1st Oct – Cruise Day.
I used Uber to get around Southampton. So efficient and the drivers are lovely. Down to the dock cost 7.50 pounds. Lovely. The two Uber’s I went in were both Toyota Prius. Both driven by Mohammad, both from Afghanistan. How amazing is that. Both were lovely and we had good chats. Both said Southampton is a great place to live.
The town has an area of the old city wall still standing.
And a visit to the supermarket – where things are about the same price as in Australia! BUT they are in pounds not dollars so double! The produce looked wonderful though.
Then onto the ship – and WOW it is so big. Sarah and I went on Navigator in 2011 but we were very busy with port tours so I didn’t see a lot of the ship. And then I have done the rest of my cruising on small ships.
Check in was so fast. I got on early as I had to check out of the hotel.
So this is huge. It has a promenade arcade running down the centre.
We sail out of Southampton and past the Isle of Wight.
I saw many of the same places and had a great view of Osborne House where Victoria and Albert lived.
This is a 19th Century fort in the harbour mouth. It is now a luxury ..resort/hotel / function centre. At about $1000US a night I shall ‘probably’ never see it. But that price does include the boat trip out! And meals. But how wonderful would it be!
And now I am on the way to Vigo, Spain. A new country to me.
2nd Oct – Sea Day
Today we sailed through the ‘Bay of Biscay’ – famous for its rough waters. Yep – the ship has moved a bit. Maybe a swell of a metre or two. Not quiet sure why the pools are drained and closed. Hope this Captain doesn’t try to sail in Aussie waters!
Did trivia this morning. It was progressive, so don’t know how we rabked..but we got 15/20. And it was very different…”What TV cop show does this music come from?” and who is this photo of – taken about 50 years ago. Good fun!
I went to the Ice Show. It was great – or should I say “Well good!”. (The demographic of the ship is mostly Brits). Spins, flips and other amazing things. A Russian lady spun hoola hoops! 50 hoola hoops! On Skates! On ice! In a wobbling ship! Most impressive.
Formal night and a fun night in the lounge.
Tomorrow – off to Spain. Vigo. Click below to go there.