Day 7 Still at Sea

Despite the clocks going back again; we seem to be waking up later and later, but there’s still time for tea in bed before breakfast.  Getting into a transit routine now of having a good full English, then retiring to the sundeck for a few hours of sunshine, then a light lunch another short spell of sunshine then retire to the cabin or the promenade deck for a read.  If we can slip in a short nap, before dressing for dinner,  then so much the better. 

By then, it’s time for a G&T and preparing the bulk of the day’s blog, before heading off to dinner sometimes via the pub to have a pre-dinner drink with our Welsh table companions.

On day 7 at 6.20pm we have travelled 986 nm since leaving Madeira with a further 1721 nm to go before arriving at Tortola on 12^th Nov.  The crew must still be peddling for all their worth as we’re still cruising at 20 knots.  The sea state has reduced to ‘slight’ today and the wind has dropped to 16 knots with the white horses disappearing again.  For the first time since leaving Southampton, the horizon is almost flat as opposed to looking like the edge of a serrated knife.  Apart from the odd lurch, the ship is now as smooth as silk.

We’re off to the art gallery this evening to view some original pieces of art – well actually it’s to get a free glass of bubbly and view the art.

A quick G&T in the pub then off to dinner.  Only 4 courses this evening, as, despite its name - cold pina colada soup – did nothing for me.  The rest was delicious and still no gravy on Ken’s tuxedo!  We rounded off the evening with our table companions at one of the clubs where an Elton John tribute act gave a pretty good impression of him.  The only problem was that it was so popular we all had to stand.

Day 8 Over Half way there

The clocks didn’t go back last night, but we were a little late getting into breakfast.  Conversation round the table was flowing, despite the lady sitting next to me being deaf as well – more sign language. 

I thought that the U boat threat was diminishing with the icebergs, but it would appear that Captain (Charisma) Carr from Wigan must have let his guard down as we seem to have been boarded by a U boat crew.  We can’t think of any other explanation, as when we went up to the sun decks, just after 10.00, there were hundreds of towels on the sun-beds, but no bathers.  As this is an English cruise ship with English passengers, we can only assume we have been infiltrated and as we are half way across the Atlantic they can only have got here by U boat!

After a short spell on the shady side of the ship, Maureen spotted a couple abandoning their sun beds, so like a commando attack we captured the beds before anyone else could muscle in.  It has been hot today with temperatures rising to 26 deg C and the added inconvenience of the sun reflecting off the glass wall behind the sun beds made it even hotter.  A few hours was long enough, but a welcoming breeze was available when you stood up and looked over the side.  We have not seen any aquatic life since the porpoise some days ago, but today saw the first flying fish skimming away from the bow waves.

At 6.00pm we have travelled some 1455 nm since leaving Madeira and have some1251 nm to go to Road Town Tortola.  That means it’s downhill from now on in.  The wind is a fresh breeze at 26 knots and the sea state is still slight, but the swell is definitely gathering again.  The peddles are still being used, as we continue to cruise at 20 knots.

No drink in the pub tonight as we went in search of our formal photograph.  Dinner was up to scratch and I’m pleased to report a return to all 5 courses plus coffee.  Again we went into the main theatre to watch the song and dance troupe do a tribute to boogie music of the 70’s and 80’s.  They really work hard as this is their 4^th different show in 8 days and their pretty good as well.

Clocks back another hour this evening, so extra time in bed.