Talbot Tour

On a cruise oacross the Atlantic to New York this time, with Princess.

Saturday 20th May 2017
Cruise booked, USA Visas checked. We still have a year on them so we do not need to renew.

Saturday 26th August 2017
Southampton, England

Locking the house up we drove to the railway station and dropped off Jackie and the cases. While Jackie waited Martin took the car home and caught a bus back to the station. Back together we got tickets and sat on the platform eating breakfast (bacon roll and coffee). We let the first train go as that required a change. Getting on the second we relaxed until we pulled into Southampton Central. Outside the station we grabbed a taxi and were soon at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Leaving our cases at the drop off point we entered the terminal. With preferred check in we skipped the massive queue and within five minutes were walking down the gangway onto the ship. Walking to our stateroom we checked out the balcony. Ten minutes later our cases arrived and we unpacked so the creases will fall out of our smart clothes.

Wandering up to the Horizon Court we had a light lunch before walking around to remind ourselves about the layout of the Crown. At half four it was time for the mandatory emergency stations drill. Then sail away before dinner. After dinner we stopped in at the Princess Theatre for the "Welcome on board show". The band and dancers performed and then an Environmentally friendly Liverpool Comedian recycled some very old jokes. No he wasn't that bad. Then it was time for bed as the clocks go forward an hour.

Sunday 27th August 2017
Zeebrugge, Belgium

After breakfast we left the ship and paid 10 euro each for a shuttle bus return to Knokke railway station. 15 minutes later we arrived at the station and we joined the queue for tickets. 9.80 euros later we had two return tickets to Brugge. Ten minutes later the train pulled in and after a short wait we were off.

The train pulled in to Brugge and exiting the station we walked into town. Crossing several canals and getting sidetracked down interesting looking alleys we eventually got to the cathedral. Walking away from the crowds we found a little alley that crossed a small stone bridge and eventually to the town square. Stopping for a traditional Belgian waffle and fresh strawberries with a coffee for Martin and a Belgian hot chocolate for Jackie we watched the crowds for a while.

Strolling through the cobled streets we headded back towards the railway station. The signs were clear and we found our platform for the train back to Knokke. We only had a ten minute wait for the train and found a seat in the shade to wait. After the train ride back we had to wait 20min for the shuttle back to the ship. Back on board at 2pm for a light lunch and a well earned drink sitting in the shade by the pool.

Monday 28th August 2017
At Sea

Lazy day today. Good job it is a sea day today as we both have aching knees and ankles. Too much walking on cobbled streets yesterday in Bruges. We had breakfast delivered to our stateroom. Dragging ourselves out of bed at ten o'clock, showered and dressed we were ready to face the day. First stop was the photo gallery to check out the last two days photographs.

Found a slight problem. We booked a 22 day cruise to New York, we also paid for an unlimited photo package. When we went to register our package we were told it is only valid for the first of the three weeks. If we want to have it for the remainder of the cruise we will have to pay 50 dollars. So off to guest services. We are now waiting to hear from head office what they are going to do about it.

While we were waiting we grabbed lunch and had our photos taken with the ship's wake in the background and listened to a couple of interesting presentations. Then it was time to get pimped for tonight's formal dinner. We will return to guest services tomorrow to find out what their head office has to say.

Walking out for dinner in our best "bib and tucker". We had a few photos taken and got a table for two for dinner. An hour later with bulging tummies we were in time for the champagne fountain. A quick photo with the Maitre'd pouring champagne and then listen to the Captains speech. Spotting Edwina Curry across the piaza was interesting, she had done a meet and greet earlier but we were busy. Then it was time to nip along to the theatre for tonight's show. A guest soprano, she was very good and with the ships singers and orchestra performed various operas and popular songs. Finishing with "Walk on" brought a standing ovation. Then it was time for bed.

Tuesday 29th August 2017
Copenhagen, Denmark

Up for breakfast and off the ship at nine once customs had cleared us. A 400m walk brought us to the Little Mermaid. Stopping for a photo shoot we walked on to St Albans Church and Gefion Fountain. Next door is Churchill Park with a nice bust of the great man. Continuing into town we walked past the royal palace.

Arriving at Nyhavn we decided to jump on a boat tour of the canals. With the boat having seating for about 100 and only about twenty of us on board, there was plenty of room to move about. Dodging under the low bridges we saw palaces, churches, civic offices and military stuff. One thing we saw was the Royal Danish Navy ship that fired what they call "The oops missile". The ship accidentally fired ome of it's missiles and destroyed a number of holiday homes. Fortunately nobody was injured.

Returning to the jetty we walked out to Tivoli Gardens. By this time we had walked about five miles and we decided to head back to the ship. The return journey should have been more direct but unfortunately we had some rather long diversions due to building work. Arriving back at Nyhavn we found a cafe and ordered lunch, "Smørrebrød Hjemmelavet Hønsesalat" which is a Danish open chicken curry mayonnaise sandwich and a cup of coffee.



Rested and fed we walked past Han Christian Anderson's house before heading back. We cut through the fortress and back past the Little Mermaid finally arriving back on board having walked about ten miles. Getting up the five decks (10 flights of stairs) nearly finished us. Back in our room we showered and relaxed until dinner.

Down to the Michaelangelo Dining room for dinner. As we were finished promptly we went to the theatre for a Danish Folk Trio. Interesting but we didn't understand a word. Rolling by the photo studio we picked out our recent photographs to add them to the folder of photos for our package when we were told that the manager wated to see us. He started by telling us "Policy" and $50. That was like a red rag to a bull. We stated Head Office would have to sort it out and left with him saying he would print out the policy.

We had only been back in our room 10 minutes when the manager phoned to say we were right and please drop by tomorrow. Time for bed with a smug feeling. lol

Wednesday 30th August 2017
Helsingborg, Sweden

We left Copenhagan at three o'clock this morning for the short crossing to Helsingborg. Arriving at 07:00 we awoke to the sound of the anchor being dropped. Helsingborg is too small for the Crown Princess so we have anchored off. Getting up we climbed the five decks to breakfast. Then descended the ten decks to the dining room. From here we collected our tickets for the tender. A couple of minutes later we we called to the tender. Down two more decks to the water level boarding dock and onto the tender.

We decided to ride up top and sat in the open watching the ship fall behind and the jetty get closer. Getting off of the tender we had the obligatory photos before walking into town. After 500 meters we came to the road up to the tower. The gentle climb to the gate was followed by three flights of stairs to the base of the tower. Noticing the sign that said the tower opened in 25 minutes we sat and waited and watched the tour groups. The enterance to the tower was through a small door thirty feet up the side of the tower. We noticed the door open and climbed the stairs. Paying the 100 Swedish Krone we were the first in and up to the top. Enjoying the view we were halfway back down when about 30 teenage students thundered up the stairs. We stepped into a side room to make space for them on the very narrow spiral staircase. Once they had passed we continued on down, glad we had had peace and quiet while we were at the top.

Still aching from the marathon around Copenhagen we decided to head back towards the ship. Stopping at a patisserie/cafe we got a coffee and a "Flødeboller Kakor" mallow fluff cake.



Jumping on a tender back to the ship we were in time for lunch. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the Sky Walkers Nightclub. Which was nice and quiet as it was closed.

After a while we dropped down to the atrium for a coffee then back to the room for a pre-dinner nap. We shared a table at dinner and got out just in time for the Captains Cocktail Party. Meeting the Captain was interesting and he was very friendly. We got our photograph taken with him. Leaving there we stopped in at the photograph department and finally sorted out our package. Walking away with 30 photos, an USB with all the digital images and a free picture frame we returned to our cabin.

Thursday 31st August 2017
Oslo, Norway

Waking up early we watched as the ship threaded it's way in through the fjord to Oslo. Grabbing a quick breakfast we were ready to go ashore. Leavung the ship we were stopped by a helpful staff member who told us we were going the wrong way as town was behind us. Thanking her we knew where we were going as we have been here before. Across from the ship was a castle and we cut through and into the military barracks behind. That brought us our on the road that lead directly to the cathedral.

From the cathedral we walked to the Royal Palace and parliament building. Dropping back down towards the sea front we arrived at the Nobel Peace Building and found a cafe for a coffee and Skolbolle (Norwegian Custard Bun). After some chilling time and people watching we walked back around the harbour towards the ship. Passing the "World Homeless Games" on the way we were soon back on board. Jackie did a load of laundry as the ship is quiet.

After a chilling afternoon we dressed for formal dinner. Sharing a table we chatted with a Canadian couple and four Americans. After eating they dashed off to see the evening's show. As we had already seen that show, we went to the photo gallery to check out the last few days pictures. After spending some time people watching. Amazed at what some people choose to wear we retired to our room for the night. The North Sea was a little lumpy last night with the occasional bump and rattle.

Friday 1st September 2017
At Sea

Waking up to a beautiful sunrise over a calm sea we enjoyed breakfast in our stateroom. Cereals, fruit, fruit juice, coffee and a breakfast muffin (bacon, egg and cheese). We spent the morning wandering the ship. Dropping in to the bingo to see them fail to win the jackpot. We checked the laundrette but it was very busy so no laundry today. After lunch we decided to chill out in our stateroom and on our balcony.

After a quiet day, dinner and a show before bed

Saturday 2nd September 2017
Southampton, England

Breakfast in the Botticelli Restaurant before walking ashore. Shopping in Southampton. Walking back to the terminal our "Passengers in Transit" cards allowed us to skip past all the queues and passengers waiting to board. Back on board we sat in the atrium and had a coffee while we watched all the new arrivals boarding.

Spent the afternoon siting on the lido deck eating lunch and watching Cirque du Soleil "Koozar" on the Big Screen. Then back to the cabin to get changed for dinner.

Sunday 3rd September 2017
At Sea

Sea day lazy start up at eight o'clock and climb the stairs to breakfast. Sitting out in the Wake Bar watching the oil rigs pass on a flat sea sunny day whilst eating breakfast was very relaxing. Dropping down to the Fusion Club for a trivia quiz we bumped into a couple we had dinner with the other night and teamed up. We scored in the top third then collected our latest photographs and sorted out our Internet access.

Back ip to the lido deck we walked out on to the bridge roof for an unobstructed view forward. Wind blown we retired to the pool area for a coffee/tea.Returning to our cabin with lunch we sat on the balcony in the sunshine.

We decided to have dinner in the Horizon Court rather than the dining room. Dropping down to the Promenade Deck we grabbed some coffee and got seats in the Explorers Lounge for the entertainment. First we had a singing group called the "Main Offenders" followed be Mike McLean a comedy mind reader. After a few laughs it was time for bed.

Monday 4th September 2017
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

After a slightly bumpy night we woke to the sight of the Shetlands off of the port side. Strong winds and 2 metre waves. Showering and getting ready for a day ashore in Lerwick.

We were ready to face the day when the Captain came on the tannoy. As we are due to anchor off and use the ships tenders to get ashore the wind and waves make it unsafe. With the weather forecast set to worsen we are aborting our visit today. We turned an headded past the Shetlands. The wind was so strong we had to continuously turn to port to prevent the ship being driven on to the shore. This meant that the ship listed ten degrees to starboard for the next two hours.

Heading up for breakfast we found the dining area jammed and no tables. So taking our breakfasts we went out onto the upper deck and sat in the wind and spray eating our breckie. Much to the concern of the waiting staff. Going back inside we found a lounge and chilled out watching the zumba class.

As we were there we joined in the morning trivia quiz. Scoring 12/20 we didn't win but had a laugh. Heading back up to our stateroom we found the door in the balcony partition banging as it had come open. We reported it to our steward (Manuel) who said he would get it fixed. Hopefully before tonight because we are expecting fifty knot winds hitting our side of the ship tonight. Back upstairs for lunch then up to Skywalkers Nightclub for a peaceful time to read and relax.

Back down to our room to change for dinner. Then down to dinner before retiring for the night to watch a film.

Tuesday 5th September 2017
At Sea

Rocked asleep by the ship's movement, it was nine o'clock before we woke. Making our way up to the buffet we got breakfast and took it out to the Wake Bar at the back of the ship. It was a little breezy but we needed the fresh air having been indoors all day yesterday. Dropping down to the Piaza we watched a cookery demonstration. Then up to the Club Fusion fo the morning trivia. We scored 8/20. However the winners only scored 15 so it was quite a tough quiz.

After a busy morning we took a turn around the Promenade Deck for some exercise and some more fresh air before lunch. After lunch we spent the early part of the afternoon sitting in the Skywalkers Nightclub on whale watch. A few have been seen but we haven't been in the right place at the right time.

No whales spotted so down to the stateroom to get changed for tonight's formal dinner. Having gone all the way downstairs we were sent back upstairs to Da Vinci restaurant and shared a table with a nice couple. They left immediately after sweet as they wanted to see the pianist. We loitered for a while over coffee, as we were seeing the Canadian comic who started later. Getting seats was easy as we were early enough. The comedian Simon Cotter was very amusing. After his show we did a turn along the Promenade Deck before bed. A reminder that the clocks go back for the first of six times tonight was waiting on our bed when we returned to our cabin. Settling down for a good nights sleep as we are ashore tomorrow morning.

Wednesday 6th September 2017
Akureyri, Iceland

Up for breakfast and off as soon as we docked. Checking with the tourist information to confirm the address of Budget we took the ten minute walk and picked up our hire car. Driving out of town we crossed the end of the fjord and headed towards our first destination.

Arriving at Godafoss waterfall we walked from the carpark to the falls. This side of the falls there wasn't a path just rocks and sandy patches. Still it was worth it. Even if the spray from the falls made it feel colder than the 7 degrees it actually was. Driving to the other side didn't take long and there was actually a newly laid path that side.

After a while we moved on to Hverarond. Passing to the west of Myvatn lake which is a shallow lake with many little islands. Arriving at Hverarond we spent some time watching the boiling mud and the steam escaping from volcanic vents. The sight was awe inspiring but the sulphur smell was not. Driving on we passed a Geothermal Power Plant and eventually arrived at Krafla caldera. Here we saw a bright blue lake in the volcano crater. As we had driven up into the clouds it was not as brilliant a blue as it could have been on a sunny day.

Driving back into town we filled the cars petrol tank and stopped at the cathedral before returning the car and getting back on board the Crown. After dinner and a soul music show we settled down for the night. Well we did until the door in the balcony side screen started banging as the wind changed. Two days and nobody has been to fix it. So at two in the morning Martin went out in his PJs (oops he doesn't wear any) and applying masive amounts of BFI fixed the problem. BFI ? - Brute Force and Ignorance. At last we fell asleep rocked by the roll of the ship.

Thursday 7th September 2017
Isafjordur, Iceland

Seven o'clock, wide Awake. Today is a tender port so we anchor off, as we are too big to get alongside. Our wake up call was the anchor chain rattling down the hawspipe. We still had a relaxed breakfast as nothing in town is likely to open before ten. So at half nine we boarded the tender for the ten minute ride into the jetty. Walking through town we found a couple of shops, some churches, the fire station and some cafes.

After a couple of hours we had covered everything that there is to do in town and caught a tender back to the ship for lunch. Back on board we only made it up one deck before stopping for coffee in the Piaza. After lunch we spent a chilled afternoon. We were supposed to sail at six but we didn't. The Captain came on the tannoy and told us the engines had a fuel problem but it should be fixed in half an hour.

Half an hour later we weighed anchor and sailed out of the fjord at sunset. Dinner and bed.

Friday 8th September 2017
Reykjavik, Iceland

We awoke to the sound of the thrusters pushing us on to the jetty in Reykjavik. When the announcement was made that we could go ashore we dragged ourselves out of bed and after washing wemt upstairs for breakfast. At half nine we walked off the ship and paid for the shuttle bus to town. The ride took about ten minutes and we were dropped off at the Opera house.

Walking into town we followed the main shopping street until we came to our first planned stop. Paying the entry fee we were soon in The PENIS Museum. Yes a museum full of phallic items. Whale, dolphin, elephant and so on. After an educational hour we left and headed towards the cathedral. Climbing the hill, there is always a hill we arrived. Entering the building we found the organist was giving a recital. When he finished we walked back towards the Opera house.

Stopping at a bakery we had a coffee and cake. Then after a few more photos we jumped the shuttle bus back to the ship. Oh, time for afternoon tea and scones in the Wake bar. Showered and dressed we went to the Theatre for an Icelandic Folk singer called Bjork. Not that one but a lady that had sung for Iceland in the Eurovision song contest a few years ago. She was very good and sung Icelandic folk tunes mixed with well known songs. Then it was time for dinner and bed.

Later the Officer of the Watch came on the tannoy and told us the Aurora Borealis was visible from the forward starboard side. That started a stampede of everybody who wanted to see the display. We got up top and Jackie got some nice photos before they disappeared. When they had faded we dropped down to the International Cafe for a coffee/hot chocolate before retiring again.

Saturday 9th September 2017
At Sea

First of four sea days. Woke up at half past nine and got upstairs for breakfast at ten. Moved around in the morning sitting in different places watching the other passengers.

After lunch we listened to a jazz session in the Piaza before getting some fresh air walking the Promenade Deck. Chilling until dinner we ate early before going and getting seats in the Explorers Lounge for tonight's entertainment. David Deeble a comedy juggler. Ordering a cocktail we settled back to enjoy the show. He was quite funny for an American. After the show we hung around for a trivia challenge against the cruise directors staff. We won easily. Then it was bed time again remembering to put our clocks back another hour. This is going to happen every night until we reach Canada.

Sunday 10th September 2017
At Sea

Second sea day. Woke up to the sun streaming into the cabin. After breakfast we moved to the theatre for an audience with the Captain. Turns outhe was serving on the Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands conflict. After a very interesting hour we went up to the Skywalkers Nightclub to relax and read. Unfortunately the "Knitters and Natterers" were in so there was no peace and quiet to be had. After lunch we put a load of laundry in the machine and chilled out in our stateroom whilst waiting. With the laundry done it was lunch time.

After lunch we watched a film "The Great Wall" and had a walk before returning to our stateroom to change for dinner. Another formal night so into best frocks. After a photo shoot on the stairs we arrived for dinner. As usual the food was excellent. Then back to the cabin for an earlynight as the sea air makes us feel tired.

Monday 11th September 2017
At Sea

Another easy day at sea. Breakfast followed by a walk around the ship. Dropping down to the Piaza we checked out the shops before making the climb up twelve decks to the Skywalkers Nightclub. It's normally quiet up there but as the cruise has gone on more people have found it. Also the staff have turned the heating on, so people now stay longer. All of which means it's not as easy to find a seat. Someone got up and we got a seat looking out to stern. After a while Jackie left to do laundry and Martin enjoyed quite time reading his book.

With the laundry done we regrouped and went down to the International Cafe for a coffee. After watching a pampering demonstration including acupuncture, facials and foot massage we returned to our room to change for dinner. Once suitably dressed we found seats in the Explorers lounge for another show by David Deeble. His last show of comedy juggling was amusing so we had high hopes.

As soon as he finished we shot along to the Captains Cocktail Party for repeat passengers. A nice chat with the Captain and a couple of glasses of wine later and we were sat having dinner. Afterwards we decided to head to the theatre for tonight's entertainment. A musical impressionist. He was average but a lot of people left during his performance. Sitting through to the end we made our way back to the cabin for the night.

Tuesday 12th September 2017
At Sea

Breakfast was delivered to our stateroom this morning. Enjoyed it looking out over a foggy Atlantic. We went down and had a chat with the future cruise representative about Alaska cruises before climbing up to the Skywalkers Nightclub. At lunch time we ate and then went back to our stateroom, which by then had been serviced by our cabin steward (Manuel).

In the afternoon we attended the trivia quiz. We had been nagged by our neighbours to attend, however when we arrived they had already found four other people to make up a team. So we had a team of two. Calling ourselves "Me'n'U" we did OK. Exchanging answer papers for marking with other teams, when our paper came back the gentleman was looking for a team called "menu". Turns out we did as well as our neighbours.

Changing for dinner we went down to the restaurant. Sharing a table we chatted with two othe couples from America until they left to go to the theatre.

Wednesday 13th September 2017
St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Waking up to see a lighthouse sliding past the balcony about 30 meters away was surreal. Guess we have arrived. The port of St. John's isn't much bigger than the Crown Princess and the enterance is very tight. Getting onto our berth took a while. As it will be raining on and off today we walked along the Promenade Deck. Yes it was raining now, so we sat in the Piazza drinking coffee to allow the rain to pass. After a while we dropped down to the gangway to go ashore.

Walking around St John's in the rain wasn't too uncomfortable. An hour later and the rain let up. With very low cloud we decided not to bother with Signal Hill as it was up in the clouds. Up by the cathedral we bumped into a couple of local workers who were happy to tell us all about the town and it's anti-submarine chain. It runs across the narrows at the entrance to the harbour. After shopping for a while we walked back to the ship. It was strange seeing the ship parked right next to a main road. Just forward of the ship we saw a stunningly beautiful sailing yacht. It was named "Meteor" and registered in George Town. Looking it up on the Internet it is for charter at only $150,000 per week. If we ever win the lottery we are going to buy it or one like it.

Back on board we sat out in the Wake Bar before having a light snack for lunch. Then we sat in the Skywalkers Nightclub reading and relaxing. There are noticeably more people coughing today. We will keep away as we don't want to catch their disease. Leaving the nightclub we went up one more deck to the Star Deck and the golf links and walking track, only 16 laps to a mile.

Dropping down to the Promenade Deck via our cabin for the sail away we thought we would get a better view of the ship passing through the harbour entrance. Back at sea, the end of another day.

Thursday 14th September 2017
At Sea

Restful day at sea. Dragging ourselves out of bed we went to the morning trivia quiz. We finished third out of thirty teams. Later we watched the ships pop choir. There was an awful lot of them but they performed very well.

Changing for dinner we had a few more photographs taken.

Friday 15th September 2017
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Waking up early as we arrived in Halifax at eight o'clock. Dropping down to the International Cafe for breakfast. We sat and waited for the gangway to open. As soon as it did we walked ashore. Outside the cruise terminal we spoke to a taxi driver for a lift out to the Titanic grave yard. He wanted fifty Canadian dollars. We laughed and declined. He obviously wanted an all day tour job. Walking around the corner we found a taxi waiting at a hotel and got a ride to the Farview Lawn Cemetery for only eighteen dollars.

When we arrived there were two coach tours cluttering up the area. We waited fifteen minutes for them to finish their tour and then they all left. We had the area to ourselves for twenty minutes. As we left another tour arrived. We walked back into town and an hour later we arrived at Halfax Citadel. Oh, it is free to get in as it is Canada's 150th birthday this year. It was very interesting with various weapon demonstrations. Black powder cannon, musket and Second World War SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield). This brought smiles to both Martin and Jackie as we have both fired that weapon in our youth.

Walking back from the citadel we dropped down to the water front and walked along the boardwalk to the ship. Getting lunch on the way we had "Smoke's Poutinerie". The advert said "You will think you have died and gone to Canada". Not sure what it was we ordered some. It turned out to be chips with a slightly spicy gravy, minced beef and cheese sauce. It was very nice. Back on board we changed into casual clothes before walking up to the Wake Bar for afternoon tea and scones.

After an afternoon rest, back up for dinner and Movies Under The Stars. So it was foggy and the ship's fog horn was sounding every minute or so. It just added to the ambience even if it made the dialogue difficult to follow.

Talk talk talk HOOOOOO talk lol.

The film Ghost in the machine, not to bad but the fog got quite thick. A little damp after the film it was time for bed as another day was over.

Saturday 16th September 2017
At Sea

Last full day on board and a sea day, so a lazy start. After breakfast we collected the last of our photographs and then sat out on the Promenade Deck. Returning to our cabin we packed one complete suitcase and half packed the second. We will finish the second case after dinner. Returning to the Piazza we collected coffee and croissants for lunch. Taking them with us we found seats in Club Fusion for the "Navigation at Sea" lecture. It was given by the Third Officer. Very interesting and a nice young man.

At three o'clock we dropped down to the International Cafe for a coffee and afternoon melodies. Afterwards we returned to our cabin and started packing. Putting our first case outside our door as we went to dinner. After the traditional baked alaska parade we returned to complete the packing. With our last case outside the door we settled down to watch a film before setting our clocks back another hour to New York time. As we get in very early in the morning we settled down for a good nights sleep.

Sunday 17th September 2017
New York, USA

Awake before dawn this morning for the entry into New York harbour. Passing under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge we saw the Statue of Liberty lit up ahead of the ship. As we drew nearer we snapped one or two photos. It wasn't easy due to the low light. Then appearing out of the fog came the lights on the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Safely docked in Brooklyn we made our way upstairs for breakfast. After a relaxed breakfast we found comfortable seats on the outside deck overlooking the Wake Bar and chilled. We had a two hour wait for our transfer into the city centre.

Getting off the bus at the Port Authority Bus Station we had half a mile to our hotel for the night. Do we walk or jump a cab?

Well we walked. Not too far to the Novotel Times Square. Too early to check in so, dropping off our bags we got a 2 day "Big Bus" hop on hop off ticket. We boarded the bus in Times Square. Riding downtown we saw the sights. Stopping on for the complete circuit we eventually returned to Times Square. Returning to the hotel we could now check in. Putting our cases in our room we went straight out. Grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor we boarded the bus for the uptown loop. We had a lot of traffic delays due to El Presidente Trump being in town for the opening of the United Nations.

After seeing Central Park and Grants Tomb we arrived back at Times Square and while we were looking for somewhere to eat dinner we bumped into our neighbours from the ship. Finding an Applebee's we sat down for dinner. It was a little expensive but everything is on Times Square. With dinner taken care of it was time to get back on the bus for the night tour. Crossing the Manhattan bridge we had a good view of the Brooklyn Bridge and night time Manhattan skyline. Finally back at the the hotel we settled down for the night.

Monday 18th September 2017
New York, USA

Awake at half six we were up and checked out. Leaving our cases at the hotel we jumped on the first Hop on hop off and wearing ponchos because it was raining headed south. By the time we arrived at the World Trade Centre the rain had stopped. Walking towards Ground Zero 9/11 we diverted through "The Oculus" a new transport hub / mall. Out of the other side we found the 9/11 memorial pools. Having spent some time we walked away only to find the NYFD memorial wall.

Artiving at Battery park we sat and enjoyed a coffee and cake, fighting off the very brave sparrows. After photographing the Statue of Liberty again we headed back to Times Square. Walking back towards our hotel we came across "Stardust". This is a restaurant where the servers who are hoping to break in to a Broadway show take it in turn to sing for the customers. All the tips go to pay for performing arts classes for the staff. We had a fun time whilst eating.

Walking back towards our hotel we were stopped by the police for a convoy of vehicles all with flashing blue/red lights. Most of them were black SUVs with blacked out windows followed by an ambulance. They had marked police car escorts front and rear. We guess that's POTUS. (President of the United States) Donald Trump. When they had finally got through the traffic we carried on.

Back at the hotel we reclaimed our suitcases and walked to the Port Authority Train station. For $2.75 each we got subway tickets out to Howard Beach . It was hot and sweaty but with all the traffic problems in Manhattan we were not sure a taxi would get us to the airport on time. For another $5 each we got tickets to the airport on the Airtrain. Checking on we found a coffee shop and relaxed until boarding. Moving to the gate we boarded the aircraft and settled down for the night flight to Heathrow.

Tuesday 19th September 2017
Home

Landing at Heathrow Terminal 3 we had the long walk down Pier 7 connector. Arriving in Border control we went straight through the e-gates and collected our cases. Out through customs and met our driver. In the car and off. We had a very sloght delay in the M25. Home by 10 am and time to relax before work tomorrow to pay for the next one.