Wednesday 3 September - Ferrol
It was Adonia’s maiden call at Ferrol so we were up early
for the interesting sail up the Ria or Spanish fjord as Captain Box described
it, passing several forts that once defended this town.
Pre-cruise research had indicated not much to see in Ferrol
itself so we had booked an excursion to Santiago de Compostela – a town both of
us had visited before but not with time on our own to explore. We boarded the coach for the one hour drive through Northern Spain – so
different from the south everyone normally visits – green and rural.
On arrival
we were dropped off at the coach station and walked to the main square in front
of the Cathedral – sadly clothed in scaffolding! Caryll and I headed in through
a side entrance before doing anything else as there were services later and the doors would be closed at that point. It was as I remembered it with the huge swinging sensor
replaced by a smaller one for everyday use now. After exploring the cathedral, we headed
off down the small side streets, pausing in souvenir shops while looking for a coffee shop
- most of the eating places were proper restaurants or bars. Eventually we found one serving coffee and Santiago cake – a
kind of delicious almond cake – eaten at a table outside while watching the world and his wife walk past. We then started a wander back in the direction
of the meeting point. I had, as usual succumbed to jewellery - a beautiful pair of silver and three-tone blue enamel earrings!
Back on the
coach we waited around 20 mins for a couple and the P&O tour escort – it
seems they missed the underpass and walked to the end of the upper level
missing the bus park altogether. All safely back on the board we returned to
Ferrol. People who just wandered ashore agreed there was not much there but
that the nautical museum was very good so maybe a visit next time. A shuttle bus laid on by the town took passengers to a shopping centre!!!
As it was a maiden call, there had been
a ceremony to exchange plaques and now at sailaway we had a bagpipe band (the
Celtic tradition runs strong in Galicia) to send us on our way. As we sailed past one of the forts, an 18th
century re-enactment group fired a rifle salute as we sounded the whistle in
reply.
This was our final port of the cruise and a
formal night so we went back in to shower and change as it was the
Peninsular Party in the Crows Nest that night. We happened to be the first in but were soon joined by another solo. The time came for the Loyalty Manager’s speech and then the draw
for the Dartington Glass dish engraved with the P&O Cruises' logo. Captain Box said it was C deck, port side – so
far so good! Forward – but I always thought of us as midships so when he read
out my name I just said to Caryll, 'You are kidding', and sat there open-mouthed literally!
Stephen rushed over and escorted me up to the stage saying I knew you’d win it
one day. I can remember Captain Box saying Sharon is being escorted up by our
Housekeeping Manager……………. But I was so befuddled I wasn’t even sure which way
to turn for the photo! Back at the table I downed a stiff drink again as our
table companions congratulated me. After dinner we went up to the quiz only to
find that our quiz team companions had won the first sitting prize! How is that for co-incidence?
A lovely end to a wonderful cruise since tomorrow is the
last day – at sea.
Thursday 4 September – at sea
Hooray – the shuffleboard court is finally open for
business. P&O had had the composite floor redone in teak but it had buckled
so contractors were working on it to relay it. I wasn’t keen on the black
numbers instead of white but was told the teak would fade so black would show
up better. So after a light breakfast al fresco, we had coffee at the solos and
headed up to Sky deck. Caryll was playing too as now the quoits court was closed for similar works! I
played the very first tournament shot on the new court. Sadly although my partner and I made
the final, we didn’t win.
After making
last minute purchases and doing some minor packing we had lunch in the Conservatory
and back out to play our second game. By now the sun had been out and it was
hot – the court was tacky and useless. I couldn’t make the pucks even reach the
far court at all. Hmmmm!
Went in to finish packing and change and put main case out.
After dinner we did the quiz for the final time – no luck but we won twice
during the cruise so not too bad.
Friday 5 September – Southampton
We had Priority disembarkation so basically could leave when
we liked once Adonia had clearance and all luggage was ashore. We waited in the
Curzon Lounge till around 9am when we left the ship to wait for our taxi in the
arrival lounge. we were back at my friend's flat by 10.30.
I was staying overnight in order to see Astor arrive the following morning
but unfortunately there was a heavy low mist that morning and my photos are very poor.
Summary
An excellent cruise with the two disappointments of no
shuffleboard and only half a day in Tangier. The highlights – the sail up the Quadalquivir River was spectacular and
well worth getting up early for – I was surprised so few had bothered; and
Tetouan which was magical and mysterious and so different yet so close to
Europe. A wonderful contrast. Adonia is looking good and at last they have some
reclining chairs on her so glad I didn’t bother bringing one. She is, in my opinion, a star up on the mainstream P&O ships, and especially their larger vessels. I look forward to cruising on her again in the future. 
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