Today dawned bright and sunny, an ironic factor as we sail north towards England and the end of our cruise! Nevertheless it was very blustery up on the open deck.
J had a cooked English breakfast today, I had the same as yesterday. The muffins are very tasty. We were given a bumper bundle with our Daily News including special offers on future cruises. Big temptation! We collected tickets from reception to entitle us to go on the Bridge this afternoon.
Today war was declared against Iraq.
After breakfast I washed my hair and got it dried in time to go for coffee at 11. The entertainment consisted of a dolphin race! Dolphin cut outs were moved along a grid race-track on the call of dice being thrown. Then a couple of waiters gave a demonstration of napkin folding. I was watching from the Lido balcony. Those in the Neptune were given napkins to practice on. I was next to the coffee table and was able to use paper napkins which I could keep! I doubt they will survive packing and travel!
Lunch, our last on board because tomorrow we will be out, with a packed lunch. I had pork with sprouts, carrots and chips. J had salmon and we both had Crepe Brule with rum cream filling, orange sauce and chocolate ice cream.
At 2.15 we went to the Bridge to be shown the controls of the ship. Quite a small area but having all the necessary equipment, some of it duplicated for back-up. All very impressive but too technical for me to understand! We were passing through the Bay of Biscay and it was very calm. We can certainly do without the turbulence that we had on the outward journey.
Left: Instruments on the Bridge
Right: The Bows - Note the calm sea!
J had a sleep in the afternoon after our visit to the Bridge. I went to the Neptune lounge to see the Talent Competition. Three ladies sang. All very different and they were all awarded prizes, no grading. Very diplomatic! I started packing after this as the first suitcase had arrived. It was time for dinner before we realised it. It was the Captain's farewell cocktail party at 6. Posh frocks and bow ties again. There have only been two of those evenings.
After dinner back in the Neptune lounge there was a variety of entertainment. Irena and the Black Prince orchestra, and Irena actually sang quite a few songs! J didn't stay for long and went back to the cabin. He watched the quiz from there. All the answers were parts of the body. It led to all kinds of complications! The main show didn't start until 10.30. It was provided by the staff of the ship and comprised Filipino and Thai dances, cane banging dances, solo singing and a choir. They were all very good.
A special supper had been prepared in the Royal Garter restaurant. We were allowed to file past and view it first then those who wished could eat it! I have never seen such an artistic array of food. It was like a fairy wonderland only it was Trolls which set the scene, not fairies. Fruit and vegetable sculptures abounded and the ice angel fish was there too. There was a most beautiful peacock. I only wish I had had a camera with me! I did not stop to eat any of the goodies, the earlier dinner was enough for me.