Tuesday 18th January 2022
Before I start telling you all what a superb day our first of seven at sea between Lisbon and Bridgetown, Barbados has, so far, turned out to be (10.44 hrs GMT), here are the are the photos promised in Blog 696 illustrating last night’s moonlit departure from Lisbon.
My first time in Portugal’s capital was way back in 1983, long before my tuk tuk driver was born! This was before the days of the Channel Tunnel. I had treated myself to a trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express, as far as Paris within its first two years of operation. I got to meet the first private owner of Flying Scotsman, these days marketed as the world’s most famous steam locomotive. Alan Pegler came across as refined but modest, and warm in manner. 39 years later, both Flying Scotsman and the Orient Express continue to turn heads! I stayed overnight in Paris, travelling the following morning on a much more ordinary train, The Sud (overnight)Express to Lisbon, where I treated myself to a night at The Lisbon Sheraton Hotel. Then, I was 34, with tons of out of control black hair. (I did brush it before dinner on the Orient Express!) Today, I portray myself as a proud, sometimes grumpy pensioner. But I can’t be grumpy today. The promised lousy weather did not materialise and outside, the sun shines and the sea almost smooth. Seven days of this is a magnificent prospect, despite the Captain’s persistent forecast of a couple of days of not so good weather. Walking around the Boat Deck, not a deck chair was to be had on the “sunny side” of the ship. The other side was far less inviting and you could take your choice of where to sit or lie down.
Back in 2016, when QM2 had been “Remastered,” I purchased a very nice Citizen radio controlled watch, solar powered and as accurate as the signals it receives from various radio masts. Although shown many times, only today do I now know how to change the hour without messing the whole thing up. Being on board ship, we are far away from the reach of any radio masts. Theoretically, on land, in most parts of the world, the watch should adjust automatically. This has never happened yet! Tonight, for the first time on this voyage, the clocks retard one hour. I expect theee further such adjustments before arrival at Bridgetown, Barbados.
I have set myself a target, 300,000 steps during the 28 night voyage. That is 10,714 steps 🚶♂️ each day. So far, I am ahead of target. I have just finished a late breakfast of porridge and a cup of tea. Time for walkies!
I had completed a light breakfast, just porridge and a cup of tea before taking in the nice warm climes of where we are right now. At noon, Captain Hall announced that we had sailed 299 nautical miles since leaving Lisbon, steaming at a rate of some 16 – 17 knots. He also announced that the island of Granada would replace our call at St Lucia. This seems to have been well received. Before long, I shall choose which shore excursions to book in order to make the best use of my time on this rare voyage.
After the “refresher” on how to adjust my watch, I headed for the Britannia Restaurant where, at a nice window seat, I joined three couples for an excellent (but not stupidly massive) lunch. I chose a soup which was somewhat rich, but delicious. An excellent (what we would call at home) lamb casserole was the main course, followed by two sensible scoops of what I am assured was sugar free, vanilla ice cream.
So far, I cannot fault the voyage, service, cuisine, entertainment and everything else I have experienced and enjoyed. Now, for some more rays and walking. (14.27hrs)
The covid restrictions do not detract, except possibly for those who are keen dancers.
Intermittent Internet quality dictates when is best to post any blogs.
Thanks for reading, David, 16.42 Day 6/29, Tuesday January 18, 2022. Posted 25/1/22, Bridgetown, Barbados.
David's Cruise 