Author: davidscruise

18.01 hrs

I awoke this morning to dull light grey, almost white skies, and a sea which would not grace any travel brochure!  Nevertheless, the Pacific Ocean , off the Mexican coast which one cannot see, as I write, lives up to its name given by an early explorer, who too, experienced calm seas, and thus gave the name Pacific to the world’s largest ocean. 

As the long-winded blog title explains, this is the second of three sea days as we progress gently north-westwards.  Later in my blog, I will update what I have already written with more detail about this extraordinary journey from Southampton.

It would seem that the covid situation on board is becoming slightly serious, especially for those suddenly finding themselves confined to their cabins.   If they weren’t before, I do see a real attempt by passengers to adhere to the established rules, and masks are being worn throughout the interior of the ship.  All passengers were required, without exception to undergo a further Lateral Flow Test this morning.  And yes, people have tested positive.  Captain Thorhauge addressed the ship twice today reminding passengers and crew of the need to adhere strictly to the current covid-19 protocol.  After testing, we were required to stay in our staterooms for two hours.  As a further precaution, many of the hosted and other activities, including the choir have been suspended.  So far, I have not encountered rumbles of discontent.  The quizzes still take place and most of the other entertainment remains unaffected. 

The plan for today was to add further to my steps total.  And already, I am well above target, and my aim remains to complete the 1 million steps challenge before the end of May.  The chances remain good!

I joined two ladies off our table for a most convivial lunch in the main restaurant, after which I took the opportunity to enjoy some deck walking.  At 4.15, the most interesting and informative talk about L.S. Lowry was “repeated” in the Queen’s Room.  Needless to say, vintage signed limited editions are available to buy on interest free credit.  Back in the 1970s, I knew people who had invested in these prints, and I can only hope those prints have not faded over the years being hung and thus exposed to continuous daylight.  I ruined an LNWR handbill of the Buxton to Ashbourne railway having it as part of my interior decor, its original purple colour suddenly fading to light brown!  Lesson learned; all my ephemera collection can be viewed in albums and files “where the sun don’t shine.”  Mother had the right idea about art, if she liked it and could afford it, she would buy it to enjoy.  I would like a Lowry print in my collection, and would expect that those on offer today to be unfaded, and protected by museum glass, which increasingly, I am having my prints and paintings  framed in.  This is very important.

I continued my walking after the talk and right now, I am enjoying a cup of peppermint tea and savoury biscuits.   Time to explore the highest decks and maybe catch a decent sunset.  These days at sea continue to be wonderful.

The sunset was dead ahead and thus only really visible through the forward panoramic windows of the Commodore Club on Deck 10.  The trouble is, being almost 8pm, short trousers are not really welcome in the bars, particularly when those wearing them only wishes to photograph the setting sun and not buy a drink!  As we venture further north, I should have numerous sunset views from my cabin.

There was a fine choice of fare on the dinner menu tonight, chateaubriand steak, goose, and other delights more synonymous with a formal Gala Night. Had the chefs been misled by management? The possibility was debated over dinner at which I chose goose as a main course.

It would seem that the open areas at the aft of decks 9 and 10 had been given over for a staff party. Sadly, this area is usually deserted late at night, when in normal circumstances, there would be music and dancing under the stars. I understand there to be 1,300 passengers travelling to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver before flying home. A handful are staying on for Alaska, and I assume a new contingent of passengers will embark at Vancouver for the first of a series of 10 day Alaska cruises.

After looking in on a magic show in the Royal Court Theatre, I continued walking on the Promenade and the upper decks before catching Shane and Cameron’s show, now in the not very air-conditioned Garden Lounge. Then, it was time to hit the hay. I enjoyed my usual punctuated sleep, with nonsensical dreams!

Many thanks for reading, David, 12.53 the next afternoon in the Lido, where an early lunch made up for missing breakfast.

I am enjoying a relaxing day at sea, following yesterday’s call at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.  Again, Costa Rica is a country I would like to revisit, perhaps for a few days.  To look out each morning onto a continuous vista of sea and sky remains a wonderful and even rare experience.  To walk out onto the open decks and be met by a wall of oven-hot air is magnificent, if at times overwhelming.

I had a few bits to sort out, which, because I got up late, seemed to take up much of the morning.  I then joined Welsh couple Andrew and Andrea.  Both Andrew and I can talk for England (and he for Wales!) and a meaningful conversation lasted almost until late lunch would morph into afternoon tea.  It was at that point we went our separate ways.  Apparently, I am known by some on board as Dafydd, this Welsh translation of David being adopted by Andrew!   Although almost 2.30, a fine salad was available in the Lido on Deck 9. 

Last night, Captain Thorhauge announced to everybody, even through the in-cabin P.A. system,  that covid-19 had become an increasing problem and that mask wearing and regular hand washing should be practised at all times with no exception.  Thankfully, everybody I have come across is adhering to the already established rules.  

Outside, it feels warm, just like yesterday, and the sun worshippers are out in force.  Years ago, I would have done likewise, and would venture to a fine tourist hotel at Vico Equense in the Bay of Naples (also on the narrow gauge Circumvesuviana electric railway between Naples and Sorrento) where my complimentary employees’ Continental Rail Pass was valid.  This meant that I could justify booking the best overnight accommodation available on the train between Paris and Naples, The Napoli Express. It was at this hotel set in a cliff face overlooking the sea that I developed an appreciation of fine pasta and artery clogging pizza.  It was good while it lasted!

Forgive my occasional flashbacks to what feels like a carefree past.  In fact, such vacations were much needed given the erratic shift nature of my railway career.  Looking out through a panoramic window onto the Pacific Ocean can, sometimes conjure up what feels like recent memories. I could usually stretch such holidays to almost three weeks.  Today, we are well into the fourth week, and now, the days are flying by.  It’s too warm to traipse around the open decks other than in (for example) one or two lap bursts.

I have put my name on the waiting list for shore experience in Manzanillo  which includes lunch. Currently, it is sold out.  Of course, I am aware that I could embark on a similar trip, or even better for significantly less, and may well do so if the Cunard excursion remains full.

Outside, the sea really looks as still as a millpond.  But sightings of sea life are rare.

Tonight, being Gala Night, the black tie attire will emerge from my wardrobe.  There is no particular theme this evening but the cuisine at dinner did come across as extra special.  I am impressed with the Britannia Restaurant.  Usually,  the fruit plate which I have instead of a listed dessert contains mainly watermelon, fresh pineapple and occasionally a passion fruit, and a slice of orange. Tonight I requested kiwi fruit and strawberries and the dessert came with plenty of each. 

With difficulty, I just managed to complete a little over 10,000 steps, mainly deck-walking.  The end is in sight. I don’t intend to stop walking when I have reached my target, particularly as I am scheduled to be in some incredible places. 

For some reason tomorrow, everyone on board is going to be covid tested again.  It would seem there is a problem which needs solving quickly.

Just before dinner tonight, before darkness had fallen, several schools of dolphin were to be seen mainly on the starboard side.  They were quite spectacular, almost like SeaWorld.  Seeing sea life like this is always special.

It’s early morning; time to hit the hay.

Many thanks for reading, David

This is the second time I have been to Puntarenas on a Cunard voyage.  First known as Villa Bruselas, Puntarenas (“sand point” in Spanish) was discovered in 1519 by Hernan Ponce de Leon. Listening to the tour guide today, I learned that one of the less obvious industries here in Costa Rica are call centres, space exploration as well as the usual export of coffee and bananas.

It was overwhelmingly hot when I ventured outside this morning for breakfast.  Heavy rain had been forecast, but never materialised.  Apparently, I missed a spectacular thunderstorm in the middle of the night.  However, I did have all morning to prepare for this afternoon’s shore experience.  This was relatively inexpensive but did include a decent bus ride into the country where over a period of almost 30 years, a rain forest had been created from scratch and now, looked as if it had been there from hundreds of years ago. 

The complex is safe haven for many endangered bird and animal species.  It’s not massive, but, it is a privilege to see several species of macaw, parrot, jaguar, and rare monkeys, safe from human (and other) preditors. It came across as a very well run organisation, and I thoroughly enjoyed my all too brief visit

There were the remains of a narrow gauge railway on the outskirts of Puntarenas. Although the guide made no mention of this, he did tell me that as it was no longer making money, the government closed it down in 1994, 28 years ago. Much of the track is still in situ, tarmacked over in places. 

Written the following morning.

Soon, we were back, alongside our ship, which still looks impressive wherever she happens to be. Outside, a troupe of drummers and dancers made a joyful noise unto those embarking. The promised deluge of rain probably occurred earlier, before dawn, accompanied by lightning and thunder, which somehow, I slept through. Four of us convened for dinner at our usual table, 628, after which, we went our separate ways. I walked on the open decks to savour the humid night air, and to maintain my walking schedule. Briefly, I met up with the folk duo Cameron and Shane who were relaxing outside after their performance in the Garden Lounge. It was, soon after, time to hit the sack. Jolly comfortable are these beds on the QE.

I awoke to calm seas, as shown on the bow-cam channel 41 of the stateroom T.V. This is the first of three sea days as we head north to Manzanillo, a less we’ll known port city in Mexico, but the location of where part of the 1979 movie “7” was shot. I suppose I shall have to watch it now!

Many thanks for reading, David 08.58 hrs. The clocks were advanced 1 hour at 2am this morning.

Today at sea is a welcome break from the rather long and exciting day, yesterday, experiencing my first westbound transit of the Panama Canal.

Being the 6th Sunday of Easter, and, its being a sea day, I felt it appropriate to attend the interdemoninational church service at 10 o’clock in the Royal Court Theatre. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge (That takes some remembering) took the service. I’m not sure I liked Jerusalem as an appropriate first hymn. Nevertheless, many of the congregation sung with the gusto of a Womens’ Institute choir. It is to Cunard’s great credit that a proper service, even with rewritten liturgy is conducted, usually by the Captain, as was the case today, or a senior officer.

This was the perfect sea day, a warm breeze, tranquil seas, JMW Turner skies, complete with deep pink and grey sunset.

A very pleasant day morphed into an enjoyable evening when our entire table opted for the specialty dining in an area of the Lido, sectioned off as a high end Indian restaurant. This themed dinner is billed as Coriander and attracts a nominal supplementary charge which is not unreasonable. Both cuisine and service were superb and attentive. By that time, I had added a further 13,479 steps to my total, equivalent to 4.7 miles. After parting company, my intention to walk further was “sabotaged” by catching the end of the resident folk duo’s gig, now moved from the Golden Lion on Deck 2 to the Garden Lounge up on Deck 9. (See below, photographed the following morning.)

Although very warm in there, it’s a good venue for this and other performances. Also, I became engaged in post-dinner conversation with friends who remember me from the QM2 voyage to the Caribbean in January.

I slept well, dreamed surreal dreams which made no sense, and woke up bewildered at around 6.30 local and ship’s time. The hour gained overnight will be lost early tomorrow morning as we steam ever northwards to Manzanilla in Mexico.

Thanks for reading, David, 09.57 hrs local time in Costa Rica

It will be a while before I see the sky again over the Atlantic Ocean!  I don’t know what time we actually entered the Panama Canal on our westbound transit. According to my original itinerary, 0500 hrs was given as entry time. Certainly by half-six, most had stirred from their beds and were thronging the crew decks, designated for today as viewing areas, forward on 5 and 6.  Soon, higher forward areas on decks 7, 8 and 9 appeared also, to be open to passengers. 

Although this is my third transit,  I am just as thrilled as I was in 2019 when my voyage started in Vancouver and, after an Alaska cruise, we sailed down the west coast of the United States, through the Panama Canal and home via Fort Lauderdale, New York, Halifax, Newfoundland, Iceland, Greenock, and Dublin. (In San Francisco, I had completed a land/sea circumnavigation of the world, and celebrated accordingly!)

I ventured up to the Lido for breakfast, where all the “good seats” had been taken.  No problem; “Let’s have a boot-filler in the Britannia Restaurant,” I reasoned with myself.  I was allocated a table close enough to a window to enjoy death by bacon etc, as M.V Queen Elizabeth was raised to a higher level in Gatun locks.  The sauté potatoes which came with the doctor defying dish was a special treat, not enjoyed since the days of classic breakfasts on regular long distance U.K. passenger trains! 

Ship’s Time has gone back one hour; my phone hasn’t!  This means that the times of these pictures are one hour forward.  I will need to remember this if and when I get around to identifying the places photographed. 

11.30 Ships Time.

Even I am taking shelter from the heat outside.  However, we have been particularly fortunate as this is now the rainy season, and only yesterday the rains fell incessantly, so I am led to believe. But, the sun worshippers are out there on the various open decks, working on their tans.

We are now in the beautifully scenic Gatun Lake.  Cargo ships of all kinds come frequently in the opposite direction.

Before the Panama Canal was opened, the only route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean was via Cape Horn, doubling in some if not all cases, the present journey time.  Even the Spaniards in the 16th century who had arrived here had looked into the possibility of building some kind of waterway.  The French came in 1880 but eventually ran out of funds, among other misfortunes including disease and lack of understanding of the local geology; America learned from the French and the Canal was opened in 1914.  (There’s more to it than that!) Three lock systems “lift” vessels to the level of the man-created Gatun Lake, 27 meters above sea level, and lower those same ships back to sea level, in both directions.  Gatun Lake supplies by gravity the water needed to operate the locks.  There is also a nearby reservoir/lake to cover the event of Lake Gatun being inadequate during an unusually dry season. This covers what was once the Chagres River, still the only river in the world to flow from one ocean to another. 

It still took me almost an hour to get up this morning and venture to the forward end of Deck 5, where despite many others with the same idea, I managed some reasonable photographs.  We were soon approaching the first of three locks, Gatun, which has three chambers which lift or lower ships in two directions to or from the level of Gatun Lake.  I hope my pictures convey the beautiful rainforest scenes Gatun Lake has to offer.  What I like about this transit is the slowness of it all.  There’s a good eight hours to see much of what you might wish to.  I did miss several things, but at least, this time, I got a decent view of the Panama Railway tourist train I so thoroughly enjoyed three years ago.  Also a two level container freight train which I was too late to photograph.

As the day progressed, I watched again in amazement as huge cargo and freight vessels negotiated both Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks.  One of the ship’s photographers kept his appointment to take official pictures of me on my balcony. Out of several, one or two aren’t bad.  Much more interesting is that there are technicians on board who might be able to restore my ill-fated Lumix camera to working order.  Right now, it’s a failure!  But my device on which I write my blogs, also acts as a half decent camera, and it is these pictures which I use to illustrate my writings.

Our transit appeared to be without incident or problem. Things do go wrong but not very often. I remain fascinated by the mules, locomotives whose only purpose in life is to guide the ships through the three lock systems, being tied to the vessel concerned. According to what I have read, 8 mules are required for the guidance of large vessels, two at each end, starboard and portside, forward and aft. They do not tow the vessel through the locks, they are there to prevent the vessel colliding with, and thus damaging the canal walls.

Sunday 23rd May.

I didn’t complete my account by the end of a most enjoyable, but very hot transit of the Panama Canal. It seems the more I make this journey, the more I want to see more on a future occasion. Like a good opera, it is good to get a decent understanding of what you are going to experience beforehand.

I wasn’t on my own feeling exhausted afterwards. But I did enjoy another fine dinner in the Britannia Restaurant. We were the last out of the third deck level, having to walk down a deck to exit the restaurant! I slept really well and awoke only just in time to prepare for church this morning in the Royal Court Theatre.

It’s calm outside, with the numerous clouds a reminder that it is the rainy season, and a good dousing is assured for our stay in Puntarenas tomorrow! I must resume walking today even if it is 30°C outside.

Many thanks for reading, David, 13.40 hrs ship’s time, portside Lido.

Written the following morning. 09.57 Lido, port-side, window seat, panoramic sea views, a fine healthy breakfast, unhealthy coffee, 81°F outside….what’s NOT to like?!

Yesterday saw my third visit to Oranjestad on the One Happy Island of Aruba, part of the Dutch Antilles. On my first visit in 2019, I felt overwhelmed by the heat, and was exhausted walking around the endless souvenir shops. Nevertheless, I did get to look inside the tram depot, and still, I remain fascinated by this unlikely transport system of old style (but brand new trams) which offer a kind of round trip of the town on proper Standard Gauge track. Tourism is the obvious main industry for this, and most of the places visited by cruise ships. I don’t have The Daily Programme with me right now; this would give a more in depth description of this attractive town or city which is still served by very many souvenir outlets, the ubiquitous Diamonds International and an impressive complex of high end/ designer outlets and malls. I don’t know if Oranjestad still has something in common with Wigan. Wigan in northwest England once boasted a Rolex shop. Oranjestad still does!

A tour of this One Happy Island in 2020 revealed the “authentic” side to Aruba, a healthy mere 12° N, and I’m sure that any weird turn of fate which caused me to live here, in an equivalent dwelling to where I am now, I would not tire of the seemingly endless hot weather. Only the possibility of hurricanes might make me think twice…and also the lack of opportunity for attending classical concerts, and the like.

Yesterday was different again. One of my table companions, whom I do know from previous travels, invited two of us to join her for lunch; she, like me, likes to celebrate her birthday. Her research found a what turned out to be a lovely beach-side semi open restaurant whose cuisine was fabulous. My two friends chose wisely, a fish meal, worthy of photographing. I tried to choose sensibly, a chicken based main course. What arrived resembled the Pyrenees! I could feel the piercing disapproval of my G.P. and diabetic nurse as I polished off each magnificent morsel! Robert (from Indiana) and I then shared the best slice of cheesecake in the world. And I for the first time in “years” even put away half a glass of Sauvignon Blanc! I awaited the need for a cab back to the ship, but apart from feeling slightly less energetic, I ambled back at my own leisure, taking photographs and at long last, hoping that I may make a fourth visit to the One Happy Island.

Three ships were in port. The now vintage Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas looked impressive in its all-over white livery, still pristine, and prompting happy memories of being on board a brand new Splendour Of The Seas, and the recently scrapped Sovereign Of The Seas. Also there was the Freewinds, a former cruise ship constructed in 1968, and now associated with the Church of Scientology, whom I understand, gave Aruba much support during the ongoing pandemic.

10.57, still in the Lido!

The humidity did get to me as I returned to the ship, having obviously enjoyed my brief stay. Back in my cabin, I consumed all the bottled water stored in my small fridge, watched longingly, from my balcony, as M.V. Queen Elizabeth slipped her moorings and One Happy Island was once more confined to memory. Just two of us came down for dinner; me, and Lesley, who has recently joined us. I think we put several worlds to rights during a highly enjoyable evening meal. There was no energy left for nocturnal deck walking and for the first time on this voyage, I had an early night, and awoke this morning, rejuvenated.

Thanks for reading, David, 11.22 hrs the Lido. That was a long breakfast. Now, to continue walking.

P.S. Departure from Oranjestad

11.27 hrs. David.

What’s there not to like.  Outside, it’s 82°F, again somewhat humid, and there is plenty of space to relax, either under the direct rays of the sun (not advisable), in the shade, or in the numerous luxurious lounges and seating areas cooled by the ship’s air-conditioning. 

I calculate that I now need to walk just over 10,750 steps each day to achieve my Million Steps on and Between Two Continents Challenge by the end of May.    Only yesterday did I discover that this blog can be accessed via the Christian Aid Website.  Type in, e.g., via Google, Christian Aid 1,000,000 Steps and scroll down a little. There, you can find details including how to access my Blog Page.  Depending on WiFi quality, it might be possible to scroll right back to my early attempts to write in December 2017,  and my first travel blog documenting a sea voyage to Australia.

Earlier in the cruise, passengers were issued with forms and online instructions regarding entry into Canada early next month.  Eventually, I did manage to work out how to complete almost all of these forms, the task being completed very efficiently by the computer staff in the Library.

It took a while, but I am now beginning to feel the good from this trip to the Caribbean and beyond. And I think that I have walked more up to today than on the voyages beginning in January and February.  As you will imagine, most of this has been on board ship, with, so far, just four stops.  Our 5th port of call tomorrow is the town of Oranjestad, Aruba. 

In the evening, we had five people at our table, two who joined us the day before. This is good, particularly as the general conversation is more varied and continuous. I still like our location, aft on Deck 3 overlooking the wake and the seas beyond. Almost always, we miss the beginning of the show in the Royal Court Theatre. I then like to finish the evening with a nocturnal stroll on the Promenade Deck, mainly to enhance my steps total. Somehow, I managed 21,400-ish before midnight. A good number have sponsored me at home. Thus, I feel all this is worthwhile, apart from the possible health benefits!

Many thanks for reading, David, the next morning in The Lido having just enjoyed a healthy breakfast.

At the start of the first paragraph of Blog 768, Fort Lauderdale/ Port Canaveral, should read Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades. It’s a bit hot round here and I can get confused!

DAY 72 of the MILLION STEPS On and Between Two Continents Challenge in support of CHRISTIAN AID WEEK.   Steps total since Day1,   833,349, last night, 23.59 hrs, 04.59hrs BST

As promised by the Captain a couple of days ago after leaving Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades 12 and a half hours late, we did indeed arrive at our fourth port of call, Grand Turk, right on time, after a very leisurely two days in the warm calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Curiosity got the better of me at some obscenely early hour this morning.  I looked for details of my MILLION Steps Challenge on the Christian Aid Website, and eventually came across it. I was directed to my blog, and read through some of it. Christian Aid’s Website gives very encouraging support of the challenge I set myself towards the end of last year.  My writings, unlike last year when I headed each blog with the daily steps total, give very little detail other than to describe my travels in “snapshot” detail.   Perhaps I do deserve a modest pat on the back; over a 72 day period on board ship, or in foreign and distant lands, I have completed 833,349 steps (including the three embarkation days in Southampton).  My doctor and diabetic nurse might be impressed; that equates to 11,574 steps/day!  Each morning, the challenge seems daunting, but towards the end of the day, a few laps of the Promenade Deck, especially with company, feels more do-able.  So much so that I now aim to complete the Million  Steps Challenge by the end of May, but continue walking as originally planned intil 14th July, when the next day, I will be back on U.K. soil.

I enjoyed somewhat of a lazy start to the day.  Outside, live reggae music boomed across to the ship, creating a very typical Caribbean welcome.  The music did not stop and will probably play on until both ships have left.  Grand Turk can accommodate two cruise ships.  Queen Elizabeth was making her maiden call here.  Soon after arrival, we were joined by the Carnival Freedom, another vessel which appears massive when close by.

One might say there is little of interest here, but well thought-out research would deem calling here worthwhile.  Golden beaches are just minutes away from a new and welcoming pastel shaded complex with the typical mix of souvenir shops and the likes of Diamond International which has yet to make it to  Buxton!

I shouldn’t complain about the heat, but for a second time, I felt too hot to achieve very much. I should achieve my steps target today, but don’t foresee any spectacular end result. I almost made it to 20,000 yesterday.  Three excursions to the Caribbean in 5 months has to be quite rare.  I enjoyed a semi healthy lunch of blue cheese salad, and French fries and two bottles of water under the shade of numerous palm trees.  However, I let the warmth defeat me and eventually ventured back to the ship. 

It felt too hot to venture far, but, I did have to, at least, set foot on the British Territory of Grand Turk.  I walked around the complex which offers shopping, dining and swimming.  My friend tells me that I missed nothing staying put, not far from the ship.  Everything one needs is close by.

We left on time, shortly after 4.30.  After an appointment with the Future Cruise Representative, I alternated between relaxing in the glorious sunshine, and walking around the ship’s open spaces. It was very warm, but I still managed a respectable steps total, and then, after a dinner, “slept for England!” – not before completing a couple of nocturnal laps of the Promenade Deck on a warm dark night. Because it was so nice outside, approaching midnight, I was far from alone.

Many thanks for reading, David, 09.44hrs 18/5/22.

I don’t quite know how this happened, but I found myself “committed” to share various private cars on a trip to a one-time favourite haunt of mine, Miami.  I was here on two occasions in the late 1990s and I was very taken with the then, fairly recently renovated Art Deco district on and around Ocean Drive. 

To begin with, we travelled to the fabulous Vizcaya Museum and gardens.  As the pictures illustrate, every aspect of this mansion is quite magnificent, with endless rooms styled in previous historic fashions, and, very authentically, too.  As is probably the case almost anywhere these days, one can adapt your mobile phone to become a virtual and informative guide.  Whereas my two table companions had no problem whatsoever, I struggled, and reverted to the old fashioned method of reading the information on well illustrated plaques outside each room, photographing some for unlikely future reference.  I enjoyed visiting the mansion, and was awestruck by the creativity and imagination of its original owner. 

I realise that my mindset still remains in the late 20th century.  However, the table companions who kindly invited me to join them organised the private travel on their phones as they day progressed.  Cars turned up more or less “on cue” and the appropriate charges paid automatically.  My unsophisticated mind was suitably “boggled!”

Right now, I am in a sidewalk cafe in Miami’s Art Deco Ocean Drive. Over the road is South Beach, but it really is too warm….

….to do much walking about.  It’s very vibrant and noisy here, but I am, for the time being, alone.  We meet back at the Art Deco Centre at 3.30.  Needless to say, I did attempt to take some interesting art deco pictures, but, for once, heat, fatigue, booming disco sounds of the nineties, modern day rap, mega noisy vehicles/motorbikes, and screaming kids all conspired to sabotage any attempt at writing my blog.  I “downed” two bottles of ice cold water, and was soon (in good time) making my way to the Art Deco Center on Ocean Drive, where I would meet up with my two friends.   We would then return to Port Everglades in luxury air-conditioned private transport.  For reasons I may put in a different blog, this didn’t work out quite as planned, but we were back in good time…very good time as it turned out; because of a technical malfunction, we would not leave Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale until 7am the following morning.

SUNDAY 15th MAY,   The 5th Sunday of Easter, 11.25 approx.

It was strange waking up in the night, not yet having slipped our moorings.  We’re we a total failure?  I think that this might have made for not the best night’s sleep; I kept waking up!    But at seven o’clock, looking out from my cabin to the training ship State of Maine, directly opposite, I detected very slight movement; we were on our way, much to the relief, I would guess,  of most of the passengers.  Around perhaps an hour later, the Captain announced the reason for the twelve and a half hour late departure, and assured us that with the ship’s speed increased from an average of 10 knots to 12, we would arrive at our fourth port of call, Grand Turk on time, at 8am. 

Being awake and now up much earlier than I get up normally, I treated myself to breakfast served in the main restaurant, getting to meet five other passengers in the process.  All were seasoned cruisers, and all seeming well pleased with this voyage, despite lingering memories of the disappointing crossing from Vigo. 

As it is Sunday, I attended the interdemoninational church service in the Royal Court Theatre.  It was well attended and very well conducted by the Deputy Captain.  I met a couple (Methodists) who reside in the next county to where I live, and enjoyed a brief conversation after the service.  Harry then presented an excellent port lecture covering our next two ports of call, Grand Turk and Oranjestad, Aruba.  After his presentation, I got into long conversation with a passenger from Dorset thereby missing lunch and relying on an unhealthy scone and sandwiches for Afternoon Tea in lieu.  We then attended the almost daily art presentation, like afternoon tea, also in the Queens Room. Today’s lecture followed the fascinating life of Salvador Dali.  There were, and remains, the opportunity to acquire works associated with and signed by the man himself.  I do like the Art Gallery and some of its offerings, but I would buy only (if I could afford to) works which would give me a lasting pleasure to own. 

It was Gala Night with Red and Gold as the suggested theme.  I tried the red shirt and gold/black tie with white tuxedo.  Although the shirt was not officially formal, it seemed to work well with the white tux’ and black trousers.

I chose not to go to tonight’s show in The Royal Court Theatre, instead completing this blog while a first rate string trio play in the Atrium at the bottom on 1 deck.  I plan to round off the evening   walking.  Actually, I only managed a Deck lap, but still came away with a respectable steps total, which now stands at 813,767 over a 70 day period. I should easily reach the 1 million target in the remaining 62 days. Already, the Challenge in support of Christian Aid Week 2022 has been worthwhile.

It’s now 20 minutes into Monday Morning. and I’m really ready for some sleep.   Goodnight folks, David, 00.22hrs 16th May 2022, in my room.

Checked and amended as necessary, Monday 16th May, 09.12 hrs. There may still be typos and poor English grammar and “construction.”