The day arrived at last. The cruise had been booked since last September. It was to celebrate John's 70th birthday on Monday of the previous week, 24th Feb, although we had had a family party on the day itself.
Chris and Colin arrived as prearranged at 12 noon and after a sandwich lunch we set off towards Southampton. As soon as we got in the car it started to rain which continued all the way to the docks. We had to enter by Gate 4 and go to Berth 30. Upon arrival our cases were taken from us and we entered a waiting hall at 2.15. We were numbers 138 and 139. We did not have to wait long before we were called to the coach to take us to Berth 41. By now it had stopped raining. After getting off the coach everyone had their photos taken behind a life belt with The Black Prince and the date on it. Then we embarked and found our cabin, number 406 on the Main Deck. Our cases had already arrived.
In the absense of any illustrations today I photographed a postcard which had been provided in our cabin!
We have three wardrobes but none of them is very big! I managed to unpack one case before we went to the Neptune Lounge at 3.30 for a cup of tea and cake. Then back to unpack some more before Lifeboat drill at 4.30 in the Aquitaine Lounge. John's life-jacket was far too small and we had to request a larger replacement. The Cabin Steward took it away and when she returned with the new jacket she took our suitcases out of the way. We were now organised!
Dinner was at 6.30 in the Royal Garter Restaurant - smart informal. Our dinner companions are Ken and Mary from Coventry. John had Fruit Cocktail and I had Prawn Vol au Vent for starters. I had a consommé and J passed on that course. Main course, J had steak and I had duck. For dessert we both had Strawberry and Maplenut ice cream. We had coffee in the lounge but it was cold in there, over-zealous air conditioning, so we returned to our cabin where it is warm. We did not attend the Quiz at 8.45 nor will we go to the Staff introductions at 10.30. The sea is quite rough and the swell of the boat is quite strong. As I write it is 9.15. J is already asleep. I ache all over. Its been a tiring day. Up and down stairs and along endless corridors is not the lifestyle we have been accustomed to. No doubt we will get used to it! I have not used the camera today. Maybe tomorrow!