one end.

 

Two wide walkways down to a full-width lobby, then the theatre – this was the only venue that looked desperately in need of a revamp, on one side of this was a long seating area, with smart sofas and views of the ocean, the other side was the photo gallery and Hideaway club-style bar. Then a games room where the craft classes were held, before leading into the Discovery Lounge – another show lounge with doors out onto the stern deck and deck bar. Everything looked smart and clean.

The only dining room – the Seven Continents – was on the same deck as our cabin – deck 3 and my one complaint was that it had no windows – or rather it had portholes which were permanently covered by deadlights and curtains. The Medical centre was also down on deck 3.

Deck 7 was the prom deck – no seating and to walk all round, you had to go up steps at the front – like the QE2 for anyone who remembers her.

Deck 9 held the Lido restaurant and pool area. This is very like Prinsendam – a very small pool surrounded by tables and chairs with the tea and coffee station and a very small buffet the whole, covered by a sliding glass roof.  What spoiled this area for me was the mishmash of chairs and tables – teak garden style, dark brown rattan style and some cheap white plastic garden chairs! 

 

There were lots of open deck areas to stand and get good views coming into ports etc, but few seemed to have any seats or sun beds. What was particularly great from my point of view was that the open bridge wings were part of a small sun deck area so you could listen and watch the complete docking operations.

 
On the downside – the four lifts were incredibly slow and prone to breaking down at frequent moments. When they did work – they never seemed to stop level with the deck.
We were both on deck for sailaway and the manoeuvering through the lock as the sun was setting. Then to thecabin to thaw out!

 

We went into dinner at 8pm (early sitting was 6.15). The service was slow but the waiters may have been waiting since there were four empty places on our table for 8. We had to order all courses in one go, including dessert – but it transpired this was only on the first night – thank goodness. There were no petit fours but all the food was hot. My “glass” of wine was served in a tiny jug (50cls) so reasonable value at £5

Oriana - Day 21 Lisbon and final port on this cruise.

Day 21 Lisbon - our final stop

Well, our hopes were realised and the day dawned bright but cold. We woke up as we started the turn into the Tagus River and got up on deck for the sail past the Belem Tower and into Lisbon, berthing at the bottom of the Alfama district where we were last year on Oceana. As Caryll and I have been here many times before we wanted to go to Belem. Neither of us have been there and it looks so interesting. Joyce wanted to stay and potter around the town centre. The Tours Office had told us we needed to get tram no 28 to get to Belem, but I spotted some HoHo buses and we walked over to see their routes and costs. The Yellow Bus did three different routes (including Belem) plus you can use the same ticket on any of the trams and buses. It cost 15 euros so we decided to go that way – a good idea since in fact it was tram no 15 to Belem!

I thought it a good tour and saw a lot of Lisbon I have never seen before, including the prison! We got off the stop by the Monastery of Jeronimos and first went into the Nautical Museum – a fabulous array of ship models and artifacts – mainly naval. Then we went to the Monastery church – one of the most beautiful I have ever seen! Walking across the road and through a large park we got to the Monument of the Discoveries and then walked up to the Belem Tower. I have sailed past some five times and always thought how beautiful it was but up close it looked so tiny! It was then easy to pick up the HoHo bus again and get back to the Praia de Figuera in central Lisbon. Cayll then set off for a potter around the shops and I caught the shuttle back to the ship as I was walked out (or rather my foot was) by then.

After some food and a rest on the prom deck in the sun – once the sun was up the day warmed up a lot and the sky was a cloudless blue – we all met up again for sailaway.  While we were ashore, Fred Olsen’s Braemar had arrived and Caryll and I wanted some photos of her.  Oriana turned round and we headed back under the 25 April Bridge and on our way home.

 

After dinner four of us went to the syndicate quiz but didn’t do any better than the two of us the previous night!

Oriana - Day 20 - Cadiz

Day 20 Cadiz

This is my fifth (I think) time in Cadiz so I hadn’t planned anything other than a potter around the old city. It was 10am before we got ashore, wandering through the narrow streets and pausing in the big square watching the parakeets nesting in the palm trees.

It was cold and bright first thing but as the sun burned off the mist it warmed up significantly. We wanted to browse the shops so did that first while they were open, walking though the big produce market on the way. By 12.30 my foot was hurting so Joyce and I came back for a bite of lunch leaving Caryll to shop and explore alone. Sadly the sun is now getting low in the sky and the temperature is cooling, but my face and neck are quite tanned  - can’t be bad for 2^nd January!

At the captain’s announcement prior to sailaway he thanked everyone for their tolerance and co-operation during the red level norovirus precautions. It seems they have now been downgraded and salt and pepper pots appeared on the table at dinner. Also, the shops are now back with their atrium stalls – up until now we have not been allowed to touch anything in the shops without being seen to use gel.

We left Cadiz about 5pm and are on our way to Lisbon – our last port before sailing home. If the forecast for Lisbon is as good as forecast, we will have been incredibly lucky with this cruise – virtually no rain at all so far, and then only showers at sea. Here’s hoping!

Oriana - Days 18-19 At sea

Day 18 – at sea   New Year's Eve

Finally – a blissful day at sea. Even better – a day warm enough (just) and sunny enough to laze on deck on a steamer chair most of the morning. The upper decks were closed due to high winds so no quoits for Caryll or shuffleboard for me so I went to the solo meet to say hello to everyone since it was five days since the last one.

By about 12.30 I had to leave Joyce to it and go in for an early lunch before getting ready for a book signing session with the Captain later in the afternoon. This was for the P&O 175 book – on this the last day of P&O Cruises’ celebratory year.

After that we all grabbed a bite of tea (I know – more food! The Exec Chef has a lot to answer for!) before a nap and preparing for the big night. Our table was all meeting in one of our group’s cabin for a small party prior to dinner. Two bottles of champagne later we trouped down for dinner – a sumptuous seven courses, although I stuck to haggis starter, champagne sorbet, venison, cranachan, coffee, whisky fudge and chocolate truffles!!  The haggis was duly addressed, after a procession headed by the captain holding two large bottles of whisky.

After dinner we dropped into the cabin to regroup. I think I am getting obsessed but once again the cabin steward had not replenished our toilet roll supply and we had about one quarter of one roll between the three of us! Another trip to reception! Then to the parties – we started in Harlequins where there was a ceildah – I looovvvee the Gay Gordon and waltz which I think I could just about have managed – but sadly once again – no one to dance with. The dance instructor was dancing with a couple of ladies but wasn’t looking round to see if anyone else wished to get up, so we moved to the Pacific Lounge for the big countdown! It was a big party atmosphere and great fun. At midnight we all held hands and sang Auld Lang Syne and raised our glasses to 2013. It was about 1.30am when we called it a day and went to bed!

New Year's Day 

A very lazy day!  Since we only went to bed properly at about 2.30am, we didn't wake till 9.30 this morning! I had a hasty breakfast as I wanted to play shuffleboard - where I did much better than previously but only reached round 2. Two of us had lunch together and then sat out in the sun on the prom deck. I can't believe we actually sat outdoors in the sun on New Year's Day.

 

After another game of shuffleboard (same result as the morning), I went to the crew talent show. This was excellent as usual and it would not be fair to single anyone in particular as they were all so good. The prom deck called again for an hour or so, after which time I finally gave in and went to the medical centre about my ankle. It seems that when I tripped in Malaga - it seems forever ago now - I sprained and slightly tore my Achilles tendon. If I had gone sooner, the treatment would have been rest and anti-inflammatories, but since I left it so long, I have an ankle splint and exercises to do. At least I might be able to walk better round our final ports of Cadiz and Lisbon tomorrow and the next day. I cannot believe the cruise is nearly over, although in some ways it feels we have been on board forever.

It was Chocoholics this pm, now called an "Enhanced Chocolate Afternoon Tea" and held in The Conservatory. This is nothing to do with our NV precautions, as it was same on my last cruise on Oriana in September.