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.