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!