Now, we are two hours behind the U.K. where now, many may be contemplating lunch! I am just finishing a late breakfast in the King’s Court multipurpose eatery on Deck 7. Outside, passengers are soaking up the first of the sun of tropical climes. Upto now, the voyage has been unsurpassably agreeable with manageable sea breezes with little or no windchill, once well on our way from Lisbon. Today, Friday 21st January promises to be hot, as people claim their preferred sunbathing locations.
I awoke to the very sad and unexpected news that “Meatloaf” had passed away. Meatloaf (Michael Lee Adey) fronted an amazing rock band from the 1970s. As a one-time D.J., the monumental tracks of his groundbreaking album Bat out of Hell were frequently on my requested play-list. On a rare (one-off) outing with friend and colleague Cath, we drove to Sheffield to see Meatloaf live at a massive arena, the name of which escapes me. I think I still had some black hair at the time! Decades later, I would see a Meatloaf tribute band at the Buxton Opera House, who, coincidentally hailed from Sheffield! Both genuine and tribute concerts were equally uplifting.
Oh dear! It looks as if we might be heading into a tropical downpour. Nevertheless, I shall change into shorts sometime today, and enjoy a brief season of out of sync summer!
Tonight, we are invited to don formal wear for a 1920s Gala Night. My white tuxedo will get its first airing since that wonderful odyssey around South America in 2020. Fortunately, it still gleams as if straight from the dry cleaners. 11.39hrs GMT -2
13.42 I have just completed 5 laps of the Boat Deck in glorious sunshine. A pleasant breeze on the non-sunny side of the ship makes walking a continued pleasure, while I resist commandeering a deckchair where the sun now blazes down! A light lunch in the King’s Court is the order of “right now,” I resisted the temptation of a heavy curry in the Golden Lion on Deck 2. From past experience, they are magnificent and I must partake of at least one before February 11th.
14.10hrs. Before lunch, it did indeed try to rain, and right now, it looks as if we are heading into a rather heavy shower. Temperatures are now in the low twenties and we are steaming at just over 18 knots. At around 05.40 hrs this morning, we were halfway between Lisbon, Portugal and Bridgetown, Barbados. The prospect of a further three days before docking at Bridgetown is most appealing. I am enjoying the very friendly ambiance, meeting numerous acquaintances from previous voyages. Lunch in the King’s Court “did the trick” but was not the “event” I have become accustomed to in the main restaurant. However, not having to serve yourself works for me perfectly. One doesn’t even have to queue at the coffee machine. Personnel are in profusion offering diners all manner of beverage. And I continue to like the new arrangements for second sitting dinner. Not having to wait until 8.30pm makes for a much more relaxed evening. The only drawback is not being able to establish rapport with regular table companions and waiters.
Apologies, again, for the lack of photographs. Two illustrated blogs, I hope, and a compilation of pictures will be sent from the Cruise Terminal at Bridgetown, where, with luck, the land-based on line facilities will be more effective.
So endeth my 700th blog. Many thanks for reading. If there are aspects of this voyage I have not yet covered, do feel free to comment. However, these blogs are by way of a personal diary, and will cover much which no doubt will be of little interest.
All the best, David, 14.45hrs, 16.45 hrs back home!
David's Cruise 