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. 
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