Saturday 30th April 2022
Southampton
Boarding went smoothly and by half eleven we were seated in Alfredo's Pizzeria having lunch. Others weren't so lucky as an IT glitch caused a problem for people boarding later.
When our suitcases arrived we un-packed then went up to the Lido deck for sail away. After a couple of drinks and some music it was time to get ready for dinner. After changing, we arrived at the wrong dining room but the Maitre'd insisted we stay so we relaxed and enjoyed our meal.
Sunday 1st May 2022
At Sea
Relaxing day. Crossing the Bay of Biscay
Monday 2nd May 2022
At Sea
Another relaxing day. Transiting the Portuguese coast.
Tuesday 3rd May 2022
Cadiz Spain
Up early this morning and down to the International Cafe for breakfast and coffee before reporting to the Theatre for our excursion to Seville.
Boarding the coach for the two hour trip to Seville. After a short stop half way we arrived and were dropped in town. We were escorted by our guide to a central location, where we would meet later and then we were off on our own.
Looking around we saw the Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Bullfighting ring and the Flamenco school. We found a cafe and ordered lunch. Apart from the coffee what we got wasn't whatwe thought we had ordered. Anyway it was tasty and would keep us going until dinner.
As we strolled around we saw lots of horse/mule carriages with very smartly dressed passengers. Turns out that there is a week long festival taking place. Twenty minutes before departure time we were back at the meeting point for the trip back to the ship.
We were delayed three and a half hours departing by a medical emergency and then having missed our slot, by other traffic.
Wednesday 4th May 2022
At Sea
About 02:30 hrs we passed Gibraltar but were asleep. Spent the day chilling and taking part in trivia quizzes.
In the night the sea got a little rough and the wind got up, making for a noisy night.
Thursday 5th May 2022
Barcelona Spain
After breakfast we walked ashore and were the last passengers on the first shuttle bus into town. It's a two and a half mile walk so yep, bus time. On the way a couple of ladies made smart comments about Martin's bag and the raincoats. Haha, why would you want raincoats with clear blue skies? You must be some kind of Boy Scout.
After being dropped at the International Trade Centre we walked to the nearest Metro station. Buying a single ticket each we rode for one stop to Paral-lel where we changed on to the Fenicular up to Montejuc. As it was early we walked to the Olympic Stadium.
Walking back we arrived at the cablecar just after it opened and collecting our pre-paid tickets rode up to the castle. Paying the €5 each for entry we wandered around enjoying the veiws over the city and port. Finding a cafe we stoped for a well earned coffee. Retracing our steps we were back on board by one o'clock, which was fortunate as the heavens opened and it rained heavily. We do hope the ladies didn't get caught out.
We made our way to the Vista Lounge for the afternoon trivia. After our evening meal and a "Where in the World" quiz we retired to bed as we have another early start tomorrow.
Friday 6th May 2022
Marseille France
Awake at 05:30 and down for breakfast in the International Cafe. Then making our way to the theatre for todays excursion to Pont-du-Gard and Avignon.
Onboard the coach for an hour and 45 minute drive to Pont-du-Gard Aqueduct. The highest and longest Roman aqueduct. With three levels supported on arches over the River Gardon. When we arrived the toilets were closed for cleaning. That caused a few complants.
Back on the bus for the short trip to Avignon. Dropping off next to Pont Avignon (Avignon Bridge). We walked into town. Visiting the Palace of the Popes a ragher large palace/fort. Then grabbing a baguette and a coffee for lunch we sat in a square by a carrousel.
Making our way back to the bridge we walked half way across. Only half way because the bridge ends at that point as it has been derelict for some time. Back on the bus and back on board for a well earned coffee.
Saturday 7th May 2022
Livorno Italy
Another early start, breakfast and ready to go by 07:45. In the diningroom for the departure on todays excursion.
Only a 40 minute drive to Pisa. We were dropped off at the coach starion, only a short walk to the tower. After a few photos and checking our bags at the cloakroom we joined the queue to climb the tower.
Entering the tower we started up the stairs that spiral up inside between the two outer walls. The tower is completely hollow in yhe centre, right up to the belfry. The steps are well worn by thousands of feet over the decades and the change in tilt as you circle around is a little disorientating. It's worse as you emerge on to the roof. We waited a little while whilst our senses re-orientated. The view was spectacular and we examined the bells that are never rung.
Dropping back down we recovered our bags and got a coffee before walking back to the coach for the short ride back to the ship.
Sunday 8th May 2022
Civitavecchia Italy
Easy start today as we do not plan to go ashore. Walked to the back of the ship for the laundrette as we are running out of underclothes. Unfortunately the token machine was out of order so we tried the next deck down. No luck, down another deck. At last with two tokens in hand back up to our deck and laundry on. Then up for breakfast while the washing is doing.
After breakfast, back down to put the washing in the dryer. Then with the clean laundry back in our stateroom it was time to start the day proper.
Moving around the ship, from deck recliners in the sun to comfortable chairs inside. We had coffees and wines and relaxed after three days of being busy. After lunch, back on our balcony we watched the goings on on the jetty. Three coaches turned up and drove past us to the military ship and unloaded their passengers. As we watched one of the coaches reversed out and straight into the security gate. Crunch .. oops. Suddenly the jetty was full of security and police.
In the evening we went to the theatre for a performance by Mike Doyle. A Welsh singer/comedian. He was excelent and a good time was had.
Monday 9th May 2022
Alghero Sardinia Italy
Slow start for our excursion today. We didn't have to meet until nine o'clock so had a relaxed breakfast. We had anchored off of Alghero as the harbour is very small. Taking a water shuttle ashore we found our ship that was taking us out today.
Motoring out of the harbour we cruised up the coast for 45 minutes. Arriving at Neptune's Grotto, the captain of the ship drove into the cave and his crew dropped a gangplank from the bow onto the rock ledge inside the cave. Disembarking we spent fourty minutes walking around this spectacular cave with it's stalagmites, stalactites and pools.
Crossing the gangway as the ship rode in and out of the cave was a little dicey. With everyone back on board we motored down the coast and then moored for lunch. Bobbing in the Mediterranean under a clear blue sky was a fantastic way to relax. Back on the ship it was time for coffee.
Later we walked down to the Vista Lounge for trivia. Seeing the question setter was "Oz" we thought it was going to be a low scoring quiz as his questions tend to be quite tricky. Supprise we won, turns our knowing the Tenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be important if you want to win a fabulous prize (2 cheap shoe bags).
Returning to our room with our spoils we showered and changed for dinner. After eating we walked on the Promenade deck before taking in tonights show "A touch of Broardway" with Heidi Karlsson.
Tuesday 10th May 2022
At Sea
Sea day, late breakfast in the Wake Bar
with the sea as flat as a Mill pond and no wind. Spent the day chilling around the ship drinking coffee and cocktails in between meals.
Gibraltar UK
Doing our own thing today. We have a plan but don't need to leave the ship untill half eight. The cable car up the rock only starts running at half nine.
So after breakfast we walked off of the ship and through the dockyard. At the first bus stop we jumped a local bus to the cablecar. For £1.80 each we saved ourselves a 2 kilometre walk. Using the Internet we had paid on-line for the cablecar and nature rerserve so only had to collect our tickets and board the cable car. Ten minutes later we were getting off at the top of the rock.
After snapping a few photos we started the walk back. First we walked to the glass lookout, a glass balcony suspended over the sheer drop on the east side. As Martin got Larry out of his bag the plastic bag rustled and a Barbary Macaque arrived at the run thinking there was food available. Plumb out of luck, no food here.
Carrying on we soon arrived at St Michael's Cave and ducked in for a visit. This is a huge cavern that is used for concerts, plays and religious services.
Continuing on down we saw the suspension bridge and the Queen's lookout. Further down we found the siege tunnels, these were dug out by hand when Spain blockaded the border to try to take Gibraltar.
Next were the World War 2 tunnels. These are larger and dug out using rock drills and explosives. We then dropped down the stairs to town. Buying a well deserved coffee and resting our feet before the last leg back to the ship.
Coffee, Gibraltar
Back on board we sat down for a pizza before climbing up to the lido deck for sailaway. A super yacht arrived and checking on our Vessel Finder app told us it was Steven Speelburg's yacht "Man of Steel". Unfortunately we had to decline the dinner invitation as we were sailing within the hour lol.
In the evening we attended a "Movie miss-quotes" trivia and did very badly. Then walked to the theatre. Tonights show was "5 Skies". Based on a computer game being played by a character called "Player 1". With simulated virtual reality including a heads-up display overlay it was a very technical production. An excelent show. Then to bed.
Thursday 12th May 2022
At Sea
Room service breakfast and a lay in this morning. We are now in the Atlantic, heading north up coast of Portugal. The weather has changed and as it is now not suitable for sun bathing all the seats inside are full. We eventually found a seat in the "Take Five" Jazz club. It's quiet and not many people know that it is there.
Having got seats we stayed put and used the "Medallion" app to order in coffee, sandwiches and drinks. It is working for us today and the food and drinks magically appear at our table by the window.
After lunch we moved ro the theatre for a comedy magician called "Taffy Spencer". Sitting towards the front was a risk with a comedian, but we should be OK if we don't try to leave. He was funny and we didn't get picked on.
Upstairs for a cream tea before another quiz. Then back to our room to get ready for the Captain's cocktail party.
Well there's a turn up, Captain's Cocktail party... no Captain! Had a couple of drinks then down for dinner.
After dinner we shot up to the cabin to change out of our suit and frock into smart casual to be comfortable for the show. Then back down to the theatre for a performance by Gareth Gates.
Friday 13th May 2022
At Sea
Breakfast, quiz, then pack suitcases. Movies under the stars " The Greatest Showman". We were tucked up in our blankies as the temperature was dropping and the wind was a little keen. A nice lady walking by said "Do you want popcorn?" Yes please, so popcorn and movie.
After that we attended the theatre for a variety performance. Most of the acts we have had over the last three days did a short turn each. The comedian was good, taking the micky out of the Entertainment Manager and the Captain.
Then time for bed, remembering to put our clocks back the hour to UK time.